THE SYSTEM I MADE
Chapter 7
"Farewell at Eldraine Gate"
A month had elapsed since William Carter reincarnated into the fantasy world as Alexander Eldraine, the esteemed young master of the prominent Eldraine family. Alex, acutely aware of his initially disappointing stats, had thrown himself into rigorous training. Each day, he engaged in specialized routines formulated by AIDA, his AI companion, to gradually enhance his abilities. Although battling real monsters was the most efficient way to level up, restrictions kept Alex confined to simulated combats within the safety of his family's estate.
"Drafting a training plan that won't interfere with the master's daily duties and will enhance effectiveness," AIDA announced, its voice echoing slightly as a spinning icon materialized on the nearby screen. "Here is the master's tailored training plan. Should any part of it not meet your expectations or interest, please feel free to request modifications."
Thus, Alex's daily regimen was born. As dusk fell over the sprawling training grounds of the estate, Alex was deep in another session, sparring against an augmented reality projection of Julian Eldraine. The spectral image of Julian nimbly dodged Alex's eager slash, countering swiftly. Their swords clashed with a clang that resonated through the air, and the force of the counterattack sent Alex tumbling across the ground. As he picked himself up, the words 'Failed' flashed in stark red across the virtual display.
"You lost," AIDA remarked dryly.
"Well, that's just great," Alex grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow as he stood.
"I don't consider that a victory. You have lost more than 30 times against the Augmented reality projection of Julian," AIDA pointed out.
"It's called sarcasm, in case you didn't know," Alex shot back, irritation threading his tone.
"Sarcasm—a mode of verbal irony that conveys contempt or disdain by saying the opposite of what is literally true, typically to amuse or hurt..." AIDA began to explain meticulously.
"Alright, alright, I get it; you know what sarcasm is," Alex cut in, a slight chuckle escaping despite his frustration.
"AIDA is happy," the AI responded, its tone oddly cheerful.
"Sometimes, you really know how to creep the hell out of me," Alex muttered, shaking his head.
"Reminder: do not forget about the farewell for the young masters who are departing today," AIDA added, shifting back to its agenda.
Alex sighed, his mind shifting gears. He made his way towards the main estate, mentally preparing to bid farewell to his siblings as they embarked on their journey to the prestigious Academy. Though barred from joining them due to his unique situation, Alex knew this was just another challenge he'd have to overcome on his own. As he approached, the gravity of his solitude weighed on him, but so did a resolve to forge his own destiny—one brutal training session at a time.
Alexander Eldraine dressed in his finest noble attire, joined his family at the grand exit where the departure ceremony would take place. The scene was set with luxurious horse-drawn carriages waiting, flanked by powerful knights and mages ranked between A and B. The air was thick with anticipation and a touch of solemnity as the family gathered to bid farewell to the departing young masters.
The patriarch of the Eldraine family, a stately figure adorned in ceremonial robes, stepped forward. His voice resonated with both pride and a touch of sadness as he addressed the gathering:
"Today marks a significant milestone in the journeys of our beloved children—Arthur, Celia, and Julian. Each of you carries the strength and wisdom of the Eldraine lineage, and as you set forth to the Academy, remember that your paths are not just about personal achievement but also about upholding the honor of our family. Arthur, your resilience and strategic mind are your greatest assets. Celia, your grace and intelligence will surely outshine your peers. Julian, your courage and dedication are without equal. May your studies at the Academy forge you into leaders worthy of our legacy. We stand here not to say goodbye, but to celebrate the next chapter of your lives."
As applause followed the patriarch's heartfelt speech, Lady Clarissa and Lady Fiona exchanged discreet smiles, their faces glowing with maternal pride. Yet, their conversation soon took a turn, their voices low and tinged with malice as they spoke of Alexander.
"Can you believe that Alex is still here? It's almost as if that poor boy will never leave the nest," whispered Lady Clarissa, her eyes scanning the crowd for her peers' approval.
Lady Fiona nodded in agreement, her tone laced with condescension, "Indeed, and to think he still trains as if he could catch up to our children. It's almost pitiful how Lady Helena's son lags behind."
Their snickers were cruel and quiet, meant only for each other's ears, and completely unaware of Alex overhearing them. Meanwhile, other young masters approached Alex, their expressions masked but their intentions clear through their words.
"Really, Alex, until when are you going to let father babysit you here? Shouldn't you be out there making a name for yourself?" one sneered, the others nodding in agreement as they looked him over critically.
Alex, though stung by their words, maintained his composure. He knew that his journey was different, his battles fought not just on training grounds but within the confines of his own family.
Then,Alex adjusted his noble attire, as he went by his siblings.
"Arthur, Celia, Julian, congratulations on this next step. I'm sure you'll all do well at the Academy," Alex said, attempting a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Arthur gave a half-hearted nod, his gaze surveying Alex with a barely concealed disdain. "Thank you, Alex. It's a pity you couldn't make it to the Academy yourself. Perhaps some of us are just better suited to the comforts of home," he replied, his voice dripping with condescension.
Celia, ever the diplomat, offered a more gracious smile, though it was tinged with pity. "Thanks, Alex. Maybe you'll join us next year? It's never too late to start taking things seriously," she suggested, her tone gentle yet patronizing.
Julian, who had always been quieter and more contemplative, merely nodded his acknowledgment. "Appreciate it, Alex. It's an important time for all of us," he said, his voice neutral, but his eyes flickering briefly with a challenge.
The trio's responses left Alex feeling marginalized, his position within the family hierarchy painfully clear. He managed a tight nod, feeling the sting of their words. "Of course. Best of luck to all of you," he managed to say, stepping back as their attention turned away, dismissing him as an afterthought.
As they climbed into the carriages, the other young masters from the estate joined in, their whispers carrying back to Alex.
"Still playing the dutiful son here, I see. How quaint," murmured one, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Yeah, when will he step out of his books and into reality?" laughed another, shaking his head.
As the carriages carrying his siblings vanished into the distance, enveloped by the dust of the road, the lingering whispers of the remaining young masters at the Eldraine estate filled the air with a mix of mockery and doubt. They watched Alex with thinly veiled amusement, their comments a sharp contrast to the formal farewell just moments before.
Alex felt the weight of their eyes on him, their words echoing in his mind, reinforcing the exclusion he had always felt within his own family. His response was subtle yet profound—a shift in demeanor that marked a turning point in how he viewed his circumstances.
His expression cooled from the earlier attempt at warmth, his eyes narrowing into a lazy, knowing gaze as he slipped his hands into the pockets of his finely tailored coat. With a slight tilt of his head, he regarded the other young masters, their smirks not going unnoticed.
"I'll be joining you guys soon," he murmured under his breath, his voice low but filled with a quiet confidence that none could hear. The statement was not for them—it was a promise to himself, a silent vow that he would no longer be the subject of their condescension.