Arlsan led Aida out of the dungeon and back into the castle. As they walked through the dimly lit corridors, Aida's mind replayed the challenges he had faced.
As they reached Aida's quarters, Arlsan stopped and turned to him. "There will be more tests and challenges ahead. You must continue to hone your skills, both physical and mental."
"I understand," Aida replied, he knew this was Arlsan's way of showing that he cared.. "I will continue to train and study. Thank you for this opportunity." After all, he was about to delve into a field that wasn't conventional to Royals.
Arlsan gave a curt nod. "Rest now. There will bring new challenges going forward, but for now, you've earned a moment of respite."
With that, Arlsan departed, leaving Aida to his thoughts. He collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion mingling with a sense of accomplishment. As he lay there, his eyes grew heavy, and he quickly fell into a deep, restful sleep.
Hours later, Aida awoke to the harsh light of afternoon sun filtering through his window. He stretched and was about to get up when a knock came at his door. He opened it to find a royal guard waiting.
"Prince Aida, His Majesty, King Thallan, requests your presence in the council hall," the guard said.
Aida nodded, quickly dressing in his formal attire and made his way to the council hall.
Upon entering the hall, Aida found King Thallan waiting. The king stood by the grand window, gazing out at the sprawling grounds. When he noticed Aida's presence, he turned and looked at him with a mixture of pride and seriousness.
"Aida," Thallan began, his voice carrying a note of authority and warmth. "I wanted to personally congratulate you on passing the Imperial Knight Captain's test. Your performance was commendable, and you've shown great promise. He had nothing but praise for you."
"Thank you, Father," Aida replied, bowing slightly. "It was a challenging test, and I am grateful for the opportunity to prove myself."
King Thallan's expression grew more serious. "However, I must also caution you about the path you are choosing. The study of magic, especially for a royal, comes with its own set of dangers and responsibilities. It's a discipline that requires great care and discernment."
Aida met his father's gaze, his resolve unwavering. "I understand the risks, Father. I am prepared to face them. As a royal, I won't bring shame to our family by going at this with a half hearted resolve."
Thallan sighed, his concern evident. "Very well. If you are set on this path, then I will support your decision. I have arranged for someone to guide you in your studies."
With a gesture, Thallan signaled to the door of the hall. It opened to reveal Archmage Lorian, who stepped into the room with a dignified presence.
"Aida, this is Archmage Lorian," Thallan introduced. "He will be your mentor during your studies. I trust he will provide you with the guidance you need to course through the complexity of magic."
Lorian nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze both warm. "It is good to see you again, Aida. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your goals."
Aida smiled and bowed respectfully to Lorian. "Thank you, Archmage. I am eager to begin my training under your guidance."
Thallan placed a reassuring hand on Aida's shoulder but said nothing. "Go see your mother before you leave."
"I will, Father," Aida said with a nod and bowed to the two before leaving.
As Aida exited the council hall, his mind was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts about his forthcoming magical training. As he made his way through the castle, he couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement.
The study of magic would open up a lot of doors to him. He wasn't sure what exactly, but he had an idea. Which ardent anime watcher wouldn't have so many skills they'd like to make reality when given the opportunity?
He reached the royal quarters and knocked lightly on the door of his mother's chambers. After a moment, the door opened, and he was greeted by his mother, Queen Elysia.
He still wondered why his mother didn't like maids attending to her but he didn't bother to think too much about it. He didn't also like it as he felt they impeded on his personal space.
"Aida, dear, come in," Elysia said, stepping aside to let him enter.
He walked into the elegantly decorated room, filled with soft light and a calming ambiance. Elysia gestured for him to sit on a nearby sofa.
"Mother," Aida began, settling onto the sofa. "Father has summoned me and given his blessing for my magical studies. Archmage Lorian will be my mentor."
Elysia's eyes shone with a mix of pride and concern. "I am proud of you, Aida. Your willingness to pursue such a path is admirable in itself. I did try once in my youth, but gave up. That is why I understand your father's concern. Magic, while powerful, comes with its own set of dangers."
Aida nodded, although curious as to how dangerous magic could be, he said. "I understand, Mother. I am prepared for whatever lies ahead. I want to prove myself not just as a royal but as someone capable of mastering this discipline."
Of course he didn't. However, he was a royal and had to speak in such a manner to drive his point home.
Elysia reached out and took his hand, her touch gentle and reassuring. "You've always been strong-willed and capable. But remember, magic is not just a tool but a responsibility. The power you seek to wield can affect many lives. Approach it with the respect it deserves."
"I will, Mother," Aida promised, his voice firm. "I won't let you or Father down."
'But isn't that the case for any form of power?' Aida thought as he said that.
She smiled warmly at him. "I have no doubt you will succeed. Just remember that you have our support. And if you ever need guidance or a listening ear, we are always here for you."
Aida squeezed her hand gently. "Thank you, Mother. I will keep that in mind."
With a final, reassuring embrace, Elysia released him. "Now, go and prepare yourself for this new chapter. I'm sure you'll do great."
As Aida left his mother's chambers, he thought of saying goodbye to his elder sister but quickly discarded that idea. There was no way Lyra wouldn't throw a tantrum.
He was basically going to something similar to a Boarding school where he'd have to stay till he became a certified mage. This means he had three levels to surpass before he could return home.
If he went and met her, he wouldn't leave today. And since he didn't hold much weight in the Imperial Court, no one would really care or notice his absence.
With that in mind, he made his way to his quarters where he put together a few things in his small box and placed it on his shoulder, however upon leaving his room, the maids and guards all panicked at the sight.
"Your Highness! You mustn't!" Alina, his personal maid, immediately ran up to him and fell to her knees while clinging to his leg. "I don't know what transpired with His Majesty, but you mustn't run away from the Palace. The world out there is Dangerous."
Aida couldn't stop the wry smile that climbed his face at the sight. "Get up Alina. Your posture is disgraceful for someone who serves me." He ordered but she refused vehemently.
"That's impossible, your Highness! You'd have to walk over my dead corpse before I'll allow you to run away from the Palace!"
"You're embarrassing me, Alina. Get up, let me explain."
"I refuse! First put down your luggage, then I'll be assured,"
"Alright. Here." Aida said and dropped the box only for Alina to jump from her kneeling position, picked up the box and jumped away from Aida's reach.
"You.." Aida began but sighed. "It's like this…"
…
After what seemed like an hour spent in trying to make Alina understand what was going on, Alina finally gave in, but was persistent that she'd follow him wherever he went.
Aida didn't know The Magic Tower's rules so he couldn't promise her anything, however upon meeting up with Lorian, he said that it wasn't a problem, however, she would be his responsibility.
Aida accepted this readily and as soon as Lorian was sure everything was in order, he tapped his staff on the ground causing a magic circle to appear and engulf them.
Aida's eyes widened as the intricate design of the teleportation circle began to glow. A mixture of curiosity and apprehension flickered across Aida's face, the sight of such advanced magic leaving him momentarily breathless.
As the spell took hold, Aida felt a disorienting sensation of spatial displacement. It was as if the world around him had been stretched and compressed in an instant, a peculiar feeling that tugged at his very sense of self.
His stomach churned, and he felt a brief, unsettling weightlessness before his feet were firmly planted once more. His breathing came in short, sharp bursts as his body adjusted to the sudden shift in space.
When the magic circle's light faded, Aida's awe was palpable. Before him stood the Magic Tower, a magnificent structure of gleaming Stones and Crystals that reached high into the sky.
The tower seemed to pulse with a living energy, its walls adorned with symbols and runes that glowed softly. The surrounding landscape was lush and serene, an ethereal atmosphere enveloping the area.
"Are you ready, Aida?" Lorian asked, his tone measured and calm.
Aida took a deep breath and nodded. "I am ready. Let's begin."
Lorian nodded and then led him into the tower where the next chapter of his life would begin.