While waiting for the results, Aerys refined his knowledge by reading various academic books, covering a wide range of subjects. At the same time, he continued to practice the absorption and circulation of ambient Essence. His references came from the method Ighoras had given him, designed to awaken his Nexus after years of inactivity.
Day after day, his control improved. Mostly thanks to Odi, he knew he could practice without being noticed. Even without resonance with an element, he could already reinforce his body through Flow Amplification. That routine lasted for a full week—until the results arrived.
Behind the tall glass windows of the small manor, the sun hung low on the horizon, a red sphere resting against the sky. Aerys sat on his bed, focused on absorbing and circulating ambient Essence, when the room suddenly began to tremble.
A vast source of Essence is approaching, Odi said.
Aerys had shortened the Fragment's name for familiarity.
"They're here," Aerys replied, springing to his feet. The Academy's Control Committee.
Aerys and Ighoras hurried outside.
A military airship hovered above the garden. A Tranchewing—far larger than any civilian airship Aerys had seen in Rikiyos. It descended like a massive sky-whale that can be seen in the south and halted a few meters above the ground before deploying a ramp with a low hum.
A man in uniform stepped forward, followed by three others dressed more casually. A bureaucrat and three Academicians.
The official saluted Aerys with strict military formality. On official duty for the Academy, he showed no reverence toward nobility. Aerys suspected that, had this been the estate of a ducal heir, the man's posture would have been far more respectful.
Aerys returned the salute, striking his chest firmly.
"Do I have the honor of addressing Aerys Aurelyon?" the man asked, contempt faintly lacing his voice.
"You do."
The man studied him—polite, but impatient—before offering an artificial smile.
"My name is Bondis Tantrus. I represent the Academy Committee. I humbly request a moment of your time to answer a few questions."
"Did you have prior knowledge of the questions presented during the examination?"
Irritation flared within Aerys.
"No. How dare you? Is this an interrogation? I am not accustomed to being treated like a cheater—especially not by someone of your standing."
"Please accept my apologies, my prince " the man replied flatly. "This is a standard security procedure. All extraordinary candidates must submit to it. I personally visit every individual whose results fall outside statistical norms. Your magical output was… nonexistent. Yet your written scores are far above average."
He handed over the results, his tone faintly mocking.
Aerys felt his frustration rising. Ighoras noticed immediately.
"Calm yourself, my prince," he said quietly.
But as Aerys read the scores, he understood their suspicion. Every answer was correct. Every single one—except one. Out of hundreds.
When Aerys showed the results to Ighoras, the Academicians stared in silence. Then Ighoras nearly collapsed with laughter. When he spoke, his voice bordered on hysteria.
"Congratulations on your admission, my prince."
Aerys felt the same joy—but did not show it. His face remained stoic, as though these results were entirely expected.
A servant descended from the Tranchewing to escort him inside. Nothing could be brought along. There was no need to gather belongings—especially since he owned very little.
Aerys said farewell to Ighoras once more, but this time, he was going much farther. Ighoras gripped his hand firmly, looking at him the way a father might before letting his child leave.
The look was meant to be reassuring, but Aerys sensed doubt beneath it. Have I done everything I could? Is he ready to face the world?
"Control yourself," Ighoras said. "Watch what you say. Watch what you do. And when the time comes… show them what you are capable of."
Aerys chuckled softly.
Ighoras pulled a medallion from his pocket. Gold-plated, warm to the touch. He let it fall into Aerys's palm.
"Speak her name," he said. "Her name."
Aerys obeyed. The medallion opened like a blooming flower. Inside—his mother's image.
"If you must protect your heart," Ighoras said, "do so with metal—and with her will."
Tears welled in Aerys's eyes. He embraced Ighoras tightly.
"Thank you. If I survive the first week, it will be because of you."
Ighoras blushed as Aerys released him.
As the Tranchewing flew over the land, Aerys traced the medallion with his thumb. Green veins of grass scarred the earth below—a land where strength was seized from others, where only the cruel prevailed.
I must become like that.
Nausea rose at the thought.
How do you judge my circulation control, Odi? Aerys asked inwardly, forcing his thoughts elsewhere.
He kept his breathing steady, Flow moving from his Nexus and spreading evenly throughout his body. The Essence remained controlled and mobile—far beyond what the preliminary examiners had detected.
"Precise," Odi replied after a brief pause. "You have control. It is a good beginning."
Aerys frowned slightly. He knew he was still behind others his age. But that was not the only reason for his unease.
He was anxious.
There were seven passengers in the airship's guest hall. Aerys studied the closest one—a slim imperious noble with an open, cheerful face. The kind of boy who marveled at everything: a flower, a butterfly.
"My name is Julios," the boy said, clasping Aerys's forearm.
Aerys studied him for a moment. He must know who I am, he thought. I don't exactly blend in.
He gave his name and invited Julios to sit across from him.
"You know who I am," Aerys said.
"Of course," Julios replied with a smile—an expression Aerys suspected he used often.
"It's funny. I thought I knew many people our age, yet very few of my friends passed the exam. And you did."
"Have you ever been to Vichoras?" Julios asked.
"No."
"Really? You'll feel like you're discovering a new world. I envy you. It's a beautiful place—but also a strange one. People live fully there… and die quickly."
He laughed.
"Except us, I hope."
And so, in company, the journey toward Vichoras—and the Academy—began.