The morning air was calm.
Too calm.
Leo stood at the gate of Lightfall Courtyard, his small travel pack secured tightly on his back. In his hands was a folded map—old, detailed, and marked carefully with routes, cities, and dangers.
The road leading to the Imperial Academy of the Aurelion Empire stretched far beyond the hills.
This—
Was his test.
Aurelius Ren had handed him the map the night before.
"You will go alone," his grandfather had said calmly. "Not because we can't protect you—but because you must learn to protect yourself."
The academy was not merely a destination.
The journey itself was part of the trial.
Leo understood that.
He bowed deeply.
"I won't disappoint you," he said.
Aurelius nodded. "Remember the route. Observe everything. Strength unused is better than strength exposed."
Wilson stepped forward next.
He placed a firm hand on Leo's shoulder.
"You can't fly until you reach the First Realm," Wilson said. "So take a carriage. Watch the roads. Learn the rhythm of travel."
Leo nodded. "Yes, Father."
Wilson smiled faintly. "And don't pick fights."
"I won't," Leo replied.
"…Unless necessary."
Wilson laughed softly. "That's my son."
Siyara stood quietly behind them.
When the others stepped back, she approached Leo alone.
Her movements were gentle.
Unhurried.
She placed something into his palm.
A talisman.
Small.
Simple.
Its surface looked plain, almost unremarkable.
"Keep this hidden," she said softly.
Leo frowned. "Mother…?"
She leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"If you ever face a life-and-death situation," she said, "activate it."
Her fingers closed around his hand.
"It will project me to you."
Leo's eyes widened slightly.
"Only once," she added. "And only when there is no other choice."
He swallowed.
"…I understand."
She smiled gently.
"No matter how far you go," she said, "you are never truly alone."
She hugged him.
Warm.
Steady.
Safe.
Then she stepped back.
And said nothing more.
The carriage waited at the edge of the road.
Simple.
Sturdy.
Drawn by two spirit-bred horses.
Leo climbed inside.
As the wheels began to turn, he looked back one last time.
Lightfall Courtyard grew smaller.
Then distant.
Then vanished beyond the bend of the road.
The journey had begun.
The route to the Imperial Academy was long.
From the Ren family lands to the capital region, one had to pass through four major cities, each acting as a station, checkpoint, and trial.
Each city—
Was protected by multiple Seventh Realm experts.
Not openly.
But always watching.
This was the backbone of the Aurelion Empire's stability.
Leo studied the map carefully.
First City: Stoneveil City
A trade hub surrounded by mountains and guarded by layered formations.
Second City: Azure Crossing
Built around a massive river, home to countless sects and mercenaries.
Third City: Suncrest City
A military stronghold near the inner territories.
Fourth City: Aurum Gate
The final city before the imperial capital.
Beyond that—
The Imperial Academy.
Leo folded the map.
His eyes were calm.
His body steady.
He had strength.
He had knowledge.
But more importantly—
He had restraint.
The carriage rolled forward.
Toward Stoneveil City.
Toward the first real step away from home.
And toward a world that would not be gentle—
Simply because he was gifted.