Chapter 11: Brewing Tension

Jumping back through the window wouldn't have been easy—if they were normal humans. But they weren't.

They were among the lucky few in the state who awakened their powers at the age of twelve. Charles was one of them, and like Chronos, he'd soon be attending the same special academy to hone his skills.

Now sixteen, Charles had a healing cultivation. Though many thought it was useless in combat, top-tier healers could perform powerful alchemy.

Healing didn't mean you were limited—it just meant your strength lay beneath the surface. If you dove deep enough into healing cultivation, you could do some pretty incredible things.

Chronos, on the other hand, was of the assassin class, originally aligned with wind cultivation. But recently, after awakening the Time Valour System, he had secretly gained time cultivation. No one knew. And that made him one of the rare few in the world with dual cultivation.

"So, you're heading back to the academy?" Charles asked, climbing through the window into his room.

"Yeah..." Chronos replied, following close behind.

They stepped onto the balcony and sat side by side on the cool tiles, letting the moonlight wash over them.

"What's the academy like?" Charles muttered.

"Well… like a regular school, just filled with skilled people," Chronos said with a faint smile.

Charles chuckled. "Must be tough, huh?"

"A bit," Chronos admitted under his breath. "But I'm keeping up."

They sat quietly for a moment, laughing under the moonlight.

"I missed these moments," Chronos murmured.

A knock at the door broke the silence.

"Yes?" Charles called out.

"Dinner is ready," Mary said as she stepped in. "Your mother requests both of you join her at the table."

They glanced at each other, then responded in unison, "We'll be down in a minute."

"Very well," she said with a slight bow before leaving.

"You sure have grown," Chronos smirked. "I think I see a beard trying to break out of your chin."

"Yeah, right," Charles rolled his eyes, standing up. "Let's go eat. Don't worry about Dad. He usually skips dinner, so it'll probably be fine."

Chronos blinked, surprised. "How do you know that?"

Charles shrugged. "It's obvious. Now stop being a baby and come downstairs."

"Fine, fine," Chronos grumbled, following him.

The staircase was grand, its banisters glittering from constant polishing.

"The maids really outdo themselves," Chronos muttered.

The dining room, adjacent to the living room, was a sight to behold. He hadn't noticed it earlier, too distracted by the chaos when he arrived.

The space was luxurious: a long polished table stretched beneath a shimmering crystal chandelier.

Velvet-draped windows let in soft light, while oil paintings and antique cabinets lined the walls. A quiet fireplace added a gentle warmth, tying the whole room together in timeless elegance.

"Nice," he said, admiring the room.

"Don't get too hooked. You're leaving again tomorrow," Charles teased.

Chronos groaned and flopped into a chair. "Wish I wasn't."

"What's for dinner?" he asked. He had been eating nothing but cafeteria food at school and longed for something homemade.

"Why don't you open the plate and find out?" his mother said, beaming like she was seeing her son for the first time in years.

"Don't mind if I do," he muttered, lifting the cover.

Each plate held different dishes: bacon, vegetables, cheese, spaghetti, chicken salad and some other delicious delicacies.

He began to eat, savoring every bite. His mom just sat there, eyes locked on him with the warmth of someone reunited with a lost part of herself.

But the mood shifted when Eldric walked in.

His presence filled the room with weight.

"Dinner is served, and no one thought to call for me?" he said, voice cutting through the warmth like a blade.

"You usually don't eat dinner, sir. That's why I didn't think to," Mary responded with a slight bow.

"Hmm," Eldric grunted before taking his seat at the head of the table. "Mary, bring my food."

"As you wish, sir," she replied, leaving swiftly.

An uncomfortable silence settled as everyone exchanged glances, unsure of what to say.

"Charles, in a year, you'll be heading to Elston Academy. I hope you won't disappear for two years like your brother," Eldric muttered.

"Eldric, please. This is the dinner table, not a battlefield," Liora interjected, her voice firm.

Eldric, one of the top ten cultivators in the White District, commanded power wherever he went. But before Liora, he was just another man.

"If you say so," he grumbled, placing the napkin on his lap.

Mary returned with a tray and set the covered dish before him.

"Your meal, sir."

He waved her off, and she retreated to the entrance, awaiting further instructions.

"So... how's the academy?" Eldric asked, forcing an attempt at small talk.

"It's going fine," Chronos replied, chewing on a piece of greasy chicken.

"And your grades?" Eldric asked with a knowing smirk, clearly looking to start something.

"No speaking at the table," Liora said firmly, casting a sharp glance around.

Both boys sighed and spoke in unison. "Fine."

Chronos stared at his father for a moment before turning back to his plate, silently continuing his meal.