The Coronation Ceremony had concluded, and the crowd and participants were beginning to leave the Colosseum.
"Why is everyone looking at me like that? Are they afraid my power might harm them as the White Mage suggested?" I thought, noticing the anxious expressions on their faces and their reluctance to approach.
They seemed to be keeping their distance, many whispering about me among themselves.
I chose to ignore their reactions and made my way out of the Colosseum.
King Gabriel stood from his seat. "Albion!"
"Yes, my lord?" Albion bowed his head as the King spoke.
"I want you to keep an eye on that boy," the King said as he walked away.
"Understood, my lord," Albion replied. The boy... I never expected him to have it.
During my journey, I encountered Sophia, Alex, and Elisia waving at me. I felt a surge of joy at seeing my friends again.
"Eizan... I was so worried about you," Sophia said, embracing me gently when I arrived.
"I'm sorry, Sophia. I promise I won't make you worry again," I said, cherishing the moment.
"You idiot... I thought I'd never see you again," Alex said, wiping his nose as if he couldn't believe I had survived.
I smiled at him. "Everything is fine, Alex. I'm back with you all." I clenched my fist toward him.
Sophia released her embrace. "You must promise me that you won't do anything like that again."
"I promise, Sophia," I said, smiling at her. She returned my smile with her beautiful gaze.
"That was really intense. I thought you'd be injured by your own Mana, Eizan. There was so much chaos while you were trying to gain your first Element," Elisia said.
"I'm sorry... I'll try to make up for all the chaos someday," I said, feeling guilty for almost causing them harm.
"But I'm glad you're okay, Eizan. That's what matters right now," Elisia said, visibly relieved.
"Eizan... What will you do next?" Elisia asked about my plans after the Coronation Ceremony.
"I'm thinking of going to the Kingdom and enrolling in Axeris Academy." Everyone was surprised by my statement.
"What? Axeris Academy?" Sophia looked very excited about my words.
"Yes... I think I can develop my potential there," I said, considering it essential to control my newfound powers to prevent future incidents.
"But getting into that academy is very difficult. You need to pass several tests," Alex said, seeming doubtful.
"That's true. Among all the academies on the continent, Axeris Academy is the best that's been around for 240 years," Elisia added.
"I believe I can get through it. After all, we must take risks in life, right?" I tried to convince them to join me in applying to Axeris Academy.
"Then I'll go with you, Eizan..." Sophia said, looking at me with determination.
I knew she would probably get in without needing to take the tests, given her talent.
"Besides, I don't want to leave you alone. I especially don't want something like today's incident to happen again in the future," Sophia said, appearing a bit embarrassed after saying this.
"Ahahahaha, alright, Sophia. We'll definitely get into the academy together," I said, thrilled by her words.
"Huffftt, you're really stubborn, huh? But that's what makes you Eizan," Alex's remark made us all laugh together.
"Then, Eizan, Sophia, and I will head back to the Kingdom," Alex said, preparing to return to the Kingdom that night.
"Alright," I said, extending my hand.
He extended his hand back, and Elisia did the same.
"Then we'll be waiting for you at the academy, Eizan and Sophia!" Alex said enthusiastically.
I smiled at him. "Of course, you'll definitely see us again."
Alex and Elisia eventually walked away, waving goodbye as they left. We did the same, and soon after, we each returned to our homes.
"Sophia, get ready for tomorrow. We'll be leaving for the Kingdom," I said.
"Alright, I'll borrow a horse from Uncle Sam," Sophia replied.
Before we parted ways, Sophia asked me, "By the way... Didn't your mother come to the ceremony today?" She looked around, searching for my mother who was nowhere to be seen.
I put on a glum expression upon hearing Sophia's question. Considering it was such an important day, my mother didn't come at all. "No, Sophia... My mother didn't come this time," I said, lowering my head as I walked home.
Sophia felt guilty after asking. "Oh... I'm sorry, Eizan. I didn't mean to make you sad."
"It's alright... I'll tell her about the Element I obtained today," I said, lifting my head and smiling with renewed enthusiasm.
Sophia smiled back. "In that case, let me know... I'll come to your house around 9 tomorrow after asking Uncle Sam and Aunt May for the carriage."
"Alright," I agreed promptly.
Sophia and I went our separate ways. Once I got home, I recounted everything that had happened that day but didn't reveal to my mother what Element I had received. I also told her about my plans to attend Axeris Academy.
"Eizan, are you sure about this choice?" My mother asked, concerned about my decision to venture away.
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll pass the entrance. Once I do, I'll send you a letter, and I'll visit whenever I have free time," I reassured her.
"Alright then... I'll always pray for you from afar," she said, smiling.
"Thank you, Mom!"
After telling her my plans, I asked, "Why didn't you come to the Element Ceremony?"
My mother answered with a sad smile, "I'm sorry, Eizan... I couldn't attend your ceremony because I find it hard to see you looking so much like your father." She looked deeply saddened.
Throughout my life, I never truly knew who my father was, but my mother always said I resembled him. "Ah... I see. It seems Dad was very significant to you."
One day, I really want to find out about my father's whereabouts. I hope it would make my mother happy if I find him and bring news of our reunion. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll definitely find and surpass him someday."
Hearing my response, my mother had nothing more to say. I walked to my room and closed the door behind me. I stood by the door for a moment, looking at the family photo on the bedside table.
In the photo, it was just my mother and me—no one else. I lay down on my bed.
That night...
I couldn't sleep, filled with anticipation for the next day and my quest to find my father.