After that extraordinary incident, I started heading back towards my family. My mother immediately pulled me into a tight hug.
"My baby, I knew you were special. I am so proud of you," she said, tears of joy in her eyes.
My father joined in, his voice filled with pride. "Oh boy, you have made us proud, Aric."
"Congratulations, Aric," Clara said, her excitement palpable.
"Thanks, Clara," I replied, smiling at her.
"Oh, Aric, now both you and Clara have to train hard to get into one of the five prestigious academies," uncle samuel said.
"Academies?" I asked, curious and a bit confused.
"You didn't tell him about the academies, Garrick?" Uncle Samuel asked.
"We thought we'd tell him after the awakening, so he wouldn't feel pressured," my father explained.
"Alright, no worries. I'll explain," Uncle Samuel said.
He then started explaining about the academies to me. Apparently, there are four academies in the Elaria Kingdom where anyone with a core element can apply. However, they only accept students based on their talent, so there is fierce competition to get into the best academies in the kingdom.
And there is also The fifth academy, however, is special. It is a fusion of both the Elaria and Starfall Kingdoms, established for the most talented individuals from both kingdoms. This academy is called Starcrest Academy, and to get in, you have to prove yourself through a series of rigorous tests. Only the most talented students are selected.
"Wow, that's a lot to take in," I said, processing the information.
"Now that both of you have completed your awakenings, let's get back. People are already peeking at us," Samuel said.
"Yes, you are right. Let's go," Aunt Emma agreed.
But before we could leave, a guard approached us. "Duke Soros has called both Clara and Aric to the VIP room with their families."
We were all puzzled. Why had the Duke summoned us? Was it because of Aric and Clara's extraordinary talents?
Without wasting any time, we headed towards the VIP room. When we arrived, there were four people and some guards in the room. My father, Garrick, was the first to speak.
"Did you call us, Duke Soros?" he asked respectfully.
"Ah, yes. You are Aric's father, right?" the Duke replied.
"Yes, Duke soros."
"And you are Clara's father?" he continued.
"Yes, duke."
"Don't be so formal. You can call me soros. That would be fine. I'll get straight to the point. The reason I called you here is because I want your children to train with my kids under the mentorship of Shane," the Duke explained.
Our eyes widened in surprise. Training with the Duke's children under the mentorship of someone as esteemed as Shane was an incredible opportunity. My father spoke first.
"Your children have shown extraordinary talent," Duke Soros continued. "Training with my children and under Shane's guidance will help them develop their abilities to the fullest. I see great potential in both of them."
"That is a great honor, Duke Soros
But why are you giving only us this opportunity, Duke Soros?" my father asked.
Duke Soros smiled. "It's very rare to have both a dual awakener and an Arcanist in our city at the same time. We want to nurture such talents. Mentor Shane has seen potential in your kids and wants to train them for Starcrest Academy."
"What?" my father and Uncle Samuel both exclaimed in unison, clearly shocked.
"Don't be surprised. I know getting into starcrest Academy is hard. For the past twenty years, no one from our city has been admitted, which has made our city a laughing stock for lacking talent.
This time, I want to send my children, as well as Clara and Aric, by training them under Shane. By looking at Aric and Clara, I see great potential in them. So, would you give us permission?" Shane interjected, looking directly at our parents.
My father and Uncle Samuel looked at each other before turning towards us. "Would you both want to train in the Duke's mansion?" my father asked.
Suddenly, I heard the Shadow's voice in my mind. "Say yes if you want to get strong. He is the right man."
After hearing this, I nodded to my father. "Yes, I want to train there."
Looking at me, Clara also nodded and said, "Yes, I want to train too."
My father and Uncle Samuel turned back to Shane. "Sir Shane, we hope you will train our kids well."
"Haha, yes, you don't have to worry. I will make your kids strong enough to get into Starcrest Academy," Shane replied confidently.
"Good. We will start the training soon. Shane will provide the details. For now, celebrate your children's success. This is just the beginning of their journey," the Duke concluded.
And just like that, Clara and I were given the privilege to train under Mentor Shane at the Duke's mansion. Our journey toward greatness had officially begun, and we were ready to seize this incredible opportunity.