8 Chapter 8

As he woke up next morning and headed down for breakfast, he could see Anderson eagerly waiting for him.

"Good morning, Mr. Anderson."

"Good morning Aaron. Come sit and have breakfast and let me tell you what happened last night."

Aaron was indeed eager himself to know what laid next in the future for him and what the mage told Anderson last night.

When was he going to get to his magic wand and board the train at 9 3/4 platform.

"Although you have the talent to be a mage, the kingdom of Rensworth does not have any places where you could learn about anything on how to be a mage. But the good news is that the mage association makes sure that all candidates that passed the test are provided with the education they require."

"You dont need to worry about that. Six months later, a representative of the mage association, will come to Rensworth city to take you to the mage institute where you could learn to be a mage. You just have to reach Rensworth city on time. "

"Now I was informed about two other things. One is that once you enter the institute, you cant leave before graduation. Not even to come home for holidays."

"Second is the fee. Although you are young, but you need to understand these things. The fee for the mage academy is very high, perhaps even the king of Rensworth would find it difficult to pay."

"So the mage association offers a deal. After graduation, you need to work for 5 years for the association. They will provide everything you need during your time at the institute if you agree to these terms. We will discuss these things in details with your parents and how to proceed forwards. The mage association needs an answer within 15 days. Only then they would send their representative 6 months later. "

As Anderson talked Aaron began to think. Mage institute seemed to be strict. They didnt even allow people to leave during breaks. Do they even have breaks and holidays or do they just focus on teaching? They seemed even more strict than the boarding schools back on earth.

And 5 years working for the mage association. Thats like forced labour. But he really had no other option after hearing that even the king might not be able to pay the fee. May be his luck was good and his dad had another magic trinklet which would pay for his fees?

Turned out his luck wasnt that good. As for the 15 day period to respond, his dad sent the reply the very next day. His son was going to be mage.

His dad it seems was finally being serious about his physical training. He had started training him with a new gusto. Aaron sometimes thought maybe failing the test wasn't such a bad after all.

"You might hate me now, but remember, physical strength is always important. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body."

He knew his dad was right. He tried to cope up with the training he was asked to do.

As he was running around the field, his dad said "Stamina is the most important aspect. When you are running away, it becomes the difference whether or not you can survive."

Aaron tumbled and almost fell down when he heard his father talk about running away. Wasnt his dad supposed to teach him about being brave in the face of adversity and always move forward and stuff. The books in which heroes had a father, they always talked about the same thing.

"What? Are you surprised hearing about running away? Tell me what are you goind to do when someone who is truly stronger than you decides to fight you. Or you are one against many? Only fools would fight."

"Running away doesnt mean that you arent brave. Sometime backing away from situations needs more courage than facing it. Its important to be alive to fight another day. Always keep this in mind." "Now , 10 more rounds."

Although it was a small ground. 10 rounds were still a lot for Aaron's 8 year old body. It was going to be a long 6 months.

However long they were, time comes to pass and so did the six months.

During these six months the training made sure Aaron had a good base of physical strength and stamina to work upon in the future.

Before the eve of his departure, his dad arranged a grand feast. All their near and dear ones were invited. Anderson was present as well. His dad was supposed to escort him to the capital, but it turned out that his mom was pregnant. So his dad decided to stay and it was upon Anderson again to acompany Aaron. Anderson was more than delighted to do so. As the feast ended. Both his father and mother seperately called upon Aaron.

His father told him to be diligent. Be rightful and not to fall into meaningless fights. Also he repeatedly asked him to be in a good shape physically.

His mom on the other hand asked him to take care of his health. Eat and sleep on time. Take care of his hygiene and stay away from bad girls. That last part did made him blush. His body was too young to do anything anyways.

As laid on the bed that night. He couldnt fall asleep. He kept thinking about the future. Also he was reluctant to leave his parents. He has grown a deep bond with his new parents. He will definitely miss them during the time in the institute. He didnt knew when he fell asleep that night. But it was time to wake up to a new day.