Aegon's departure to the Imperial City was finalized. The journey was set for a week later, so he had plenty of time to train.
He activated Blood Rage, and his veins bulged with ferocious power. In this state, he quietly trained in the training yard.
His cousins saw his sword style performed in this berserk state and were a little scared. This wasn't like his usual silent nature. He was an enraged monster with a lethal blade.
His mother watched everything quietly, greatly satisfied. She felt their sacrifice was worth it.
His training wasn't just limited to the physical. In the family library, he also enriched his knowledge of history, the basics regarding a sorcerer, and more for the written test.
As the author, he knew most of the important history and sorcerers, but there were still gaps in his knowledge, as some parts had only been written in vague sentences.
Hours passed, days passed, and the time of departure loomed closer.
However, just then, he heard Lucia was being brought to the Noiré House.
So, he patiently waited for her at the gate. His relationship with her had been awkward at first, but as time passed, her care and the time they spent together made him feel that having an elder sibling wasn't too bad after all.
Aegon stood at the imposing gates of the Noiré mansion, the sun setting behind the vast training yard. He seemed calm on the outside, but inside he was a little excited.
In the afternoon, a dark enclosed carriage bearing the Orion Academy crest pulled up, escorted by two Noiré guards, including Cardigan.
The carriage door opened, and a girl stepped out. She was tall for her age, with striking silver hair and Luminaire's fierce eyes, yet she carried a subtle stiffness of someone perpetually on guard.
This was Lucia, the B-Rank sorcerer and Aegon's older sister.
At first glance, Lucia looked at Aegon, her eyes wide with shock at the sight of her little brother standing in the center of the opulent, hostile Noiré compound.
"Aegon?" she whispered, confusion overriding her composure.
Aegon smiled genuinely, abandoning his 'prodigy' facade for a moment. "Welcome to the snake pit, elder sister. I missed you."
Lucia immediately noticed the difference in Aegon. He didn't just look healthier; he radiated a faint, unnerving physical power.
"What happened to you, little brother?" Lucia asked, stepping closer. "And why are we here? I was pulled out of the Academy without warning."
"It's complicated," Aegon murmured, keeping his voice low. "I awakened a Grimoire. A-Rank. It forced Mom's hand."
On the way to their compound, Aegon explained everything, from the start to their current position.
Lucia's face was downcast after learning about her mom and dad's separation because of her brother's awakening.
"Don't worry, Sister. One day I will make them reunited. That's my promise to you," Aegon reassured her.
Lucia, hearing her little brother's words, couldn't help but smile.
"I will wait eagerly for that day, my dear brother. But I won't just stay idle. I will also work hard to get them reunited before you. As your big sister, it's my duty."
"Then it's a challenge, sister. If I win, you'll have to call me Elder Brother. Do you agree?"
Lucia quirked her brows. "What kind of weird bet is that? Why do you want to be my Elder Brother?"
Aegon's answer was a little mysterious. "It's because... no, I will tell you once I win."
"Well, whatever you say, little brother. But if I win, you will fulfill a request of mine, and this request could be about anything. Tell me, do you still wish to go on with this?" she looked into his eyes.
"I am not scared," he shrugged.
"Alright then, let's see who wins," Lucia grinned.
Afterward, there was an emotional reunion with her mother, Luminaire, and the observant gazes of her maternal grandparents, cousins, and aunts.
The week passed swiftly, filled with focused training, quiet time with Lucia, and the inevitable political maneuvering of the Noiré household. Aegon's day of departure finally arrived. The carriage to the Imperial City was waiting outside the main gate.
He had secured his final equipment and was mentally prepared for the next stage of his journey.
However, he wasn't going alone. Four more outstanding youths were chosen to attempt the impossible test of the Imperial Academy.
Two boys and two girls, all of them having just turned ten years old.
Coming from higher branches, they were naturally handsome, arrogant, and didn't even spare Aegon a glance.
Ignoring them, Aegon approached his mother, Luminaire, first.
She held a small, finely crafted leather pouch filled with coins, his initial funding from his grandfather. Her eyes were red, but resolute.
Luminaire looked at her son's dyed silver hair and felt a pang of sadness. His black hair had been the resemblance of her husband's identity, and now even that had been erased.
Still, she chose not to reveal her emotions at such an important moment.
"Aegon, you have your father's spirit and the strength of this lineage. Remember your promise, and remember what you are fighting for. Be clever, and be safe."
Aegon nodded as he took the pouch. "I understand, Mother. I will not fail."
Lucia came closer with a red scarf. "This is for you, little brother. It's going to be winter in the Imperial City. I knitted this personally for you."
He accepted it with a soft smile.
"Thank you, sister. Don't forget our bet."
Next, Aegon stood before his grandparents. His grandmother, Melina, embraced him tightly, tears flowing freely.
"Oh, my handsome boy. Prove them wrong. Show them that our branch still holds the strongest blood. Come back as a legend!"
Aegon acquiesced, maintaining the good grandson act. "I will, Grandmother. I won't tarnish the family name."
His grandfather offered a cold, firm handshake, his voice devoid of warmth but thick with command.
"Your ambition is immense, boy, but so is the debt you owe us. You are a Noiré asset. Succeed at the Imperial Academy, or everything you own, including your life's decisions, belongs to this house. Don't waste my money."
Aegon smiled slyly. "I thrive on pressure, Grandfather. Expect my acceptance letter, not my failure."
Aegon then faced the hostile line of his aunts and cousins, who clearly resented the attention and resources being poured into the "black-haired commoner."
Aunt Selina, the woman Aegon silenced at dinner, said, "Don't mistake our hospitality for support, boy. One failure, and you'll be fetching tea for my children. Remember your place."
Cousin Darius added contemptuously, "You got lucky with an A-Rank, but the Imperial City will eat you alive. You're soft. You won't last a month."
Aegon replied calmly, "My potential has already secured funding that your entire life couldn't earn. Your fear is understandable, but your opinions are irrelevant. When I return, I suggest you all focus on my comfort and training, as I will be the one controlling this house's command."
He gave them a curt nod, leaving their faces frozen in shocked fury. He had delivered his final, powerful aristocratic dismissal.
Even the Patriarch of the Noiré house was speechless at his ambition.
But he smiled, as if ready to welcome it with open arms.