Entering the family saloon filled Cedric with warmth as he saw his father, mother, and brother seated there. With a bright smile, he greeted them, "Hello, everyone! It's nice to see you after so long." His mother, always the caring one, expressed concern, examining Cedric's body closely. He reassured her, "I'm fine, Mom. I even got a lot stronger during this trip."
Andrew, his father, chimed in confidently, "I knew you could do it." Alan, his brother, approached him, acknowledging Cedric's achievement, "You really are something, Cedric. You even reached Gold rank before joining the academy as a human. This is a near-impossible feat." Alan's excitement was evident as he continued, "Do you want to spar? I want to see how much you've progressed." Cedric nodded eagerly, equally eager to test his newfound strength against his brother's skill. They made their way to the sparring platform of the estate.
Once on the platform, Cedric unsheathed his sword, as did Alan. Cedric activated his constellation, charging at high speed. The clash of their swords created a resounding impact. Cedric swiftly retrieved his saber, launching an immediate close-range attack with the Demonic White Tiger Slash, limiting Alan's options. Alan shifted to meet the strike, but Cedric wasn't idle. He launched a fist loaded with mana and intent. Alan, focusing on the saber, failed to dodge the unexpected fist. The impact left his left arm numb.
Cedric continued his assault, using a barrage of powerful punches that left Alan feeling numb and unable to continue. It was a moment of triumph for Cedric – the first time he had defeated Alan. The mana explosion within Alan's body was an upgraded version of the Veinbane fist. Cedric used intent to control the mana, a skill he had mastered during his Thundra Forest training. Previously, he couldn't control the mana injected into another person's body, but now he could, and he used it to make the mana explode in the opponents body he could even really gravely injure them he reduced the intensity as it was just a spar. Alan, unguarded against such attacks, had no chance to counter.
Cedric reveled in the victory, proving to himself and his family the substantial progress he had made during his time in the Thundra Forest.
After the sparring session, Cedric helped Alan up, who was still feeling numb from the barrage of punches. Alan reached into his storage ring and pulled out a revitalizing potion, the main ingredient being a White Chrysanthemum known for its life energy properties. After taking the potion, Alan felt much better. Looking at Cedric, he commented, "Don't get too big-headed; the move just now was unexpected, but I do acknowledge that you are very strong now, Cedric." Alan's words were genuine, recognizing Cedric's strength despite the unexpected tactics.
Cedric, in a teasing tone, laughed and taunted Alan, "Don't worry, beating you was too easy for me to get big-headed." Alan joined in the laughter while playfully pinching Cedric's side. Cedric exaggerated an expression of pain and laughed along. Andrew, appreciating the growth both of them had undergone during their time away, complimented their development before the family returned to the living room.
Rebecca then retrieved something from her storage ring – a beautifully crafted suit that could also be worn in combat. She explained, "This is made from heaven silk given by the Pope during your birthday. It also has very strong defense, with golden silk from the Mutated Golden Rock Spider your father captured, reaching obsidian rank. The stitching serves as patterns, so if you infuse mana in them, they have some functions that I'll let you discover. It's super durable, and it never gets dirty thanks to its self-purifying properties, making it really convenient." Grateful, Cedric thanked her and stored the unique garment in his ring.
After dinner and some more conversation, Cedric retreated to his room, contemplating how the upcoming academy exam would unfold. The anticipation of facing new challenges and showcasing his skills filled him with a mix of excitement and determination. The next day would mark the beginning of a new chapter in his journey – a chapter that held the promise of growth, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence at the Caliope Academy.
The next day, Cedric started his day by bathing and then donning the new attire he received from his mother. Dressed and ready, he joined the family for breakfast. Alan, still impressed by Cedric's strength, commented, "I don't even think you should take the entrance exam with your strength. You should just be taken in directly." Eustace, with a hint of familiarity with the principal, replied, "You're right, but this principal of yours is really stuck up." Cedric nonchalantly responded, "It's not really that annoying. I'll just do the tests, even though I'm sure to pass them."
After breakfast, the family boarded a carriage and headed to the academy. Upon arrival, the eye-catching carriage, adorned with mana crystals and parts made of mana gold, drew the attention of many students and parents. It displayed the crest of The Northstar, a tapestry depicting a bright star outshining everyone and guiding the lost. As they approached the entrance, they noticed the guards, all of Diamond rank, showcasing the strength that deemed them worthy to protect the greatest academy on the continent.
Exiting the carriage, the family walked toward the entrance, where Cedric observed the grandeur of the academy. The imposing structure stood as a symbol of knowledge and excellence. They proceeded to the registration area, where Cedric would officially enroll for the entrance exams. The anticipation of what awaited him inside the academy fueled Cedric's excitement and determination to prove his capabilities. The journey ahead promised new challenges, friendships, and the opportunity to showcase the strength and skills he had honed during his training in the Thundra Forest.