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On the other hand, Alice tried her best to maintain a brave face. "Don't forget to write!" she said, her voice breaking slightly, betraying her emotions.

I smiled warmly at both of them, nodding in acknowledgment. "I will, I promise."

Raven stood beside me, his expression stoic as always, but I could sense the excitement radiating from him. Liliana and Lily were whispering to each other, both dressed impeccably for the occasion, and Sionna stood close, still fidgeting with the pendant around her neck.

The air around us buzzed with anticipation. Today marked a turning point—not just for me, but for all of us. The academy was a place where power was honed, connections were made, and the future was shaped. For the Ashwood family, this was more than just an opportunity to grow stronger; it was a chance to solidify our standing in the kingdom.

As the carriage arrived to take us to the academy, I could feel the weight of what lay ahead. The future was uncertain, but I had survived enough trials to know that together, we could face anything.

'Liriel, protect Mother and Alice!'

I commanded the shadow soldier sorceress in my mind as a small part of my shadow detached itself and merged with the shadow of Mother. Liriel's presence, though unseen, offered me a sense of relief. She was my unseen guardian, my last line of defense to ensure that nothing would happen to them while I was away.

Mother's protective aura didn't falter, and Alice, despite her brave front, stepped forward to hug me tightly. "You're going to do great things, Samael," she whispered. "Don't let anything hold you back."

I held her for a moment, appreciating the warmth and sincerity of her words. "I won't," I promised, gently stepping back.

Raven clapped me on the shoulder, signaling it was time. The carriage stood ready, its horses snorting as if they too felt the anticipation in the air. I took one last look at the Ashwood estate. The memories of our struggles, the battles we had faced together—it all seemed distant now, yet so close.

"Time to go," Raven said, her voice carrying a sense of finality.

With a final glance at the estate, I felt a mix of emotions—relief, pride, and a growing sense of responsibility. The life we were leaving behind, with its struggles and victories, was a part of us, but now a new chapter was beginning. One filled with possibilities, but also with new dangers.

As we climbed into the carriage, Sionna hesitated, her gaze lingering on the estate. I placed a hand on her shoulder. "We'll be back, Sionna," I said softly. "Stronger than before."

She nodded but remained quiet, the weight of leaving her sanctuary evident in her downcast eyes. She sat beside me, still fidgeting with the pendant—a habit she'd developed recently when she was anxious. I gave her a reassuring smile as she finally settled against my shoulder, seeking comfort.

Raven sat across from us, her stoic expression masking her own anticipation.

Liliana and Lily took their seats next to Raven. Liliana's serene demeanor contrasted with Lily's quiet resolve. Despite the sorrow over Ethan's death, Lily's determination to honor his memory by succeeding was palpable. She looked at me, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and hope. I gave her a nod, acknowledging her silent promise.

The carriage rolled smoothly over the cobblestone road, the rhythmic clatter of wheels providing a steady backdrop to our thoughts. The tension among us was almost tangible, each of us processing the enormity of what lay ahead in our own way.

As the estate faded from view, I took a deep breath, focusing on the journey that lay before us. The academy was known not only for its rigorous training but also for the intricate web of politics and rivalries. Navigating this new world required more than just strength; it demanded strategy, cunning, and the ability to forge alliances while keeping our true goals concealed.

"We need to be prepared for everything," I said, breaking the silence. My voice carried a firmness that I hoped would bolster our collective resolve. "The academy will test us in ways we can't fully anticipate. We must stay united and vigilant."

Raven's eyes narrowed slightly, a sign of her agreement. "Yes, and also have to come up with the plan to stop the elder of the cult of Infernal Eye from destroying the whole planer realm. We have time of three years and ten months but... they still have my mother."

Raven's voice, usually so steady, wavered slightly when she mentioned her mother. It was rare to see her vulnerable, but I could sense the weight of her words. The cult of the Infernal Eye was no small threat. They were notorious for their insidious plots, always lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The idea that they were planning something as catastrophic as destroying an entire planar realm left a cold knot in my stomach.

"We'll save her, Raven," I said, my voice firm. "And we'll stop the cult."

She gave me a curt nod, her mask of stoicism slipping back into place, but I could see the flicker of hope in her eyes. This wasn't just about our journey to the academy anymore; it was about preparing for something far greater—something that could affect the entire realm.

Liliana leaned forward, her brows furrowed in thought. "We need to gather information as soon as we arrive. The academy will have resources—ancient texts, perhaps even professors with knowledge of planar magic and cults. If the Infernal Eye is as dangerous as they sound, we can't afford to be caught off guard."

Sionna, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, her voice soft but resolute. "We should also be careful about who we trust. The academy is a breeding ground for power plays, and there will be those who would exploit any information they can get their hands on—especially about something as dangerous as a cult."

I nodded in agreement. Sionna was right. The academy wasn't just a place to hone our skills—it was a battlefield of politics and manipulation. The Ashwood name carried weight, but it also painted a target on our backs. And with Raven's personal quest intertwined with our larger mission, we would need to be even more cautious.

"First things first," I said, looking around at the group. "We need to establish ourselves as a united front. No one outside this carriage should know about the cult, or Raven's connection to it. We'll gather allies, but we'll do it carefully."

Lily, who had been silent for most of the conversation, finally spoke, her voice quiet but determined. "We're all in this together. No matter what happens, we'll face it as a team."

Her words, though simple, carried a weight that resonated with all of us. In that moment, I realized just how much we had all grown—not just in strength, but in trust. We weren't just individuals chasing our own goals anymore; we were a unit, bound by loyalty, shared experiences, and the knowledge that the challenges ahead were too great to face alone.

"Does anyone remember the criteria of selection of the academy, Because we have to perform a few tests and only then we would be taken to the Academy at the central continent?" Lily asked, her voice breaking the heavy silence in the carriage. Her question brought all of us back to the immediate task at hand: gaining entry into the Academy.

"The selection tests," I began, recalling the details I had studied, "are notoriously difficult. They're designed not only to test magical aptitude and combat prowess but also our capacity for strategy and adaptability. The academy doesn't just take the strongest; they take those who can survive in a world where strength alone isn't enough."

Raven, leaning back in her seat, added, "I've heard the tests also change every year, keeping students on edge. No one knows what challenges we'll face. It's said the first test focuses on survival in hostile environments, and the second involves a direct combat trial."

Liliana glanced out the window, deep in thought. "And don't forget the political aspect. The Academy isn't just about magic and combat; it's also about alliances. Even the tests themselves could be manipulated by higher powers, with students from influential families receiving... advantages."

"That means we'll have to be cautious," I agreed. "We can't afford to walk into this blindly. We'll need to observe carefully, assess our surroundings, and be prepared for anything. The Ashwood name might help us, but it also makes us targets."

Lily bit her lip, clearly thinking over the implications. "Then we have to be united, as you said earlier. No matter what happens, we can't let anyone drive a wedge between us."

Sionna nodded, finally seeming more at ease as she leaned against me. "We'll pass. We've come this far together, and we won't fall at the first hurdle."

As the carriage continued its journey toward the central continent, the weight of our upcoming trials settled over us. The Academy would be the next battleground—a place where strength, cunning, and alliances would determine who rose and who fell.

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[To Be Continued]

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