As the sun rose once more, Cael knew it was time to set off.
He hid the black dagger in his boot and tucked a few Orin Coins into the pocket of his tunic. With his large cloth pack thrown over his shoulder, he stepped outside.
Pausing at the door, he glanced back at the empty space behind him. Though simple and modest, this hut had once been the home of the original owner. As a child, the original owner had carefully arranged and organized the place.
For Cael, it had been his only refuge when he first arrived in this world—a place to rest and catch his breath. Leaving now, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance in his heart.
With mixed emotions, Cael gently closed the door behind him and took a few steps forward. That's when he spotted his aunt Nadia and Sebastian walking toward him.
Cael had always liked his aunt. Though she seemed tough on the outside, she was actually kind and thoughtful. As the original owner's only family, Nadia had taken great care of him. It was likely her love and attention that allowed the original owner to grow up peacefully in this world.
Cael walked over and gave Nadia a deep bow. He wasn't good at expressing himself and often found it hard to know how to properly thank her.
Nadia seemed taken aback by his gesture, but soon, a mist of moisture filled her eyes. She opened her arms and pulled Cael into a tight embrace.
"Good boy, you've done well. When you get to Aetherium, make sure to pass the trials, get into the academy, and study hard." Nadia's voice was both gentle and resolute.
"Mm..." Cael's voice faltered, the lump in his throat making it hard to speak.
Just as this tender moment between Nadia and Cael was unfolding, Sebastian, who had been standing off to the side, suddenly interrupted:
"Cael, can I speak with you privately for a moment?"
Cael couldn't help but roll his eyes inwardly, thinking: this musclehead really has no sense of timing! But, still, he followed Sebastian to the side.
"Why are you here today?" Cael asked, his tone cold.
"About the sparring..." Sebastian didn't answer Cael's question. Instead, he asked the one that was clearly on his mind:
"Do you know the location of my energy core?"
Cael was stunned by the sudden question. For a moment, his breath caught in his throat, and his chest tightened.
"How did you know?" Sebastian closed in, his gaze sharp, as if trying to find the answer on Cael's face.
"No one should know the location of my energy core."
"I... I just... it was just... a coincidence." Cael stammered, his voice tight, almost tripping over his own words.
"Coincidence?" Sebastian's tone became more forceful, the pressure in his voice almost suffocating: "You expect me to believe that?"
"..."
"And why did I feel my energy draining so quickly after you touched my core? Normally, energy transfer doesn't happen that fast!" Sebastian continued, his eyes filled with suspicion and confusion.
"..."Cael was speechless.
"What are you hiding?" Sebastian's voice dropped to a low growl, carrying an anger he couldn't fully mask.
Cael clenched his jaw, finally deciding to strike back:
"If you noticed all this during the sparring, why did you still let me pass the entrance exam?"
"I…" Sebastian was clearly caught off guard by the question, his tone growing quieter.
"I just..." Sebastian took a step back, suddenly turning away from Cael, his head lowered. He seemed to be fighting to control his mixed emotions.
"I may be a fighter, but I also recognize and cherish talent... I didn't want you to waste your potential…"
He turned back around, his gaze firm as he met Cael's eyes.
"I hope you'll learn useful skills at the academy, then come back to Voltwood and join the Guard to protect the village."
Cael was momentarily stunned by the sudden intensity of Sebastian's gaze. It was the first time a grown man had looked at him so directly, causing him to instinctively lower his head, a flush of embarrassment creeping onto his face.
Sebastian took a step forward, patting Cael on the shoulder with a smile.
"Alright, I'll keep your secret. But you'd better study hard at the academy. Back in my day, I graduated as the top of my class! And look at me now, just returned to the village and became the Guard Captain... Hahaha…"
Cael rolled his eyes inwardly. These muscleheads, always looking for a chance to show off! He didn't say anything else, simply nodding in response.
----------
On the rural path, Cael and Rowan walked side by side. Both had large cloth bags strapped to their backs, and Cael carried a smaller bundle that belonged to Rowan. Since Rowan's arm was injured, so he couldn't carry anything, even though he had plenty of gear.
They walked in silence, the air heavy with unsaid thoughts.
Cael's mind replayed the farewell scene: his aunt's advice, the concern in Rowan's parents' eyes, and Sebastian's words.
Earlier, after Sebastian had pulled him aside and asked how he'd discovered the location of his energy core, the conversation ended with Sebastian giving a serious warning:
"I don't care how you learned someone else's energy core, but when you get to Aetherium, don't you dare steal anyone's energy again."
"The people in the city are nothing like those in the village." Sebastian added, his tone growing more serious.
Not long after, Cael saw Rowan step out of the house. Along with him not only his father, whom Cael had already met, but also his mother.
Rowan's mother was slender, fragile-looking, and appeared delicate, yet her beauty was unforgettable. Despite the marks of time on her face, it was clear she had once been a stunning woman. Cael glanced at the system screen, which displayed her name: "Callum".
Her gaze lingered on Cael for a moment before she stepped forward. It seemed she had much she wanted to say, but in the end, she remained silent. She simply handed him a package wrapped in oiled paper.
"These snacks... you can eat them on the road." she said softly, then gently reached up to stroke Cael's cheek.
"Take care of yourself when you get to Aetherium City. And if you don't pass the entrance exam, it's okay. Just come back." her words were gentle, her voice low but full of concern.
Cael understood that the original owner and Rowan had been close friends for many years, so it was no surprise that Rowan's mother treated him with extra care. Still, in that moment, her actions made Cael feel something strange.
Her gaze lingered on Cael, deep and complex, filled with an emotion that almost seemed like "pity". It wasn't the usual concern—it was more like a sorrowful, almost painful look.
Cael didn't understand why she was looking at him in that way.
Regardless, Cael and Rowan continued on their journey to Aetherium City together.
They had no idea what awaited them, nor could they be sure they'd pass the entrance exam and make it into the academy.
To reach Aetherium City from Voltwood Village, they had to pass through a small town called Virelia Town. The journey would take about three to four days on foot.
They had set out early in the morning, and by now, it was already afternoon.
Cael had never walked such a long distance in his previous life. But oddly enough, he didn't feel the usual exhaustion. Perhaps it was due to the energy coursing through his body—he only felt the surge of power, keeping him alert and light on his feet.
"Are you tired?" Cael asked, turning to Rowan.
"No... not at all." Rowan replied, shaking his head: "I actually feel pretty excited."
"Why's that?" Cael asked, intrigued.
"Because going to the academy has always been my biggest dream." Rowan said, his voice brimming with anticipation.
But then his expression dimmed, and he added: "But... I'm not sure if I'll pass the final test."
His gaze dropped to his right hand, heavily bandaged, and he fell silent for a moment.
"It's okay, you'll make it. I'm here with you!" Cael said, trying to comfort him. His gaze also lingered on Rowan's injured hand. Thinking about how it had happened because of him, guilt stirred in his chest once again.
"I wonder what the final test will be like? Will it be something like back in the village hall, where we had to directly compete with the examiner?" Rowan asked, his voice carrying a hint of nervousness.
As they chatted while walking, a sudden sound of hooves pounding the ground quickly approached from behind.
Both of them turned at the same time, only to see a carriage speeding toward them from the distance.
The carriage was tall and elegant, made of dark red wood, its surface adorned with intricate dark gold patterns. Its roof was lined with metal trim, hinting at the wealth and luxury of its owner.
Two sleek black horses galloped swiftly, with the coachman—clad in a dark cloak—driving with steady skill. It was clear that the carriage belonged to someone of high standing.
The carriage sped by quickly, kicking up a cloud of dust as it passed them.
"Cough, cough..."
"Cough, cough, cough..."
The dust hit them full force. Cael and Rowan quickly covered their mouths and noses, coughing as they sidestepped to avoid it.
As the carriage disappeared into the distance, Rowan waved his hand in front of his face to clear the dust and muttered:
"Well, rich people sure are different! Even their carriages are so fancy!"
Cael, however, didn't share Rowan's lighthearted mood. His clothes were covered in dust, and as a clean person, he found it especially uncomfortable. He slapped his hands against his clothes, trying to shake off the dirt, his face showing clear displeasure.
This was the first time Cael truly felt the overwhelming divide of "class" so sharply. Back in his previous world, there were obvious differences between the rich and the poor, but they had never been this immediate and striking as they were now.
After shaking off the dust, Cael continued walking, while Rowan, full of excitement, rambled on about the things rich people liked to eat and use. Cael, however, wasn't very interested and only nodded occasionally in response.
After walking for a while, they suddenly noticed that the carriage they had seen earlier had stopped by the side of the road.
Both of them were a bit confused but didn't think much of it, planning to just walk around it.
"Wait!"
Just as they were about to pass the carriage, a man's voice called out from inside. The door slowly creaked open.
Both Cael and Rowan instinctively glanced toward the carriage. The spacious carriage had two rows of seats facing each other. A man and a woman sat on opposite sides. The height of the carriage made it difficult for them to see the faces of the passengers clearly.
The man inside spoke again: "Are you Cael Zesterein and Rowan Wyndel?"
Cael was still wondering how the man knew their names, while Rowan quickly responded: "Yes, sir."
"Get in." the man said.
"May I ask who you are...?" Cael asked, still confused.
"Just get in. We're headed to Aetherium too. I'll give you a ride." the man urged.
"Alright!" Rowan replied without hesitation. He placed his left hand on the side of the carriage and stepped up onto the stairs.
"Wait..." Cael's heart skipped a beat. How can this kid be so reckless? He just climbed into someone else's carriage without a second thought.
Although Cael instinctively wanted to stop Rowan, it was already too late. He quickly changed his mindset, thinking to himself, I have the "golden fingers" abilities. Even if something goes wrong, I can handle it. With that thought, he climbed into the carriage as well.
The carriage was spacious, but the two people who had been sitting across from each other had now moved to one side, squeezing together.
Rowan took a seat opposite them, and Cael sat next to him. They placed their cloth-wrapped bags on the floor, making the already spacious carriage feel a little cramped.
Once seated, Cael finally got a clear look at the two people inside and noticed the information displayed on the screen next to them.
Sitting directly across from Cael was a girl around his age, dressed with great care. Her brown hair was braided into two strands and tied up with a pale yellow ribbon. Her large, bright eyes sparkled with life, and her small, delicate lips added to her charm.
She wore a dark green cloak over a fine yellow linen dress, and delicate leather shoes on her feet. At feet sat a leather bag, bulging as if it contained quite a bit of stuff.
The system information displayed next to her read:
[Name: Lilith Brighton]
[Element Clan: Thundaris]
[Energy Value: 2,876 VT]
Next to her sat a middle-aged man, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and sporting a thick, handlebar mustache. His system information showed:
[Name: Vesper Shadewalker]
[Element Clan: Thundaris]
[Energy Value: 4,520 VT]
Cael couldn't help but feel a surge of shock. Their energy levels were impressive, especially the girl—she was around his age and yet had a staggering 2876 VT! If it weren't for his "golden fingers" that doubled his energy, his own energy level would never have exceeded 2,000 VT.
"Excuse me, sir, may I ask why you're headed to Aetherium? And how do you know our names?" Rowan asked the middle-aged man sitting across from him.
"Cael Zesterein and Rowan Wyndel—those names were on the list from the village entrance exam. The village council posted the announcement." the man answered coldly.
"And you are...?"
"My name is Vesper Shadewalker, and this is Miss Lilith Brighton. She also passed the village exam and is on her way to Aetherium for secondary academy. We happened to cross paths and decided to offer you a ride." Vesper explained briefly.
At that moment, Lilith, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. Her voice was sweet, but there was a hint of displeasure in it.
"Vesper, I told you not to bring them along. But you didn't listen."
"Miss, they might be your classmates soon. They could even help you in the future." Vesper responded, then turned to Cael and Rowan:
"We're helping you now, and I'm sure you'll return the favor later, right?"
Rowan quickly nodded: "We're really grateful for the ride."
Cael, however, felt an awkward tension in the air. As someone who wasn't good at socializing, he wasn't comfortable being stuck in a small space with strangers, especially with the awkward atmosphere hanging over them.
The young lady, on the other hand, seemed proud and distant, her gaze fixed firmly on the outside of the window, as if she didn't want anything to do with them.
Cael instinctively followed her gaze and looked out the window. Rowan appeared to still be chatting with Vesper, but Cael wasn't in the mood to listen.
The awkwardness in the carriage lingered as the coach continued its journey. Then, suddenly, Cael noticed something strange outside the window.
"Huh?" Lilith, who had been staring out the window the whole time, also let out a surprised sound.
A moment later, her voice trembled:
"It's... it's the exotic beasts!"