As the sun bathed the Sylvan Realm of Crystalia in a golden hue, guards assembled in the courtyard of the Sylvan Manor. Their armor shone in the sunlight, and the air hummed with excitement as they readied themselves for their task.
Drake stood beside his aunt Kathy, her presence commanding respect among the guards despite their apparent disdain for him. Kathy, dressed in her regal battle attire, exuded authority as she exchanged nods with the guards, her eyes filled with determination.
Drake marveled at the diamond sand beneath his feet and the upside-down sky filled with trees, wondering how such a place could exist.
His gaze then fell upon a swirling blue vortex of dazzling azure hues, the teleporting realm shimmering nearby, its vortex serving as a gateway to The Academy. Guards adjusted their weapons and checked their gear, ensuring everything was prepared for the journey ahead.
"What is that blue round thing for, Aunt Kathy?" Drake asked, his curiosity piqued.
Kath smiled at him and explained, "That's a vortex, it's used to teleport people to a specific place. Only the High Lord and the Silverwind can use this one."
Drake looked up at his aunt with his two unique coloured eyes.
"I understand, so we are the Silverwind, serving under the High Lord. That's pretty cool." His aunt ruffled his hair. The guards watching them seemed envious, but their expressions remained stoic.
"You're clever. If you continue like this and pass the test, the stigma will lessen," she said, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"Don't worry, I've learned to deal with it," Drake reassured her. Back on Earth, he had also faced judgment, but he had learned to focus on proving himself to himself rather than others.
At the designated time, a surge of energy rippled through the atmosphere, indicating the activation of the portal. The guards encircled Xavier and Kathy, their faces displaying concentration and alertness.
With a sudden burst, the portal came to life, casting a mystical glow that bathed the courtyard in unearthly colors. The air crackled with magical power as the guards guided Xavier and Kathy towards the swirling gateway.
"It's time. Stick together," Kathy instructed, her tone strong yet comforting. Drake nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Stepping into the portal, a rush of energy surrounded them, whisking them away to the Academy in a whirlwind of light and enchantment. The guards followed closely, their determination unwavering.
In an instant, they arrived on the other side. The Academy's extensive grounds evoke a world where the ground sparkles like diamonds and the sky teems with trees. Its vast expanse exudes a profound sense of spirituality, resonating through the ancient walls as students and scholars engage in their bustling activities.
The guards remained vigilant as Drake and Kathy took in their new surroundings, his heart filled with excitement for the adventures that awaited. Drake was now set to begin his journey into the heart of the Academy.
"I sense that things will become quite challenging from this point on."
[Judging by the situation, you're correct.]
"Hello, Lady Kathy, it's been a while."
Drake was interrupted by the cheerful voice of a youthful woman, though her forced smile was evident.
Why won't she be here, considering she was her nemesis before?"
"It has been a long time, Seraphina. What brought you here?" Kathy asked, as they both looked at each other sternly.
"Oh, about that, my son is here for the test. So this young boy over here is your son, right?" She asked, knowing it wasn't hers.
This almost made Drake chuckle, but Kathy only smirked. She knew this lady was here to reignite some old spark. They both stared at each other.
He pondered to himself, 'How can Kathy be my mother? She needs to be disciplined.'
Just then, a 19-year-old boy appeared, well-built with long white hair and crimson red eyes. He approached his mother, and his eyes met Xavier. At that moment, the spark of hatred began to play its game.
"Greetings Lady Kathy, my name is Miri..." Just then he was interrupted.
"I know Mirito Elowen, your father is a great man with honor. You should be proud of yourself,"
Kathy said with a smile, though behind her eyes lay hidden sadness, regrets, and disgust.
Having known Elowen more intimately than Seraphina, they had been lovers before the news of her sister's disappearance. Kathy had taken it upon herself to try and rescue Vyxaria, but her first attempt had failed. Upon returning to the Sylvan Realm of Crystalia, she learned that Elowen had a lover who was carrying his child.
This revelation shattered Kathy, as the knowledge that she had been Elowen's first love haunted her. Despite this, he later returned to her, begging for her love. The lingering feelings she had for him led her back into his arms.
When she received a letter from her sister pleading for help to rescue her child, she immediately left everything behind and embarked on a journey to find her sister.
However, Thyrasou had already arrived before her, but Vyxaria, determined not to give up, ran towards Kathy and handed the baby to her before opening a vortex with her magic. Thyrasou, seeing this, stabbed her in the back with his sword.
Despite the attack, Vyxaria continued to cast her spell until it was completed, causing her to pass out. Kathy and little Xavier were then transported to another realm, and Kathy vividly remembered the tears she shed upon arrival in the Sylvan Realm of Crystalia.
Another piece of news further shook her - Elowen had gotten married and become a father. However, this did not deter Elowen from pursuing her, as in this world, men could have multiple wives while women could have multiple husbands.
As she looked at Elowen's son, Mirito, memories of the past flooded back.
"Yes, he is," Mirito proudly declared.
"Who is his father?" Drake asked, intrigued.
The three individuals turned to him, waiting for an answer.
Mirito then began speaking. "You should be ashamed of yourself, my dad is the Commander of the Elf clan," he said proudly, showing no respect towards Drake.
Drake smiled as he approached Seraphina, thinking to himself, 'Luck is on my side.'
Xavier responded with a sheepish smile, "You know he isn't that great for me to remember him, Mirito."
As he moved closer to Seraphina, Xavier continued, "It's nice meeting both of you, especially you Lady Seraphina."
Drake felt a sense of jealousy emanating from Kathy, wondering if it was a sign.
[Host, you're making a good impression.]
The system chuckled, adding.
[This might get interesting.]
Drake turned to his aunt and exchanged smiles with her, sensing her jealousy.
"Anyway, I'll have someone show you to your room. See you at the testing ground," she said with a smile before leaving with her son.
Silence filled the air until a dwarf man arrived.
"Hello, Lady Kathy," the elderly dwarf's voice rumbled, deep and gravelly, carrying the wisdom of centuries spent in the realms of Astral Nexus. Breaking the silence.
"Are you still working here, old man?" Kathy asked, her voice filled with the same awe she had as a child seeing her father after so many years.
"Lady Kathy, it's a pleasure to see you again. Follow me, and I will show you both to your rooms for now."
They both nodded and followed him, with the guards ensuring their safety
.
.
.
.
This place is really comfortable," Drake said as he settled onto the bed.
"It certainly is. You should get some rest, Xavier, and prepare for tomorrow," Kathy replied, giving him a playful wink.
"Hehehehhehehhee, dear aunt, I'm hungry," Drake said, giving her a seductive look.
Kathy smiled, almost melting, as Drake wasted no time in moving closer to her, kissing her and squeezing her boobs.
"Now you need to get ready for tomorrow," she said, breaking the kiss.
The system alerted.
[Kathy Amore: HeartSync 1/10 You are my sister's son. 8—100%.]
'so low.'