"The Keito Institute is renowned as the top magus academy globally. Graduates from Keito Institute are typically at least sixth-rank magi, with many reaching the seventh rank. If our Reshin clan could produce a seventh-rank magus, we'd have a chance to reclaim our lost ancestral heirloom," Kazuki said eagerly, his gaze fixed on Renji. Renji could sense the weight of Kazuki's expectations. "The loss of our ancestral heirloom is a stain on our honor that must be erased," Kazuki continued. Renji felt the burden of this loss deeply, reflecting on the pride he took in his ancient lineage as a member of the Dragonfire Warrior clan. The clan's inability to recover the Divine Sunderer was a great source of shame, one that had haunted Kazuki and the elders. Unfortunately, the Reshin clan was not yet strong enough to retrieve it.
"Keito? The legendary Regal Saint of the Light Church?" Kaiya Tanaka interjected, surprised. "What's the matter, Grandpa Kaiya?" Renji asked, puzzled. "Everyone in the Sacred Alliance knows about the legendary Regal Saint Keito. His influence is immense," Kaiya Tanaka explained. Renji was familiar with Keito's history—how he had elevated the Light Church and founded the Sacred Alliance.
"I didn't realize Keito achieved such greatness," Kaiya Tanaka mused. "You knew Keito?" Renji asked, surprised. Kaiya Tanaka nodded, "Keito was a prodigy who reached the Saint level in his fifties, but by then, I was already at the pinnacle of the Aerthos continent. At that time, Keito was still making his mark. He was a promising newcomer compared to my long-established status." Kaiya Tanaka, as a Saint-level Grand Magus, was considered one of the greatest, while Keito had not yet reached his level of renown. "I didn't expect Keito to achieve so much after my time," Kaiya Tanaka said with a faint smile. Renji felt immense respect for Kaiya Tanaka, recognizing the fortune of having such a powerful mentor.
As dinner continued, the atmosphere in the Reshin manor was cheerful. "In a week, I'll have Uncle Draven escort you to Solara Kingdom City for the magus testing and recruiting event," Kazuki informed Renji with a smile.
"Yes, Father," Renji replied. "I'm sure you'll be accepted into one of the top magus academies," Housekeeper Haruto said with a chuckle. "Top academies! That's amazing!" Little Kenji, his hands smeared with food, waved excitedly. Kazuki, however, reminded Renji that becoming a magus is challenging, and entrance to the Keito Institute is particularly difficult. "If you become a magus, I'll be satisfied, regardless of the academy," Kazuki added. "I won't disappoint you, Father," Renji assured, confident in his rank as a first-rank magus.
Seven days later, Renji lay on the grass in the back courtyard, the little Umbramouse hopping around him and squeaking persistently. Renji, preoccupied with his upcoming departure, stroked the Umbramouse's head. "Stop fussing. I'm leaving for the capital tomorrow and will be attending a magus academy soon. We might not see each other for a while," he said. Bringing the Umbramouse to a magus academy would be impractical, as it would likely be subdued and tamed by others.
The Umbramouse sniffled softly, seemingly understanding Renji's words. "You don't even know what I'm saying," Renji said with a chuckle, brushing the Umbramouse's fur. He had grown fond of the little creature over the past month. The Umbramouse, content with the attention, relaxed and squeaked softly.
The next day, after lunch, Kazuki stood in the front courtyard, addressing Renji with a stern look. "Dragonspire Village is close to the capital—about ninety kilometers. You should reach it before nightfall. Remember, don't cause any trouble in the capital; there are many influential people there." "Yes, Father," Renji replied with a bow. Kazuki then turned to Draven, instructing him to take care of Renji. Draven nodded, reassuring Kazuki. "Alright, you may go," Kazuki said with a smile.
"Goodbye, Father," Renji said respectfully, then turned to little Kenji. "Kenji, I'm leaving now." Kenji waved sadly, "Big brother, bye-bye!" Renji glanced back at the courtyard, thinking he would miss feeding the Umbramouse. Draven called, "Renji, let's go!" "Yes, Uncle Draven," Renji replied, following him as they left the manor.
From atop the manor's roof, the little Umbramouse watched Renji and Draven leave. Confused by the change in routine, it followed them silently, moving swiftly across rooftops until it had left Dragonspire Village.