Hope and expectations

"System will you not give me extra points the more powerful the woman I conquer are" Julian teased.

The system responded with a playful tone, "Host, you already know the rules. The more powerful the woman, the more points you can earn. However, you still have to conquer them first!"

Julian chuckled, "So, the stronger the woman, the greater the reward? Sounds like a win-win situation for me!"

"Exactly, It's all about strategy, host. Choose wisely and conquer boldly!"

"Looks like I have some very interesting options ahead of me," he said with a sly grin spreading across his face. 

Julian then finished his breakfast and excused himself from the hall. As Julian stepped out of the grand hall, the fresh morning air filled his lungs energizing him for the day ahead. 

After couple of hours, It was finally the time for Julian to head to the Royal academy. He dressed himself in a luxurious attire that highlighted his handsome face and his lean and tall build.

He then walked towards the carriage with its luxurious design gleaming under the sun. The horses were strong and regal, adorned with expensive jewelries that sparkled with each movement. It added an extra touch of elegance to the already impressive sight.

The coachman tipped his hat as Julian approached.

"Good morning, my lord. Are we off to the royal academy?" he asked, his voice respectful.

Julian nodded with a mix of excitement and anticipation swirling within him.

"Yes, let's not keep them waiting," he replied as he settled into the plush interior of the carriage.

Alden and Regina themselves were settled in the carriage next to Julian's, as they joined him on his journey to the royal academy.

As the carriage moved away from the castle, he gazed out at the landscape. The kingdom's beauty presented before him but his thoughts were consumed with the prospects that awaited him at the academy.

Meeting other young mages, showcasing his powers, and perhaps even plotting his next conquest, there was so much to look forward to.

In a parallel carriage, Duke Alden and Duchess Regina shared a moment of quiet conversation clearly oblivious to the true extent of their son's power.

Alden with his brow slightly furrowed, turned to Regina.

"Have you noticed how confident Julian has become lately? It's as if he's carrying a weight of knowledge that we're not privy to," he said with a hint of concern in his voice.

Regina, her blue eyes shimmering with maternal pride, smiled gently.

"He's growing, Alden. All young men go through phases of self discovery. Perhaps he simply understands his path more clearly now."

Yet, deep down she couldn't help but feel a flicker of anxiety. The pressures of their noble lineage rested heavily on Julian's shoulders, and she wondered if he was ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

Regina's voice carried a blend of pride and hope as she spoke, "He is finally about to become an official mage. It's a significant step in his journey."

Only after the royal academy recognizes that someone had broken through to Mage realm, will they be able to call themselves a mage. Without the approval of Royal academy, the title of Mage was not granted.

Her gaze drifted toward the window, watching the world pass by. She recalled her own journey as a young mage, the trials, and victory that had shaped her into the woman she was today.

Duke Alden nodded with a contemplative look settling on his face.

"Yes, but with power comes responsibility. I just hope he understands the weight of the title he is about to claim. The royal academy can be a competitive place."

He paused, his thoughts drifting to the stories of young mages whose egos had been inflated by their newfound powers.

"I worry he might not be ready for the challenges he'll face there."

Regina smiled reassuringly, her hand gently resting on Alden's arm.

"He has the support of our family, and he has shown remarkable promise. We raised him well. Besides, he possesses a natural talent that I believe will serve him well." 

As they continued their journey, both parents shared their hopes and concerns, unaware of the true extent of Julian's abilities, and the potential he held to outshine even their highest expectations. 

In his carriage, Julian entered a meditative state. He sat in a lotus position that allowed him to focus entirely on absorbing the mana around him.

With each breath, he drew in the mana of the world outside, feeling it flow through him like a gentle stream. His sea of consciousness started expanding further, becoming a calm nebula of swirling colors and glowing lights.

The calming presence of the mana nourished the sea of consciousness as it continued solidifying it even more than before.

After reaching the Sacred Realm, the lightning that had once crackled with wild and violent intensity now danced calmly at the edges, illuminating his sea of consciousness with a peaceful glow. 

He felt a rare and deep connection to the universe, as if he were becoming one with the very essence of magic. The mana invigorated him with refreshing energy.

Julian reveled in this feeling, knowing that each moment spent nurturing his abilities brought him closer to becoming a formidable force within the world of mages.

As the luxurious carriage came to a halt, Julian hesitantly opened his eyes, not wanting to let go of the sensation brought by the tranquil absorption of the mana. He could still feel the remnants of mana swirling within him as it enhanced his senses and sharpened his focus.

Julian stepped out of the carriage and took a deep breath, feeling the vibrant energy of the royal academy envelop him.

The grand structure stood tall, its majestic spires reaching towards the sky. It was surrounded by lush gardens filled with blooming flowers. Students and young mages moved around as their laughter and chatter filled the atmosphere.

Julian followed closely behind his parents, Duke Alden and Duchess Regina who walked with an air of authority and grace.

As they entered the academy grounds, Julian couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness. This was a significant day, one that would mark the beginning of his official journey as a mage

With his parents by his side, he felt a sense of reassurance. The secrets he held the breakthrough to the Sacred Realm were still hidden from everyone else, an important advantage he intended to use to his benefit. He was determined to make a name for himself at the academy, all while keeping his newfound powers under wraps.