The room fell into a heavy silence as Rayden's words echoed through the space. The determination in his voice made it clear that this decision was final. A few of his friends tried to speak, but the resolve etched on his face silenced them.
Rayden forced a smile, though his face trembled, betraying the emotion he tried to hide. "It's my dream," he began, his voice gentle yet firm. "We're all destined to walk the paths we choose, no matter how difficult the choices on the way are."
He chuckled, the sound shaky and unsure. "Why do you all look so miserable? Annoying Rayden Asher won't be around to pester you anymore." His attempt at humor was undercut by the uncertainty in his voice. Shun couldn't tell if Rayden was smiling or frowning—his expression was a mixture of both.
Jaylen broke the silence, his voice soft and slow, "Who will accompany you?"
Rayden wiped the tears from his eyes, trying to maintain his composure. "No one. I want to see the world with my own eyes. Maybe one day, when I'm too old and tired to travel, I'll return. I just hope you'll all still be here, and that you'll remember me."
His voice faded, choked by emotion, and his friends were at a loss for words. They didn't want to discourage his dream, but they couldn't bring themselves to encourage him to leave either.
Shun stepped forward, breaking the silence. "The world is small, Rayden. Perhaps, before you return, we'll find you."
His voice deepened, carrying both a threat and a promise. "Good luck on your journey, Rayden Asher. We'll forgive all the trouble you've caused us, but if you die out there, that's something we'll never forgive."
Osward White stood up slowly, his eyes hollow and distant. "I'm tired. Let's get some rest before tomorrow's ceremony." His words were heavy, and everyone followed him out, their footsteps echoing in the now-quiet room. Only Fiana and Rayden remained, sitting in silence.
"Are you really leaving?" Fiana whispered.
"Yes," Rayden replied, his voice only slightly louder.
"Can I come with you?"
Rayden's eyes widened in surprise. "I thought you wanted a peaceful life, without the burden of battles."
Fiana looked at him, her tearful eyes meeting his. "I want a peaceful life—with you."
Rayden's disbelief was evident, but his eyes softened as he sighed. "Why…? You've never shown any affection toward me before."
Instead of answering, Fiana stood up and pressed herself against him, her body warm against his. The silence between them spoke louder than any words could have.
Rayden wrapped his arms around her, after a short while, his voice broke the stale silence, "If you want to come, then come. I'll make sure you have a peaceful and comfortable life."
The warmth between them began to melt the barriers between two seemingly distant souls.
...
Shun lay awake in his room, staring at the ceiling. His mind, usually filled with calculations and plans, was occupied by a single, persistent thought that had taken root after his conversation with the king. He couldn't shake the feeling that the legacy of the 0th Complete Ethereal Warrior hadn't disappeared. It had simply been passed down—to him, the heir of Sirius Xshasi.
The king had described Sirius's power as the ability to transfer and distribute others' ethereal arms, but Shun had always sensed there was more to the story. His own power, the ability to take others' ethereal arms as his own, seemed to be a more evolved, perhaps truer, version of Sirius's ability.
But how could an ethereal arm, so unique to each individual, be inherited? This question gnawed at him. The only one who might hold the answer was Elysia Eukanorn. Everything would become clear once he found her.
As his thoughts swirled deeper into the truths of history and himself, sleep claimed him before he could reach a distinct conclusion.
…
The 14 students of SIGMA Academy stood in a solemn line before the grand staircase leading to the central royal palace. Rayden and Fiana had already departed on their own perilous journey, whether their fates intertwine again or not lays in the hands of the gods. The remaining students felt incomplete without Rayden's loud, irritating, yet undeniably positive presence among them.
Their somber reflection was interrupted by the sudden appearance of several ethereal warriors at the top of the staircase, the surprise almost causing them to gasp. King Eldran stood among them, though as the ruler, he lacked the time or the right to take an apprentice of his own.
Shun searched the crowd for Violet Remoria but didn't find her. Instead, he noticed Glynn Belkarn, who smiled and nodded at him, a gesture that seemed to tell him the significance he hold towards him and his clan. Shun began to understand Glynn's respect for him, suspecting that he might be the only other person than Elysia who knew the truth about Sirius Xshasi and his abilities.
"Future stars of the kingdom," King Eldran announced solemnly, his voice authoritative, despite the more casual tone he'd used with Shun before. "This is your time to choose your path. And for the complete ethereal warriors who wish to continue their legacy, these students offer a worthy choice."
The king turned to the warriors beside him. "Do any of you have a preference?"
Glynn Belkarn stepped forward, his smile confident. "All of them are welcome to join the Belkarn Clan, where they will be granted the rank of 'Bearers.'"
The heirarchy within the Belkarn Clan consists of six different ranks:
Apprentices, the youngest members of the clan, chosen at an early age for their potential. These children are rigorously trained in the ways of the clan, with a strong emphasis on discipline, combat skills, and loyalty. Those who fail to meet the standards are usually discarded.
Affiliates, approved members who have successfully completed their apprenticeship. Entrusted with various missions and responsibilities that come with respective rewards. Able to enjoy most of the privileges and equipments of the clan.
Bearers, Elite members who are entrusted with the clan's most important secrets and objectives. Bearers are directly aligned with the clan's five distinct sectors, each of which focuses on a specific aspect of the clan's operations(Combat, Strategy, Economy, Relations and Informations).
Representatives, Core members who serve as the face of the Belkarn Clan within their respective sectors. Representatives are the embodiment of the clan's ideals and are often involved in high-stakes missions that require both skill and diplomacy. Highly respected both inside and outside of the clan.
Heads, The leaders of each of the five sectors, all of whom are complete ethereal warriors. Heads hold significant authority within the clan and are recognized as nobles within the kingdom.
Shadows, The most mysterious and enigmatic members of the Belkarn Clan. Shadows are an elite force of warriors who answer only to the grand head of the clan. Even the King has limited knowledge of their true nature.
It was unusual for the Belkarn Clan to even participate in apprentice selection, let alone offer newly joined members such a high rank. But in this formal setting, no one dared to express their surprise.