The Northern sun had dipped low, painting the sky in molten gold and crimson streaks as Kael and his companions followed the servant through the rolling hills toward the Duke's mansion. The air was crisp, and even Zephyr's steady wingbeats seemed quieter, as though the wind itself recognized the weight of the moment.
Kael's thoughts churned in restless anticipation. So this is my grandfather… the one my father never spoke of. And now he wants us at the Academy. What's waiting for us there?
Amara sat beside him on Zephyr's back, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Kael… are you sure we're ready for this?" she asked softly.
Kael glanced at his sister. Her voice trembled only slightly, but he knew the strength within her was immense. "We don't have a choice, Amara. This is our family, our blood. And if this is how we bring Dad back… we'll face it together."
Below them, the Duke's mansion finally rose from the hills, its spires cutting through the evening sky like silver daggers. Guards opened the massive doors, allowing them entrance into the grand hall, where warmth from torches and the faint scent of polished wood and stone filled the air.
At the center, seated on an ornate throne, was Duke Eldran Eldrath. His silver hair shimmered in the torchlight, eyes sharp yet carrying a hidden softness reserved for family alone. He rose as Kael approached, voice resonating through the grand hall.
"Kael Eldrath, Amara Eldrath… welcome."
Kael felt his heart constrict. He remembered the stories his father had whispered of the Northern lands, the weight of nobility, and the authority of his grandfather. Now he stood face to face with the man who had been waiting decades to see him and his sister.
"Grandfather…" Kael began, but the word caught in his throat.
The Duke smiled, though a hint of sadness lingered. "Yes, Kael. I am Eldran Eldrath, your grandfather. Your father, Aelric, may have left us years ago, but he is my son, and you, my grandchildren, carry the blood of Eldrath within you. This is why I have summoned you."
Amara's eyes widened, and she instinctively stepped closer to Kael. "He… he's our grandfather?"
"Indeed," Eldran replied. "And I have waited long to meet you both. But time is short, and there are matters requiring your attention." He gestured to a long table set with maps, documents, and intricate magical devices. "First, I wish to see you both trained at the Northern Academy. There, you will learn skills necessary not only to survive, but to excel, to awaken your full potential, and to face the challenges that the world—and fate—will place before you."
Kael's brow furrowed. "We've trained… quite extensively already. I—"
The Duke's gaze was firm. "Your training has been commendable. But the Academy will offer more than what even your forest can teach. And perhaps," he added, softer now, "through your growth, your father might finally return to his family, to the lands he abandoned in search of freedom."
Kael's mind flashed back to his father's stories—the man who had left the noble house in anger and disappointment, choosing a life of humility and freedom, yet always filled with love for his children. Now, Kael and Amara were being asked to act as bridges, to tempt their father back into a world he had chosen to leave behind.
The Duke motioned for the servant to bring forward a sealed parchment. "Before your arrival, we received news of a dungeon that appeared near the Everflowing Blackwood. It is a place of great magical energy and peril. The elves sent word through a messenger pigeon, detailing the awakening of a Supreme System… one that belongs to you, Kael."
Kael's fingers itched toward the hilt of his sword. The memory of the dungeon, of the cave pulsing with mana, and the awakening of the Ultimate Supreme System, made his pulse quicken. "The dungeon… it is dangerous, yes. But we are ready."
"You are more than ready," the Duke assured him. "But preparation is key. Hence, my request: study at the Northern Academy. Learn, strengthen, and grow. You will meet other talented individuals, seniors who have honed their craft to the peak of human and magical capability. It is imperative that you understand not only your own potential, but the strength of alliances, strategy, and the broader powers at play."
Amara leaned forward, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Grandfather… will you be teaching us?"
The Duke's gaze softened. "I will guide you, but much of your growth will come through training, observation, and interaction with the Academy's students and mentors. There are many individuals there—experienced, powerful, and cunning. You will learn from them as much as from me."
Kael's attention sharpened. "Who will we meet there? Are they… capable?"
A faint smile touched the Duke's lips. "You will meet seniors of remarkable talent, each with a specialty that will challenge and guide you. There are twenty who I consider exemplary across all classes—mages, knights, warriors, assassins, explorers, and more. They are the best of the Northern Academy."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, before naming each one:
Mage Class: Ray Tudor, 3-star Fire Mage; Tex Arthur, 4-star Water/Ice Mage.
Knight Class: Jat Arthur, 2-star Guardian Knight; Zalie August, 3-star Guardian Knight.
Blacksmith Class: Velor Alexander, 4-star Hammerder; Merisa Ada, 3-star Smelter.
Assassin Class: Nefion Andrew, 3-star Shadowblade; Brie August, 2-star Phantom.
Beast Taming Class: Pallius Alice, 1-star Beastlord; Emera Albert, 2-star Warden.
Alchemy Class: Rillon Talbot, 8-star Innovator; Ingra Howard, 5-star Innovator.
Explorer Class: Quok Pyraxis, 4-star Scout; Pallas Volthar, 6-star Ranger.
Blackmega Class: Rein Borin, 7-star Necromancer; Dorila Borin, 10-star Warlock.
Warrior Class: Ragnar Darius, 2-star Soldier; Isolde Drevak, 4-star Gladiator.
Archer Class: Mordain Dawnguard, 5-star Sniper; Zareth Frostclad, 1-star Hunter.
Kael's mind raced, analyzing the names, classes, and potential strengths. "So… these are our seniors," he murmured.
"Yes," the Duke confirmed. "They will test you, guide you, and push you beyond your limits. And for you, Kael, the awakening of the Ultimate Supreme System will be the cornerstone of your journey. You will need every advantage to master it, to push past thresholds others cannot even approach."
Amara glanced at her brother, worry and excitement warring in her expression. "Kael… it sounds overwhelming."
Kael's lips curved into a grin, one born of confidence and the thrill of challenge. "Overwhelming or not… we'll face it. Together."
The Duke nodded approvingly, then turned to a more solemn topic. "There is one matter I ask of you both, as grandchildren and Eldraths of the Northern Territory. Convince your father, Aelric, to return home. The lands are yours by right, your family waits, and your presence might finally guide him back."
Kael's chest tightened. This was a delicate task. Their father had chosen a life of simplicity, yet now the Duke sought to sway him with his grandchildren.
Amara's hand brushed Kael's. "We'll find a way, Kael. We have to."
He nodded, his mind already calculating the steps ahead. "We will, Amara. But first… the Academy."
With that, the Duke dismissed them, granting leave to travel to the Northern Academy and meet their future mentors and challengers. Kael and Amara left the mansion, the weight of responsibility heavy but tempered by the fire of determination.
As they mounted Zephyr and soared over the Northern lands, Kael felt the stirrings of the Ultimate Supreme System in his mind, whispering of quests, challenges, and the limits waiting to be broken. This journey was only beginning, and every step forward would define their strength, their bonds, and the legacy they were destined to inherit.
And high above the lands, where the winds carried whispers of magic and destiny, Kael Eldrath smiled. The game had only just begun.