Chapter 13 – Departure to Ignivar Academy

Two years had passed since the battle in the Western Mountains. The age of 13 came with more burdens than I had anticipated. I had passed the magic test, led troops, and lost some parts of my childhood innocence. But today, I was not at the center of change. Today, it was Aurelia's turn.

"Ignivar Academy," I murmured, sitting on the southern wall, staring at the courtyard where the horse-drawn carriage was already prepared. The name sounded like an ancient spell—and indeed, its history was long. Standing since the Empire's founding era, the academy had trained nobles, commanders, mages, and heroes from all corners of the continent. Only those who truly stood out received an invitation. And Aurelia, my sister, had stood out since birth.

That day was not an ordinary day in the Argwager family. But it wasn't a day of grand celebrations either. There were no emotional farewells, no magnificent parties. Only an aura of tension and determination enveloped the entire household.

"Alex," Aurelia called from behind the door. I turned and saw her standing in a light black and gold combat dress. Her red hair was half-tied, and in her eyes... I saw something I had never seen before. A fire that didn't blaze wildly, but burned steadily—firm, patient, and terrifying.

"You won't cry, will you?" I chuckled softly. "If I cry, will you still go?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll cry silently." She laughed. It was her characteristic laugh—somewhere between beautiful and cute. A sound that made you unsure whether she would kiss your forehead or punch your stomach afterward.

We walked to the courtyard together. Mother and Father were already waiting there. Few words were exchanged. Only short hugs. Even Father just placed a hand on her shoulder and nodded. No words were needed. Everything was understood. The servant who would accompany her, a calm girl with long black hair named Kaldea, helped her check her belongings. Kaldea had been her shadow since they were 10 years old. Loyal, agile, and almost never spoke unless asked.

"Take my letter, deliver it to the senior magic master there. I want to test their rare elemental pathways," Mother said. "Give my regards to the head of strategic instructors. He was my failed student," Father added with a half-scornful smile. Aurelia merely nodded.

Then she looked at me. "I'll write a letter every month. But don't reply to my letters with stories about your boring activities." "Like killing monsters in the backyard?" "Like reading ancient strategy journals for three hours without realizing your hair is messy." "So I should send photos?" "No, that's worse."

Our laughter subsided as the horses' hooves began to clatter. The magic-enhanced carriage slowly moved from the palace courtyard, heading towards the main gate. There was no procession. Only dust, wind, and the morning sun piercing through thin clouds. I stood still. Not shouting. Not running. Just... watching. Inside the carriage, Aurelia opened the curtain and looked towards the house. Her eyes weren't teary, but sharp. A golden-red light enveloped her irises—as if it didn't come from the sunlight, but from within her.

And at that moment, everyone who saw her knew: That figure wouldn't just be a student at Ignivar Academy. She would shake that academy. Perhaps even reignite its system.

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The perspective shifts. From high in the sky, from the eyes of a god, from the invisible tracks of time. The golden-red aura surrounding Aurelia... was not an ordinary aura. It was the Mark of Givaunda—the emissary of the Fire Goddess. A mark that only appears every thousand years. And that day, the sky recorded a name in history yet unwritten: Aurelia Argwager.