The clash between our different styles—his seasoned mana control and my swordsmanship, as well as dynamic elemental manipulation—created a captivating spectacle in the training grounds. I could feel the thrill of the battle, each movement calculated and strategic.
After a series of exchanges, I was instantly knocked back, my body unable to move, and my vision unsteady.
"Gravity?" I barely managed to speak against the odds.
"My uncle was a Gravity mage. What the heck," I thought to myself.
My head began spinning as I tried to think of different possible moves I could take to win, but he had me in checkmate. Suppressing my pride and stubbornness, I took a seat on the ground, admitting defeat.
"It seems you still have more to show me, my boy!" He said as he smiled and walked over to me. I took a glance at my opponent, who stared back at me with a mildly impressed expression on his face, when I heard my father's voice.
"R-Ryan… You've learned control over your fire element as well?"
"Hahah," I gave a smile at him with my worn-out face.
"That should be enough for a demonstration, right, Uncle?" I rubbed my temples.
"Oh?..erhm. Yes… That is quite sufficient," he muttered. There was a long pause as he began studying me with a newfound interest.
He crouched and gave me a pat on my shoulder as he continued, "Ryan, you've got impressive skills. Your combination of wind and flame manipulation is a unique approach, and you adapt swiftly in battle. With more experience, you'll become quite formidable in utilizing mana and combat," Uncle George complimented, a genuine smile on his face.
"Thank you, Uncle George. It means a lot coming from you. Your combat skills are incredible, and I've learned a lot from sparring with you," I replied, feeling a sense of camaraderie.
"What do you say you come with me and join the Central Academy?" He suddenly spoke out while I was kind of feeling happy.
"What?"
And standing up, "You heard me. Now that I have seen you and your skills, I want to invite you, Ryan Dainsleif, to attend the Central Academy of mana arts!" He said with a smile.
I knew it wasn't just to test me. However, I can't just go with him to the Central academy when I'm not even satisfied with my current strength.
Seeing my uncle George's face, I gave a grin of confidence and not in an arrogant manner, "I got to say this uncle. I'm grateful for your offer, but there are only a few benefits I can gain from attending that prestigious school. One is learning how to utilize my mana and cultivation. However, that is something I can learn on my own with due time. Now. The main reason I would attend your academy, if I chose to at all, is something only me and my father would understand, and even if it's a childish reason, I have to figure that out somehow. Right now, with my age and strength, I should be focusing on my childhood life than just growing as a bratty genius kid. However, I might accept your offer if you agree with my requests first!" I said.
Seeing me say something like that, my father was on the brink of understanding my point and immediately spoke out, "Ryan! You're being rude to your uncle! How can you…"
Well, I don't blame him. He doesn't know I have remembered the past when my real mother died cruelly while protecting me. At least if not for revenge, I should find out the ones who did it to get back at them with my own strength.
"No, it's fine, Sam." Immediately after he said this, my uncle continued,
"Ryan, I don't know what you mean by something personal, but I get that you have a purpose you have to fulfill, and I respect that wish. For that, if you're willing to attend Central Academy and become a rightful citizen that will do anything to protect his authority, then I and your mother...a.k.a your father's wife as the Dean of Central academy, will abide by any criteria you set." My uncle's voice was clear and determined.
I thought so. My adoptive mother seems to be a powerful individual to have that position. My father had good eyes for women it seems.
I smiled at my father after Uncle George said that.
"Very well then uncle, I will learn what I feel is valuable from the classes the prestigious school offers and train my own powers, as long as you give me the tools and freedom to do so," I promised.
"Man. Ryan, you sure you are only seven? you seem to be matured for your age while dealing with adults!" he said with a smile as he got me up from my sitting position on the ground, and after getting up, we shook hands properly.
"I think Ryan will do great in Central, don't you think, sir!" Mr. Durden said as he was witnessing all the happenings in the place.
"You got that right!" My uncle said with a proud smile.
At the same time, my father had a worried smile on his face even when he was feeling happy to have me get an invitation to the Central Academy.
Seeing my father so confused and worried, clarifying for him, I said aloud, "I will abide by our agreement when I enroll in your academy."
"Oh? Were you not planning on enrolling in the Academy anytime soon?" Uncle George suddenly had a puzzled expression as he said that after hearing my words again.
I looked at my father's face and smiled. Unlike my past self, I won't ever repeat the same mistake to leave my only family for the world I had known for all these years. Taking a deep breath of confidence, I answered.
"I don't plan on entering the Central Academy until I would be of a normal age to actually attend...if you get my drift. So, I've decided to enter your academy at the age of twelve, after I get an adventurer's license and graduate from Luton's Magic Guild's apprenticeship for the first part!"
"Hmm. That's in a little over four years from now!" My uncle said with a rejected face.
"Well, its a very average age for one to enter any Academy don't you think? I have to gain experiences to at least become someone worthy of being the Central academy, am I not? I assume that will not be a problem?" I tilted my head.
"Sure sure. You have a point there. I agree with you!" He said with a awkward smile.
After hearing that I want to gain experience as an adventurer and get graduated from the Magic guild before joining the Central Academy, his face brightened with happiness, and it was what he expected from me all along.