16: Parting & A New Mentor
[Averis Ravenshade's POV]
The grand halls of the Ravenshade estate felt quieter today. The once-lively corridors, filled with the excited chatter of my cousin, now carried a heavy stillness.
Lucian and his mother, Aunt Evelynn, were leaving today, returning to Solheim.
I didn't like this feeling.
"…So you really have to go?" I mumbled, standing beside Lucian as the adults talked in the background.
Lucian, slightly taller than me, puffed out his chest with an exaggerated grin. "Of course! Father says I need to start my training properly. I'm going to be a great knight someday, you know?"
I frowned, crossing my arms. "Then I'll become stronger too."
"Then we'll fight for real next time," Lucian smirked, holding out his pinky.
A pinky promise? How childish.
But still… I hooked my pinky around his.
"Deal."
Ding!
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[A New Bond Has Been Formed!]
— Your rivalry with Lucian Solheim has been established!
— Future growth will be influenced by this connection.
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A rivalry?
I glanced at Lucian. He was grinning, completely unaware of the system's notification.
I sighed. He really had no idea, huh?
"Young Master Lucian, it is time." A knight approached, bowing respectfully.
Aunt Evelynn kneeled in front of me, her crimson eyes soft. "You must take care of yourself, alright, little one? And be good to your mother."
I nodded.
She smiled and ruffled my hair. "You're adorable, just like Seraphina at your age."
Aldric and Evelynn exchanged nods, and with that, they boarded their carriage.
Lucian waved from the window. "I'll visit again! Don't forget to train!"
I raised my hand in response, watching the carriage disappear beyond the gates.
An odd sense of loneliness settled in my chest.
---
[Aldric Ravenshade's POV]
With the Solheim carriage fading into the horizon, I turned to my son.
He was silent, staring at the gate with a contemplative expression far too mature for his age.
This boy… He's always thinking.
I placed a firm hand on his head. "You'll see them again."
He looked up at me, those crimson eyes mirroring Seraphina's. "I know."
His voice was calm, yet I could sense the slight wavering in it.
…He's lonely.
But the path of a noble heir was not one filled with endless companionship. He would need to learn that.
"Come," I said. "Your training will begin."
---
[Averis Ravenshade's POV]
Training?
I blinked. "Training?"
Father nodded. "You have immense potential, but without guidance, it is meaningless."
His sharp gaze met mine.
"I have assigned you a mentor."
Ding!
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[New Quest: The First Step to Mastery]
— A Spirit Instructor has been assigned to you.
— Form a contract with a compatible spirit to stabilize your abilities.
— Objective: Successfully form your first controlled spirit bond.
— Reward: ???
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A spirit instructor?
I was about to ask more when the presence of another figure approached.
A woman stepped forward, her golden-blonde hair cascading like liquid sunlight, her sapphire-blue eyes shimmering with wisdom.
Long, pointed ears peeked through her hair, signifying her elven heritage.
An elf?
I had never seen one before.
She carried herself with calm elegance, her steps as fluid as flowing water.
"...It is an honor to meet you, Young Master Averis." Her voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable presence.
She placed a hand on her chest and bowed slightly.
"I am Elowen Sylvaris, a Spirit Tamer from the Verdantian Elven Clan. I have been entrusted with guiding you in the ways of the Spirit Path."
A spirit instructor… personally recommended by my grandfather?
---
[Elowen Sylvaris' POV]
The child before me… was unnatural.
His mana—no, his presence—was far too vast for a mere three-year-old.
And yet, his control was… unstable. Raw. Untamed.
My sharp elven senses tingled as I observed him.
This child… he is dangerous.
But despite that… something about him reminded me of an uncarved gemstone—one that had yet to take form.
If he were not trained properly, his own power would devour him.
---
[Averis Ravenshade's POV]
A faint whisper echoed in my ears.
『Your path deepens, little one. Another step forward… but will you remain in balance?』
The Frost Raven's voice drifted through my mind before fading into silence.
My heart pounded.
I clenched my fists, determination surging through me.
This was only the beginning.
---
End of Chapter 16.