The Farewell and The Journey Begins

Chapter 30 – The Farewell and The Journey Begins

A Household That Treats My Departure Like a Funeral

We were set to depart at noon.

There wasn't much to worry about—it was just a one-month adventure.

But my household?

They acted like I was never coming back.

Mother, Alicia, Magnus, even the maids—they all spoke to me like this was our final goodbye.

Safina had been especially clingy since morning, watching me with concerned eyes as if I'd never return.

I sighed.

"I'm not marching into a warzone. It's just an adventure."

But no one seemed to believe me.

And then, my father did something unexpected.

He summoned me to the training ground.

---

A Lesson From the Head of House Ainsworth

It was my first time stepping into the training grounds properly.

Father was already there, training Magnus, while Alicia stood nearby, watching.

When I arrived, Father turned his gaze toward me.

"Ah, Edric," he called out. "Stand here and observe your brother's swordsmanship."

I obeyed, standing where he told me to.

Magnus began training, slashing at the dummies with clean, precise techniques.

His movements were sharp and controlled, each swing showcasing his skill.

I had to admit—he was good.

Then, Alicia stepped forward.

Father glanced at her.

"Alicia, show some of your skills."

She didn't speak.

Instead, she calmly picked up a sword, took her stance—

And then, with a single swing—

Ten dummies fell.

Just like that.

I stared, dumbfounded.

How the hell did she just cut through ten dummies in one motion?

Father nodded in approval.

"Good," he said, though his tone was firm. "But you still need more training."

I felt a chill run down my spine.

If she still needed training, then I was doomed.

Father then took off his coat.

"Edric," he said, "watch carefully. I want you to judge how bad my abilities are."

With that, he picked up a rusty, worn-down sword.

Then, he turned to Magnus and Alicia.

"Wrap your swords in aura," he commanded.

Both of them hesitated.

"Father," Magnus said, frowning. "Are you sure? We might injure you."

"Please reconsider," Alicia added, glancing at me with clear disapproval.

She clearly thought this was all for my sake.

Father, however, just smiled.

"You two think too highly of yourselves," he said teasingly. "Just attack me. Then say whatever you want to this old man."

With some reluctance, they obeyed.

They took their stances, their swords wrapped in white, glowing energy.

And then—

They lunged forward, unleashing their strongest slashes.

In an instant, two swords flew through the air—

And Father stood there, completely unharmed.

Magnus and Alicia froze, their eyes filled with disbelief and fear.

Meanwhile, Father simply stretched his fingers.

"Oh my hand," he said jokingly. "I think I'm getting old."

He then turned to me.

"What did you see, Edric?"

I swallowed hard.

"I… I saw nothing," I admitted. "Just a single line."

Father raised an eyebrow, looking surprised for a brief moment.

"Then do it," he said. "Just like I did."

I took a deep breath.

I picked up a sword, closed my eyes, and focused.

All I had seen was a line—nothing more.

So I followed it.

I swung.

And then—

A single, clean, perfect slash.

Father clapped.

Alicia and Magnus looked at me, their expressions shifting slightly.

Father chuckled.

"Hey, you two," he said to them. "You're going to have a strong opponent soon."

Then he turned back to me.

"Edric, when you return from your adventure, you'll train alongside Magnus and Alicia."

And just like that, he walked away.

I exhaled, shaking off the tension.

---

A Lesson in Magic

After that, I was summoned by my mother.

Talia was with her, standing beside her with a teasing smirk.

Mother spoke first.

"Edric, you're capable of using magic," she said. "So today, I'll show you something special—something only you can use."

My eyes widened.

"Only me?"

She nodded.

"Null Magic."

Before I could ask, Talia waved her hand.

The training ground around us blurred, shifting into an entirely different scene.

Within seconds, we stood in the middle of a battlefield.

Then—

A massive meteor, burning with intense heat, came crashing toward us.

I could feel the flames, the sheer power of the spell.

Mother remained calm.

"You've awakened a magic core," she said. "And it's black, isn't it?"

I nodded.

She lifted her hand, summoning a small, black energy.

Then—

With a simple flick—

She tossed it toward the meteor.

And just like that—

The meteor vanished.

It didn't explode.

It didn't break apart.

It just—ceased to exist.

More spells came.

Bows of energy shot toward us from all sides.

Again, Mother flicked the black energy.

And again—

They disappeared.

Talia then snapped her fingers, and the illusion faded away.

Mother turned to me.

"You're capable of doing this, Edric," she said. "Just remember that."

I swallowed.

"How do I use it?"

She smiled.

"You'll figure it out on your own."

Of course.

Because why make things easy?

---

A Dangerous Contract and a Promise

Just as I thought we were done, Talia leaned in close.

"If you return alive," she whispered, "I'll give you a gift, Master."

I frowned.

"What kind of gift?"

She smirked.

"A real contract."

I blinked.

"What? What about the first contract?"

She giggled.

"What contract?"

I glanced at my body, where the contract tattoo should've been.

But—

It was gone.

Talia smirked.

"Did you really think I'd make a contract with you so easily?" she teased. "That was just an illusion."

I shivered.

She could literally bend reality.

I feared what else she could do.

Thankfully, my mother was still here.

She gave Talia a warning glance, and the fox-eared trickster backed off.

For now.

---

The Departure

Finally, the moment arrived.

The entire party gathered outside, preparing our horses and supplies.

A month-long journey awaited us.

I climbed onto my horse, preparing to leave—

But just as I was about to ride off—

Safina ran toward me.

She reached up, grabbing my collar—

And pressed a kiss to my cheek.

"Master," she whispered. "Pray for a safe journey."

I was stunned for a moment.

Then, with a smirk, I ruffled her hair.

"Stay safe, Safina."

And with that, I turned forward.

My adventure had begun.