CHAPTER 11 : XYRUS CITY

At just 11 years of age, my core has already achieved the impressive light yellow stage. However, my growth has considerably decelerated since my core has seemingly caught up with my mental power

Deciding to keep it from my parents for now, I simply told them that I was at light red.

The news hit them like a ton of bricks, causing their eyes to bulge with astonishment. But, in a split second, their expressions transformed into delight at the thought that their child might be a prodigy.

However, after finding out that I had a dual affinity for earth and fire, their faces turned that of pure bliss, completely believing that their son was indeed a prodigy

Last week, my father suddenly asked me what I wanna pursue in my life, Although a little surprised by his suddenness, I still answered him seriously after considering for a minute "Dad, I would enjoy being an....adventurer."

With a look of disbelief, he fluttered his eyelids a few times. But soon enough, he regained his composure and spoke with a commanding tone.

"Not until you are at least 15 years old."

His authoritative words, in my ears, felt like someone had poured a bucket of cold water on my head.

My mother also expressed her disagreement by shaking her head. And I completely understood their worries as no sane parent would let their children do something as dangerous as becoming an adventurer at the age of 11:)

Despite feeling a tinge of disappointment over their response, I didn't let it dampen my spirits. After all, my primary objective in this world was to research interesting things like mana and Aether, and although I wanted to visit some places, they didn't necessitate an immediate reaction from me, so there's no need to rush into anything just yet.

"Son, What are your thoughts on attending Xyrus Academy?"

As I was lost in my own musings, my father's voice sliced through my thoughts like a sharp knife. Despite his words being crystal clear, the query he posed caught me off-guard, leaving even my powerful mind momentarily stunned as my eyes bulged in amazement.

Mother also released a surprised gasp from the side.

I already had planned to pay a visit to Xyrus City, however, never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate my father personally asking me if I wanted to go.

"But Father, I've heard that only.....nobles can study at Xyrus Academy," I replied, expressing my doubt.

"This is indeed true, son, but your old man hasn't been idle since your awakening, although it took quite a bit of effort and I had to use many of my favours, I was still able to get a single seat for you at Xyrus Academy." He said, his tone radiating pride.

Considering for a minute, I nodded at him, agreeing to go attend Xyrus Academy

Well, it wasn't that bad to go to Xyrus right now as I was getting really bored, caged in this small town.

So a week later, here am I, standing at

the front door of my house in my mother's tight embrace.

"Al, will you really be...alright?" Her sweet sobs rang in my ears.

"I'll be fine, Mom. I promise" I said, lovingly patting her back.

She released the embrace, and with a tender touch, she held my face delicately in her palms and drew it closer towards hers.

Looking at me with her red swollen tearful eyes, she said in a choked voice, "If anything h-happens...c-come back immediately, you know what I mean."

Apparently, After I agreed to attend the Xyrus Academy, My mother's concern for me skyrocketed. Her worry wasn't about my ability to take care of myself, but rather the fact that the academy predominantly enrolled children from noble families. Despite our family's wealth, I was still considered a commoner, which made her concerned about the possibility of discrimination or bullying that I might face.

"Of course Mom, you don't have to worry about that, if anything really happens, I'll come back immediately," I said, giving her a charming smile.

Although even I knew there was a lot of discrimination in the academy against commoners, I didn't think anyone would bother me.

My luscious locks of brown and silver cascading down my delicate, white, and velvety skin are a sight to behold. The years of light mana enhancement have given me a delightful appearance that perfectly complements my innocent baby face. However, the dead gaze in my eyes and the perpetual air of boredom on my face negate the effect, rendering me just another face in the crowd. Alas, even the nobility would find me too unremarkable to merit a second glance.

As I spoke, my mother's gaze bore into my eyes, searching for any flicker of falsehood. After a moment of intense scrutiny, she released my face, satisfied that my words were genuine.

Shifting her gaze away from me, she looked at my father who was standing beside me.

On cue, my father moved forward and wrapped his arms around her.

Almost about a minute later when my parents broke their hug. I along with my father hopped into the carriage which was been standing outside our house.

"Bye Al, my child. I love you!" My mother said as a tear trickled down from her eyes.

"I love you too, Mom." I said, flashing a loving smile at her.

The carriage suddenly started moving slowly as the coachman stirred the horses into motion. 

As I gazed upon my loving mother for the final time, I slowly retreated back into the carriage and settled deeper into my seat.

The trip to the xyrus City was uneventful, though can't say I didn't enjoy seeing the wasteland and diversity of dicathen. Although I've seen most of these in fate visions already. however, experiencing everything for myself was still quite relaxing.

Other than that, I mostly meditated.

After about a month of travel, we reached our destination.

Xyrus was an amazing city. a marvel of magic created by djinns. I thought as I eyed the city.

Roads were completely packed with people. I could see magic shops, armories, spell-book stores, and even beast core shops! There was everything a mage could ask for. Adults and children alike were all dressed extravagantly, and luxurious carriages passed alongside ours. Some buildings were several stories high, making the city much bigger and denser than the podunk town of Zaar. There were children about my age, all wearing similar uniforms - Some black, others grey or red. Given their haughty demeanour, I could tell that they were students of Xyrus Academy.

I also heard some people talking about an announcement made by the kings and queens of dicathen a few days ago.

'I guess they already announced about

Alcrya. Gotta hurry up my pace to protect myself and my family. War might start in a year or two.' I thought as my face darkened.

Although it would take at least 5-6 years before the dicathen is conquered, The alcrya wasn't the only continent I was wary of as in a war, the crime rate of a continent also increases.

I wanted my parents to move to xyrus before the start of the war to guarantee their safety. And after the war, I would directly take them to the shelter.

We rented a tavern for a couple of days until my dad departed, before handing me an identification card, some essential documents, and sufficient gold coins to cover my basic needs for a few months.

The next day, I also moved to my dorm at xyrus academy.