Ryn continued to visit Aurelia's manor as usual. By now, he could wield every form of magic with ease—fire, water, wind, light, and even healing. Each spell flowed as naturally as his own breath, as if it were an extension of his body.
"That's enough…"
Aurelia's voice cut sharply through the training.
"Starting tomorrow, you will no longer come here."
Her words were short, blunt, and absolute, as always.
Yet in her eyes, Ryn caught a fleeting emotion he had never seen before—
a trace of quiet regret, hidden deep within.
Regret at the thought of no longer seeing her own nephew as often as she had.
Aurelia suppressed that feeling and continued in her usual calm tone.
"As far as basic magic is concerned, you have done well.
From here on, simply refine your skills through practice on your own."
She turned and began to leave the room, but stopped as if something had crossed her mind.
"Oh. One more thing."
Aurelia glanced back slightly.
"Power does not solve everything.
It is wisdom and composure that truly do.
Remember that."
With those final words, she left without looking back.
Ryn bowed his head in silent acceptance before turning away and heading back to Richard's house.
His magical training was over.
Ryn returned in a dazed state, uncertain of what he should do next.
With his training finished, it felt as though everything in his life had suddenly come to a halt.
He sat down in his usual spot in silence.
Richard, who was busy preparing his supplies for another journey, looked up and asked,
"What's wrong? You look gloomy again."
Ryn let out a quiet sigh and answered honestly,
"I've finished my training with Master Aurelia.
So… what should I do next?"
Richard smiled faintly.
"What do you want to do?
Is there anything else you'd like to study?"
Ryn immediately spoke up,
"Then… could I learn strategy?"
Richard burst into laughter.
"If you truly want to study strategy, you'll have to become a Divine first.
But if it's combat training you're after, I can recommend a capable instructor for you."
Ryn's shoulders slumped at once.
"Then… wouldn't it be better if you kept teaching me yourself?"
Richard shook his head.
"I don't have the time anymore.
The Calami have been appearing more frequently than usual,
so I've been ordered to deal with them far more often than before."
Ryn fell silent for a moment, until a sudden thought struck him.
"Then… let me take the Divine trial."
Richard laughed loudly.
"It's too soon for you.
You've been here for less than four months.
Even if you're skilled enough already, it's still too early."
Ryn lowered his head, unsure of what to do next.
Richard stepped closer, resting a hand lightly on his shoulder.
"How about this—
come work with me."
Ryn looked up instantly, his eyes shining.
"Really?
I can actually go with you?"
Richard smiled.
"Of course.
Consider it part of your training."
Then his tone grew more serious.
"But we'll need the council's approval first."
The following morning, Richard brought Ryn to the Central Council Hall.
The interior was constructed from pristine white marble.
Columns and walls stood in perfect symmetry,
radiating solemn authority.
Knights and scholars moved through the corridors in constant motion,
their presence filling the hall with an air of discipline and gravity.
At the very end of the grand chamber stood a towering statue of Asteron
—the God who governed all laws.
In his left hand, he held the massive Arca-Lexicon,
the sacred tome of divine law.
In his right, he wielded the Wheel of Aethel,
the scepter of judgment.
The statue loomed so high it nearly touched the ceiling.
The two walked deeper into the hall until they stopped before a single door.
The plaque engraved upon it read:
The Prime Minister's Chamber of the Supreme Council of Eostra
Richard pushed the door open.
Inside, an elderly scholar sat behind a black wooden desk, carefully signing documents.
Richard spoke first.
"Excuse me, Lord Eltharien Valorn
—Prime Minister of the Sovereign Council."
The old arch-scholar paused.
He lifted his gaze and offered a faint smile.
"Sir Richard…
If I recall correctly, you were ordered to depart north this morning, were you not?"
"That is correct,"
Richard replied.
"But there is one matter I wish to request before I leave."
Eltharien set down his pen, his eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
"And what matter might that be, if I may assist?"
Richard stepped aside, revealing the young man standing behind him.
"This is Ryn Ardent of Veridian Veil—
my disciple."
Eltharien adjusted his spectacles.
His gaze swept over Ryn's face,
then paused briefly on the sword hilt protruding over the boy's shoulder,
before returning as if nothing had happened.
"Ah…
The young man you once spoke of."
"Yes," Richard continued.
"I request permission to bring him with me as my assistant."
Eltharien fell silent for a moment, deep in thought.
"If he is your disciple, and has passed your trials,
then there is little cause for concern."
He rose from his desk and walked over to Ryn.
"Learn all that you can from Richard,"
the old man said calmly.
"I place great expectations upon you, young one."
Ryn bowed respectfully.
"Yes, sir.
I will do my utmost."
Eltharien turned back to Richard.
"You should depart at once.
Time waits for no one."
With that, he returned to his desk, resuming his work as though nothing had occurred.
Richard and Ryn bowed,
then left the room and departed immediately.
They began their journey north.
Ryn's heart was filled with excitement—
for this was the first time in his life
he had traveled so far.
Not as a refugee.
Not as a child struggling to survive.
But as Richard's assistant.
They moved swiftly,
crossing vast open plains,
dense forests where only faint sunlight pierced the canopy,
and winding mountain paths where the air grew colder with every step.