'The Magic Academy.'
A place for raising talents, there was no age restriction, neither was there any test, as long as your talent was overwhelming, you could get accepted.
As much as it was called 'The Magic Academy' talents and abilities of this world had nothing to do with magic, sure such things were magical but not magic per se.
In the past magic simply referred to influencing your surroundings with supernatural powers that cannot be explained. And it would have been the same today if it wasn't for the discovery of…
"Ether."
The meaning was simple, 'clear sky' but its discovery was revolutionary. Everything in existence runs on energy this has been an accepted theory for a millennium, but as to what energy exactly, that was unknown.
That was until the Six, they each called it different names, some magic, some Ki, some witchcraft, but they all had one thing in common, it was energy gathered as a catalyst.
Not just basic absorption in which energy gathered was energy used. But rather energy is integrated into one's being which in turn evolves one's level of being. As much as everyone could use such internal integration, not many could get far with it. Those who could were usually 'Variants.'
Your comprehension, your power, your world all starts with but one thing, 'Ether.'
The whole universe ran on this energy, every movement, every step. Every living thing, every breath. Ether was an integration of the soul, Ether was life itself.
But as of now Lionel had never used his talent as a base to cultivate it, he simply used it to cleanse his body since he was young because it was his father's instructions.
…
"Wait, you're what?" Mr. Kage raised a brow at the kids before him. 'Did they actually convince him to go?' He couldn't wrap his head around what he had just heard.
"I think it's time I left the shop father. It does get kind of boring sparing with you and the other chefs, in inclusion, I have already learned all there is to know about the knife. There is not much left you can teach me." Lionel unlike his usual playful nature seemed calm as he spoke his thoughts.
"Hmm, it seems you still haven't understood what a knife is…sigh. Do you really think any of us taught you beyond what you could understand…" Mr. Kage looked to the sky seemingly looking for something.
It was a long while before he finally turned back to face Lionel.
"I can't hold you back any longer… You may now cultivate as you like, you may now cultivate your talent." Mr. Kage's voice was firm with an underlying fear hoping not to regret his words.
He had three rings all connected to a chained glove he wore on his right hand. One of such was pitch black. Breaking it from its chain he passed it to Lionel.
"Everything you need is inside… Pack your things and leave."
"I want to say goodbye to everyone…" Lionel didn't seem to mind his father's words.
"Leave."
"So be it, I'll be back in a few years." Lionel stood up and started walking away without much of a
reaction, but if one looked properly underneath the hair that covered his face a tear ran down his cheeks.
Seeing this even Fukuro felt a shake in his soul… What was the meaning of this goodbye that even he would break into tears…
"Papa…" Fukuro looked towards his father.
"From now on the two of you will follow Lionel. I believe I made you pack all you need before we left."
Yamato shook his head with a bitter smile, they couldn't understand his expression, but they knew they might not seem him for a long time to come.
"Papa, what do you mean? Papa are you going to abandon us like mama?" Off to the side a young lady could be seen crying, only to start walking away.
"Sakura…" Yamato reached out his hand but in the end withdrew it as he groomed his beard.
Facing off to the side he looked at Fukuro, "You won't follow?"
"Understood." And with that he too followed them.
"A little unfeeling isn't he?" Mr. Kage picked up his coffee as he spoke. He too felt a little sad at the departure yet this kid seemed to feel absolutely nothing.
Yamato shook his head, "He's too naïve is all."
…
Soon enough all three of them were gathered before the grand opening of a gate, but before they could leave, a large group had gathered before them.
Lionel was presently surprised, "You guys… But father said…"
"Ugh forget that old ma till the end he's a drama queen. Of course he wouldn't let you leave without telling your family goodbye or are we not your family any longer hmm?"
A man with a big stature and a gut to boot burst into laughter as he stood forefront the group.
"No no, of course you are Manbu, Mino, and Chris, everyone… I'll miss you all." Finally Lionel could hold it in no longer, he burst into tears.
"There is our boy! HAHA!" Gathering together they formed a massive group hug as Lionel cried his heart out. Men don't cry easily but if they do it was usually something they couldn't bear to see.
Lionel couldn't bear to leave his family.
Fukuro and Sakura stood towards the back, seemingly noticing them Manbu called out to them, "You two join too."
As the siblings looked at each other they decided to join I the end.
"Haha, good."
As the hug eventually came to a stop as Manbu began once more, "Your father doesn't hate you, its' simply that all that remains in your path from here is pain and suffering… I hope you can hold on before it breaks you. He asked I hand this to you."
Manbu passed over one more ring before he said his final
goodbyes and left, the others doing the same.
"Well now that that's over with, let's head to the academy. I hope you're in for a ride." Most places were already done in by civilization but on the road to the academy there was nothing but lush
greenery.
It was a challenge just getting to the academy so those who knew their limits knew their
limits.
…
Somewhere on the other side of the world a young man opened his eyes, "It seems I am awake."