As Eric had anticipated, Nathan managed to grasp the intricacies of the darkness Rune Art "Conceal" within a week. Nathan didn't find the process as easy as he thought; it turned out his talent for Rune Arts wasn't as fascinating as he had hoped.
Across Runalond, every city had a teleportation device that could transport citizens directly to the royal capital, Endnest, except for Lostburg. The discovery of direct teleportation Rune Arts about 100 years ago determined the future of Runalond's transportation methods. However, teleportation runes were overly complicated to illustrate, and every line needed to be flawless. For this reason, the capital served as a central station that connected all cities. Nathan had always found it ironic that Endnest had received its name because it was designed to be the final destination for all citizens—the ultimate, perfect home for anyone to dwell in.
Traveling to Endnest wouldn't be too difficult as long as he managed to leave Lostburg without any accidents. All Nathan needed to do was walk to the nearest city and find the teleportation device. With his invitation letter from the academy, he would be granted authorized access.
Staring at the street from the stairs of his house, Nathan felt a sudden, slight sorrow. Even though he had always wanted to explore the outside world, Lostburg was still the place he grew up. No matter what others thought of it, Nathan was willing to call Lostburg his home.
A rough, wide hand rested on Nathan's shoulder. He turned around and saw his father's smiling face.
"Nathan, it's time for you to set forth," Eric quietly stated, his eyes fixed on the street Nathan was staring at. "There are just a few things I need to tell you before you leave."
Over the past few days, Eric had seemed a little less energetic and talkative. He seemed distracted by something else, always spacing out while looking out the window. Nathan nodded and followed his father inside. There was a small rag on the table filled with some supplies and money.
"Money is basically useless in the Imperial Runes Arts Academy," Eric began as he swung the rag around carelessly. "So you don't really need to bring much except for your uniform, invitation letter, and some food. I've packed you some in case you want to buy something outside."
Nathan was fairly surprised that his father had been so organized. He nodded in acknowledgment.
"However, as a representative student, you can't just wander around looking like a poor commoner," Eric said, pulling out two shining objects from his pocket. One was a ring with a strange symbol carved on top of a blue crystal, the other was a necklace with a type of jewelry Nathan had never seen before. He couldn't tell what color it was exactly, but it emitted an ethereal, indescribable brilliance that caught his eye. Eric continued, "You can wear this ring at all times, but as for this necklace…" His voice became slightly more serious. "Only wear it in the most severe and desperate situations. It could save your life, but it's better if it stays out of others' sights."
"What exactly is that?" Nathan murmured expressionlessly, his attention still fixed on the beauty of the necklace.
After a slight hesitation, Eric responded.
"After Gideon Runaria died, a thick cover of peculiar crystals enveloped his body, forming a cocoon. The gem on the necklace is a small extract of that particular crystal."
Nathan's heart began to race. Anything related to the first Rune Artist, Gideon Runaria, was considered a precious treasure that money couldn't even buy. As for something possibly created by the result of his very Rune Arts, lasting until the modern day, he couldn't fathom how significant it truly was.
"That's about it. You should be ready for your journey," Eric said, putting the ring and the necklace into the rag and carelessly tossing it to Nathan, who caught it nimbly.
Nathan smirked in resignation. "Dad, I've lived in Lostburg my whole life. Is there not a single piece of advice you want to give your precious son before sending him to a completely unfamiliar academy filled with powerful aristocrats and possibly future governors of the entire kingdom?"
"Oh, I know you'll be just fine," Eric lazily shook his head, but his eyes were serious and determined. "Nathan, you have talents and advantages that no aristocrats could ever have. As long as you utilize them well, the experience will be nothing but a relaxing vacation."
"But if you really want some advice, I do have three important ones to guide you."
Nathan raised his eyebrows. Talents and advantages that only he possessed? Through his practice of Conceal, he had learned that he didn't have any special talents in Rune Arts. What other qualities were even important in a Rune Arts academy?
He nodded, desperate to find a hint or two from his father's words.
Eric thought for a moment and held up three fingers, one for each piece of advice.
"One, as a representative student, no one is more superior than you, and I mean no one. Respect others, but don't be afraid to mess with any of them. Don't worry about me or your mother. We won't be influenced by your actions, so feel free to do whatever you want as long as you're safe."
"Two, don't take conflicts between powerful and influential forces too seriously. Most of them are illusionary acts staged purely for the audience's eyes. You'll never have to really 'pick a side.' Everyone fights for their own, and the kingdom's, benefits."
"Three, smart people make use of their strengths, but smarter people make use of their weaknesses. Sometimes, having a weakness might not necessarily be such a horrible thing."
Nathan's facial expressions twitched awkwardly. None of Eric's advice truly made sense to him. Though simple in words, he felt like there were much deeper meanings behind his sentences.
Additionally, the mention of his mother piqued his interest. Perhaps, if his father wasn't willing to tell him who he was, he could at least gain some insight into his mother.
"Dad, before I leave, can you at least tell me who my mother was?" he asked, purposely sounding downcast.
Eric froze and smiled. "Oh, I could tell you that, but even if I don't, you'll figure it out yourself really soon. It's more interesting to uncover someone's identity through your own exploration, isn't it?" His father sounded exceptionally amused and happy when he said this.
Nathan sighed and shrugged. "Whatever."
He checked to make sure the stamped rune of Conceal was in the rag, then swung it behind his back. "Then… I'm leaving." His words were gentle and devoid of much emotion.
Eric nodded and forced a smile on his face. "Take care, Nathan. I'll be here waiting for your return."
Both Nathan and Eric had anticipated an emotional, grand farewell ceremony. But when the day actually arrived, neither of them felt the need to say more. Deep in their hearts, they had already felt the love and care they had for each other.
As Nathan walked out the door, he suddenly felt a slight tightness in his heart. Swallowing a deep breath, he turned back toward his father and lifted three fingers, one for each sentence.
"One, make sure you have your lunch and dinner on time. After I'm gone, no one will roam through the city to drag you back home."
"Two, clean the house once in a while. When I return, I don't want to see this house turned into a broken mess of a rubbish heap."
"Three, beware of the gangsters around the valleys. I don't think anyone else will take care of you if you get hurt."
"These are my pieces of advice to you, Dad."
With that, Nathan turned around, his eyes fixed on the sky. After a slight pause, he headed toward the gates without hesitation. But as hard as he tried, one single tear still fell to the ground.
Back in the house, a glimmer of light entered Eric's usual hollowed eyes. A strange expression appeared on his face—one couldn't distinguish whether it was a smile or a frown.
"Worth it, worth it…" he murmured.