Rebirth - Part 9
The next morning arrived silently. A thin mist danced among the trees, as if Eldenbrook itself was reluctant to acknowledge that this day would bring a major change.
The magic carriage was already waiting at the village edge. The astral horse stood still, its body emitting a soft blue glow that made the ground beneath it shimmer. Seraphina Caelist and the accompanying middle-aged magister were busy checking a compass crystal hanging in the air, ensuring the travel path remained stable.
Meanwhile, in front of the Vale family's small house, the atmosphere was filled with a silence that was almost biting.
Aeran was fastening a warm coat onto Eryon's shoulders, his hands trembling slightly. "Make sure you eat regularly there," he said softly, too softly to hide his anxiety.
Mireille held Eryon's cheeks, making sure his face was turned toward her. Her eyes were moist and glossy, yet she kept smiling.
"You are not alone, dear. Whatever awaits you, remember that here… will always be your home, the place you return to."
Eryon swallowed. The words felt much heavier than they should have.
"I will come back," he whispered. "I promise."
Mireille hugged him tightly, much tighter than usual, as if afraid Eryon would vanish if she released her embrace too soon.
Aeran took a deep breath, then said, "Come on, son. They are waiting."
Eryon nodded and walked toward the magic carriage. Every step felt like pulling threads that connected him to his childhood… slowly breaking, one by one.
Upon reaching the carriage, Seraphina looked at him briefly.
"Are you ready?"
Eryon didn't know if that word should be answered with courage or honesty, but he nodded anyway. "Yes."
Seraphina raised her hand, opening the carriage door with a touch of magic. "Get in."
Eryon turned once more toward Aeran and Mireille.
They stood side-by-side—two figures who had been his entire world until now, and who had always protected, cared for, and raised him.
Aeran raised his hand, giving the small signal he always did whenever Eryon went out to play in the field. Mireille smiled softly, though her tears fell again.
Eryon returned the smile… then stepped inside the carriage.
The magic carriage moved slowly, then sped up, leaving Eldenbrook behind in the mist. Through the window glass, Eryon watched the rooftops shrink, the golden fields disappear, and the small river where he used to play fade into a thin line.
For the first time since his departure, he felt his chest warm—not with sadness, but with a strange, strong curiosity.
Seraphina sat across from him. The middle-aged magister, whom Eryon now knew as Master Thalion, sat next to the door, watching the constantly glowing compass crystal.
"You look calm," Seraphina commented.
"Not really," Eryon answered honestly. "I just… don't know what I should be feeling."
Seraphina nodded. "Fear, curiosity, loss, hope—it's all mixed. That's normal."
Master Thalion interjected without turning, "Children with your power are rarely calm. You are different, that has been clear from the start."
Eryon looked at his hands folded in his lap.
"I don't want to hurt anyone."
"You didn't hurt anyone," Seraphina gently countered. "You just haven't understood your power yet."
Eryon looked out the window again. Black forests glistened as the carriage passed, followed by blue grasslands filled with glowing plants.
"Is all this… the real magical world?"
Master Thalion finally turned.
"This is just the edge of it. Wait until you see the center."
The carriage continued its journey, now passing through a tall stone gate adorned with ancient carvings. Symbols of the moon, the sun, and magic spirals flickered as if welcoming them.
Further on, the ground began to form large circular patterns, filled with symbols that lit up every time the carriage passed over them. Eryon felt his body tremble… not from fear, but from the same resonance as when his magic awoke.
As if the land recognized him.
As if the magical world was welcoming him home.
Seraphina watched Eryon's reaction closely. "Do you feel it?"
"…Yes," Eryon whispered. "Like… a call."
Master Thalion narrowed his eyes. "This is fascinating. This boy's resonance is stronger than the reports we received."
Seraphina looked at Eryon. "At Arthea, you will find out what all of this means."
Eryon took a breath. "Arthea… is the place where I will learn magic?"
Seraphina offered a faint smile.
"It is the place where you will learn who you truly are."
The carriage turned, and the view opened wide.
Eryon's eyes widened.
In the distance stood a tall, shimmering city , surrounded by giant crystal walls and towering spires that emitted blue, purple, and gold light. At the summit was a massive, layered circular structure, as if holding the sky from collapsing.
That was the Arthea Academy of Magic.
And Eryon knew one thing:
He would never return to being an ordinary village boy.
The destiny that called him…
had just opened its door.
-- To be continued