As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over Quinton Village, Clem couldn't shake her growing suspicion. "Why were only Alaric and I sent to the forest?" she wondered aloud, frowning. The Arch Duke's decision had seemed odd from the start.
Just then, a messenger arrived, interrupting her thoughts. "Clem, you are requested at the training ground immediately," he said before turning to leave.
Clem exchanged a glance with Alaric, who had also been summoned. "Let's go," Alaric said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of unease.
They walked together through the village, the weight of the day's events heavy on their shoulders. Clem's thoughts raced, and she could see the same questions mirrored in Alaric's eyes.
When they reached the training ground, Clem was called away to her house. She gave Alaric a worried look before departing. "Be careful, Alaric," she whispered. "Something feels off."
Alaric nodded, watching her go before turning to face the training ground. His grandfather, the Arch Duke, stood talking to an unknown guardian. The man was tall and imposing, with sharp features and piercing dark eyes. His black hair was streaked with silver, and he wore the dark uniform of the Royal Guardian Academy.
"Alaric," the Arch Duke called, his voice carrying across the field. "Come here."
Alaric approached, his heart pounding. "Grandfather, who is this?"
"This," the Arch Duke said, gesturing to the man beside him, "is Master Kael. He is a dark power expert from the Royal Guardian Academy. He will be your personal instructor."
Master Kael inclined his head, his eyes studying Alaric intently. "It is an honor to meet you, Alaric. I have heard much about your potential."
Alaric swallowed, trying to mask his unease. "Thank you, sir."
The Arch Duke continued, his tone serious. "Alaric, you have been accepted into the Royal Guardian Academy. You passed the entrance exam with flying colors. Tomorrow, you will leave for the academy."
Alaric's eyes widened in surprise. "But I didn't... I mean, I haven't taken any exams."
The Arch Duke's gaze softened slightly. "Your performance in the forest and your recent display of abilities were enough to secure your place. Clem will also be joining you, along with two other recruits."
Alaric glanced at Master Kael, who watched him with an inscrutable expression. "But why me, Grandfather? Why now?"
The Arch Duke placed a hand on Alaric's shoulder, his grip firm. "Because you have shown great promise, Alaric. The academy will help you harness and control your abilities. This is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss."
Alaric nodded, though his mind raced with questions. He couldn't reveal the truth about the amber stone, not to his grandfather, Master Kael, or even Clem. The stone's power had to remain his secret.
Master Kael's voice broke into his thoughts. "Alaric, the journey ahead will not be easy. You must be prepared for rigorous training and challenges. But I believe you have the strength to succeed."
Alaric met his gaze, determination hardening his resolve. "I understand, Master Kael. I will do my best."
The Arch Duke smiled, a rare expression of pride on his face. "Good. Rest well tonight. You have a long journey ahead."
As Alaric walked back to his quarters, his thoughts swirled with a mix of excitement and dread. The Royal Guardian Academy was renowned for its rigorous training and elite warriors. But how could he maintain the secret of the amber stone while under constant scrutiny?
He reached his room and sat on the bed, staring at the stone in his hand. "What have I gotten myself into?" he wondered, the weight of his new reality pressing down on him.
Meanwhile, Master Kael remained with the Arch Duke, their conversation shifting to a more private tone.
"Are you certain about this, Your Grace?" Kael asked, his eyes narrowing. "Sending Alaric to the academy so soon?"
The Arch Duke nodded, his expression grave. "He must be prepared, Kael. There are forces at work that we cannot ignore. Alaric's potential is too great to leave untrained."
Kael's eyes flickered with curiosity. "And what of the rumors about his abilities? Some say they are unlike any we've seen before."
The Arch Duke's gaze hardened. "I trust you to find out the truth, Kael. Alaric must be ready for what lies ahead."
As night fell over Quinton Village, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation and uncertainty. Alaric lay awake, his mind racing with thoughts of the academy, his secret, and the mysterious future that awaited him.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Alaric and Clem met at the village gate. Their journey to the Royal Guardian Academy was about to begin, and neither knew what awaited them.
As they departed, Alaric couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. He glanced back at the village, his eyes scanning the shadows.
Master Kael stood in the distance, his dark eyes fixed on Alaric. "Let's see what type of power you have awakened," he murmured, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.