It was that time of the year again—when Ray had to bid farewell to his family and head to the academy. After the awakening of Princess Alice, he hadn't left the Walkers' residence at all. He wanted to spend these last precious days with his mother before leaving.
A quiet heaviness hovered over the manor, the kind that appears before an unavoidable goodbye.
Ray decided that for these final days he'd live the life of a mortal.
No formations. No talismans. No sword practice.
Just… life.
Except for some morning stretches and exercise—he'd die before letting his body slack off—he wanted to simply exist beside his mother, his third mother, and his father, who would almost certainly try to drag him into training.
Not this time, Ray thought. Mother can deal with him.
They spent their days playing games Ray had brought from other worlds: puzzles, rock–paper–scissors, Monopoly, and chess.
Laughter spilled constantly throughout the house. Even the servants slowed their steps, warmed by the sound.
They read books about this world and exchanged theories about ancient history and distant kingdoms.
Ray sometimes caught himself forgetting his destiny, his power, the danger around him… and simply felt like a son.
They ate dishes Ray cooked—fried rice, noodles, steak—food bursting with smells unfamiliar to this world. Even Robert wandered into the kitchen at times, sniffing the air like a curious beast.
Crystal-vision shows came next. Ray always complained, but his mother and third mother ignored him.
He was trapped nightly between them, suffocated by dramatic scenes, blinding tears, loud laughs, and endless gossip.
This is worse than fighting a duke's child, he thought as he pressed a palm to his forehead.
They did so much more—shopping in busy markets, tasting foods at random shops, and riding a hot-air balloon to admire the scenery.
Ray relentlessly complained that he had to pay for everything.
"You two are supposed to pamper me!"
But both Selene and Diana smiled knowingly. He was the richest among them.
So the money kept leaving his pouch.
The three of them were glued together day and night. Even at bedtime, Selene and Diana came to hear the bedtime stories Ray told.
He always slept last, watching them drift off peacefully.
A small part of him wished time would freeze right then and there.
Ray also spent time with his father. He followed Robert into his office and observed how he spoke with officials, signed documents, and handled the household matters with firm, calm authority.
Ray watched as Robert visited each of his wives, checking if they needed anything, then met his older children and guided them through training or life advice.
Ray realized that being the head of the Walker family meant far more than power—it meant never forgetting anyone.
Days blurred together, too brief, too precious.
And as always, time refused to slow down.
Soon, the last day arrived.
Selene and Diana packed Ray's luggage, refusing to let him help.
Diana even dragged Aunt Mary—Ray's maid—because she knew exactly where Ray hid everything.
Ray sat helplessly on a chair as the three women fluttered around him.
Is this what it feels like to be treated as fragile?
He didn't hate it.
That night they had dinner together in Ray's room. Ray cooked an entire feast—multiple dishes, each crafted with care.
They talked, laughed, and teased each other, savoring each moment as though trying to store the memories in their hearts.
Morning came too soon.
The four of them—Ray, Diana, Selene, and Robert—boarded a hot-air balloon and lifted toward the academy.
The higher they rose, the quieter the world became. A gentle breeze brushed their clothes. No one spoke.
Ray stared at the endless sky.
My last quiet moment before everything changes.
Robert finally broke the silence.
"Son," he said, voice steady but tinged with reluctance, "from tomorrow onward you will be going to the academy. And you will not be allowed to come out unless you reach the Wood Stage. That will take a year or two. I will miss training you. You better do training in the academy."
Ray smiled gently. "I will, Father."
Inwardly, he added, I'll make you proud.
Selene went next.
"You must take care of yourself first. And do not get in trouble. Wherever you go, trouble follows you, so be careful. Call home from time to time. I packed some extra talismans and a few more things to practice into your backpack."
Ray nodded and hugged her.
"Thank you, third mother."
She squeezed him tightly, unwilling to let go.
Then Diana stepped forward, sadness clouding her eyes.
"I feel like becoming a kangaroo and keeping you in my pouch, but you will learn nothing that way. You're mature now, capable of taking care of yourself. But like Selene said, always be careful. And call or leave a message sometimes."
Ray hugged her. "No worries, Mother. I will."
He felt her shoulders tremble. A tear slipped down her cheek before she hid it, pretending nothing happened.
Ray's throat tightened.
Hours later, the academy came into view.
Magic creatures flew across the sky, shimmering under the sunlight. Dozens of hot-air balloons crowded the air, preparing to land.
A grand building stood at the center—larger than anything Ray had ever seen—surrounded by countless sub-halls.
It felt like a city built for geniuses.
His father pointed out the alchemist hall, formation hall, and many others. Ray listened quietly, absorbing everything.
Crowds gathered at the entrance. Hundreds of youths from different kingdoms stood in nine organized rows, each formation neatly separated by banners and armor colors.
Even kings and queens had come from their respective realms.
The air buzzed with excitement and tension.
Ray, along with his family, moved toward the Richard Kingdom group.
He recognized the children he fought in the duke's private arena. Numerous noble heirs were present as well.
Seeing Alice didn't surprise him.
But seeing Arisa with her grandmother, Theresa, did.
Ray wanted to greet Theresa, but she subtly shook her head, giving him a shush gesture.
A silent warning.
Strange, he thought, but he nodded and walked away to greet Alice and the others.
After greeting King Daymond, the academy doors opened with a deep, echoing rumble.
An old man stepped out, accompanied by several teachers.
His presence alone commanded silence.
He raised his voice.
"Welcome to the academy."
The crowd held its breath. And Ray felt the world shift beneath his feet—
This was the true beginning.