Aldric Stanson

Stanson Manor

Stanson Manor is an imposing and grand estate that reflects the prestige and power of the Stanson family, whose head is Baron Aldric Stanson.

The manor is built in a Gothic style, with towering spires, intricate stone carvings, and large, arched windows that allow natural light to flood the interior. The façade is made of dark, weathered stone, giving it a timeless and slightly ominous appearance.

The estate is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, with winding pathways, fountains, and statues depicting legendary alchemists and mythical creatures. An ancient oak tree said to be as old as the manor itself, stands proudly in the center of the courtyard.

A grand, wrought-iron gate marks the entrance to the estate, bearing the Stanson family crest—a silver serpent coiled around a chalice. The gate opens to a long, cobblestone driveway lined with lanterns that guide visitors to the manor's front doors.

Currently, a carriage driven by a Gale horse entered the Manor. The Gale horse was a tier 1 monster whose speed could easily reach up to 100km/hr.

" Young Master we have reached home."

The driver knocked on the door of the carriage and said in a slightly low tone.

Justin opened his eyes and was full of confusion. He didn't know why his father suddenly sent a message to visit him.

He got up and left the carriage. As he walked inside the Manor, the servants would greet him, but as arrogant as he was, he didn't even spare a glance at them.

A few minutes later in the study room of Aldric Stanson.

Justin looked at his father and felt that he hadn't changed at all. He looked the same as he saw him a year ago.

Aldric stands tall at about 6 feet, with a lean but muscular build that speaks of both physical prowess and mental agility.

He has a sharp, angular face with high cheekbones and a strong jawline. His piercing blue eyes, often described as the color of the clearest sky, exude a sense of wisdom and authority.

He dresses in finely tailored robes of deep blue and silver, adorned with intricate alchemical symbols. His clothing is both practical for his work and a statement of his noble status.

" Justin, how is your relationship with Alisa going on? Is there any progress?"

Justin looked down with shame on his face and said in a slightly grieving tone," Father that girl stays away from me. I tried to form a party with her many times, but I still failed."

Aldric could hear the frustration in Justin's tone. Seeing this he was disappointed in his son.

He took a deep breath and said," Don't worry about her. Instead, now you must try your best to increase your strength to tier 3 and also get a seat in the upcoming competition."

Justin had a confused look on his face and said," Father are you talking about the Iruna School Competition?"

" Indeed. You must get a seat in it."

Aldric said in a calm tone, but Justin didn't take it seriously and said," Father, why must I participate in that competition? Isn't it held by the Empire, and even the candidates in the Misty Town had already been chosen by the principals?"

Aldric's gaze became cold, and he released the aura of tier 4 and said in a cold tone," Justin, this time, the Empire will send an Envoy to each Town to look over the competition. Moreover, anyone whose age hasn't exceeded 20 years old can participate in it."

" Big changes will happen after the competition so the least you can do is get a spot in it."

Justin was already sweating, feeling his father's aura. He was also stunned after listening to his words. In his memory, his father had never been serious and had been easygoing, but today, something was off.

" Father I.. I will try my best."

Aldric expression was still cold and he said in a stiff tone," You better do it."

" For the next two months, you must practice hard. There is also a mercenary team that I have hired for you. They will help you increase your tier to tier 3."

" Go and meet them. They are waiting in the guest room."

As soon as Justin left the room, Aldric murmured to himself," Why the hell is Empire Preparing such a large-scale competition? Is it just to train geniuses, or is something bad going to happen in the future?"

...

Elora's Manor.

" So you are saying that this time the Empire will send an Envoy. Moreover, the competition this time has been changed from School level so anyone can participate as long as they are below twenty years old."

Elora looked at Geralt with a look of disbelief on her face.

Geralt sighed and said," Indeed. It seems something is going to happen in the future."

" By the way how is Aaron doing?"

Geralt asked with a hint of expectations in his eyes. Elora had a sly look on her face, and she said," Aaron is very good now. He is also the disciple I accepted."

" Disciple! Are you kidding me! No way. I saw you rejecting even the princess Iruna as your disciple. But now you tell me that you took Aaron the Fallen as your disciple. I can't believe it yet."

Elora had a smile on her face and she said," Believe it or not."

While saying so, she got up and said," I am going to sleep now. So you can choose a room yourself."

" How can she smile like this? I have never seen her smile like this after our parents passed away."

" It's good anyway. But is Aaron really good that Elora took him as her disciple? It seems that there is something that I don't know about."

He couldn't help but remember the scene when he saw Aaron for the first time. Expect for the eye catching silver hair there nothing amazed him. Of course his Slingshot skill was indeed good for a Fallen. But still why would Elora take him as her disciple.

" It seems that I still don't something about him. Maybe I can ask him next day."