Magic School (1) - Departure

Henry was surprised after hearing his father's sudden words about magic school. Sure, Henry was at the right age, as most mages start attending school when they are 10; he believed his father would train him more before that in the art of the sword or would not want him to leave that soon.

"You know why I stopped teaching you sword fighting? That is because you are a way better mage than a Knight," Malcolm said, putting his hand on Henry's right shoulder, "I used my connections to get you a spot in one of the best magical schools. Nicolau also helped with that."

Malcolm then moved around in the house, helping Henry pack his things, but Henry was not the only one who would leave the house; Joshua would too!

Joshua did not have a talent for magic, so he decided to leave their house and practice in a knight's academy. While Henry was packing up, Joshua said goodbyes to Malcolm and Fiona and left the house.

For some reason, he still did not get along with Henry, who hoped that would change.

There weren't many things for Henry to pack, as he was only a child with nothing on his name. Still, he carried two important things with him: the book Nicolau gave him and another book with the knights' breathing technique, the same one his father trained in.

"If you want to train to become a knight too, for some reason, then you have to use this technique. So many people in the city can help you with the training process. So, son, please, stay safe!"

Emotion took over the three of them. Henry and his parents cried as they had to part ways, "Father, mother, I promise I will write some letters to you and visit here whenever I have free time!" Henry said.

"We know, sweetie, we know."

Their hug lasted a long time, as they did not want to let go of their son, but they had to. It was a dangerous world, and the best way for them to protect their son was to let him learn how to defend himself!

After the goodbyes were over, Henry left their little cabin carrying a leather backpack on his back, and the first person he saw outside, near a carriage, was Nicolau!

Nicolau now had a few white strings on his beard and hair, making him look a little older, but still, his face had no wrinkles, and he had the same friendly smile.

"Uncle Nicolau!"

Henry ran toward the man and hugged him too! It was someone who had helped him a lot at that time, and they had contacted each other through letters in the past three years, with Henry mostly asking him about magic.

"I missed you too. Let's move before everyone changes their minds and starts crying again," Nicolau said as he looked toward Malcolm and Fiona.

He did not say a word to them, but Malcolm knew that he would keep his son safe by how Nicolau looked at him. So they hopped inside the carriage and left the small village.

Nicolau was not the only one outside, waiting for Henry. Everyone else who lived in the village was there too! Henry had helped them a lot during the past years with his healing spells, and they all wanted to say goodbyes to him!

"I will miss you, Henry! Stay safe!"

"Work hard there, and make us proud!"

There was someone else there too, Jenifer. They had been close friends in the past years, and something surprising happened, Jenifer had the talent for magic!

She also would leave the village to go to a magic school — a different one from the one Henry was going —but she was still there, saying goodbyes to Henry.

Jenifer wanted to kiss Henry on the cheek, but she was too nervous about doing it with everyone there, so they only waved at each other.

'I hope we meet again,' both of them thought.

Henry entered the carriage and waved at his parents and everyone else from the window. Still, slowly they were getting out of sight, so he settled down, sitting on the comfy couch of the carriage, looking at the green scenery through the window.

"Uncle Nicolau, how far is the city where the magic school is?" Henry asked.

Even though Henry was not a child, he still had little knowledge about the world, especially when comparing himself to someone like Nicolau, a wise person who had lived a long time.

"Humm, let me see. We should arrive there in one month if we only stop to eat and sleep. But, of course, that is considering nothing bad happens on the way."

"A month? That is quite the time. Can you explain to me how this school works?"

"It is a huge place with many books about magic, resources for your training, skilled teachers, and ways to earn money too. The best place for someone like you, young and talented,"

"There, you will have teachers ranging from all the elements, and you, being one of the holy ones, will study with others who share the same element but still inside the same magic school. I believe your classroom, differently from everyone else, will be inside a church," Nicolau said, smiling.

"Really? What is the rarest element?"

"Holy, I think. It has few users, but it does not mean it is the strongest. Each element has its strengths and weaknesses, and all elements have supportive spells, but these lack the power, usefulness and variety compared to a Holy Mage. What truly matters is not your element, but your affinity, your talent,"

"But of course, the church is a powerful entity in this world, even more than the magic schools themselves. You will have a bright future if you stay under their guidance and care, and if you rise on the church ranks, then you can even command those who command the magic schools."

Henry was excited after hearing that. He knew his element might not look like the best for combat in the eyes of others, but with the help of his Nephilim powers, he would make it superior to all other elements!

Also, the church was the supreme power in that world, and being someone of the holy element, Henry now had a clear path ahead of him: raise his ranking among the priests of the holy church, and become the best holy user there is!