In the early morning, soft rays of sunlight filtered through the window of the room where Onar sat with Zoser. The atmosphere was heavy with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. Onar looked into Zoser's eyes, her gaze reflecting both wisdom and fear, as if she knew this moment would be pivotal in his life.
She spoke in a calm yet firm tone:
"Zoser, the academy is no ordinary place. It is full of conflicts and rivalries. You will encounter those who will try to break you and those who will attempt to exploit you. Do not trust anyone easily, and always keep your strength and secrets safe."
She took his hands, looked directly into his eyes, and added:
"You will face hunger and exhaustion, but determination and resilience are your true weapons. Remember, fighting is not just a physical skill; it is strategy and planning. Your mind is always your strongest weapon."
After a brief moment of silence, she handed him two new daggers, saying with a proud yet warning smile:
"These daggers are my gift to you. But do not use them until you reach the rank of a fighter. Until then, keep them as a personal treasure that no one else should see."
The daggers were masterpieces. Their ebony wood handles were adorned with golden hieroglyphic engravings, and their blades were slender, glinting with a faint silvery glow. At the base of each blade, a sky-blue gemstone emitted a faint light whenever Zoser touched them, as if they were responding to his spiritual energy.
She then gave him a golden ring, engraved with the design of the Eye of Horus in the center, surrounded by intricate carvings representing the feathers of Ma'at. A small emerald stone in the middle of the eye emitted a subtle glow upon touch. Despite its brilliance, the inner side of the ring was polished and smooth, enhanced with hidden enchantments that could only be activated by Zoser's spiritual imprint.
Onar spoke in a stern tone:
"This ring is a very precious tool. It is not merely an ornament, but a means to store your tools safely. Do not let anyone see it, and if someone discovers its function... eliminate them immediately, no matter who they are."
She taught Zoser how to use the ring and place his spiritual imprint on it. When he tried it for the first time, he saw the daggers vanish into the ring as if they had been enveloped in a small whirl of light. Zoser felt a mixture of awe and excitement, as if doors to a new world were beginning to open before him.
Later, Onar sat with Zoser to talk to him about Thebes, the royal system, and the various political powers. She spared no detail, sharing information that might help him understand the complexities awaiting him. Before leaving, she looked at him with a sad smile and said:
"Get some rest, Zoser. The road is long, and the journey will not be easy."
As the time for departure drew near, Zoser went to inform Orion and Lena of his leave. He stood before them, trying to conceal his unease, and said:
"Orion, Lena... I'm sorry, but I have to go. The academy might be my only chance to understand what's happening to me... and perhaps find a way to set things right."
Lena placed her hand on his shoulder and said with a smile that carried both sorrow and pride:
"Don't apologize, Zoser. We understand. This is an important step for you, but... are you sure you're ready? The academy is not an easy place."
Orion, in his usual calm voice, said:
"We've seen your strength and courage, but the academy is full of experienced and powerful people. Remember our advice: don't trust anyone easily, and keep your secrets safe."
Zoser nodded and said:
"I promise I'll be careful. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I'll miss you both so much."
Lena responded with a sad smile:
"And we'll miss you too, young one. But don't forget, we'll always be here for you."
Orion, with a playful smile, said:
"If you face any trouble, just remember Lena and I have your back... even if we're far away."
The next morning, everyone gathered at the town gates. The air was filled with mixed emotions. Zoser held onto the ring Onar had given him, feeling its weight despite its small size.
Lena stood beside him, placing her hand on his shoulder and said:
"I know you'll be fine. Just don't forget to come back one day. We are your family."
Orion patted his head and added with an encouraging smile:
"Learn, fight, and achieve your dream. But most importantly... return to us strong and safe."
The ruler, Aminos, stood at a distance, observing the scene silently. When the moment of departure approached, he stepped forward, looking at Zoser with a serious gaze full of trust:
"Are you ready?"
Zoser nodded firmly, then climbed into the carriage, which was pulled by second-rank apex beasts.
Inside the carriage, he found Kaira sitting, reading a book filled with illustrations of plants and herbs. He greeted her before taking his seat, gazing around the interior.
The inside of the carriage was like a moving palace. The walls were draped with royal crimson silk embroidered with golden designs of sacred plants and animals. The seats were upholstered in fine leather with soft cushions, while the floor was covered with a handwoven carpet in warm hues. On side shelves, books and ancient scrolls were placed, some sealed with golden threads.
As the carriage began moving, Zoser took a deep breath, looking out of the window at the town of Karios, now left behind. He felt a mix of fear and anticipation, but he clutched the ring tightly, determined to face whatever awaited him at the academy.
Thus, Zoser embarked on his journey toward a new destiny, where the royal academy awaited him with all its secrets and challenges.