Days passed as the Golden Legion helped to heal the wounded and rebuild what was destroyed during the Orc invasion. Neo was still recovering from his injuries but he did what he could to assist in the recovery efforts. As he sat under a tree, watching the people go about their business, a messenger approached him with news that his grandparents were on their way and would arrive within a few hours.
Neo felt a mixture of emotions as he waited for them. He was happy to see them but also felt a sense of unease. He wasn't sure if he was ready to face them and talk about the tragedy that had befallen their family. His mind was filled with memories of his parents and the friends he had lost, and he couldn't shake the feeling of grief that consumed him.
As he waited, Neo noticed that he had lost the carefree joy he used to have. He wasn't completely numb to his emotions, but he needed time to come to terms with what had happened. He knew that it would take time to heal and that the wounds of the past couldn't be easily erased. So, he sat there quietly, lost in thought, waiting for his grandparents to arrive.
Watching the world below him with a sense of detachment. As he gazed out at the world, he felt a sudden surge of energy within him. It was as if his heart was evolving, expanding, and opening up in new ways. Neo had heard of such things happening to some people, and he knew that it meant that he was awakening his magical potential.
With a sense of wonder, Neo closed his eyes and focused on the energy within him. It felt like a swirling vortex of wind and fire, each element vying for dominance within him. Neo knew that he needed to find balance, to harness both elements and use them together.
As he concentrated, Neo felt the wind pick up around him, rustling the leaves of the tree and blowing through his hair. He could feel the energy of the wind flowing through him, and he welcomed it.
Then, as if in response to his desire for balance, a small flame appeared in his hand. Neo watched in amazement as the flame danced and flickered, fueled by his own magic. He felt a sense of power and control that he had never experienced before.
With newfound powers, Neo stood up on the branch and leapt off, soaring through the air as if he were weightless. The wind carried him effortlessly, and he felt the heat of the flame in his hand. He felt alive, free, and powerful.
As he landed back on the ground, Neo knew that he had truly become a low first heart mage. He was now a master of the wind and fire elements.
As Neo was exploring his new-found abilities, his attention was drawn to a carriage that was slowly making its way towards the encampment. He squinted to get a better look and saw the symbol of his grandparents' house emblazoned on the side.
Neo approached his grandparents' carriage with a stoic expression, his newly awakened powers making him feel more confident and aware of his surroundings. His grandmother, relieved to see him alive and well, rushed to embrace him. "Everything is okay, child. You are safe now," she whispered, holding him tightly.
Meanwhile, Neo's grandfather observed his demeanor and could sense that something had changed within him. His usually talkative and emotional grandson was now quiet and cold-blooded. As Neo's grandfather looked into his eyes, he saw a different kind of intensity and purpose, a sign of the trauma he had endured and the power he had gained. He placed a hand on Neo's shoulder and nodded, silently acknowledging the profound impact the recent events had on him.
After the emotional reunion, Neo, his grandparents, and their retinue made their way back to the family estate. The journey was quiet and uneventful, with Neo remaining stoic and his grandparents respecting his need for solitude.
When they arrived at the estate, Neo's grandparents showed him to his new room, which was adorned with dark oak furnishings and a large window overlooking the gardens. Neo silently unpacked his meager belongings and began to settle in, while his grandparents went about their own business.
In the days that followed, Neo kept mostly to himself, exploring the estate and practicing his newfound magical abilities in private. His grandparents respected his need for solitude and gave him the space he required, though they often checked in on him to ensure he was doing well.
Despite his cold exterior, Neo appreciated their concern and began to slowly open up to them. They would often spend time together in the garden or by the fireplace, talking about their past experiences and sharing stories.
As time passed, Neo began to feel more at home in the estate and with his grandparents. Although he still struggled with the memories of his past and the trauma he had endured, he found solace in his new life and the responsibilities that came with it.
In the evenings, the three of them would often gather for dinner, enjoying the delicious meals prepared by the estate's chefs. They would discuss the day's events and plan for the future, with Neo slowly opening up and sharing his own ideas and opinions.
Eventually, Neo's grandparents decided to enroll him in a prestigious magical academy called the Emerald Academy when he was twelve, where he could hone his skills and learn more about the world of magic and swordmanship.
The Emerald Academy is renowned throughout the human realm as the premier institution for those seeking to become knights or mages. The academy is located in the heart of the capital city and has been in existence for centuries, serving as a hub for the development of human knowledge and magic.
The curriculum at the academy is comprehensive, covering everything from the fundamentals of swordsmanship and horseback riding to the intricacies of magical theory and practice. Students who attend the academy are required to complete a rigorous training regimen that tests both their physical and mental abilities.
The academy is led by a council of esteemed professors and knights who are respected throughout the realm for their knowledge and expertise. These individuals are responsible for shaping the curriculum and ensuring that the academy remains at the forefront of human education.
One of the unique features of the Emerald Academy is its approach to teaching magic. Unlike other institutions that focus solely on the development of magical ability, the academy recognizes the importance of physical training and combat proficiency. As a result, students who attend the academy are expected to develop both their magical and combat skills simultaneously.
The academy also boasts an impressive library, which contains a vast collection of books and manuscripts on topics ranging from the history of the human realm to the most advanced magical theories. In addition to its academic resources, the academy also has access to a wide range of magical artifacts and enchanted weapons that are used in training exercises.
Overall, the Emerald Academy is the pinnacle of human education and a source of pride for all who attend or have graduated from it. Its reputation as the best academy in the realm is well-deserved, and those who attend can expect to receive a world-class education that will prepare them for whatever challenges they may face in the future.
Neo was hesitant at first, but after some persuasion from his grandparents, he agreed to go.