In the aftermath of the explosion the man walks forward and reveals itself.
"Good evening Kizu-sama, Ren-sana. I have come to invite you to Reia Arcane Academy, if you deny I will gladly accept your decision and take my leave" The mischievous man said.
"Wait wait!, you haven't even introduced yourself. Who are you?, how do you know our name?" Kizuya inquired looking shocked.
"My apologies. I am Baron Rennel," he replied.
"The headmaster informed me about a runaway child and a child who has been living as an outcast with his parents in the woods."
"What if we haven't decided yet?" Ren asked, a note of uncertainty in his voice.
"Don't you worry, Kizu-sama, Ren-sana. Your deliberation matters, and I'm more than willing to wait while you decide. Please take your time. I shall take my leave for now, but rest assured, I'll return when you're ready," Rennel reassured them, his tone carrying a gentle understanding.
"Wait!-" Kizuya exclaimed.
Baron Rennel took his leave, leaving Ren and Kizuya amidst the aftermath.
A day passed, and Gureus and Elaris finally stirred from their slumber.
"What happened?" Elaris inquired.
"You've been unconscious for a whole day, Mom, Dad," Celia gently informed them.
"Oh my, what about the ward? Is it gone? Are you both alright? And where's your brother?" Elaris asked, her tone filled with concern.
"Don't worry, Mom. Big brother and Ren are sitting on the tree branch, having a conversation," Celia reassured her.
"Seems like my boy has found someone to spend time with," Gureus remarked with a hint of romance.
"What makes you so certain that he's flirting with her?" Elaris exclaimed, her words accompanied by a playful smack on Gureus's arm.
Kizuya and Ren talked about the invitation.
"What do you think we should do? Kizuya inquired with concern. "Should I tell my parents?".
"I think it's the best option, it feels like it's a once in a time invitation though." Ren answered. "This thing is been bothering my mind though... Why did he call you Kizu? and also why he called us with sama. Strange"
Baron Rennel appeared out of nowhere.
"Indeed it is once in a time invitation!" Rennel said
Kizuya and Ren fell of the branch because of shock.
"What the-!" Kizuya cast an earth thorn.
"You missed... As what I'm saying it is once in a time invitation and will never happen again."
"Have our time ended?"
"No, you still have plenty. A week or a month"
"How did you hear my questions?"
"I'm everywhere. regarding to your question. I said Kizu-sama instead of Kizuya-sama because it sounds cute. I both called you sama because once you've entered the academy I will be the one who will serve you"
"Let me tell my parents about this first"
"Sayonara!"
Baron Rennel disappeared like a buble.
Kizuya and Ren went to where his mother and father is to ask for guidance.
"Mom, Dad do you still remember about the giant ward?, It turns out a person is behind all of it"
"Don't tell me it's the Vonsfort again?! I will rip their head of and burn it to cease in existence!"
"No no it's not them! it's another person we don't know. He's name is Baron Rennel and is the one who's behind all of this. He invited as to Reia Arcane Academy and the ward is just a trial"
"A trial? It's more like a divine punishment from the above"
"So would you let me accept the invitation?... It's once in a lifetime!"
"I will if it's safe but it seems not and I might deny, first of all he's the reason why there's a giant ward in the middle of the forest and second of all why do you agree with such a stranger"
"Nuh uh, I ain't a stranger miss Ikuyo" Rennel appeared from nowhere.
"What-!" Elaris cast fire ball
"You missed, this is awkward to say but like mother like son"
"Hey!"
"What your son told you is all true and I'm behind all of it, it's actually his decision not yours. As well as Ren-sama, you could decide whether to let your son accept the invitation, Ren-sama will be his roommate after all"
"If that so then why not?" Gureus agreed
Elaris pulled Gureus to have a private talk.
"I haven't even agreed yet, why answer such quickly?"
"Come on, you see them above the branch"
"That's all?"
"Well yeah, Ren is a good girl she's perfect for him"
"I ain't talking about that, I'm concerned about Kizuya's place there. He might get accused as an outcast once again"
"Don't you worry miss Ikuyo, everyone there have a mark including me"
"Were you listening this whole time?"
"Yes"
The night gave way to an early morning, a faint glow breaking through the horizon. Kizuya stood by his packed belongings, the weight of the impending farewell heavy in the air.
"Before you bid your goodbye, I want to give you something," Elaris said, her voice tender.
Kizuya's curiosity piqued. "What is it, Mom?"
"Celia, hand it over to your brother."
Celia stepped forward, her hand holding a staff crafted from the stealthy skin of evolved wards and a liquid derived from the giant ward itself. The room seemed to hold its breath as the significance of the gift settled in. Tears glistened in the eyes of each family member.
"Thank you, Mom. I'll cherish it always. I'm sorry I have to leave, but I promise I'll be back."
Elaris smiled warmly. "Do your best out there, Kizuya."
Gureus interjected with a playful grin, "Don't go wooing Ren already."
The unexpected comment caught Ren and Kizuya off guard, both sharing a baffled look.
"Just kidding," Gureus laughed, his tone full of affection. "Goodbye, my boy."
The moment hung in the air, emotions swirling like a mix of joy and sadness. Kizuya took a deep breath, his resolve renewed.
"It's time to go now, Kizu-sama, Ren-sana," Baron Rennel's voice echoed through the room, pulling everyone's attention.
Kizuya's heart raced, the reality of the moment sinking in. He exchanged farewells once more, each embrace, each word etching a memory into his heart.
As Kizuya and Ren stepped out of the house, the sun had fully risen, casting a golden glow across the landscape. The morning breeze carried a sense of anticipation, a feeling that the journey ahead would be transformative.
Baron Rennel stood by, a reassuring presence amidst the mix of emotions. "The Reia Arcane Academy awaits, young ones. Let us embark on this path together."
Kizuya nodded, gripping the staff tightly. "Thank you, Rennel. We're ready."
As Kizuya and Ren ventured deeper into the heart of the woods, the path ahead seemed both exhilarating and daunting. The morning sun filtered through the canopy, dappling the forest floor with patches of light and shadow.
The tranquility of the woods enveloped them, the rustling leaves and distant calls of birds creating a symphony of nature's harmony. This was their world, a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Kizuya's steps were purposeful, his determination unwavering. The journey to Reia Arcane Academy was a testament to his dedication, a testament to the possibilities that awaited them beyond the verdant embrace of the woods.
Ren walked alongside him, her presence a source of strength. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and anticipation, mirroring the secrets that the forest held. Her hand found Kizuya's, their fingers intertwining in silent unity.
Baron Rennel moved with them, a guardian spirit amidst the ancient trees. His wisdom was a guiding light, illuminating the path ahead as they ventured deeper into the realm of magic. His words were a tapestry of stories and knowledge, weaving together the past and the present.
Weeks turned into months as their journey continued. The woods gradually gave way to open landscapes, the magic of the academy's realm becoming more palpable with each passing day. The trio crossed rivers and scaled mountains, each obstacle a testament to their resilience.
Amidst the journey, as they walked side by side through the woods, Kizuya turned to Ren. "Do you ever wonder what awaits us at the academy, Ren?"
Ren's gaze was thoughtful, her expression a mix of excitement and contemplation. "I do. I can't help but imagine the kind of magic we'll learn and the adventures that await."
Kizuya smiled, a shared sense of anticipation between them. "Is there something specific you're hoping to achieve?"
Ren's eyes lit up, a playful glint dancing within them. "Well, I've always been fascinated by dark magic. The idea of harnessing the power of the abyss and shadow, of bending chaos to my will... It's exhilarating."
Kizuya nodded, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "And for me, it's the mystery of wards that intrigues me the most. The way they intertwine with magic and the world around us... It's like uncovering the secrets of the universe."
Ren's laughter echoed through the woods, a melody that blended with the rustling leaves. "Leave it to you to find the magic in even the most intricate details, Kizuya."
Together, they continued their journey, their conversations weaving a tapestry of dreams and aspirations. The months passed, each day a step closer to the academy that beckoned them with open arms.