After our meeting with Duke Soros, we headed back home. As soon as we arrived, I ran to my room and locked the door from inside.
"Alright, now you can talk to me," I said, eager for answers.
"Oh, so all this was to talk to me in private?" the Shadow replied, amusement evident in its tone. "Don't worry, Aric. Even if I spoke with you in front of people, they wouldn't hear me. Only you can hear me."
"Okay, I get it. But how can an element talk?" I asked, still puzzled.
"That's because I am special," the Shadow explained. "I think I'm the strongest ability."
"Okay then, now what? How can I use your powers?"
"Don't worry about that. After you start your training at Duke's mansion, I will teach you everything. For now, you are exhausted. You should sleep. Tomorrow you can begin your training."
"Yes, I think you're right. I am really exhausted. Good night, Shadow," I said, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over me.
"Good night, Aric," the Shadow replied.
I lay down on my bed, my mind buzzing with all that had happened. Despite my excitement, exhaustion quickly took over, and I drifted into a deep sleep, ready to face whatever challenges awaited me the next day.
I woke up early, too excited to sleep any longer, eager to understand my new powers. Running downstairs, I saw my mom already busy with her morning chores.
"Good morning, Mom!" I greeted her cheerfully.
"Good morning, honey. Are you excited for the training at the Duke's mansion?" she asked with a warm smile, pausing her work to look at me.
"Yes, Mom, I am really excited!"
"Fufufu, okay then, don't waste your time. Clara should be waiting for you."
"Yes, Mom. Bye, see you later!"
"Yes, honey."
I hurried out of the house, my heart racing with anticipation. Outside, my father, Uncle Samuel, and Clara were waiting for me, their expressions mirroring my excitement.
"Oh, here he is. I was just about to call you, Aric," my dad said, his voice filled with pride.
"Sorry, Dad, I was late."
"Don't worry, son."
"It's okay, Aric. We also came not too long ago," Clara added, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Okay, we shouldn't waste any more time. Let's go."
We set off towards the Duke's mansion. The streets were bustling with people, all abuzz with the news of the recent awakenings. As we approached the mansion, its grandeur took my breath away. The towering walls, intricate designs, and the sprawling gardens were unlike anything I had ever seen. It was as grand as the luxurious bungalows of the rich families on Earth, if not more so. Guards were stationed at the gates, their stern faces scanning everyone who approached.
One of the guards stepped forward, blocking our path. "Hey, what is your business here?"
"Duke Soros has called us here for training our kids," Uncle Samuel explained, trying to keep his tone respectful despite the guard's hostile demeanor.
The guards exchanged amused glances and burst out laughing.
"Haha, did you hear that, Vale? They think they're here for training."
"Haha, do you think this is a place for you to train?" the other guard mocked, his eyes glinting with disdain.
My father stepped forward, undeterred by their laughter. "We have been summoned by the Duke himself. Let us through, or inform your superior."
The guard with the mocking smile sneered, "Who do you think you are? Do you think you're some noble to get the privilege to train inside the Duke's mansion?"
Just as my father was about to respond, a commanding yet familiar voice rang out from behind. "What do you think you are doing?"
The guards immediately straightened up, recognizing the voice. "Oh, it's young miss Sara," one of them said, bowing. "They are causing trouble here, young miss, saying they are here to train, so I was just going to shoo them away."
Sara walked up to the guards, her eyes flashing with irritation. "But they are telling the truth. They are really here for training."
"Ah, I didn't know that, young miss. I apologize," the guard stammered, his bravado evaporating under Sara's stern gaze.
"How can you be so clueless? You can't even verify if they are telling the truth and were just going to shoo them away without informing your senior?" Sara scolded, her voice sharp with reprimand.
"I am sorry, young miss," the guard said, his voice filled with regret as he bowed even lower.
"Don't apologize to me; apologize to them," she instructed, pointing towards us.
The guard turned towards us, his face flushed with embarrassment. "I apologize for my behavior. I should have verified your claims instead of dismissing you."
"Don't worry, young miss. We are not offended, so they don't have to apologize," my father said, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Alright. Now open the gate and let them in," Sara commanded.
"Yes, young miss," the guard responded, quickly opening the gate for us.
"Let's go father and teacher are waiting for you" said sara in a respective tone
We walked through the gates, grateful for Sara's intervention. The grandeur of the mansion was even more impressive up close. The pathway was lined with meticulously maintained gardens, filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Fountains with intricate carvings adorned the landscape, and the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.
Sara led us through the courtyard and into the mansion. The interior was just as awe-inspiring as the exterior. Marble floors gleamed under the sunlight that streamed in through tall, arched windows. Chandeliers hung from high ceilings, casting a soft glow over the elegantly decorated rooms. Rich tapestries and paintings adorned the walls, depicting scenes of valor and history.
We were guided into a spacious hall where Duke Soros and Mentor Shane awaited us. The Duke stood with an air of authority, his presence commanding respect. Mentor Shane, with his wise and intense gaze, watched us closely, as if assessing our potential even before the training began.
"Welcome," Duke Soros said, his voice deep and resonant. "I am pleased to see you all. Today marks the beginning of an important journey for your children."
"Thank you for this opportunity, Duke Soros," my father replied, bowing slightly. "We are honored and grateful."
"Let us not delay any further," Mentor Shane interjected. "There is much to be done, and time is of the essence."
"Alright, Duke, Soros, and Mentor Shane bid their farewells as Uncle Samuel entrusted us to our new teacher.
"Make sure to take good care of our children," Uncle Samuel said.
"Oh, don't worry, they are like my children now from today onwards,"Mentor Shane replied. As they said their goodbyes, we stood in front of our new teacher, ready for the journey ahead.