Chapter 12 – Towards Etheria
At the same time, in the Kingdom of Hawks, the palace was bathed in golden light. Hawks, the hunter, had just finished his preparations to deliver his report. He strode through the vast majestic corridors before entering the great hall where King Light sat, a respected sovereign, a master strategist, renowned for his foresight and discipline.
"Your Majesty," said Hawks, bowing deeply, "here is the report on the observations and enemy movements. We have noticed unusual concentrations of troops in the northeast of the Dark Continent. Some points indicate the formation of strategic alliances between demonic factions and mercenaries."
King Light scanned the documents, his eyes examining every detail.
"Very well, Hawks. Your reports are precise and of great value. Continue monitoring their movements and inform me of any anomaly without delay. This information will be crucial for our future plans."
Hawks nodded, fully aware of the weight of his mission. Even from his kingdom, he knew that a simple report could influence the fate of the events to come.
Meanwhile, Seth and his companions stood frozen before Merlin, mouths agape.
"Wait…" stammered Seth, swallowing hard. "The Academy… it costs five million diamonds?!"
Kael dropped the book he was holding. "Five million… we don't even have a tenth of that…"
Tara sighed, hands on her hips. "Impossible. We give up. That's totally out of reach."
Merlin observed them in silence. But before they could make an irrevocable decision, Arthur appeared, wearing his calm and reassuring smile.
"Do not worry," he said in an almost brotherly tone. "I am your ally. Your enrollment and fees at the Academy of Etheria will be entirely taken care of."
"But… how?" asked Seth, incredulous.
Arthur made a light gesture, pointing to his possessions. "My fortune exceeds a trillion diamonds. An inheritance from the Empire of Britania. You will never have to concern yourselves with such expenses."
An immense relief spread across the children's faces. For the first time in a long while, they could focus only on the adventure that awaited them.
Their journey then took them to Viernes, a city located between Britania and the Kingdom of Wind, a land swept by great gusts and surrounded by wild plains. Viernes was a prosperous city, refuge of noble families and the wealthiest fortunes. Its paved streets were lined with lavish mansions, while the markets gleamed with rare and precious treasures. It was there that Seth and his friends prepared for their departure to Etheria.
However, in the shadow of a secluded office in Britania, Arthur secretly conversed with Merlin, far from the children's ears.
"Keeping Seth at the Academy is the best way to watch him," murmured Arthur. "If he turns out to have a direct link with the demons, he could become a threat. The Academy will allow us to follow his evolution and to guide him… or intervene if necessary."
Merlin nodded. "Your caution is wise. But do not underestimate him. This young man has already overcome trials few could have endured."
Arthur let out a faint smile. "Exactly. That's what makes him even more fascinating to watch."
The time of departure arrived. Glann, one of Britania's hunters, set off on a personal mission, a three-day journey, while Seth and his companions prepared for their own. The wind was brisk and fresh, and the road already promised encounters and unforeseen events.
Finally, after three days of walking, the imposing silhouette of the Academy of Etheria appeared on the horizon. Its crystal towers rose into the sky, its walls carved with ancient runes radiated a mysterious aura. Even the air seemed charged with an invisible magic.
With hearts pounding, Seth, Tara, and Kael exchanged a look — a mix of excitement and fear. They already knew the Academy would not be just a place of study. It was a field of trials, a sanctuary of discoveries… and perhaps also the stage of unsuspected dangers.
Their rise toward the elite was finally beginning.
TO BE CONTINUED…