early in the morning, the pale light filtering through the curtains of his room. His daily routine awaited him, a comforting rhythm that had become a part of his life since arriving in this new world.
The crisp air filled his lungs as he stretched, preparing for the day ahead.
As the sun's golden rays danced across his room, Rael couldn't help but feel anticipation : today he will return to the fallen shadow castle .
With an air of expectation, he made his way to Daniel's room, a place that had become a second home to him.
Rapping on the door, Rael waited for a response, but the only sound that met his ears was the echo of his knocks fading away.
Growing impatient, he fumbled for the spare key he had been entrusted with, unlocking the door and stepping inside.
He was surprised as he look at the emptiness of the room. The walls that had once been adorned with scrolls and trinkets were bare, and the usually cluttered desk was now devoid of any sign of Daniel's presence.
A single piece of parchment lay on the desk, he reached for it quickly as he wanted to know what is happening
With a mixture of curiosity and wondering , Rael picked up the letter and began to read the words that Daniel had left behind.
---
"My dear friend Rael,
The events of last night led me to an unexpected decision. An emergency meeting with a representative of my family demanded my immediate attention, and I find myself compelled to return home earlier than planned.
As the days turn into months , I regret to inform you that my absence will likely extend into the following year I will be back only for the second year of the academy and I won't be at my family's territory.
While our previous plans must be postponed, know that they are not forgotten.
My absence does not diminish the importance of our goals, Rael you should continue working hard as I hope that our paths will cross again sooner than anticipated
And when they do, I will see if you have surpassed every challenge and reached the realm of a master magus. If not, be prepared to endure my relentless boasting about the speed of my cultivation.
Until we meet again, my friend.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel"
---
Rael's grip tightened on the letter, emotions swirling within him like a storm. He hadn't anticipated such a sudden departure from his only and closest companion in this new world .
The weight of solitude settled on his shoulders, a reminder of the bond that had been abruptly severed.
Though his heart ached, Rael understood the necessity of Daniel's decision. His friend even if he wasn't a very talkative person , had always been driven silently by a competitive spirit, an unyielding determination that now called him away on an uncertain path.
As the impending war loomed on the horizon, Rael couldn't help but speculate that Daniel's absence might be linked to the impending conflict.
he wouldn't be surprised if his friend will spend the next year training in some dangerous zones or fighting with his life on the line to further improve his abilities.
With a heavy sigh, Rael redirected his thoughts and embarked on the next step of his day. He made his way to the Teleportation room, the hum of energy filling the air as he joined the line of fellow students. Time passed slowly as he waited, allowing his mind to wander.
"What lies ahead for me at The Fallen Shadow Castle?" Rael mused, his thoughts spinning like a whirlwind. The allure of the forthcoming war tugged at his mind, promising a huge amount of glory points .
Yet, he couldn't shake the uncertainty that gnawed at him. Would he be allowed to participate? Could he convince the others to grant him this opportunity?
As the line inched forward, Rael's resolve solidified. He was determined to make his case to the third princess, to convince her of his worthiness to join the conflict.
He knew that it would be hard, but the prospect of earning glory points on the battlefield spurred him onward.
Time slipped away, and it was his turn to step forward. Rael approached the teleportation device, a curious mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through his veins.
Placing his ring on the scanner, he awaited the familiar rush of energy that would transport him to his destination.
In an instant, a blinding white light engulfed him, momentarily obscuring his surroundings. The sensation was fleeting, replaced by a disorienting shift as he materialized in a familiar yet unfamiliar room.
Rael blinked, his vision adjusting to the new environment. He found himself alone, standing amidst a dark room .
As he took steps forward, the room's emptiness began to feel less imposing.
and when he opened the door and left the room he found a maid waiting for him . She led him to another room where the third princess, Elliot and Jonathan were having a meeting . they asked for his presence as soon as he return .
as he knocked on the door it opened automatically and before him sat Lina, Elliot, and Jonathan, engrossed in conversation around a polished wooden table.
Their gazes met as the door creaked open, and Rael's uncertainty was met with welcoming smiles. Jonathan, ever gruff, was the first to break the silence.
"Back already, kid? How fared your time at the academy? Did you find your place among the students there? You didn't allow anyone to bully you, did you? "
Elliot followed suit, with his usual polite voice without any change in tone . "Greetings, Mr. Rael. I trust your experience at the academy was enlightening?"
Lina, the enigmatic third princess, offered a warm nod of acknowledgment. "Rael, take a seat. We were just discussing a matter of about you ."
Taking the proffered seat, Rael's mind raced with a mix of curiosity and gratitude. "Thank you for your concern, Trainer Jonathan, and Mr. Elliot. The academy was an illuminating experience. Might I ask about the topic of your discussion third princess ?"
Lina's gaze held a hint of intrigue as she began to explain. "With the upcoming pause in academy activities, we find ourselves facing a challenge. Your rapid progress is undeniable, and the traditional pace of instruction might no longer suffice. We are deliberating how best to facilitate your growth during this hiatus. Do you have any thoughts on this matter, Rael?"
Without hesitation, Rael's voice resonated with determination. "Is there a possibility for me to participate in the impending war?"
The room fell into a brief silence as the weight of Rael's words settled among them. Jonathan's stern expression softened, and Elliot's brows furrowed with concern.
"Kid, have you considered the gravity of such a decision?" Jonathan's voice held a paternal note, tinged with caution. "The battlefield is no place for kids like you will be eaten alive there ."
Elliot's voice chimed in, his tone measured. "Rael, you must grasp the harsh reality of war. It is a realm of uncertainty and danger, where lives can change in an instant."
Lina, however, maintained a contemplative silence, her eyes fixed on Rael. As the seconds stretched, she finally spoke, her voice carrying a weight of both authority and compassion.
"Rael, survival on the battlefield is very hard, especially for an intermediate apprentice like you . The rate of death is higher than 60% . Yet, if you are resolute in your desire, I will afford you the chance. You must provide a compelling reason and pass a test .
for what reason do you want to participate in war?
Convince us, Rael."
Rael was taken aback by the question and started looking for a good answer but then Lina's voice echoed again
" don't think too much . Just tell me what motivates you ? what is the thing that is pushing you to work hard ? to try more ? and especially to become stronger even if you put your life on the line ?
what is the reason that motivate me ?
From the day I came to this world, i was pushing myself , training hard without stopping
was it my past life ? was it regret ? was it the fear to die unable to do anything ?
after thinking about it he was working to get
stronger but it was simply because of the external circumstances.
Rael searched deep in himself for an answer he searched in his deepest memories and feelings and after he was in deep thinking for a minute a look of determination and certainty appeared on his face as he said
"I want to live my life with no regret . I don't want to regret not working hard enough , not trying enough, not pushing myself enough and especially not being strong enough "
A soft, understanding smile curved Lina's lips
" Very good , you shouldn't forget that .
Carve it in your mind and heart. When the time comes you will certainly feel pain, tiredness, exhaustion, self-doubt, fear, and despair .
At that time you should remember the reason that pushes you forward. "
Rael's heart swelled with newfound determination. With a nod of gratitude, he accepted the weight of his choice and the challenge that lay ahead.
"Thank you for your guidance, Third Princess Lina. I won't falter."
" Good , now go and take a rest you will have a test tomorrow as long as you pass it I will send you to war . "
With that, Rael exited the room, embarking on the path that would test his resolve and shape his destiny.