Vastarael came to know the Eight Dynasties in Spheraphase.
Dynasty Richinaria, known to be the surviving royal bloodline of the Aeterium race.
Dynasty Starisnova, known to be the first beings to have a Celestial bloodline. Currently, there is only one pure blooded Celestial.
Dynasty Mintheris, comprised of Elves who worship the World Tree Mintherenia.
Dynasty Skyrover, which is known for having the toughest warriors in Spheraphase.
Dynasty Fedres, known also for its massive military power. Fedres and Skyrover are all Therianthropes.
Dynasty Vazakiel, where Adelasta's mother comes from. Unfortunately for Adelasta, she didn't inherit the Omniscient bloodline from her mother and neither did she have the Viaca abilities either. She was born powerless and thanks to Vastarael, she now had the power to wield flames.
Dynasty Andelaris, the Angel Dynasty that rules over Naranq, the heaven of Spheraphase.
Dynasty Ceres, the Demon Dynasty ruling over Wisterix, the hell of Spheraphase.
"Vastarael, when you turn seventeen and are declared mature, you will have to go to Minafallen Academy."
"..."
"All the Dynasties will be sending their children there for them get stronger. Minafallen is a place where they receive education and get stronger. And so, as the heir of Richinaria, you will have to go there."
Vastarael remained silent, his mind already racing ahead. Minafallen Academy was a name he'd heard throughout his life. It was a place where prodigies from every Dynasty sharpened their skills and gained the power to shape nations. It was a university in short.
His father continued, "Minafallen is no ordinary academy. For those who seek greatness, it is both a crucible and a proving ground. Though I doubt you'll be there for long."
Caresse chimed in, "You will be exposed to all manner of challenges. Sparring with powerful beings, trials to test your intellect and missions and all that."
Vastarael looked up at them, "And what exactly do you expect me to learn there? I already know my life isn't the same as everyone else's. It was about influence before but now, it feels like it's more than that."
"Precisely why you must go, son. Minafallen will not just test your abilities but will reveal how far you can push them. As the heir of Richinaria, your growth has no limits but that is both a blessing and a curse. You need to understand what your soul and body are truly capable of."
Caresse placed a hand on Vastarael's shoulder. "And you will meet allies, Vastarael. The future leaders of Spheraphase will be at Minafallen. Forming bonds with them, whether through camaraderie or competition, is essential. Alone, even the strongest soul can falter."
Vastarael took a deep breath. Minafallen would be a battlefield of its own. He had no illusions that the academy would be some peaceful sanctuary for learning. If anything, it was a furnace meant to burn away the weak. But why did his father say he wouldn't be there for long?
Vastarael knew he had immense potential but his powers needed to be honed. His mastery over water, Circlecraft and Omniphage would be his focus. He planned to delve deeper into Rune Drawing, enhancing his Circlecraft to levels unmatched by anyone else. He was determined to unlock the full potential of The Ingenious Prince Codex. Its stealth and water-based abilities could give him an edge in both combat and strategy.
While he didn't entirely agree with his parents, he knew they were right about one thing. He needed allies. Strengthening relationships, especially with potential rivals, could mean the difference between survival and annihilation in the future. Now that he wanted to survive and try to save the universe (even though he didn't know how) and his family, plus avoiding his fate, he had to go.
Dilasyus interrupted his thoughts.
"One more thing, Vastarael. At Minafallen, you will be representing not just our family but the entirety of Richinaria. Don't forget that."
"Of course."
"Well then, roam around and gather information. There are ancient books you can use here. You already know how to open this place so you can return the items. If you lose them well... I don't have to say it, do I?"
°°°°°°
Vastarael looked at the towering shelves. Rows upon rows of books, scrolls and artifacts lined the hidden chamber, each emanating a faint glow. Anamorsia wasted no time, running towards a shelf laden with ancient tomes.
"Look at this! Chronicles of Aeterium Legends. It's... beautiful!"
"Careful," Milliania warned as she observed her older sister. "You don't want to accidentally trigger a curse or something."
Anamorsia stuck out her tongue but held the book gingerly, as if it might bite her.
"I'm not an idiot."
Leon walked calmly to a corner where the books seemed less decorative and more practical.
"Tomes on battle tactics," he muttered to himself. "These should come in handy. Vastarael, what are you going to look for?"
Vastarael ran a hand along a shelf lined with ancient scrolls.
"Anything about Rune Drawing or Circlecraft. There's knowledge here that predates most modern techniques and I intend to use it. Also, I'm interested in Omniscients."
"Because of Adelasta?" Anamorsia asked.
"Yeah."
It was half the truth. In fact, he wanted to know more about Phaenora.
Leones, the youngest of the siblings, squinted at a stack of scrolls tied with golden cords.
"Do you think they have anything about... um, enhancing Essence flow?" She looked at her father hopefully. "I've been having trouble controlling mine during training."
Dilasyus smirked. "You'll find what you need if you look hard enough. But remember, knowledge is only as good as your ability to apply it."
Milliania found herself standing on a floating tile toward a shelf with elegant tomes wrapped in silk. She picked up a crimson book labeled 'Diplomatic Strategies of the Ancient Dynasties.' Flipping through the pages, she sighed.
"Why do I always get stuck with diplomacy? I'd rather be on the battlefield like big brother or Anamorsia."
Vastarael smirked, not looking up from his own book.
"Because you're better at talking than fighting, that's why."
Milliania narrowed her eyes at him. "You say that like it's an insult."
"It's not," Vastarael replied, though his teasing tone said otherwise.
Anamorsia, meanwhile, had settled onto the floor with a pile of books around her.
"Hey, big brother? Do you think there's any point in learning about ancient enchantments? Or is it just going to be a bunch of outdated stuff?"
Vastarael, flipping through a weathered scroll of his own, didn't look up.
"Outdated doesn't mean useless. If you can adapt old techniques, they might give you an edge."
"Good point. I'll add it to the pile."
Leones approached Vastarael hesitantly, clutching a small green book, "Do you think Dad will let us bring these to Minafallen?"
Vastarael glanced at the book and then at his sister, "If he didn't want us using them, he wouldn't have shown us this place. Just don't lose it, or we'll all hear about it for weeks. Also, no. He wouldn't allow it."
Leones nodded, visibly relieved.
_____
After two hours, each sibling carried a small stack of carefully chosen books. Dilasyus and Caresse watched them.
As the siblings emerged from the spiral staircase, their arms laden with books, Dilasyus and Caresse exchanged a glance.
"Look at them," Caresse murmured. Her eyes followed Leon and Leones, who were carefully balancing their stacks of books. "Even the youngest... they're so focused."
Dilasyus folded his arms across his chest.
"I wasn't expecting that from them yet. Leones and Leon are only six. At their age, I was barely capable of thinking beyond my next sword lesson."
Caresse chuckled softly, shaking her head.
"You were always like that, chasing power without considering what it meant. But look at them. They're already thinking about the future, about their roles in the Dynasty."
Dilasyus glanced at Leones, who was clutching a small, green book and whispering something to Leon.
"She asked me about essence flow earlier. Can you imagine? A six-year-old, concerned about refining her Essence control."
"It's shocking."
Dilasyus nodded but then turned his gaze to the eldest of their children. Vastarael stood slightly apart. His stack of books was taller than anyone else's. He was silent, flipping through one of them even as the others chatted among themselves.
"And then there's Vastarael."
Caresse followed his gaze, "Yes, Vastarael..."
"He's already carrying so much. The heir to our Dynasty, bearing the expectations of Richinaria and yet, he doesn't falter. I'm sure the Stephos incident must have traumatized him and yet..."
"He's too much like you. Always holding himself to impossible standards and pushing forward no matter the weight on his shoulders."
Dilasyus frowned slightly but he couldn't deny the truth in her words.
"He's stronger than I ever was at his age. And smarter. He doesn't just seek strength for its own sake. It makes me wonder how he managed to outsmart that false Deity. Even though I know all about it from him, his plan was ingenious."
"But he's still a boy. Don't forget that, Dilasyus. He might not show it, but... he's carrying burdens that would break most men."
"I know. And I'll do what I can to prepare him. But there's only so much we can teach. The rest... he'll have to learn on his own."
"He'll be fine. But even so... I wish he'd let himself lean on us more. Even just a little. He has never asked for anything from us at all."
Dilasyus placed a hand on her shoulder, looking at his son.
"He'll lean on us when he's ready. Until then, we trust him and make sure he knows we're here, no matter what."
They stood in silence for a moment, watching as their children continued to talk and laugh amongst themselves.