Chapter 26: To The Academy
Early in the next morning, the cheerful chirping of birds echoed as the soft glow of sunlight streamed through the cracks of the window.
Martha had already risen early and started cooking. The rich aroma of food drifted from the kitchen, making it clear that breakfast was nearly done. Daisy, too, had woken a little earlier and was busy packing the bags, both hers and her mother’s, Martha’s.
Arthur and Derek soon stirred awake as well.
After freshening up, the family sat together for breakfast. Once it was finished and all other preparations were done, they stepped outside, locked the door behind them, and climbed onto the wagon that had been waiting outside.
As the wheels began to roll, Daisy’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
"We’re going to the city after such a long time, aren’t we? I can’t wait to meet Sandy! She’s also a hunter by now," she said happily.
Arthur leaned back with a faint smile. "Yes... ever since Father was gone, the only times we went to the city were either to look for him or, last time, for my test."
At his words, the mood instantly grew heavy.
Because all of them, once again, were reminded of Rudeous.
The rest of the journey passed with only scattered conversation. From time to time, Daisy and Arthur asked Derek about his training, how much he had advanced, whether he was worried about the upcoming test. And even when he insisted he wasn’t, neither of them believed him. They still tried to console and encourage him all the same.
Hours slipped by as the wagon rolled on, the countryside scenery flowing past on either side.
By the time they finally reached the city, the sun was already high overhead.
Just like before, they entered through the gates after a simple security check.
"I’ve already rented a place here. We’ll all be able to stay there together," Arthur said to his mother once they were inside.
"Alright," Martha nodded calmly.
Arthur gave instructions to the coachman and guided them through the streets.
The roadside bustled with life, merchants shouting as they bargained, children skipping along the cobblestones, some people rushing while others strolled leisurely.
Through that lively crowd, their wagon slowly made its way forward until it stopped in front of a two-storied building.
"This is the one, Mother," Arthur said, pointing.
"This big? Isn’t it too costly?" Daisy was so surprised seeing the house.
"No, no... not the whole building. I just live on the lower floor," Arthur explained with a small smile. "It’s still a bit pricey, but it’s close to the guild where I work. And since the owner is from the same guild, the rent is more reasonable."
"Oh, I see." Daisy nodded in understanding.
"Mother, if Derek passes this test, you could all move here and live with me," Arthur said earnestly. "I don’t like staying alone anymore. And Daisy’s training is almost complete too. If she tells Miss Elowen, she could finish her lessons and move here too, work as a full time healer and start helping people."
"Let Derek appear his test first first," Martha replied with a faint smile. "Then we’ll see."
With that, they unloaded their bags and stepped into the house.
"I can’t wait to meet Sandy!" Daisy exclaimed the moment they were inside.
"Uncle Oliver’s house isn’t too far from here," Arthur said. "After we rest a little, we’ll go."
Daisy’s eyes lit up in anticipation.
Arthur had already arranged for a maid to prepare lunch beforehand. After taking baths and freshening up, everyone sat down for a hearty meal. After that, once they had rested a while, they set out in the afternoon for Oliver’s house.
When Daisy saw Sandy, her joy was boundless and Sandy felt the same. The two embraced warmly. Sandy had already become a successful hunter, reaching C-class, while Daisy herself was now a B-class healer.
The two friends slipped into Sandy’s room, chatting endlessly and sharing their experiences. Though both had grown up into young women, in that moment they looked and laughed like little girls again.
Oliver and his wife, Juliana, were also delighted to see Derek’s family again, treating them with warmth and affection.
The day passed happily, and by nightfall they returned to home.
_______
In the following days
Derek threw himself into his training with unwavering focus.
"I can’t afford to slack off," he told himself as he practiced balancing on a pillar with one leg, sweat dripping down his brow.
He continued cultivation, accumulating Qi and drawing out every ounce of internal energy he could, pushing it to grow bit by bit.
Three days passed like this in relentless effort.
And then, at last....
The day of the Arcadia Hunter Academy Entrance Test finally arrived.
Derek and his family arrived at the grand entrance of the academy.
Before him rose a sprawling castle-like structure, its towering spires and sharp rooftops gleaming under the sunlight. Stone walls stretched endlessly, carved with intricate details that whispered of centuries of history. Some towers were slender and needle-like, while others stood broad and fortified, giving the entire academy the aura of both majesty and strength. The golden glow of the sun reflected against the rooftops, making the place look almost otherworldly.
From the wagon, Derek could already see the crowd ahead. Countless people were gathered at the gates, moving in a steady flow. One by one, families entered.... children of eleven or twelve, some clutching tightly to their parents’ hands, others walking proudly beside escorts in fine robes.
Stepping down from the wagon, Derek’s eyes widened in wonder. It was his first time seeing the academy up close, and the sight left him breathless. The vast walls, the soaring towers, the magical atmosphere that seemed to hum faintly in the air....
Arthur climbed down beside him, placed a steady hand on Derek’s shoulder, and said firmly, "Let’s go."
Derek nodded, his heart racing with a mix of awe and anticipation, as he followed his family into the grand gates of the Arcadia Hunter Academy.