The warm aroma of roasted meat and spiced vegetables filled the air as the food arrived at the table. Ronan, lost in thought, barely noticed. Across from him, Mr. Alden observed him carefully, his sharp yet kind eyes reflecting concern.
"Ronan, if you ever feel unwell or have something weighing on your mind, you can always talk to me, Amara, or Gideon." His voice was steady yet gentle. "We are not just your instructors. We are here to support you, to protect you, and to make sure you stay on the right path. And we will do our best to guide you."
Ronan blinked, slightly taken aback by the unexpected sentiment. He nodded hesitantly but said nothing. His appetite was nearly gone, though he forced himself to take a few bites.
Mr. Alden glanced at the food before shifting his gaze back to Ronan. "You and I are not so different, you know. The emotions you are feeling now—we have faced them too."
Ronan furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?"
Mr. Alden exhaled, leaning back slightly. "Let me tell you a story."
Ronan straightened, sensing the weight behind those words.
"Years ago, when Gideon, Amara, and I were students at Serenwyn Magic Academy, we met a junior classmate named Adrian Viridion. Even though he was younger, his magical abilities surpassed anything we had ever seen. We became close, and together, we travelled across the Serenwyn Kingdom, taking on challenges and growing stronger. But Adrian... he carried a heavy burden. His family, the Viridions, were embroiled in internal conflicts. Eventually, he was sent on a mission to the Underworld—a vast, desolate region filled with thick miasma and horrors beyond imagination. It was meant to be a crucial task for his family."
Mr. Alden's expression darkened, his fingers gripping the edge of the table. "Amara and I couldn't go with him that day, but Gideon and several of Adrian's family members accompanied him. We believed he would return, as he always had before." He let out a slow, heavy sigh. "But he never came back."
Ronan listened in silence, his stomach twisting at the thought.
"To this day, I regret not going with him," Mr. Alden admitted. "And Gideon... he bears the worst of it. He was there, and he and others were saved by Adrian's sacrifice. But no one knows exactly what happened in those final moments." He looked at Ronan, his voice softer now. "We don't know what the future holds, and we can't change the past. So what's the point of dwelling on regrets? We learned to live with the pain."
Ronan's throat tightened. He wasn't sure how to respond, but something about the story resonated deeply within him.
Mr. Alden gave him a small, knowing smile. "You remind me of him in many ways. You have the same unyielding nature. You refuse to give up, you thirst for knowledge, and you care deeply for those around you. That is why I'm telling you this. Don't carry everything alone, Ronan. You can always talk to me or Amara—no matter what thoughts or feelings you have. Even the bad ones. Understood?"
Ronan swallowed and nodded firmly. "Yes, sir."
Satisfied, Mr. Alden returned to his meal, and they ate in relative silence. Ronan now felt a little lighter than before, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart after speaking with Mr. Alden. He appreciated the rare insight into his teacher's past. When they finished, they left Ember Hearth Inn, stepping onto the lively streets illuminated by lanterns and shop signs. The cool night air was refreshing, contrasting with the warmth of the inn.
As they walked back toward the academy, Mr. Alden broke the silence. "By the way, Ronan, did you know that the Flamecrest family has their own Dimensional Rift?"
Ronan nodded. "Yes, I heard about it. It's supposedly one of the best places for fire magic users to train. But I also heard that non-Flamecrest members need to pass a test to gain entry—or they have to become part of the family."
Mr. Alden smirked. "I have my ways of getting you in without any of that."
Ronan looked down at his palm, considering the offer. "That's a great opportunity... but I don't want to go."
Mr. Alden raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You won't regret it later?"
Ronan clenched his fist. "I'm sure. Kael offered me the same chance—he said he could arrange a spot for me. But I refused. I have my own plans. I'm aiming for the Ruins of Aerion, near Eldergrove Village."
Mr. Alden stopped walking, turning to face Ronan directly. "The Ruins of Aerion? Why? There is nothing that can help a flame magic user.
Ronan smiled. "Yes, but I want to strengthen my Soul power. I heard the Ruin of Aerion is filled with Soul Energy."
Mr. Alden nodded approvingly. "That's also a good idea. But I still suggest going to the Flamecrest test."
Ronan frowned slightly. "No chance."
Mr. Alden sighed. "Okay!
By the time they arrived at the academy, the corridors were quiet, bathed in the soft glow of magic-infused lanterns. Ronan turned to his teacher, bowing slightly. "Thank you, sir. I'll never forget your guidance."
Mr. Alden smiled, placing a reassuring hand on Ronan's shoulder. "You can always talk to me. Good night, Ronan."
"Good night, sir."