Graduation Day – Imperial Asphalia Academy Arena
The grand arena of the Imperial Asphalia Academy sparkled under the clear sky, its marble arches draped with blue and silver banners. Families, nobles, and academy staff filled the stands. At the center of the vast stage, a long table was adorned with scrolls of achievement and medals glowing faintly with enchantment.
Headmaster Gardinant Blackwood stepped forward, his long coat billowing behind him as his voice rang out over the crowd, magnified with magic.
"Today, we honor the next generation of protectors, scholars, and sovereigns of our Empire. And this year, we celebrate not only excellence... but history."
He raised a hand, summoning a glowing sigil in the air.
"Top of this year's graduating class, with a perfect score of 300 out of 300... Sylves Ellesmere."
The crowd erupted into applause. Though he had graduated early due to the war, today marked his official honor.
Headmaster Gardinant continued, voice proud.
"Second in standing, with a remarkable 298, a tie between Prince Elas Asphalia and Elza Glens."
"Following them, Miss Iris Valentine with a score of 297."
"Mr. Grim Lesner with a score of 295."
"Miss Ashia Wanes with an impressive 294."
"Serena Lawrance with 288."
"Miss Betty Pincer with 286."
"And Miss Sky Lovelace and Cloud Lovelace with 285 and 284 respectively."
With a pause he continued, "This concludes out top 10 of 6th years."
Elas, Elza, Ashia, and Serena stood near the front, smiling as their names were called, exchanging glances as they waited.
"And now," Gardinant said, his tone shifting slightly, "Though he graduated early during the height of war, it is only fitting he be acknowledged before all. He stood on the front lines… and returned victorious."
A moment of silence.
Then, from the edge of the crowd, a familiar energy flickered in the air. A gentle wave of void magic shimmered—controlled, regal.
A figure stepped into view—taller than before, wrapped in a black robe trimmed with silver. His silver-blonde hair gently tousled by the breeze. His violet eyes calm yet commanding.
It was Sylves.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Professors who hadn't seen him since the war straightened with surprise, and the younger students whispered excitedly.
Ashia's breath caught for a moment, her lips parting slightly as her eyes shimmered. Elza grinned. Elas and Serena exchanged a smirk.
Headmaster Gardinant stepped aside, gesturing toward the podium.
Sylves approached calmly, his steps measured, a gentle presence yet impossibly strong. He paused beside Gardinant.
"Congratulations, Mr. Ellesmere," the Headmaster said warmly.
Whispers stirred across the students, and the four who knew him best—Ashia, Serena, Elas, and Elza—smiled with unmistakable joy.
Headmaster Gardinant placed a hand on Sylves's shoulder. "Welcome back, Mr. Ellesmere. Congratulations."
Sylves stepped up, his gaze calm but unwavering. He looked out at the sea of faces, at the towering banners of the Academy, and then spoke:
"Standing here... feels like returning home. Though my path diverged earlier than expected, I never forgot the lessons learned here, nor the bonds I forged. This institution gave me more than knowledge—it gave me strength when I needed it most."
He paused, his voice steady. "To my friends… thank you for waiting. To my professors… thank you for believing. To every student here: your power lies not in spells or scores, but in what you choose to protect."
He turned toward the younger students. "Walk your path with courage. One day, you too will be called upon… and I know you'll rise."
He bowed lightly, then stepped back as applause broke out.
Sylves stepped back from the podium, his voice still echoing gently in the silence that followed.
For a moment, the entire arena was hushed—not out of hesitation, but reverence.
Then the applause came—like a wave crashing through the stands.
It began with the professors—clapping with solemn respect. Then came the nobles and the families. Then the students, many rising to their feet. Cheers followed. Some chanted his name. Others simply stood, hands clasped, as if they had just witnessed the return of a figure etched in history.
Ashia's hands trembled slightly as she clapped—her eyes glistening with pride and something more uncertain. She leaned slightly toward Serena and murmured, "He came..."
Serena gave a quiet smile, though it held a shadow. "We didn't even know if he would."
Elza folded her arms, attempting to maintain a cool exterior, but her eyes betrayed a whirlwind of emotion. "That idiot," she muttered, lips tight. "Disappears for months, says nothing, and shows up like this?"
Elas smirked faintly, but his voice held edge. "We're not letting him off easy. Not this time."
As Sylves descended the stage and walked toward them, the applause dimmed behind him, but the tension in the group rose. His steps were calm, steady—yet his gaze softened as he neared.
The four moved without needing to speak—meeting him halfway.
He looked at her gently, but said nothing yet.
Elas broke the silence first. "You've got some nerve, you know? Vanishing without a word, not even a letter."
Elza stepped up beside him, arms crossed. "You really think you can show up like this, all mysterious and cool, and we won't have anything to say?"
Sylves raised a hand. "You can yell at me all you want. I deserve that."
Serena, who had remained quiet, let out a sigh. "We were worried. That's all."
Elza finally admitted, her eyes wet but not
trembling. "I'm... glad you're safe."
Sylves patted her head, "Don't cry... It's alright now."
Sylves gave the other three a small smile. "I'm sorry for leaving like that. I didn't want to—" He paused, then simply added, "I had to."
Ashia finally walked up to him, her eyes wet with fresh tears of relief. "Congratulations, Master…"
Sylves turned to her, his voice gentle. "Call me Sylves for today."
She blinked, surprised. "But Master… I can't say—"
"Ashia… please?" he said softly, stepping a little closer.
There was a long pause. Her lips parted, then closed again. Her eyes darted to the others, then back to him. Slowly—hesitantly—she began, "Congratulations s-s… Syl… Syl-Syl-Sylves… Master."
For a heartbeat, there was silence.
Then all five burst into laughter.
Elas pointed a finger at her, teasing with a grin. "You still added 'Master' at the end."
Sylves chuckled, shaking his head. "That'll do enough for now."
The tension broke like spring thawing winter ice. The laughter lingered a little longer, warming the moment.
They were together again—not just as warriors or students, but as friends.
And for now… that was more than enough.
---
Sylves turned toward the trio, his voice calm but resolute. "I must leave immediately. Ashia, please pack our belongings."
Ashia's eyes lit up at the announcement, clearly delighted at the thought of returning home earlier than expected. But beside her, Elza lowered her gaze, uncertainty clouding her expression. The weight of her loss still lingered—after her sister's passing, the thought of returning to the home they once shared, to parents who had offered them neither warmth nor care, filled her with quiet dread.
Sylves, ever perceptive, stepped closer and said gently, "Elza… I made a promise to your sister—that I would be the one to look after you. You're coming with me… to my home." He paused for a beat, offering her a soft smile. "No… to our home."
Her violet eyes widened, glistening with emotion. She surged forward, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Sylves," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I promise… I'll be of use to you."
"You don't need to be of any use," Sylves replied, patting her back with quiet warmth. "Just be yourself."
Prince Elas stepped forward then, a faint smile on his lips. "So, I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. I guess this is goodbye… for now."
Sylves nodded. "Yes. Let's meet again… when you become king."
Elas chuckled and extended his hand. "And when you become the Duke of Ellesmere."
Their hands met in a firm shake—brotherly, proud, and unspokenly heartfelt—before Elas turned and walked away into the night.
Serena, who had stood silently until now, finally spoke up. "It's getting late… I should return to the dormitory. I'll wait for the carriage when it comes for me."
Sylves looked toward her. "Ah, yes… Serena. Your father, Count Marquis Lawrance, is currently stationed in Ellesmere." A pause, then a smile. "Pack your belongings. You're coming with us."
Serena blinked, clearly taken aback. But her surprise quickly melted into quiet joy.
Ashia gently took Serena's hand, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Let's pack together."
---
Dormitory Room 104
Ashia carefully packed both her belongings and those of her master, untouched since his sudden departure six months prior. The room was quiet save for the rustle of cloth and the muted snap of closing satchels. Her movements were practiced and neat, and she now wore a newly tailored maid uniform—polished, pristine, and reflecting the pride she took in her duties.
Elza entered shortly after, carrying her travel bag. Serena followed soon, her expression calm, though her eyes glimmered with quiet contentment.
With everything in order, the three girls stepped out into the moonlit courtyard.
At the academy's main gate, Sylves stood waiting—composed as ever, his black cloak brushing softly in the night breeze. He looked toward them, his gaze lingering on each of them with unspoken gratitude.
Then, lifting his hand, he opened a swirling portal of violet and silver light—its edges pulsing with controlled magic. The gateway shimmered with silent power.
As the swirling portal shimmered before them, the four stood in silence—Ashia, Elza, Serena, and Sylves—each of them casting a lingering glance back at the grand stone archway of the Imperial Asphalia Academy.
The moonlight bathed the vast courtyard in pale silver, casting long shadows across the familiar paths they had once hurried through for lectures, for duels, and for stolen moments of laughter beneath the academy trees. The towering spires, the ivy-draped walls, the great bronze bell in the distance—it all stood timeless, as if waiting for them to return.
Ashia clutched the edge of her uniform. "So many memories…" she whispered.
Serena nodded. "It felt like home."
Elza's voice trembled. "Even with the pain… I was happy here."
Sylves said nothing for a long moment, his violet eyes fixed on the halls that had shaped him. "This place gave me comrades, challenges, purpose… It gave me you all."
A soft wind rustled the leaves.
Then, without another word, Sylves stepped forward, leading them into the portal. One by one, they followed—hearts heavy but full—as the light of the academy slowly faded behind them.
And so, they were about to leave not just a place… but a chapter of their lives they would never forget.
And without another word, they stepped through—leaving behind the academy, and stepping toward the next chapter of their lives.
---
The warm scent of lavender and rose lingered faintly in the air of the Duchess's chambers. A gentle fire crackled in the hearth, and the curtains fluttered slightly with the mountain breeze. Ylva was seated near the window, smiling softly as the portal shimmered open—three young girls stepping through behind Sylves.
Aria, the head maid of the Ellesmere household, stood beside the Duchess, her posture composed as always. But when her eyes landed on the familiar face of her daughter, her breath caught.
Ashia stood still for a moment, uncertain. Her eyes shimmered with a thousand unspoken feelings. Then—
"Mother…"
The word came out a whisper, breaking the dam of restraint between them. Aria took a trembling step forward. Then another. And before either of them could stop themselves, Ashia ran forward and threw her arms around her mother.
Aria's composure melted as she wrapped her arms around her daughter tightly. "You've grown so much…" she murmured, brushing Ashia's hair back. "And you've returned safe. Praise the heavens."
"I missed you," Ashia whispered, holding on tightly, her maid's cap shifting slightly from the movement. "Every single day."
Aria smiled, but her voice held the weight of years of longing. "I did too, Ashia… I prayed for you every night."
"I tried to be strong," Ashia said, her voice muffled in her mother's shoulder. "But there were so many moments when I just wanted to come home."
Aria held her at arm's length, inspecting her face with pride and tears in her eyes. "You've done well. You've served with honor. And now you return not only as a maid… but as someone stronger."
Ylva, watching from behind, spoke gently, "Aria, let her rest. There's no need for duties tonight."
Aria nodded. "Yes, milady. Tonight… you are simply my daughter."
Ashia smiled through her tears. "That sounds perfect."
---
Sylves stepped forward towards his mother, the sound of his boots echoing lightly across the polished stone floor. Behind him, a girl walked with graceful poise, her presence composed yet cautious. Duchess Ylva, seated by the arched window with morning light draping over her silver-blonde hair, looked up from her embroidery.
Her violet eyes settled first on Sylves—then shifted to the unfamiliar girl behind him. Ylva tilted her head, her smile curling knowingly.
"And who might this be?" she asked with a chuckle. "Don't tell me you've brought home a girlfriend already…"
Sylves gave a faint sigh at her teasing tone. "This is Elza," he said. "Elza Glens. She studied alongside me under Mr. Hawk."
At the name, Ylva's eyes narrowed slightly in recognition. "Glens? As in… Sarah Glens? The knight who served under Emperor Maevor?"
Elza stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Duchess Ylva. I am Elza Glens—Sarah's younger sister."
Sylves continued, his voice quieter now. "Her sister died protecting me… and others at the academy. In her final moments, she asked me to take care of Elza. Since then, we've been together."
Understanding washed over Ylva in an instant. Her expression softened with maternal warmth, though the glint of mischief didn't leave her eyes.
"My dear Silver, if you wish to keep Miss Elza close, that's entirely your choice. I have no objections…" Her tone shifted slyly. "In fact, I'm quite pleased. My son is growing up… already starting to gather lovely girls around him."
Elza blinked, then giggled politely. "You flatter me, Duchess."
Sylves groaned softly and turned to Serena, who stood quietly nearby. "There's no helping this woman. Don't mind her."
Ylva's sharp eyes caught Serena immediately. Her posture straightened with sudden recognition.
"Wait a moment... Are you perhaps Count Lawrance's daughter?"
Before Serena could respond, the chamber doors opened, and in walked Duke Danise accompanied by Countess Arelia Vilmire and Count Marquis Lawrance himself. The nobleman stopped mid-step as his gaze landed on Serena.
A breath hitched in his throat. "Serena… is that you?"
Serena's composure melted in an instant. Her eyes widened, tears springing to the corners. "Papa!"
In two swift strides, the Count reached her, pulling her into a tight embrace. The silence of reunion was filled with muffled sobs and joyful laughter as father and daughter clung to one another.
And in that moment, amidst old pain and new joy, a gentle warmth filled the room.
A peaceful life seemed to begin.
But deep beneath the surface, Sylves knew one truth:
This was not the end of trials.
Many challenges still lay ahead.
And the story… was far from over.
---
Ellesmere Castle – Sylves's Chambers, Midnight
The day of reunions, warmth, and laughter had finally come to a close. The moonlight filtered softly through the high-arched windows of Ellesmere Castle, casting silvery shadows across the polished stone floor.
Sylves lay back on his bed, arms folded beneath his head, his long silver-blonde hair fanned across the pillow. A gentle breeze slipped in through the slightly cracked window, rustling the curtains like a whisper of forgotten magic. The sounds of the castle had quieted—no footsteps in the halls, no chatter in the kitchens. Even the wind outside seemed to hold its breath.
Ashia and Elza were sleeping elsewhere, sharing one of the guest rooms prepared for them earlier. A welcome rest, Sylves thought, after everything they'd been through.
Just as he felt the pull of sleep beginning to claim him, something stirred.
A soft glow flickered over his chest—warm and golden, like starlight trapped beneath his skin. His violet eyes opened instantly.
The light spiraled gently from within him, curling into the air like a wisp of living energy.
Then—gone.
The glow vanished.
Sylves sat up slowly, blinking, scanning the room.
Silence.
And then—a voice.
Soft. Feminine. Familiar.
A single leaf drifted down from the ceiling, though no wind carried it. It hovered above him, glowing faintly green, delicate veins illuminated like threads of light.
The voice echoed from the leaf.
"You're having a nice time… It's been almost fifteen years since we last talked."
Sylves gave a calm, wry smile. "I'd nearly forgotten about you… heh."
The leaf twirled lazily in the air. "Of course you did. But I didn't forget. You and I are bound, after all."
He leaned back again, resting his arms behind his head. "So? Why now?"
"Because it's time… for your first encounter."
Sylves's expression shifted. Serious. Focused.
"First… catalyst?"
"The first you must face. You won't find it here… Destiny will take you to it."
He exhaled slowly, violet eyes staring at the ceiling as the leaf began to dissolve into specks of light.
The voice faded with it, like a dream slipping away before morning.
"The pursuit of Catalysts… is far from over…"
The room returned to stillness. The stars blinked gently through the windowpane.
Sylves lay quietly in bed, the weight of the world not yet returned—but a shadow of it lingering.
He closed his eyes again, murmuring to himself with a knowing smirk.
And sleep finally came, thin as the veil between worlds.
"The Pursuit Of Catalyst Is Far From Over, huh?"
TO BE CONTINUED•••••
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