8 Nova 1109
As the final year examinations at Alvestia Academy approached, Shu and his friends had been diligently preparing themselves for the challenges that awaited them. They had spent countless hours studying, training, and honing their skills in hopes of passing the tests with flying colors.
However, when the results were announced, it was a bittersweet moment for Shu. While most of his friends had successfully passed the exam and achieved commendable results, Shu found himself falling short. His force level had only reached 40, and there was no trace of the coveted light that signified a breakthrough.
In the final year of Alvestia Academy, the minimum requirement for students to pass the test is to reach the Force Refining Stage and achieve the Full Fledged Newbie Mage level. These are significant milestones that demonstrate a student's progress in both force cultivation and magic proficiency.
Shu's friends, who had passed the examination, offered their unwavering support. They reassured him that a single test did not define his potential or his worth. They reminded him of his past achievements and the challenges he had overcome, highlighting his resilience and determination.
Encouraged by their words, Shu refused to dwell on his shortcomings. Instead, he viewed the results as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. He analyzed his weaknesses, sought guidance from his mentors and teachers, and devised a plan to strengthen his force and unlock the elusive light.
The final year examinations might have been a temporary setback for Shu, but he refused to let it define him. He saw it as a stepping stone towards greater achievements and a catalyst for his personal growth. With his friends' support and his own unwavering determination, Shu embarked on a new chapter of his journey, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and prove his true potential.
---
At House of Wastle...
Latina, Shu's mother, sat near the window, her face pale and filled with sadness. She gazed out into the distance, lost in her thoughts, when suddenly a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Ana, Latina's trusted shadow guard.
"Ana, have you discovered who was behind the murder of my husband?" Latina asked, her voice tinged with sorrow.
"Yes, my lady," Ana replied solemnly. "I am deeply sorry to be the bearer of this news, but the mastermind behind the killing of your beloved husband... is your own brother, the King himself."
Latina's eyes widened in disbelief, and tears welled up in her eyes. The weight of the revelation hit her with full force, shattering the remaining fragments of her shattered heart. She could hardly comprehend the enormity of the truth revealed to her.
Her mind raced with conflicting emotions as the realization sank in. The brother she once loved and trusted had orchestrated the death of her husband, leaving her a widow and Shu without a father. The grief, anger, and betrayal overwhelmed her, and she couldn't contain her anguish any longer.
Latina's cries echoed through the room as tears streamed down her face, each drop carrying the weight of her shattered dreams and shattered trust. The once-close bond between siblings had been irreparably severed, leaving a void in her heart that seemed impossible to fill.
---
Then Shu back home...
Shu poured out his heart to Latina, sharing his pain and disappointment over his recent failure at the academy. Latina listened attentively, her heart aching for her son's struggles. She reached out to hold his hand, offering comfort in her touch.
"My dear son, failure is not the end. It is merely a stepping stone on the path to success," Latina said, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement. "You possess immense potential within you, and I believe in your abilities. Take this storage ring as a token of my faith in you."
Latina gently placed a small, intricately crafted ring in Shu's hand. Its surface shimmered with a soft glow, indicating its magical properties. Inside the ring, an enchantment had been placed, creating a space for storing various items and treasures.
"This ring holds great power and significance," Latina continued. "Use it wisely, my son. Fill it with your dreams, your determination, and the memories of those who have supported you. Let it be a reminder that you have the strength to overcome any obstacles that come your way."
Shu looked at the ring, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and determination. He understood the weight of his mother's words and the significance of the gift she had bestowed upon him. It was not just a storage ring but a symbol of her unwavering belief in his potential.
"Thank you, Mother," Shu whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "I will carry your love and belief in my heart as I continue to pursue my dreams. I won't let you down."
Latina smiled at her son, a glimmer of pride shining in her eyes. "I know you won't, my son. Your journey may be challenging, but I have faith that you will become the best of the best. Remember, no setback can define you as long as you keep striving for greatness."
To be continue...