Return

Eldmund's return to the eastern capital was marked by the weariness that clung to him and his battalion, evidence of the challenging campaign they had just concluded. Yet, their spirits were high, having successfully subdued the illusory panthers that plagued the region. The journey back had been arduous, but the sense of accomplishment bolstered their resolve.

Eldmund had always considered the awakened world dangerous. He, on several occasions, had been involved in dire circumstances when he was in the academy. His attributes made him much better than his peers, but he knew he was far behind old monsters like his father, the Duke. One's physical capabilities would generally be easy to improve up until a point and beyond that one would need to argument oneself with cosmic energy or have an existing attribute or be a race that was blessed with superior physique. Of course, there were other ways to improve, like attaining a heritage that granted a boost in physical capabilities or possessing a cosmic restriction technique-a technique that allows one to ascend their physical capabilities, however, those two options were even harder to come by than the previous three. 

So, beyond the physical capabilities that he already possessed, the game-changer came when he realised his Principality. His principality nexus was a dire one meant for direct confrontation and slaughter. He was initially designated as an S-grade asset when he awoke but after he attained his Principality nexus he became a Special grade asset.

Name: Eldmund Astraeus

Race: Human*

Age: 18

Titles: Chosen 

Soul Core Rank: S

Elemental Affinities: Lightning, Fire, Air

Abilities: [Blade Conjuring][Blade Symphony Bond][Blade Manipulation]

Attributes: Lesser Ascended Physique, Cosmic Affinity

Heritage: [Eclipsar Blade]

Principality Origin: Mille Gladii

His principality Nexus, as the name implied, gave him control over nearly a thousand blades when it manifested and of its five abilities, he had already unlocked three which was a ridiculous feat. He was a one-man army and a walking calamity. The heritage he had was a gift from the family treasury his father had given him. After the short consultation of his information, his attention returned to the road they were travelling.

As they approached the capital, Eldmund noticed a fleet of duchy vehicles awaiting their arrival. Puzzled, he scanned the familiar faces until his eyes settled on his oldest sister, Elena. It was a pleasant surprise, and Eldmund couldn't help but ask, "What brings you here, Elena? Shouldn't you be at the administrative offices?"

Elena grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I wanted to personally welcome my little brother back from his first campaign. It's not every day you get to celebrate such a milestone."

The siblings shared a light laugh, embracing each other in a warm hug. As the troops boarded the duchy vehicles, the camaraderie persisted. Inside the vehicle Eldmund occupied, his sister, her aide, and his second-in-command joined him. The atmosphere was light, with conversation flowing easily.

Elena's aide inquired about the campaign, expressing interest in the details of Eldmund's experience. His second-in-command, ever the jester, interjected with a teasing remark about Eldmund's daring charge against the illusory panthers, a manoeuvre apparently executed without a discernible strategy.

Caught off guard, Eldmund shot his second-in-command a reproachful glance, his sister's expression shifting from curiosity to concern. "Charging without a strategy, Eldmund?" she questioned her tone a mix of amusement and worry.

In response, Eldmund explained the intricacies of the campaign, the strategic considerations behind his decisions, and how his second-in-command's jest was an exaggeration. The tension lifted as Elena and her aide chuckled at the sibling banter.

Finally, the duchy vehicles arrived at their destination—the familiar grounds of the duchy. As they disembarked, Eldmund took a moment to appreciate the sight of home. The towering walls, the well-tended gardens, and the air of authority that emanated from the duchy filled him with a sense of belonging and accomplishment. The campaign may have ended, but a new always chapter awaited him within the walls of the eastern duchy.

The crisp breeze carried a sense of triumph as Eldmund and Elena made their way towards the duchy. The troops continued their activities around them, each member of the task force seamlessly coordinating to unload equipment and handle the panther corpses with practised efficiency.

Elena's observant eyes lingered on the meticulous handling of the illusory panther bodies. "Your unit has certainly mastered the art of minimizing chaos. I expected a bit more, given their destructive abilities," she remarked, a note of curiosity in her voice.

Eldmund, with a proud glint in his eyes, responded, "We've learned to rely on more than just destructive capabilities. The cores of these beasts aren't the only valuable assets. Physical and tactical prowess go a long way."

As the siblings strolled toward the duchy, the casual conversation continued. Elena couldn't resist teasing Eldmund about his penchant for battle. "A meathead battle junkie, that's what you are, Eldmund. Winning the hearts of the ladies might be a struggle for you."

He attempted a retort, but the mention of his romantic endeavours cast a momentary shadow on his face. The silence lingered, emphasizing the complexities of Eldmund's personal life.

Breaking the silence, Eldmund shifted the conversation to Alaric. "How's Alaric holding up?" he asked, his tone more serious and concerned.

Elena hesitated, her gaze momentarily distant. "He's... fine, I think. We rarely see each other, just during breakfast as always. He's still the same."

Eldmund sighed, contemplating the unspoken changes that time could bring. "I'll talk to him, catch up. It's been a while."

Unexpectedly, Elena shook her head. "No, give him some time. He'll reach out when he's ready."

Their discussion was gently interrupted by Elena's aide, who approached them with an announcement. "The duchess and duke have arrived to welcome you back, Eldmund."

Turning towards the duchy entrance, where the duke and duchess awaited, the siblings readied themselves for the formalities that accompanied a triumphant return from a successful campaign. The dynamics of their conversation shifted, the warmth of familial exchanges giving way to the formalities dictated by the duchy's role in their lives. 

As Eldmund and Elena approached the waiting Duke and Duchess, a sense of formality settled over them. Eldmund executed a respectful bow, his military training ingrained in the gesture. "I greet the Grand Duke and Duchess of Astreaus," he intoned with practiced precision.

The Duke acknowledged the greeting with a nod but then sighed, abandoning the formality for a more familiar tone. "Eldmund, my boy, it's good to see you. Your mother has been anxiously awaiting your return."

The Duchess, with warmth in her eyes, stepped forward and enveloped Eldmund in a motherly hug. A soft kiss on the cheek accompanied the gesture. "Welcome back, my dear. I trust the campaign treated you well?"

Eldmund, his formality momentarily replaced by a genuine grin, responded, "Thank you, Mother. I've missed your cooking and the comfort of a proper bed. No more military rations and sleeping bags for me."

His jest sparked laughter from the Duke, Duchess, and Elena. The familial banter continued as Eldmund inquired about his youngest sister. The Duchess, with a fond smile, reminded him of her mandatory etiquette training, a subject that seemed to amuse the Duke.

Turning the conversation to Alaric, Eldmund's expression shifted. "And Alaric? How's he been? I haven't seen him since training."

The Duke, thoughtful for a moment, replied, "Last I saw him, he was headed to his study. Seems like he's been engrossed in something."

Eldmund, sensing an opportunity to glean information, asked about the ongoing training sessions. The Duke, with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, announced, "You'll find out soon enough. You're rejoining training immediately."

Eldmund, attempting a feeble protest, feigned illness from the rigorous campaign. The Duke, unyielding, reminded him, "I know exactly where you sleep, Eldmund."

A resigned sigh escaped Eldmund's lips, and the family banter took a brief pause. The Duchess, shifting her attention to Elena, raised an eyebrow. "And aren't you supposed to be at the administrative office, my dear?"

Elena, caught in the act, offered a sheepish smile. "Just taking a little break, Mother. I wanted to personally welcome Eldmund back."

The response brought forth a collective laugh, lightening the atmosphere with the shared warmth of familial bonds.