The road ahead

The next morning dawned bright and gentle, the way only spring mornings could be. Birds chirped from the trees outside as warm golden sunlight filtered through the windows, casting quiet patterns on the wooden floor.

Adonis stood outside, practicing his sword forms in silence. Each motion flowed smoother than the last — clean, sharp, deliberate. The golden hue of Sword Qi shimmered faintly behind every slash. 

His thoughts from the night before still burned in his chest.

"If I want to know the truth I need to get more stronger."

He sheathed his sword and looked toward the house. Just then, the door creaked open.

Lyra stepped out, rubbing her eyes."You're training this early? Again?" she mumbled, still half-asleep.

Adonis smiled. "Can't slack off, can I? Someone's gotta catch up to their genius little sister."

Lyra giggled but tilted her head. "Big bro… can I ask something?"

"Of course."

"…Why did you pull me away from the awakening stone so fast? Did something… go wrong?"

Adonis paused.For a moment, he considered lying. But then he crouched to her level, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"…You awakened two elements, Lyra. Healing… and dark."

Her eyes widened. "Dark…?"

He nodded. "I didn't want the others to see. Not because I'm ashamed of you — never that. But because… this world isn't kind to people with dark magic."

Lyra looked down, unsure. "…Is it bad? Am I going to hurt people?"

"No," Adonis said firmly. "Your magic doesn't decide that. You do. And I'll teach you everything I know. I'll make sure no one ever hurts you because of something you never chose."

Lyra's eyes welled up. She suddenly threw her arms around him.

"Then I'll become strong big brother! Then people will accept me right!"

Adonis rubbed her heard, hugging her tight. "Its all up to you, I actually don't want to involve in fighting or stuff, I honestly want you to enjoy happy and peaceful life, you don't need to push yourself your big brother is enough to deal with these stupid things I will beat up anyone who messes with you." Adonis said

That night, under a sky full of stars, Adonis sat at on the roof.

Then he looked out the window, eyes reflecting the moonlight, thinking of his future plans.

.....

Five months passed in a heartbeat.

During that time, Adonis trained harder than ever before. He sharpened his sword techniques, refined his control over support magic, and quietly taught Lyra the basics — how to cast detection spells, small buffs, and even gentle barriers to protect herself.

She was a fast learner — far faster than he expected — and her curiosity often reminded him of Elora.

"You have to promise to write every week," Lyra pouted on his last morning in the capital, arms crossed as she watched him pack his bag.

"I will," Adonis smiled, strapping Eclipse (his robe) into a small magical compartment. "But only if you promise to keep training while I'm gone."

"I'll become a stronger mage before you return," she declared proudly, then added, "...and maybe I will be as strong as you!"

"Let's take it one at a time, genius." He rubbed her head.

Downstairs, his parents stood waiting, smiling but clearly emotional.

"You've grown up so much," his mother whispered, holding back tears.

"I'll be fine, Mom. It's not like I'm leaving the world," Adonis said, laughing gently — though even he had to admit there was a lump in his throat. "I'm going make sure to visit if you pass by stellar academy" 

His father clapped him on the shoulder. "Go make your mark, son. But don't forget where home is."

As the carriage set off toward the border, Adonis stared out at the changing scenery — the golden fields of the kingdom fading into forests and unfamiliar lands.

A letter from Stellar Magic Academy had arrived days earlier, containing his official acceptance, a silver pendant bearing the Stellar Crest, and a map to the academy's secret portal gate, located near the border.

Only those with noble recommendations or rare talents were permitted to step through.

As the wind brushed his face through the open window, Adonis clenched his fist softly.

"Stellar Magic Academy… where the strongest young mages from all over the continent gather."

"Where I'll find people stronger than me… maybe even those who hate what I stand for."

But none of that scared him now.

Not after what he'd decided.

Three days later

In front of a massive stone gate covered in ancient glyphs and runes, Adonis stood in silence. A faint hum filled the air. Behind him, the forest was quiet. In front — a shimmering arcane portal, glowing softly with starlight.

This was the entrance to a world far bigger than the one he'd known.

"Hopefully I will be able to get stronger with this."

As he crossed the portal, light enveloped him — and just like that, his new life at Stellar Magic Academy had begun.