Chapter 21: The Journey Begins

Chapter 21: Chapter 21: The Journey Begins

Followed by Cardigan, Aegon, Clara, and Zane, Marcus boarded the massive travel ship.

?By the serene blue seashore, this behemoth created a grand and picturesque scene.

After settling his luggage in his assigned room, Aegon went up at the sprawling white deck.

Hundres were gathered, enjoying the top view.

He also looked around the deck with utmost fascination. The vessel was a Behemoth-class travel ship, seemingly constructed of wood and reinforced iron.

From the looks of it, it was capable of holding approximately 5,000 people. That may seem like a lot, but the number was expected considering the timeframe of the entrance test at the Imperial Academy.

?The ship felt sturdy and expensive.

Why would it not?

It was built for long-distance travel overseas, after all. Top-tier cuisine, healthy accommodations, and a perfect view of the blue ocean; everything was there to enjoy.

However, only aristocrats and top-tier merchants could enjoy these privileges. Ordinary people, even those with Mana, had no choice but to take alternative routes like small fishing boats, which were usually very risky.

Aegon leaned on the railing, watching the fading orange sun in the west.

?Soon, with a loud beep, the ship started sailing. He heard several people chanting prayers for their safety.

?"Almighty, please let your blessing be upon us. Keep those devils away."

?"May we reach our destination in safety."

?Among those devotees, a certain old priest’s appearance stood out as he held a staff in his hand.

?"Lord of Lords, God of Gods, Creator of Creators, make this journey of mine worthwhile. May I never lose my way again."

?Instantly, a magical green dome was cast from his staff, making the travelers gasp as their fatigue and wounds disappeared rapidly.

"Oh my! The Lord is truly among us!" one fanatical believer cried out in worship.

?"Quiet, you fools! I believe he’s a sorcerer!" a witty-looking man barked.

?"A sorcerer? But where is his grimoire?" one young man asked doubtfully.

?The same witty-looking man replied, "Kid, the strongest sorcerers can cast spells without ever summoning their grimoires. They are known as Great Sorcerers!"

?The crowd instantly erupted in an uproar.

?"Incredible! A Great Sorcerer is traveling with us? Who would have thought that. Quick, we must learn whatever we can from him!"

"Exactly! Who would dare waste an opportunity like this?"

A woman fumbled with her daughters, quickly gathering them at the old priest’s feet.

?Tears filled her eyes as she said, "Father, please tell me the destiny of my two daughters. Will we survive the Black Seas and reach the other side? Please! I need to know this."

?She seemed desperate, as if she were holding onto a lifeline. Now that Aegon looked at her carefully, he noticed she appeared well-maintained. Her skin was exceptionally fair, except for the bruises on her face. Her daughters, who looked about five or six years old, were visibly afraid.

?The old priest glanced at the woman and then at the two little girls.

?"OH LORD!" the old priest suddenly cried out, stunning the crowd.

?"HEAVENLY DESTINY!" the old man shouted, his hands trembling as he reached for the girls’ heads. "Not just one, but two! How is this possible?"

?The old priest’s composed demeanor vanished, replaced by unfiltered amazement. It looked as though he could not believe his own eyes.

?"What is a Heavenly Destiny, Father?" the woman asked worriedly. "Will my daughters be fine? There is an imminent dark shadow behind us."

?The old man somewhat regained his composure before speaking solemnly.

?"That dark shadow is nothing, my child. A Heavenly Destiny means they possess heaven-defying talents, and one day they might encounter with the Great One whom I have spent my whole life seeking. Naturally, this insignificant dust can do nothing until they reach their potential. The Great One will protect them both. Only His will is supreme."

The woman didn’t know who this Great One was, but she was somewhat reassured nonetheless.

?"Thank you, thank you. Father, how much money do you need?"

?She reached for her pouch, but his gentle hand stopped her.

?"They are just material things, child. I don’t need anything right now, but in the future, perhaps there will be a chance."

?With that, he turned to leave, but just then, his eyes involuntarily landed on Aegon, who was looking at the fading sun. He didn’t know why, but he felt a profound attraction toward the boy.

?With a heart full of nervousness, as if he were about to meet his idol, he approached the boy, ignoring all the other curious onlookers.

?"Child, may I know who you are?" he asked in a rare, nervous tone.

?Aegon turned then, his dark eyes landing on the old priest with a flicker of surprise.

?"Aegon," he replied simply.

?But the old man felt an ancient rumble in his ears. He immediately closed and then opened his eyes again. This time, there was a golden glow in them.

?"I see it now. So, it’s like this..." his tone turned sad. "So much chaos, so much loss, and only after that, nourishment."

Aegon tilted his head in confusion.

?"Chaos? Loss? I’m just a student headed for the Academy, old man. You’re talking as if you’ve seen my wake at a funeral."

?The golden glow in the priest’s eyes flickered like a dying candle before fading back into a weary, clouded grey. He let out a long, shuddering breath that seemed to age him a decade in seconds.

?"The eyes see the harvest, but they do not always relish the tilling of the soil. You are a storm wrapped in calm skin, Aegon. To find the ’nourishment’ I spoke of, you will first have to walk through a desert of your own making."

?Aegon stepped back, "You’re speaking in riddles. If you’re trying to warn me about the Academy entrance exams, you could just say they’re difficult."

?The old man offered a sad, toothless smile and began to back away into the shadows of the upper deck.

?"The Academy is but a pebble in the shoe of your destiny, Aegon. Seek not the light that blinds, but the shadow that protects. We shall meet again when the seas turn red, Young Master."

?Before Aegon could demand a clearer answer, a group of excited merchants swarmed the priest, begging for blessings, and the old man vanished into the crowd as if he had never been there at all.

Aegon remained at the railing, the priest’s words chilling him more than the night breeze ever could.