Chapter 8: The Road to the Dukedom
As Kain sat quietly in the carriage, his thoughts drifted back to his hidden sanctuary—his spatial dimension. Over the past two years, it had evolved beyond even his own expectations. What had started as a small, controlled space had grown into something far more intricate, thanks to his careful planning and the tireless work of his android, Techno.
The dimensional pocket now housed a multitude of improvements. Techno had created a fully functioning workshop, stocked with various tools, advanced machinery, and the fifty worker bots Kain had designed to assist with all the tasks Techno couldn't handle alone. From resource gathering to minor repairs, the bots made everything more efficient. Kain smirked to himself, thinking about how well everything had come together. The dimension had turned into more than just a sanctuary; it was his personal fortress, hidden from the prying eyes of this world.
With a mental command, he could monitor the progress inside his dimension even while sitting in the carriage. The bots were busy crafting new tools, expanding the dimensions of the space, and organizing the weapons and kits he and Techno had been developing. The most recent additions had been upgrades to his father's weaponry—though his virtual toolbox had limitations on living beings, it had no restrictions on objects. Kain had enhanced his father's sword, armor, and utility gear, making Darren better equipped for any future adventures.
But all of that felt distant now as the carriage rumbled along the road toward the Duke's estate. Kain leaned back against the cushioned seat and allowed his eyes to drift toward the girl sitting across from him. Aria Venroa. She hadn't spoken much since they'd left the capital, but her violet eyes had flicked toward him more than once, as if trying to size him up.
He didn't mind. Aria was certainly talented—her dual-element magic awakening had impressed him during the ceremony. Fire and wind, two of the more potent elements, would give her an edge in the years to come. But Kain wasn't concerned about her power. He could tell she was still trying to figure out what kind of person he was.
Deciding that the silence had stretched on long enough, Kain turned his head and spoke in a calm, even tone. "Lady Aria, I assume you are excited about your awakening."
Aria looked up from the book she had been pretending to read, her gaze sharp and assessing. "I could say the same for you, Kain. Advanced sword techniques at your age? That's not something you see every day."
Kain nodded, keeping his tone respectful. "Thank you, my lady. I've trained for a long time, and it seems my efforts have borne fruit. Your awakening was equally impressive, dual elements are a rare gift."
Aria closed her book, leaning forward slightly, her voice softening but still formal. "Power is one thing, but mastering it takes time. I assume you're aware of that?"
Kain maintained his calm demeanor, aware of the hierarchy between them. "Indeed, Lady Aria. Raw strength is only as effective as one's control. I've been training for as long as I can remember, so I believe I will manage."
Aria studied him for a moment longer, her expression contemplative. "You seem quite self-assured for your age. How did you prepare yourself for this journey?"
Kain's gaze shifted toward the window of the carriage, watching the rolling hills and forests pass by. His thoughts flickered to his mother, Elena. They hadn't had a tearful goodbye or any dramatic farewells. The conversation about him leaving had already happened long before he and his father made their way to the capital. His mother had been pragmatic about it, just like his father. She knew that if the time came for Kain to leave for something greater, it would be in his best interest.
"My mother and I discussed this possibility before we left for the capital," Kain said, his tone steady and respectful. "She understood the potential opportunities that could arise. Thus, I did not feel the need for an extended farewell."
Aria raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by his calm, even tone. "That's… a mature perspective for someone your age."
Kain smirked inwardly. If only she knew. While his outward appearance was that of a handsome seven-year-old boy, he was anything but a typical child. His mind, shaped by years of experience and the advanced technology of his virtual toolbox, was far beyond what anyone in this world could comprehend. Playing the part of a child was simply easier for now.
"My mother believed this day would come," he continued. "It was best to prepare for it in advance, to spare unnecessary emotion during the transition."
Aria seemed to mull that over, nodding slowly. "Still, leaving home… it's a significant step."
Kain glanced at her, noting the faint hint of homesickness in her voice. Aria, despite her noble status and powerful awakening, was still a young girl far from her family. He supposed it made sense that she would feel a bit uncertain, even if she tried to hide it behind her confidence.
"You're from the Duke's family," Kain said, changing the subject again. "How often do you visit the estate?"
Aria's expression became more guarded, though she answered readily enough. "Not often. I spent most of my time at a different family residence, training with tutors. This is the first time I'll be living at the main estate."
Kain nodded, filing that piece of information away. It seemed both of them were stepping into new territory. While Aria was already familiar with the world of nobility, living at the Duke's estate would still be a new experience for her, just as it was for him.
The carriage jolted slightly as it passed over a small dip in the road, and Kain glanced out the window again, his mind briefly returning to his spatial dimension. He could feel the bots continuing their tasks, organizing everything in preparation for his next visit. Everything was running smoothly. There was nothing to worry about.
As the carriage rolled on toward the distant horizon, Kain leaned back and closed his eyes, letting the conversation with Aria fade into the background. There was still much to do, and though he knew this path would require patience, it was one he was ready to walk.
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