As areion enters throne room followed by romona, valdemar rose from throne, "Areion, my boy!" His voice, resonant and powerful, echoed through the vast hall, carrying a note of undisguised pride. "Come, stand before me."
Areion obeyed. He stopped a few paces from the throne. He bowed his head slightly, a gesture of respect that held no hint of subservience. "Father," he acknowledged.
"We have called you here today," valdemar began, his voice shifting to a formal tone, the warmth replaced by the gravity of a king addressing his heir, "to inform you of a decision that has been made regarding your future." He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in the expectant silence of the room.
Areion's mind, usually a calm and collected expanse, raced with a flurry of possibilities. [What could it be?] he wondered, his brow furrowed in thought. [What would happen if I were watching a fantastical drama unfold right now… yeah, most probably it would end up in matching with someone else, or some grand destiny.] His eyes widened slightly at the intrusion of such a flippant thought. [Damn, I'm so smart,] he mentally chided himself, a hint of wry amusement flickering across his features.
"Areion, you have been granted a place at the esteemed Order of Odysseus, the most prestigious school in all of Sangrael."
A collective gasp, a ripple of surprised murmurs, swept through the assembled crowd. The Order of Odysseus, a name whispered with reverence and awe, stood as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and magic. Deep within Sangrael, untouched by the relentless passage of time, it remained, a bastion of learning. It had witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, the ebb and flow of empires, yet it stood, eternal, unwavering.
To earn a place within its hallowed halls, one had to endure trial, for the Order accepted only those deemed worthy, those touched by destiny. Here, students mastered not only the arcane arts of magic affinities and innate abilities but also the intricate tapestry of history, the vast expanse of geography, the nuanced subtleties of language, the precise calculations of science and mathematics, the labyrinthine depths of psychology, and the profound wisdom of philosophy. It was a crucible, forging both mind and spirit into weapons of unmatched potential, preparing individuals to transcend the limitations of mortal existence.
Through the ages, the Order had shaped legends. Countless Archmages, their names etched in the annals of history, had risen from its ranks, and some, legends whispered, had even ascended to higher planes of existence, their mortal forms shed like worn garments. Yet, the school's true purpose remained shrouded in mystery, its origins lost to the mists of time. Some whispered that the very walls whispered secrets, that the stones themselves held ancient knowledge. Others believed the Order was more than a mere institution; it was a force that guided the very fate of the world.
For those who entered, the Order of Odysseus was more than a school; it was a gateway to destiny, a path to unlocking the hidden potential within.
Areion, his mind reeling from the unexpected announcement, couldn't help but think, [If anyone could read my thoughts right now, I'd be mortified.] He then said aloud, "Ohh, is that it?" with a tone of someone who was trying to sound unimpressed but failed. He thought, [School… Wtf, I didn't die for this!]
He glanced towards Lucian and Caius, a silent, almost bewildered, question passing between them.
"Your brothers," Valdemar continued, his gaze softening as he looked at Lucian and Caius, a flicker of paternal affection in his eyes, "are already studying there. Lucian is in his final year, and Caius is three grades below. They will attest to the value of the education you will receive there."
Lucian, his expression serious, his gaze unwavering, stepped forward. "The Order of Odysseus was established to test the limits of individuals who can partake in its rigorous curriculum," he said, his voice calm and authoritative, the words carefully chosen. He sighed, a hint of weariness in his eyes, glancing at Caius before continuing, "As we all know, you are destined to become a great mage. But do not allow this knowledge to inflate your ego. I have witnessed geniuses fall like autumn leaves, their brilliance extinguished by arrogance." Everyone listened to Lucian, the eldest prince of Lorium, with pride, respect, and a buried sadness in their hearts, a silent acknowledgment of the burdens he carried. "However," Lucian added, a subtle shift in his tone, a hint of something unspoken, "I would prefer you not study for the entrance exam."
A wave of confusion rippled through the room. Hearing Lucian's unexpected statement, one of the ministers was about to raise his hand, but Lucian preemptively raised his own, silencing them with a quiet authority. "Let me clarify," Lucian said, his voice calm and measured, his gaze steady. Valdemar and Caius exchanged a knowing glance, trusting that Lucian's words held deeper meaning. "The entrance exam will test Areion in three ways: first, his knowledge of the nature of shaktih and its understanding; second, his shaktih capacity; and lastly, his mastery of the SāraJibh within his essence. Given your training In Suryasthirh with one of the finest teachers in existence, as Mother has attested, I believe you should focus on rest and preparation, not on cramming for this exam."
"Brother… are you saying this test is in three phases?" Areion asked, seeking confirmation, his brow furrowed in thought. Lucian nodded. "And it's oral?" Areion questioned further. Lucian shook his head. "Yes, it is, and it's not about memorization but understanding. Remember that." His words were meant to be comforting, but a lingering frustration remained in Areion's mind. He disliked the idea of any test, written or oral, but understood it was his immediate fate.
Lucian raised an eyebrow, a hint of gentle reprimand in his gaze. "Is there a problem with that?" Areion quickly shook his head. "Nah, it's all Good" Lucian continued. "Now, as for the second phase, it's self-explanatory. And for the last part…"
As Lucian began to explain the intricacies of the exam to Areion, Caius remained silent, his eyes narrowed, a hint of resentment flashing in their depths, a silent storm brewing beneath his cheerful façade. Fully understanding areion not going to fail.
Areion, sensing the unspoken tension, took a deep breath, his gaze steady. "I understand, Father," he said, his voice firm and resolute. "I accept your decision."
Valdemar smiled, relief and pride evident in his eyes, the lines of worry around his eyes smoothing out. "Excellent! Your entrance exam will be conducted next week."
He dismissed Areion with a wave of his hand. As Areion turned to leave, he felt a mix of emotions swirling within him. He was not fond of exams or schooling in general, but the mysteries of shaktih excited him, while also giving him apprehension and a strange sense of foreboding.