Two years passed in what felt like the blink of an eye, though for Leon, each day had been a test of patience and perseverance.
Lord Draymir's lessons were relentless, his critiques sharp, and his expectations unforgiving. Yet, under the grumpy old mage's guidance, Leon had made progress, no matter how small.
Mikel, of course, excelled at everything. His mana control was near flawless, his runework was precise, and even the most complex theories seemed to stick in his mind without effort.
Leon admired him, but every achievement Mikel reached seemed like a reminder of how far Leon still had to climb.
Now, standing at the gates of Draymir's estate, Leon felt a mix of excitement and dread.
"Finally!" Mikel said, throwing his bag over his shoulder. His voice was as cheerful as ever, his blue eyes bright with anticipation. "We're off to the academy! I can't wait to see what it's like!"
Leon adjusted the strap of his own bag, glancing back at the mansion one last time. It had been the first place in years that felt even remotely like a home, though he'd never truly shaken the feeling of being an outsider.
"You'll do fine," Draymir said, breaking Leon's thoughts. The old mage stood behind them, his expression unreadable.
"Remember, the academy isn't a place for fools or the faint of heart," Draymir continued, his sharp gaze flicking between the boys. "It will push you harder than anything I've done here. But if you stay disciplined and work hard, you'll come out stronger."
"Yes, Grandpa," Mikel said with a mock salute.
Draymir rolled his eyes. "And you, Leon."
Leon straightened instinctively, his heart pounding.
"You've improved," Draymir said, his tone softer than usual. "But you have a long way to go. Don't expect the academy to go easy on you because of your circumstances. If anything, they'll be harsher. You'll need to be resilient."
"I will," Leon said quietly.
Draymir nodded, then handed each of them a sealed letter bearing his personal rune. "These are your official recommendations. Guard them with your life. Without them, you won't get through the gates."
"Got it!" Mikel said, tucking his letter into his bag with a grin.
Leon held his letter carefully, the weight of it pressing down on him like a physical burden.
The carriage that awaited them at the estate gates was nothing short of luxurious. Its enchanted frame shimmered faintly in the sunlight, the runes etched into its surface pulsing with a steady rhythm. As Leon and Mikel climbed inside, Leon couldn't help but feel out of place.
The plush seats and enchanted interior were a far cry from the cold streets he'd grown up on. Even after two years of living at Draymir's mansion, the contrast still left him uneasy.
Mikel, however, lounged comfortably, propping his boots up on the seat across from him. "This is going to be amazing!" he said, grinning at Leon. "Just think—no more Grandpa breathing down our necks. We're finally free!"
Leon managed a small smile, though his stomach churned. He wasn't sure if freedom was the right word.
As the carriage began to roll away, Leon glanced out the window to see Draymir standing at the gates, watching them leave. The old mage's expression was as grumpy as ever, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes—pride, perhaps, or worry.
Mikel waved enthusiastically, shouting, "Bye, Grandpa! Don't miss me too much!"
Draymir muttered something under his breath and turned back toward the mansion.
Leon stared after him, the knot in his chest tightening. For all his gruffness, Draymir had given Leon more than just food and shelter. He'd given him a chance—a chance to prove himself, even if the odds were against him.
The road to the Aetherion Institute wound through picturesque countryside, the rolling hills and sparkling rivers making the journey feel almost magical.
As the carriage rattled along, Mikel talked nonstop about what he thought the academy would be like. "I bet the classrooms will be huge, with glowing runes on the walls! And the professors—do you think they'll be like Grandpa? Or worse?"
Leon nodded along, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He couldn't stop imagining the challenges that awaited him.
Draymir had said the academy would be harder than anything he'd faced so far, and Leon didn't doubt it.
He'd barely kept up with Mikel during their lessons at the mansion. How could he possibly keep up with an entire school of talented students?
The carriage jolted suddenly, and Mikel laughed. "Careful, Leon! Don't get too lost in your head, or you'll miss everything!"
Leon forced a small smile, but the unease lingered.
As the carriage crested a hill, the Aetherion Institute came into view, and Leon's breath caught.
The academy was enormous, its towering spires reaching toward the sky like fingers of stone. Glowing runes lined the walls, their light casting a soft glow over the sprawling campus. Enchanted gardens surrounded the main building, their trees shifting colors as if alive.
"Whoa," Mikel breathed, his eyes wide.
Leon nodded silently, his chest tightening. It was both awe-inspiring and intimidating, a reminder of just how far he was from where he'd started—and how far he still had to go.
The carriage rolled to a stop at the grand gates, where a stern-looking mage stood waiting.
"Welcome to the Aetherion Institute," the mage said, his sharp gaze sweeping over the boys. "Present your letters."
Mikel handed his over with a flourish, grinning confidently.
Leon hesitated for a moment before carefully pulling his letter from his bag. The mage studied it briefly before nodding.
"You may proceed," he said, gesturing toward the gates.
As the gates opened, Leon stepped through with Mikel by his side. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking into a whole new world—one that might swallow him whole.