The world is unfair and it is especially so when it comes to the aspect of time.
Because, before Amon could enjoy the happiness of his childhood, more than ten years had passed in the blink of an eye.
It was as if one day he was waking up in the Bermuda World as a reincarnated baby.
Meanwhile, the next he was already an adult and was going to begin exploring the world.
A melancholic sigh escaped Amon's lips.
Turning to Peculiar, he noticed the reluctance in her eyes even as she spoke to him.
Peculiar had now grown tall at a height of more than 160 cm. Her purple hair flowed freely in the wind, accentuating her beauty in a way that made her look more mature than before.
With a spear that threatened to never leave her side, she radiated an imposing might.
And her piercing green eyes that could send chills down one's spine made others afraid of what terrifying power hid behind their depths.
Dressed in a dark green robe, Peculiar's once slightly chubby and cute face was gone, now replaced with one filled with resolve and hunger for battle.
Still, it didn't recede her beauty in the slightest. Instead, it only made her more radiantly charming.
"Take care of yourself while you're at the academy. I heard it can be a handful," Peculiar advised with a faint smile.
Amon nodded with a laugh.
He had also grown into an adult of almost 200 cm, far taller than her.
His black hair had deepened, the silvery strands at the edges blending into it in a way that made him look like a peerless expert without even trying.
Amon's appearance had sharpened with age, giving him a presence that felt naturally imposing.
"I will. Your company has been nice…" Amon sighed somberly before continuing, "I heard you're joining the imperial army. It would be nice if you accompanied me to the academy."
Hesitation flickered in Peculiar's eyes, but she steeled her resolve.
"I plan to use the imperial army's resources to find the star beast responsible for my father's condition… and eliminate it."
"I like your ambitiousness," Amon said with sincerity.
"That's one strange thing about you. You've always liked me most when I show ambition," Peculiar teased with a laugh.
"Amon! Let's get going!" Seth's voice boomed from a hovering ship above.
"Alright, Dad," Amon answered. His eyes softened as they returned to Peculiar.
"I guess this is goodby—" Before he could finish, Peculiar was already in his arms, sniffing and tightening the hug as if she couldn't bear the thought of letting him go.
"Please take care of yourself, Amon. Don't die!!!" It was the first time Amon had seen her this emotional.
Letting out a melancholic sigh, he stroked her hair to calm her down.
"Don't worry. I won't die," Amon answered with unshakable confidence.
The hug lasted only a short while before Peculiar regained her composure, her face slightly red with embarrassment.
Amon brought her face closer to his and spoke in a warm tone.
"Remember to keep yourself safe too. You wouldn't want me destroying the world because of you, right?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he gave her a kiss on the forehead.
It was the first intimate gesture Amon had ever given her.
Peculiar's body stiffened and her movements froze.
She didn't realize when Amon had already boarded the ship.
Only when it silently drifted away did her entire face flush red.
A strange emotion she had kept hidden in her heart stirred violently at this moment.
She… should follow him.
Her heart was racing, urging her to change her decision, but as the ship drifted further and further away, regret filled her chest.
"I promise to become strong for you, Amon Adam!"
Peculiar's voice was filled with conviction as she gripped her spear tightly, causing the metal to form a slight dent.
…
Clasping his hands behind his back, Amon watched Peculiar from atop the ship.
Only when she was out of sight did he finally let out a slow breath and turn around.
The emotions in his eyes faded into a calmer, neutral silence.
He walked forward with a faint smile and approached the area where his parents were casually discussing while having snacks.
"Dad, I want to know more about the academy and why it's essential to go there."
Amon had always been curious, but his father had avoided the topic every time.
Now that he was heading there, he expected a proper answer.
Seth glanced briefly at Vela.
Both of them seemed to have barely aged despite ten years passing.
Amon attributed it to their cultivation. Perhaps once someone reached a certain stage on the divine path, the aging process slowed drastically.
"As you're already aware, at the age of fifteen most youths head to the academy to begin proper training."
Amon nodded.
"There are quite a few secret arts that are only taught in the academy. And aside from that, only there can you gain access to resources meant to push your growth further. There are even star gates available only to academy members."
Seth paused for a moment, letting Amon absorb that before continuing.
"In the academy, there are star gates that seem to have civilizations of their own. And there's the research department that gathers news and information from all over the world while also crafting unique and special star weapons."
The growing excitement on Amon's face made Seth smile.
Star gates that possess civilizations of their own? Amon felt a spark of wonder at the thought.
He leaned forward slightly, listening intently.
"Aside from resources, the academy is a place for you to make friends your age," Seth added. "Walking on the divine path is a ruthless one. Only at the academy can you find suitable companions who will help you go far. In the outside world, you will mostly meet vile and cruel people."
Amon fell silent, recognizing the truth behind his father's words.
Seth continued explaining more things about the academy, each detail helping Amon finally understand why staying there was so important.
…
The ship drifted for more than twelve hours before arriving at an extremely large spacecraft that was more than a hundred times larger.
Amon looked into the distance and noticed more than thirty ships parked on top of it, leaving him speechless.
When they landed, the trio immediately drew attention from the crowd gathered there.
A man dressed in a blood red robe with tousled red hair approached them with a sneer.
"Well, look who we have here. Seth Adam. Always as late as ever."
Hearing his words, Seth rolled his eyes before commenting, "To what do I owe the honor of being welcomed by you, Gable?"
As both men conversed, Seth's eyes scanned this year's students, trying to size up the group his son would be competing with.
"The imperial family is always pleased to welcome its subordinates," Gable said with an amused chuckle.
The tension between them hung in the air for a moment before they both burst into laughter.
After a friendly handshake and hug, Seth said with a smile,
"This year's group of students all look strong for their age. A gathering of geniuses, huh?" There was a faint hint of worry in his voice.
Gable's gaze finally fell on Amon, who was standing behind Seth with Vela.
He studied him for a moment, his expression shifting before he widened his eyes in shock.
"White core?"
Seth laughed before replying, "Yes, white core. Unfortunately."
"Your son is… doomed," Gable said with a somber expression, his honest words making Seth's face darken slightly.