Chapter 2: #2 Unexpected Invitation
Ten years have passed since the incident that occurred in the barren land near the Forest of Abyss. Ryan, who was just a boy back then, has now grown into a handsome young man with broad shoulders and a slightly above-average height. He has a body that's not overly muscular but larger than the average person, and black hair covers his forehead. His sharp hazel eyes complete his striking appearance. Currently, Ryan resides in a remote area called Argass, which is a simple region in the Viscount of Eastcliff. He steps out of his house every day to assist the people in the village.
"Ah, Ryan, good morning. How are you?" Uncle Anton, one of the village residents, asks with a warm smile.
"Ah, good morning Uncle Anton. I'm doing well," I reply with a smile.
My name is Ryan Arden, and I am the deputy head of the Argass Village. I arrived in this village when I was 14 years old, two years after my master left me. My master said he had nothing more to teach me, and I managed to live well with the techniques he imparted to me.
Before leaving me, my master and I traveled to various corners of the continent while he trained me. When he suddenly left, only leaving a letter without a farewell, my heart shattered into pieces. I walked aimlessly to various places until I arrived at Argass Village.
I'm having trouble remembering my past before I arrived at Argass Village. All I can recall is that I used to have a master and traveled to different places, but I can't remember where exactly. I think it's because I have a special ability called Burning Memory that enhances my physical and sensory capabilities but also comes at the cost of losing some of my memories. I may have used this ability excessively, which could be the reason for my amnesia.
Upon reaching Argass Village, the locals warmly welcomed me and offered their assistance when I was feeling lost and abandoned by my master. Grateful for their kindness, I decided to stay and help with their daily tasks while searching for any information about my master's whereabouts.
I am responsible for the deputy head position in the village, and my days here can be quite tiring. In the morning, I assist Uncle Anton in collecting firewood for winter supplies, and in the afternoon, I hunt wild animals with Uncle Robert to provide for our breakfast until nightfall. Initially, I had refused the position, but they insisted and even constructed a larger house for me compared to others in the village.
But today seems different. When I returned from helping the villagers, a bird as large as an eagle with fiery, flame-like feathers suddenly appeared in front of my house.
The eagle carried some kind of scroll in its claws, and it looked at me before approaching. I remained cautious, but the eagle didn't show any signs of hostility. It then handed me the scroll attached to its claw. When I opened and read it, I was surprised by its content.
<It's been about 2 years, hasn't it, Ryan? You should be 16 years old now. Apologies for leaving abruptly, I had urgent matters to attend to. My departure must have hurt you, so please forgive me.
I understand that you're currently experiencing amnesia, which I'm sorry to hear. Unfortunately, I wasn't there for you during that time. The best thing you can do now is to create new and beautiful memories to replace the ones that you have lost.
Anyway, let's move on from the sad atmosphere. Have you ever considered joining an academy? Your age is perfect for it. If you're interested, I can enroll you. However, even if you're not interested, I will still enroll you, haha>
'He wouldn't be my master if his behavior couldn't be predicted like this.'
<If you receive my message and are reading it now, quickly pack your belongings because the new student induction ceremony will begin four days from now. Oh, I forgot to tell you the name of the place. Its name is Etherea, the most prestigious academy in the Chronus Empire. Its location is on Einburg Island, you can transit from Argass to the Capital and then move to Einburg via the nearest teleportation place called Intervallum that the closest one to you. You might be wondering if using teleportation will cost a significant amount. Don't worry, my dear student, hohoho. I've prepared for that by giving you this.>
'A medal?'
< This isn't an ordinary medal. This medal signifies that you've been accepted to Etherea. Just hand it to the guards at Intervallum, and they'll send you to Einburg. Simple, right? Once you understand, pluck one feather from the bird! You might wonder why you suddenly have to pluck a bird's feather. It makes communication easier. With that feather, this eagle will know where you are. Create memories in Etherea that you won't forget, and when the time comes, I'll talk about that event... Forget the last sentence, don't dwell on it. That's all I want to convey to you. Until we meet again, my student.
-Signed by your master.>
Ryan took a feather from the eagle. The eagle then left, flapping its wings, producing a resounding sound. The feather shone brightly and moved to wrap around the ring finger on Ryan's left hand, transforming into a light yellow ring. Ryan then pondered about the recent events.
'This is too sudden, what should I tell the villagers?'
* * *
1 hour later, Ryan is still silent in place without moving a bit. Villagers who see him begin to ask out of concern.
"Ryan, what happened? You've been silent like a statue for an hour, if something happened, just tell us."
"So, here's what happened … "
Ryan then tells the villagers about the eagle bringing a message from his master. The villagers listening to the story fall silent.
"Isn't that great? You can enter Etherea, the most prestigious academy in the Chronus Empire. It's the dream of almost every imperial citizen. If you go to Etherea, your future will be secured! And there's a possibility you might meet your master again," the village head responds with enthusiasm. Other villagers nod in agreement upon hearing this.
"Just accept it, Ryan! Don't worry about us. We can handle your tasks here! Enjoy your youth, and create the most beautiful memories you have by entering Etherea," the village head urges.
"Thank you, Ryan, for helping us during tough times!" all the villagers say, smiling warmly.
"Thank you too… Thank you for accepting me here!" Ryan replies with a smiling face.
The following day, after the emotional goodbye, I packed my things. A villager informed me that the closest Intervallum is located in Guros City, approximately three hours away by horse-drawn carriage. I searched for a coachman but to no avail. Therefore, I had no choice but to walk to Guros City on foot.
After arriving in Guros City, Ryan is amazed by the grandeur of the buildings. Unlike the simple structures in Argass, Guros has numerous luxurious buildings. This is understandable as Guros City is one of the largest trading cities in the Chronus Empire. Without much hesitation, Ryan asks a resident for directions to Intervallum, and the resident kindly points the way. Ryan thanks the resident and sets off towards Intervallum.
After arriving at Intervallum, Ryan wasted no time and presented the medal given to him by his master to one of the officers. The officer was taken aback upon seeing the medal and immediately bowed their head in respect and recognition. Though Ryan was a bit confused by the officer's reaction, he didn't think much of it and proceeded to the room assigned to him.
Ryan finally arrived at the Capital after teleportation. When he emerged from Intervallum, he felt a bit queasy due to the teleportation effect. Nonetheless, he walked over to the nearest officer and showed his medal. The officer confirmed the medal and then bowed his head, guiding Ryan to the room for transportation to Einburg Island.
After teleporting from the Capital with Intervallum, Ryan eventually reaches Einburg Island. He approaches one of the officers to inquire about the directions to Etherea. The officer who hears him then provides detailed directions to Ryan and also suggests finding accommodation first since the opening ceremony is still a few days away. Ryan expresses his gratitude to the officer and exits Intervallum.
Following the directions given by the Intervallum officer, Ryan finally arrives at the entrance of Etherea. Ryan's eyes seem to glow as he beholds the magnificent building. Even by just looking at its exterior, Ryan is already amazed by the grandeur of Etherea.
"This place is too magnificent! No wonder this academy is everyone's dream in the empire."
"So, this is where I'll be attending school!" Ryan exclaims with enthusiasm
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