"Headmaster, today is the day young master Trav departs for the academy," the butler reported, his voice composed but lined with reverence.
"Ah… it's today already?" the old man chuckled, his eyes gazing far beyond the stone walls of his office. "Time flies fast when you're old, doesn't it? Anyway, you shall accompany him until he reaches the academy gates."
"Understood," the butler bowed deeply, then turned on his heel without another word.
A gentle knock knock knock echoed through Trav's room.
"Young master, have you packed your belongings? We depart in ten minutes," came the familiar voice.
"I've packed them already," Trav replied, adjusting his collar in front of the mirror. "Just need a little time to prepare myself mentally."
He paused, staring into his own reflection.
Not bad, he thought. Still handsome as ever.
Descending the stairs with ease, Trav handed his luggage off to a waiting maid. The butler stood at the front door, holding it open like a silent guardian.
"Now, shall we go?"
With a flick of the reins and a shout of heyaa, the horse carriage rolled forward.
The road ahead stretched beneath a pale morning sky, and the forest passed by like a painted backdrop. Trav sat in comfortable silence for a moment—until the butler finally broke it.
"Young master, allow me to explain the current state of the house. Our allies… and our enemies. Just a little briefing to prepare you."
Trav nodded silently, eyes fixed outside.
"We currently reside in the northeastern quadrant of the Empire. This territory remains under our control thanks to your father—still a Tier 3 mage."
"Tier 3?" Trav leaned forward. "There are tiers now?"
"Yes. Ten in total. Tier 10 is the lowest. Tier 0 is the pinnacle of mortal magic. You, young master, are what we call 'untested.' When you reach the age of eighteen, you'll be tested to determine your affinity and potential."
Trav leaned back, absorbing the information. His world, once filled with trivial worries and curious vanity, was beginning to shift.
"There are rival families who stand beside or even above us," the butler continued. "First, the Ixi family—a merchant clan. The patriarch is only a Tier 4 mage, but his wealth could single-handedly trigger an economic collapse if mishandled."
"Money over magic," Trav muttered. "Interesting."
"Indeed. Then there is the Augi family—a clan of brutes and madmen. Their leader is a Tier 3 gauntlet mage, known for valuing raw strength above all else."
"So we still hold power," Trav said with a grin. "Territory, a Tier 3 patriarch, and influence."
"Yes," the butler said gravely. "But the headmaster… is old and ill. The moment he falls, that power may crumble like wet stone."
A silence settled over them. The road continued on, uncaring.
"Can you tell me about singularities?" Trav asked, breaking the tension.
"Of course. Singularity is the phenomenon where mana from the sky condenses into a point, forming a 'core'—and from there, energy flows into the body. The location of the singularity determines the mutation."
Trav raised an eyebrow. "Mutation?"
"For example," the butler said, "the Eye Singularity. In this case, mana travels through the body and settles within the eyes. But to awaken it, one must experience deep trauma… hatred… or despair. Whether by fate or design."
Trav's face twisted—half disgust, half horror. "That's… graphic. Just hearing about it makes me sick."
"As it should. Such mutations are common among dark magicians."
Suddenly, the carriage began to slow.
"Oh," the butler said softly. "We've arrived."
Trav blinked. "Already? That was fast."
"You closed the curtains, young master. You wouldn't notice even if the world flipped outside. And… the horse pulling us is a special one."
"Special?"
"It has undergone a rare mutation. A Feet Singularity. Enhanced speed, unmatched stamina."
Trav's eyes widened. "Wait… so animals can have singularities too?"
"Indeed. But it is exceptionally rare. One in a hundred thousand, if that. Consider yourself lucky to have witnessed one."
As the academy gates loomed before them, Trav felt a shift in his chest. The world he knew was expanding—and within it, strange things stirred.