A persistent rapping on the door shattered Aeon's slumber. He stirred, the remnants of a forgotten dream clinging to his mind. A sliver of sunlight peeked through the gap in the curtains, confirming it was indeed early morning. Grumbling, he shuffled toward the door, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Who could be visiting at this hour?" he muttered, peering through the small peephole. His drowsiness instantly vanished, replaced by a mixture of surprise and apprehension. Standing on the other side was a figure that could only belong to one person – Eldran Walker, his grandfather.
Aeon hesitantly pulled the door open, revealing his grandfather in all his imposing glory. Eldran stood a good seven feet tall, his broad shoulders filling the doorway. Age had etched lines on his face, but his eyes still held a spark of youthful curiosity.
The moment Aeon opened the door, Eldran enveloped him in a crushing hug. "Oh, my dear grandson! It's been only a few weeks, yet it feels like an eternity." His voice boomed, a stark contrast to Aeon's subdued greetings.
Aeon winced slightly, struggling to breathe in the tight hold. "Grandfather, please! You're suffocating me!"
Eldran chuckled, releasing Aeon in an instant. "My apologies, child. I was overcome with joy to see you again." He stepped back, his gaze scanning Aeon from head to toe. "Kael mentioned some...unfortunate events occurred in your absence. But you seem to be holding up well."
Aeon straightened his rumpled clothes, avoiding his grandfather's penetrating stare. "I'm managing, Grandfather."
Eldran nodded, a knowing glint in his eyes. "I wouldn't expect anything less from my grandson. Tell me, grandson, what have you learned in your time here? Have they managed to integrate you into the family?"
Aeon took a deep breath, recounting his experiences over the past ten days. He spoke of his discovery of the library, the vast amount of knowledge he devoured, the training sessions with his cousins, and the warmth and support he found in his mother. He spoke with a certain detachment, outlining the facts but omitting the emotional turmoil still churning within him.
Eldran listened patiently, a thoughtful expression on his weathered face. When Aeon finished, a heavy silence descended upon the room.
Finally, Eldran spoke, "It seems you've settled in quite well, Aeon. You've embraced your heritage and are actively learning the ways of the Walkers. This pleases me greatly."
Aeon met his gaze, a spark of determination igniting in his own eyes. "Grandfather," he began, his voice firm, "I want to become stronger. Strong enough to protect my family, strong enough to avenge what happened."
Eldran's lips tightened into a thin line. He walked towards the window, his back to Aeon. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken emotions.
Aeon continued, his voice unwavering. "I know the cultivation methods here are basic compared to what lies beyond. But I want to master them, to learn everything I can. I also…" he hesitated, then blurted out, "I want to learn alchemy."
Eldran remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the sliver of dawn light painting the horizon. Aeon's heart pounded, unsure of his grandfather's reaction. Alchemy was a prestigious and coveted skill within the Walker family.
"Alchemy, huh?" Eldran finally spoke, his voice laced with a hint of surprise. "That's certainly an ambitious goal. Why alchemy specifically?"
Aeon felt a surge of hope. "It's not just about creating potions and medicines, Grandfather. It's about understanding the composition of things, manipulating energies, and unlocking hidden potential. It resonates with something…deep within me."
The words felt true, even though he couldn't fully explain the connection to his fragmented memories.
Eldran turned around, his expression unreadable. He studied Aeon for a long moment, a battle seemingly raging within him. Finally, he sighed, a hint of weariness entering his voice.
"Aeon," he began, "the teachings of alchemy are a closely guarded secret within families and associations. There's a reason for that. It's a complex and dangerous art, not for the faint of heart. Not every person can learn it. It requires soul force, and you are not even 10 year old."
Aeon straightened his back, his voice resolute. "I understand the risks, Grandfather. But I'm willing to put in the work, to learn alchemy only if it basics for now till I turn 10 year old. I promise I won't disappoint you."
Eldran stared at him for a long, contemplative moment. Aeon's determination seemed to waver under his grandfather's scrutiny. But just as Aeon started to believe his request was denied, Eldran surprised him with his answer.
Eldran said very well, a flicker of determination mirroring Aeon's own in his eyes. "But," he cautioned, "alchemy is not a path to be taken lightly. It requires not only dedication and talent, but also discipline and a deep understanding of fundamental principles."
Aeon nodded eagerly, absorbing every word. He was prepared for any challenge.
Eldran continued, "There's someone I know who might be able to guide you on this path. His name is Falion. He's a close friend of mine and, coincidentally, a Brown Cloak Alchemist."
Aeon's eyes widened. From his recent immersion in the Walker family history, he knew the hierarchy of alchemists. A Brown Cloak was a revered position, signifying a master of the art. Excitement bubbled within him.
"Falion is not only a skilled alchemist," Eldran elaborated, "but also a cultivator at the peak of the 3rd Rank in the Human Realm. He's a formidable fighter and possesses a wealth of knowledge beyond alchemy."
Aeon felt a pang of frustration. While intrigued by Falion's combat prowess, his true desire lay in unlocking the secrets of alchemy. However, he maintained a respectful silence, letting his grandfather elaborate.
"Falion lives in seclusion," Eldran continued, "focusing solely on his alchemy pursuits. However, given his friendship with me, I believe he might be willing to take you on as an apprentice."
Aeon's heart leaped. "That would be…incredible, Grandfather. I promise I won't let you or him down."
Eldran smiled faintly. "I know you won't, Aeon. But there's one condition. Falion is a recluse who values his solitude. While he'll be happy to teach you alchemy, he doesn't have the patience or inclination to train multiple students."
Aeon understood. "Of course, Grandfather. I'm alright if it's just me."
Eldran shook his head. "No, Aeon. I have two other reasons for bringing this up. You weren't the only one affected by the tragedy. Your cousins, especially Kellan and Lyra, are struggling as well. They feel lost and vulnerable."
Aeon's face softened a fraction. He couldn't deny his concern for his cousins, the only family he had left beyond his mother. They were just teenagers, thrust into a world where they had to rely on him, a stranger they barely knew.
Eldran continued, "I believe it would be beneficial for them to have a sense of purpose, a path to follow. While Falion won't be teaching them alchemy, he can introduce them to some basic combat techniques and weapon arts. It might offer them a sense of direction and empower them to protect themselves."
Aeon pondered this for a moment. The idea of having his cousins join him on his journey was initially unsettling. He yearned for the solitude to focus on his own growth and unlock his past memories. However, he couldn't deny the logic in his grandfather's words. Kellan and Lyra needed something to occupy their minds, something to fuel their anger and grief into something constructive.
"Alright, Grandfather," Aeon finally conceded. "Having Kellan and Lyra learn the basics from Falion wouldn't be a bad idea. Maybe their presence might ease his loneliness too."
A smile spread across Eldran's face. "Excellent. In that case, I'll send word to Falion right away. He should be here within a fortnight to discuss the details."
A wave of excitement washed over Aeon. Within two weeks, he would be learning from a master alchemist, all within the familiar confines of the Walker manor. It wouldn't be the solitary journey he initially envisioned, but the prospect of his cousins learning alongside him and the potential for a more stable learning environment filled him with a sense of anticipation. The path to unlocking his true potential had just taken a significant turn.