The intensive training of Aldomite under the tutelage of Lady Sydney commenced immediately. His focus shifted to Advanced Magic, a discipline that proved far more potent than anticipated—a true reflection of the power inherent in a Divine being. Aldomite demonstrated an aptitude that was nothing short of exceptional, eliciting substantial praise from Lady Sydney.
These frequent compliments were sufficient to stir a quiet jealousy in Elise, yet her devotion to Aldomite superseded the feeling; she offered him unwavering support, eager to witness his development. During one session, Lady Sydney made a playful, yet pointed, conjecture regarding a romantic inclination between Elise and her pupil. Elise's immediate, visible blush only served to solidify the instructor's humorous assumption.
The time arrived for the Familiar Proving, an exhaustive assessment designed to determine if each cadet possessed the requisite capacity to bond with a Familiar Spirit or Fairy. Following the catastrophic destruction of their native realm, the surviving entities formed an alliance with humanity, granting their formidable powers to aid in the long war against the demonic forces. However, the immense power of these Familiars carries a significant psychic burden; the Proving is mandated to prevent cadets from succumbing to the ensuing mental strain and subsequent derangement.
The process unfolded in three distinct phases. First, the cadet was escorted into an isolated, completely Aural Chamber. Success in this stage was achieved simply by remaining seated and discerning the presence and voice of the inhabiting Spirit. The second phase required the cadet to engage in combat against a controlled monstrous entity, specifically manifested by the Fairies. Triumphant completion of this engagement granted access to the final stage: the Familiar Gate.
Predictably, the synergistic effects of Aldomite's rigorous training and his recent integration with the Zechtron Core rendered the first two stages utterly trivial. Even as Graven privately harbored a desperate desire to witness his failure, Principal Hector instantly recognized that a fundamental, transformative change had occurred within the boy, observing an almost entirely new being.
Upon reaching the Gate, Aldomite was met by a majestic Eagle. It was immediately recognized as an anomaly, for the creature was neither a traditional Fairy nor a Spirit. This was Ikaros, a former personal pet of Zechtron himself. Ikaros had waited through the ages for the arrival of his master's heir. With Aldomite before him, the eagle willingly swore his eternal fealty to his new, rightful master.
Aldomite thus successfully concluded the Proving, yet upon his return, he was met with scorn and derision for emerging with a mere animal Familiar. They remained blissfully unaware that this bird was, in fact, a Divine Beast potent enough to command the forces of lightning. Even Aldomite remained uncertain of Ikaros's true power, but he accepted the bond, stating simply, "A Familiar is a Familiar." He then addressed the majestic bird directly: "If I am ever in need of assistance, Ikaros, I implore your aid." Elise was the sole exception to the mockery, offering genuine praise to both Aldomite and his Familiar. In that moment, Ikaros instantly took a distinct liking to her.
The Familiar Proving continued, with every successful cadet forging a binding contract. However, Calvin's experience was distinct. He encountered a powerful Spirit who adamantly refused the contract unless he first accepted her terms of allegiance. These terms stipulated that Calvin abandon his pursuit of knighthood and sever his close bond with Aldomite.
Calvin immediately rejected the ultimatum, insisting the Spirit submit to his will as the dominant party in the agreement. "I have no need for a Spirit that dictates my path," he declared.
The Spirit's reply was steeped in sorrow: "I do not wish for your demise, Calvin. I desire only for you to know peace."
Calvin fiercely countered: "Should I fall, I wager you will simply acquire a new master. Therefore, you will obey. I shall use your power to fight alongside and protect my friends."
In response, the Spirit conjured a powerful surge of magic, enveloping and drawing Calvin into a void of pure emptiness. Confused, he asked, "Where am I?" The void brightened, resolving into the serene vista of a small, peaceful village observed from a high vantage point.
"Walk with me," the Spirit urged.
As they proceeded through the village, Calvin noticed they were completely visible to the inhabitants. "Hey, Calvin, how are you doing?" one villager greeted. "It's been a long time," another added.
A profound, yet unfamiliar, sense of belonging washed over Calvin, fragments of lost memory stirring within him. He felt an intense deja vu but could not place the surroundings, unaware that this entire construct was born from the scattered remnants of his forgotten past. A sharp, localized pressure—a small crack—registered inside his skull.
The Spirit guided him toward a house nestled on a hill. He opened the door and saw several figures within, culminating with a woman who bore a striking resemblance to the Spirit herself.
"Welcome home, son," she said.
Stunned, Calvin burst into tears. Though memory failed him, he felt an undeniable, familiar warmth radiating from her. "Let us eat," she invited. Gathered at the table were his elder brother, his sister, and his father. The Spirit was also present, visible yet ignored by the rest of the family.
That evening, a profound happiness settled over Calvin. Smiling at the view from his room, he stood facing the window. The Spirit lingered behind him. He did not immediately question her striking resemblance to the woman, instead asking, "Is this a memory I lost, or is it merely an illusion created to hold me here?" He continued, "Whatever its origin, I love it."
His mother then entered the room, and the joy of this reunion was absolute. She sat him upon the bed and asked about his journey. He spoke of his time with the refugee children, his steadfast friendship with Lipton and Aldomite, and his studies at the academy, even inviting her to visit one day.
Happy to know his story, she asked him softly, "Are you truly happy?"
"Yes," he replied.
She expressed her sole hope: that he continue to pursue happiness, regardless of the cost, and ultimately find peace. She cautioned him against succumbing to hatred or the pursuit of vengeance. "I do not want you to die, Calvin," she pleaded.
Calvin's conviction was absolute. "Aldomite and Lipton are more than mere friends; they are my brothers. If I die in the act of protecting them, I will forever be at peace. Mother, I will not fail my family."
She smiled, acceptance replacing her worry. "If that is the definition of your peace, then I pray for your safety."
As Calvin rested his head on her shoulder, she whispered, "I will protect you, my boy. Now, go help your family and never surrender." With that, she vanished.
Calvin rose, seeing only the Spirit. "Where is she?" he demanded.
"Turn around," the Spirit instructed.
When he did, the peaceful village was now engulfed in roaring flames. Rushing outside to lend aid, he found the streets deserted. "Where is everyone?" he asked. The Spirit pointed.
He ran to the indicated spot, where every villager, including his family, was being consumed by the demonic fire. Raging, Calvin drew his sword. The Spirit intervened, saying, "You cannot fight him; restrain yourself." But her warning was insufficient to curb his wrath.
After being severely and repeatedly beaten by the demon, he faced a near-certain demise. The Spirit offered one last counsel: "Use my power, and you shall live." Still refusing the original terms, he fought on.
Finally, the Spirit offered a compromise: "I will follow you, and I will protect you. Promise me, Calvin, that you will still strive to find peace on this path."
Calvin swore the oath. The contract immediately formed, his body erupting in a radiant green light. Channeling the power, he decisively vanquished the demon.
The battle concluded, a massive fissure—a heavy crack—opened within his mind, the totality of his forgotten memories flooding back, revealing his past and how he ended up among the refugee children. The space around them began to dissolve.
"Why," he finally asked the Spirit, "do you bear the appearance of my mother?"
The Spirit delivered the truth: "I AM YOUR MOTHER."
Calvin offered a wry, profound smile. "Figures," he murmured.
Stepping back into the examination hall, he saw Aldomite and Elise smiling, awaiting him. He affirmed his renewed purpose to himself: "I will follow you, Aldomite, and I will aid you, no matter the cost."
Chapter 7: SPECIAL QUEST ( SECRET VAULT).