After my sparring session with Roan, something changed in the atmosphere at home. As we walked back from the field for dinner, I noticed my parents exchanging glances, as if they were discussing something important—something unseen but palpable to me.

During the evening meal, by candlelight, I finally heard what I'd been expecting since I first started feeling like part of this world.

"Ellard," Roan set down his spoon, meeting my gaze, "you're growing up... and you're no longer the child you once were."

Elana nodded, her gaze moving from Roan to me. Her eyes held tenderness and something else—a hint of worry.

"We see how you're learning and growing. You are undoubtedly gifted, and that gift requires... deeper training than what we can offer here in the village," she added, carefully setting aside her bread.

I nodded quietly, understanding that they had come to a decision I had anticipated.

Roan continued,

"There's an academy in the capital. It's one of the finest institutions on the continent, renowned for its mentors and the knowledge passed down through generations. There, Ellard, you'll be able to understand your gift, learn to control it, and discover what mana holds within itself and how to wield it."

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Elana gently took my hand, her voice trembling slightly,

"We know it's early, you're still a child, but we feel this is your destiny. And who knows what powers you might learn to command there?"

At that moment, I felt a mixture of pride and a tinge of sadness. In my past life, I often longed to wander alone, unburdened by attachments and bonds, but now, standing before me were people willing to support me. This decision was as important to them as it was to me.

"Perhaps, in this life, I'm meant not only to gain power but to understand why it's given to me."

Roan explained that setting out for the capital was no simple journey and that we would need to prepare. They would gather provisions and items to trade along the way, and our journey might take several days.

Elana suggested we visit nearby villages to say goodbye and gather any essentials needed for a long journey. I knew that this marked the beginning of a new chapter, and the feeling of it filled me with anticipation and readiness.

That evening, sitting by the fire, Roan and Elana sat beside me. Their voices softened as they spoke about the journey, about how traveling to the capital would be no easy feat, but they saw in me a child capable of handling any challenge.

Roan, smiling, said,

"Don't think it will be easy there. The academy is known for its strict discipline, and even I found it tough when I trained under the mentors in the capital. But I see in you the same fire I had back then, Ellard. And I'm sure you can overcome any trials."

Elana added with a gentle smile,

"But always remember, no matter what happens—you're our son, and this home will always be yours."

Those were words I hadn't expected to hear, but feeling their support and love, I realized that, perhaps, it was for them that I should strive.

Thus, a new stage of my life began, and the next morning, we started preparing for the long journey to the capital.