The journey back took three days.
Three long days of walking through forests, crossing rivers, and following the main imperial road that stretched toward the heart of the empire.
For Leon, everything felt different now.
Every step.
Every breath.
Every movement.
The mana flowing within his body made the world feel… clearer.
Sharper.
Stronger.
Leon swung his wooden sword lightly as they walked.
The motion felt smoother than before.
Faster.
More controlled.
"…I'm definitely stronger."
Beside him, Aether glanced briefly.
"Yes."
Leon grinned.
"I can feel it now."
Aether said nothing more.
But he was observing closely.
Leon's adaptation to mana was faster than expected.
Which meant his bloodline ability…
Was beginning to awaken.
By the third day—
The forest finally thinned.
And then Leon saw it.
He stopped walking completely.
"…Whoa."
Before them stood a massive city.
No—
A capital.
Towering white walls stretched endlessly across the horizon.
Massive gates stood open, with countless people moving in and out.
Above the city, floating structures hovered in the sky, glowing faintly with magical energy.
And at the very center—
A colossal palace rose above everything.
Radiating power.
Leon's eyes widened.
"That's…"
Aether answered calmly.
"Yes."
"The capital of the Valtherion Empire."
Leon slowly walked forward, unable to take his eyes off the city.
"This place is huge…"
Carriages moved along the wide roads.
Merchants shouted from their stalls.
Warriors in armor walked with confidence.
Mages in robes carried glowing staffs.
Everywhere Leon looked—
There was power.
"This is nothing like the village…"
"No."
Aether continued walking.
"This is where the strongest gather."
Leon swallowed.
"…I can feel that."
As they approached the massive gates—
Leon noticed something else.
Guards.
But not ordinary guards.
These warriors stood tall, clad in shining armor that radiated mana.
Their presence alone felt overwhelming.
Leon whispered,
"They're strong…"
Aether nodded.
"The Imperial Guard."
Leon stared.
"Just the guards are this powerful?"
"Yes."
Leon scratched his head nervously.
"…This place is insane."
They passed through the gates without issue.
But Leon could feel eyes on them.
Some curious.
Some indifferent.
Some…
Sharp.
"Are people staring at us?" Leon asked quietly.
"Yes."
"Why?"
Aether answered simply.
"They recognize me."
Leon blinked.
"…Right."
He had almost forgotten.
Aether wasn't just any warrior.
He was someone important.
They moved deeper into the city.
The buildings became larger.
More luxurious.
The streets cleaner.
The people fewer—but far more powerful.
Leon felt the difference immediately.
"This place feels… heavier."
"Yes."
Aether's voice remained calm.
"This is the Royal District."
Leon looked ahead.
At the center stood the palace.
Even more massive up close.
Its walls shimmered faintly with magic.
"This is where the royal family lives…"
"Yes."
Leon felt his chest tighten slightly.
"…My family."
For a moment—
Leon stopped walking.
His expression changed.
The excitement faded slightly.
Replaced by something else.
"…I wonder if they even remember me."
Aether looked at him.
"They do."
Leon laughed weakly.
"Not in a good way."
Aether said nothing.
They approached the palace gates.
Unlike the outer gates, these were guarded by even stronger warriors.
Their presence was overwhelming.
Leon could barely breathe under the pressure.
"…These guys are on another level."
"Yes."
One of the guards stepped forward.
He looked at Aether and immediately bowed.
"Welcome back."
Aether nodded slightly.
Then the guard's eyes shifted to Leon.
For a brief moment—
There was recognition.
And then…
Disinterest.
"You may enter."
The palace gates opened.
Leon stepped inside.
And everything changed.
Beautiful gardens stretched across the grounds.
Massive training arenas stood in the distance.
Elegant buildings housed members of the royal family.
Servants moved quickly and efficiently.
Leon looked around slowly.
"…This place…"
He had been here before.
As a child.
But back then—
He had always felt out of place.
Unwanted.
Unseen.
Aether continued walking toward the inner palace.
"Come."
Leon followed.
But this time…
His steps were different.
Stronger.
More confident.
Because he was no longer the weak, forgotten child he once was.
Now—
He had power.
And this place…
Would soon learn that.
High above the palace…
From a balcony hidden in the upper levels…
A man watched Leon's arrival.
His presence was overwhelming.
Ancient.
Unfathomable.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
Caelus Aurelion.
"So…"
"The boy has returned."
His eyes glowed faintly.
"Let us see what kind of storm you will bring…"
As Leon stepped deeper into the palace grounds…
He had no idea.
That his return—
Would soon shake the balance of the royal family.
Because in a place where every prince and princess was a genius…
The rise of an illegitimate son…
Was never something that went unnoticed.