"Eldric, you're an elf, right?"
Eldric, caught off guard by the sudden question, blinked. "Yeah, why are you asking that?"
When Lucas first met Eldric, he couldn't immediately tell he was an elf because of his ears. Compared to Sebastian's sharp, elongated ears, Eldric's were strikingly different.
Eldric's ears looked like a blend between human and elf.
"Well, I was just wondering. Your ears are a lot shorter than Sebastian's. When I first saw you, I honestly thought you were human. Do elves' ears get longer as they age?"
Eldric paused, considering the question before answering. "Actually, no. My ears are shorter than my grandfather's because my father was human and my mother was an elf. So, I'm basically half-human."
Lucas's eyes widened in shock. "Your father was a human?!"
"Yeah."
Lucas had assumed Eldric's father was an elf, especially after hearing Sebastian's stories about how Eldric's parents had sacrificed their lives for this land. Reflecting on the tragedy and the loss Eldric endured, Lucas's expression softened. He wondered how lonely Eldric must have felt growing up, with only Sebastian by his side.
"Eldric… uh, I heard from Dr. Sebastian what happened to your parents. I just wanted to say, you're a really great guy. And I really think you should give up on your revenge against the dragon that killed them."
Eldric looked taken aback.
"Thanks, Lucas, but… who told you I'm seeking revenge?"
"Uh, Dr. Sebastian did. Why?"
Eldric chuckled, shaking his head. "That damn old man! He's always jumping to conclusions."
Lucas tilted his head, confused. What does he mean?
"What do you mean, Eldric?"
Eldric turned to meet Lucas's gaze. "I'm not after revenge," he said calmly. "I made a promise to my mom and dad that one day, I'd become a powerful mage. My goal is to become the Archmage Supreme of the Avaloria Kingdom."
Lucas blinked, his confusion growing. Archmage Supreme? Avaloria Kingdom?
At least he's not chasing revenge, Lucas thought with relief.
"Uh, sorry, Eldric… but what does Archmage Supreme mean?"
Eldric stared at him, wide-eyed.
"Seriously? Don't tell me you've never heard of the Avaloria Kingdom either!" He sighed. "Whatever, I'll explain. The Archmage Supreme is the title given to the strongest mage in Avaloria, the greatest kingdom in this world."
Lucas's jaw dropped. "The greatest kingdom in this world?!"