*SEM - Spiritual Empowerment Mechanism
As Aaron stepped out of the philosophy auditorium, he breathed in the crisp, late afternoon air. With purposeful strides, he made his way down the main ring road that encircled the institute, heading towards the edge of the desert that stretched beyond the horizon.
As he continued along the road, the landscape gradually changed. The manicured lawns gave way to sandy terrain, dotted with sparse shrubs and tufts of hardy desert grass. The sun, descending towards the horizon, cast a warm golden glow over the landscape, painting the desert in shades of amber and ochre.
In the distance, the silhouette of Siwa Lake shimmered like a mirage, its waters reflecting the changing hues of the sky. Aaron paused for a moment, captivated by the mysterious allure of the desert. Its expansive emptiness contrasted with the vibrant life teeming within the institute's campus.
With a final glance back at the institute, he stepped off the ring road onto a narrow trail. The crunch of sand beneath his feet echoed in the quiet desert air as he disappeared into the vast expanse.
Ventured deeper, his physical prowess matched his sharp intellect. Despite his young age, he moved swiftly and gracefully, covering distances with ease. He relied solely on his natural abilities, without the aid of supplements or a SEM* that some of his peers might have used.
In less than 10 minutes, Aaron had traveled 10 kilometers into the desert. As he slowed his pace, his gaze turned towards the east. In the distance, dim lights flickered, signaling the presence of a camp. A sense of anticipation welled up within him.
"I hope my little brother has arrived too," he murmured to himself, thoughts of their reunion after four months filling his mind. The prospect of catching up with his brother brought a faint smile to Aaron's face.
With a deep breath,he steeled himself for the final stretch. Channeling his focus, his speed momentarily surged beyond normal limits. Within minutes, the camp came into clearer view—tents arranged in a semi-circle, a small fire crackling at its center and the evening breeze carried the faint scent of desert herbs.
A familiar figure emerged from one of the tents, silhouetted against the warm glow of the fire. It was his father Elector who stepped forward with a welcoming smile upon recognizing Aaron's familiar form.
"Aaron!" Elector called out, his voice filled with a mix of joy and paternal pride. "You made it, my son."
Aaron's face lit up with a genuine smile as he embraced his father. "Father, it's good to see you," he replied warmly.
Elector clapped a hand on Aaron's shoulder, his gaze reflecting a blend of affection and admiration. "You've grown stronger, both in body and spirit," he remarked, a hint of pride evident in his voice.
The bond between father and son was obvious as they shared a moment of silent understanding amidst the vast desert landscape. The flickering fire cast dancing shadows around them, adding a touch of warmth to the cool desert night.
"Has Alex arrived?" Aaron asked anxiously, his eyes reflecting a mix of eagerness and relief.
"This morning, together with your mother. The journey was long, and they were very tired," Elector replied, his voice tinged with excitement. "I believe they will wake up soon."
A sense of contentment washed over him at the news of his family's safe arrival. He shared a smile with his father, knowing how much this reunion meant to them all.
Elector, typically stoic and reserved, couldn't hide his excitement. It was the first time either of his sons had been away from him for so long, and he had missed them dearly. Despite his tough exterior, he had a deep affection for his children, evident in the way his eyes softened when he spoke of them.
At 37 years old, he possessed an impressive physique and a strikingly attractive face. His demeanor commanded respect, yet beneath the hardened exterior lay a devoted father who cherished every moment with his family.
As they awaited Alexander and Aaron's mother to awaken, father and son sat by the crackling fire, sharing stories and basking in the warmth of familial love amidst the vastness of the desert night. The stars shimmered overhead, casting a serene glow over the camp, indicate the beginning of a long-awaited family reunion.
In the ancient land of Arenia, nestled within the historic landscapes of Greece, the 4th House thrived as nomads, cherishing freedom and the allure of exploration. Among them, the Amaral family stood as a symbol of tradition and resilience.
Leading the Amaral family were Elector and Selana Amaral, who guided their household with profound wisdom. Elector had traversed vast territories, mastering the art of navigation across diverse landscapes. Selana upheld ancient customs and rituals that anchored their family's identity.
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Amarals sustained this way of life through resourceful means, engaging in trade of general goods, precious stones, and advanced SEM devices with fellow nomads across the region. This barter-based economy not only provided for their material needs but also fostered a strong sense of community among the nomadic tribes.
Despite their formidable skills and deep-rooted heritage, the 4th House often faced disrespect from other Houses due to historical betrayals. This presented a unique challenge for Aaron as he navigated a world that failed to appreciate the depth of their traditions and way of life.
Each year, on the eve of the new year, all the fellow nomads gather in Arenia to celebrate their shared history and renew their sense of unity. It was a time of joy and reflection, a cultural touchstone that reinforced their identity amidst the historic landscapes of eastern Europe.
Respect within the House was earned through wisdom, experience, and the invaluable contributions each member made to the community. Every individual played a vital role in preserving the nomadic heritage that defined their way of life.
"Brother!" The loud voice of a teenage boy rang out as he exited the tent.
"Alexander!" Aaron's face lit up with joy as he caught sight of his younger brother.
The two boys embraced warmly, their bond palpable after months apart. Their mother, Selana, emerged from behind with a playful smile.
"I didn't realize you two were so in love! I'm surprised!" She teased affectionately as she scooped them both into her arms.
Their mother, nearing her 33rd birthday, retained a youthful appearance that contradict her years. Her slender frame and face radiated with innocence and sweetness, a proof to the enduring vitality of the Amaral family.
As the sun began to set, various individuals began to emerge from the tents after resting from the arduous journey. Elector had brought with him 20 people from the special guard, accompanied by their families, adding close to 50 souls to the gathering.
In this vast nomadic community, the Amaral family held a prominent place. As Aaron stepped into the evening glow, familiar faces greeted him with warmth and respect. Adults and children alike paused in their activities to exchange words with Aaron, a symbol of familiarity and unity in the camp.
"Alex, how was the boat trip? I heard the weather wasn't all that favorable," Aaron asked.
"Yeah, the sea was stormy and the boat rocked a lot. But we made it! It was the first time I've seen such big waves," Alexander replied excitedly. "Aaron, are you staying tonight?"
Aaron smiled at his brother's enthusiasm. "Yes, I'll stay. I'll leave just before sunrise. When will you start the journey?"
"In three days. It's almost five hundred kilometers to the Old City of El Minia. Then we'll walk parallel to the Nile until we find something interesting. You know your father, if something comes to his mind..." Selana joined in as she approached.
"I can step into his shoes. It's the first time someone from our House passing through the Continent of Africa, and although our technology has advanced so much, there are very few who dust off our history and explore our world," Aaron said contemplatively adding, "You have to be careful on the road. I heard in the institution that the African continent has many thieves, warlords, and beasts with high intelligence. Its lands are vast and hide countless dangers. You can compare it to the deserts of Asia and India, but I think it's worse here."
Selana chimed in, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "Your father has prepared us well, Aaron. We'll rely on our skills and instincts to navigate through these lands safely. Remember, our ancestors were skilled nomads, adept at traversing diverse landscapes. We carry their legacy with us."
The Amaral family's conversation continued until the early hours of the morning. As the sun began to rise, signaling Aaron's imminent departure, a sense of bittersweet anticipation filled the air. The next reunion with his family would likely be after four months. Alexander had already retired to bed, leaving Selana and his brother in a moment of tender farewell.
She rose from her seat, enveloping Aaron in a warm embrace. "Be humble, kind, and patient out there. I know it's challenging because of who you are and where you are from, but remember that things change. I love you always."
"I never wear a mask mom, you know that. I love you!"
With Selana returning to her tent to rest, Elector then seized the moment, lifting Aaron by the shoulder and carrying him swiftly to a nearby dune.
"Dad, I've told you not to do that without warning me first. Damn!" Aaron's initial flustered response was met with laughter from his father.
"Hahaha, my apologies, son. Won't happen again," Elector chuckled. "So, tell me, what are your thoughts on the academy?" He asked, his tone shifting to one of genuine curiosity and paternal concern.
"Hmm, you know how it is. Teenagers these days, especially from big families, can be a bit full of themselves. Most teachers seem ignorant of the world or just play along. But tell me, Dad, is something like that even possible?"
"Aaron, I understand where you're coming from. It's been over 500 years since that happened. You're the sixth generation since then and the first of our lineage to engage culturally in this new era. I knew this day would come, meeting others your age will make you feel like a god. I hope you haven't gotten into any trouble all this time!"
"I must admit, I had a hard time keeping my composure. Trying to balance the power of my abilities with the propulsion of the SEM... The first few times I went a bit overboard, but we blamed it on the gear."
"Hahaha! Yes, I'm sure the professors were the first to blame the equipment..."
"Of course! How could they ever believe I could reach 60 km/h without a SEM? Hahahaha!"
"Aaron, let's be serious. Uhm! I know it's funny, but we shouldn't laugh too much at this situation..." Elector struggled to contain his laughter, and seeing his father in such a state, Aaron couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, Selana, who had been quietly listening from her sleeping quarters, couldn't help but join in the laughter under her covers. However, she decided it was time to intervene. "Alright, enough giggling. Not all kids are like that, and neither are the teachers. They may not show it, but they're definitely around you."
"Yes, Mother, I understand what you're saying!" Aaron snapped to attention.
"Okay, Aaron, come give me a hug. It's time for you to go." Elector embraced his son tightly and said his farewells. With one last glance at his brother, Aaron disappeared into the desert.