After a long, heavy silence, he finally sighed, a profound and wistful expression briefly crossing his features.
"Perhaps you’re right," Edgar admitted softly, a subtle hint of loneliness and sincerity filling his voice. "Over the years, serving the Helstorm family, I never allowed myself such sentimental attachments."
"Yet, Orion... Orion somehow became an exception. Every day, I see more clearly that I no longer merely wish to train a disciple or even a successor. He is far more important to me than I had ever anticipated."
Lucan smiled gently, sensing the weight behind Edgar’s quiet admission. He closed his eyes again, leaning comfortably back against the tree as the breeze whispered softly around them.
"Well then," Lucan murmured calmly, his voice returning to its usual playful tone, "perhaps you should stop trying to deny it. You look at him as your son more than your successor."
Edgar didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he allowed himself a faint, almost bittersweet smile, exhaling another quiet sigh as his eyes continued gazing thoughtfully into the distance.
"Perhaps... Perhaps you’re right," he finally whispered softly, his expression slightly complex as he shook his head and turned to look at the azure sky and fleeting clouds.
***
Inside the academy, the atmosphere was thick with palpable tension and anxiety. Some students whispered nervously, their voices hushed but urgent, their faces revealing worry and uncertainty.
Today marked the end of Vice Dean Hargan’s test, a decisive moment that would shape the paths of many young cultivators.
The stone-paved pathways buzzed quietly, students moving swiftly toward the main building or gathering in small groups, exchanging anxious glances and murmured speculations about who might pass or fail.
Yet Orion remained unaffected by the heavy mood, his calm and confident demeanor matching the other students who had successfully made their Affinity Rune.
With calm footsteps, he navigated through the bustling crowd toward the garden.
Upon entering the lush green garden dotted with vibrant flowers and gently swaying trees, Orion spotted familiar faces gathered near a stone pavilion at the center.
Arya stood elegantly, quietly conversing with Emilia, whose gentle laugh echoed softly.
Nyss leaned casually against a pillar, her expression neutral yet her eyes brightening subtly upon noticing Orion’s approach. Elias and Kale were deep in conversation, their voices animated but relaxed, while Felira and Sylvia talked with each other.
As Orion drew closer, Arya turned and smiled warmly, breaking off her conversation. "Look who finally decided to show up. Welcome back, Brother Orion."
As he approached, a relaxed warmth settled over the previously anxious group.
Elias stepped forward eagerly, lightly punching Orion’s shoulder in greeting. "Orion, finally here. It’s been a while."
Kale chuckled softly, arms crossed comfortably as he leaned against the stone pillar. "We were starting to wonder if you’d forgotten about us."
Orion laughed lightly, his eyes sweeping across the gathered friends. "How could I? You guys are quite memorable, after all."
Nyss smiled faintly seeing Orion, "It seems you have been quite busy for the past few days. You didn’t even come to the academy."
"Indeed," Orion admitted with a chuckle. "I was busy training at home. But I have to say, it seems like I wasn’t the only one training hard. Did all of you reach Tier 3 already?" His gaze fell pointedly on Elias, noticing the difference immediately. "Except Elias, who’s still at Tier 2?"
Sylvia chuckled lightly, shaking her head with gentle amusement. "Orion, you give us too much credit. Most of us were already at Tier 2 when we entered the academy. All we needed was the proper push."
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