The following days Gabriel spent his time meditating and his free time with Maria, chating about his mother and teaching Maria how to read. He didn't teach her how to meditate because he sure the right way to do it, he decided to wait until he gathered more knowledge. After all Gabriel had a strange feeling that is he taught her according to his "God's Mantra" there could be sever consequences for Maria.
Besides that he also observed Jacob when he could. It must be said that Gabriel had a very good impression towards this Jacob kid, he was diligent towards his training, he never mistreated the servants or thought that he was superior to them and he also treated his mother very well "He doesn't seem bad, I will approach him later and see if he fits." said Gabriel to himself.
There was a knock on the door "Who is it"
"It's me, Young Master Gabriel, Maria"
"Oh Maria come in" said Gabriel."
When Maria was around Gabriel she didn't had her usual robotic expression, but instead had a kind and lovely smile on her face.
"Young Master Gabriel... "
But Gabriel interrupted her. "I told you when no one is around you can just call me old brother"
Maria blushed a little "Yes old brother. Captain Sam said that we need to go to the main hall. Clan head Michael will announce he will go to the Imperial Academy today."
After spending some time here Gabriel knew what sort of place was the Imperial Academy. Usually if you had a high level of talent then you can get in, but because of the many powers in the Empire, the academy gave entrance passes to some of the clans for their elits, basically its was a back door entrance. After all even if one didn't had enough talent with the resources and teaching of the Academy one could still become a Master.
Gabriel only now understood that the money his fathe gave him was a form of thanks to Marquis Michael, becouse a spot to enter the Academy was priceless.
After walking for a while they were at the entrance of the main hall, Sam was already there waiting for them.
"Good morning young Master, let's go in, Marquis Michael will announce who will go to the Imperial Academy with the clan recommendation letter" said Sam. Then they all went in ti the hall and sat in a corner.
There were many people inside the hall, old and young. Then after waiting for about half an hour Michael came in. Everyone stood up bowed and said in union "Greetings clan head" Michael nodded and went to his seat.
"Everybody seat down, I will now announce the people that the clan had selected to go, with our elites, to the Imperial Academy" Every one in the hall became excited, after all not everyone of them could be like the elites who passed the Academy evaluation and were approved to enter.
"Initially there were fifteen spots available, but now only fourteen are available, any questions?" asked Michael.
But no one asked anything "Good, now the people that I announce come forward and take your letter of recommendation" and with a wave of his hand fourteen envelopes appeared out of nowhere.
"Jacob" surprisingly the first person to be called was actually the boy that Gabriel has been observing.
Jacob went to were the letters where and took his, then Michael said the next name "Edward".
After calling all the names Michael said. "Prepare everything you need, you will leave for the Imperial Academy in about half an hour, now go".
One after another people left the hall until it was only Maria, Sam, Gabriel and Michael.
"Gabriel come here, this is your letter of recommendation, your father explained everything to me in the letter. He said he didn't have time to tests your talent but as his son I don't think you are to bad haha."
Michael was saying that but he knew that Gabriel was only an illegitimate child of his friend, and he didn't even trained once in his lifezl, he was just going there to stay out of danger. After all the Academy protects all of their students, even if they entered with a recommendation letter
Gabriel bowed and said "Thak you Marquis Michael" then he looked at Maria and then at Michael again "Marquis Michael I wanted to ask if..." but before he could finish Michael said with a laugh.
"Don't worry you can bring your maid with you, every student has the right to bring a few servants with them, of course the servants can't attend any lessons."
"Thank you" said Gabriel again.
"Well you can go now, it's almost time. Sam wait a little I have something to ask you"
After Gabriel and Maria went Michael looked at Sam and asked.
"Sam in the letter that Elliot wrote, he asked me to try to help you with your problem, but your aura seems to normal and your strength seems to be even stronger than before, at peak level one star Magi Knight , even if your helmet is an ancient treasure its a broken one how could you be alright?"
"As expected of a three star Magi Knight" though Sam to himself, then he said "Actually when traveling we were ambushed when a mysterious expert appeared and saved us. After dealing with the enemies he looked at me and delivered a palm strick on my chest, after that he disappeared, then I started puking green blood and before I knew it my strength was back and the poisen in my body was gone" This was the answer that Sam thought of, half lying half telling the truth, this way it won't be so suspicious.
When Michael heard this his eyes widened, there was visible shock in his eyes. "For this expert to so easily resolve Sam problem he must be at least a Saint level expert." Michael turned to Sam and asked. "This senior, did he tell you his name, how did he look?"
But Sam shook his head "No Marquis, he didn't, and he had his face covered" disappointment flashed in Michael eyes.
"Well it doesn't matter, it's good news that your problem was resolved. You can go say goodbye to the boy now, after all I don't know when you will see him again, I doubt Elliot will let him come back soon." said Michael.
Outside the mansion on a big courtyard all the people who were going to the Imperial Academy where waiting to depart. Sam found Gabriel in the crowd and went to him.
"Young Master, the Symians flying ship is about to come to take you all to the Imperial Academy, I wish you luck and I hope to see you soon"
"Don't worry uncle Sam, I will contact you as soon as possible. Also remember don't tell anyone about my powers." said Gabriel in a serious tone.
"You can rest assured young Master even if I am beaten to death I will not tell anyone"
Then Sam turned to Maria and said "You have to take good care of young Master Gabriel" then he winked at her. When Maria say this she had a slight smile on here face.
After waiting a ship that was similar to the east indiaman galleon appeared floating gently to the ground.
Michael appeared and said "Everyone I hope you can achieve success in the Academy, now those who where selected can board the ship with their servants. The first elder will accompany you on this jorny."
Then an old man in green robes and wearing a silver mask appeared on the ship.
When everyone was boarding the ship Jacob came close to Gabriel and whispered "You better be careful, young master Daniel wants to deal with you" then he went as if nothing had happened. Gabriel was stunned at first but then had a smile on his face, he turned to Maria and said.
"Let's go Maria, this will be our first step to achieve our dream"
"Yes young Master".
Then they also boarded the ship. After everyone was in the ship started flying in the direction of the Imperial Academy. This scene repeated itself in every major clan and power in the entire Empire.