Chapter 23: Please protect her 2

The Game started in the dungeon. Therefore, Aaron had always believed that every being was capable of Awakening.

Feeling the need to ask something, he turned to his father and asked a question he already knew the answer to.

"What happens after the students or military personnel Awaken?"

His father chuckled awkwardly and glanced at Captain Stones, who nodded in response.

Then he answered.

"They’re sent to the dungeon to grow stronger. Most never come back, while some return with strength that rivals that of a thousand newly Awakened beings. So... it’s compulsory for all Awakened individuals to embark on this journey."

Aaron let out a short laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"That’s... That’s wild."

Then something occurred to him.

"Wait. If only students who are seventeen and in their third year are permitted to participate in this ceremony, along with those older than them, obviously, then why are you telling me all this? I’m still fifteen and in my first year. Aren’t I supposed to receive training at the Academy first? Am I even allowed to participate in this test?"

Captain Stones cleared his throat.

"That’s why I was inquiring about your strength when I arrived. There are anomalies."

He glanced at Natasha.

"My daughter is one of them. She’s also fifteen, but she’s taking the test today."

Then he turned back to Aaron.

"Also, I haven’t mentioned this, but I want her to have someone her age to accompany her if she gets sent to the dungeon. Those from the Academy will only look out for one another."

He paused, observing Aaron’s expression for a moment before continuing.

"If you’re even half as strong as your elder brother, you’ll definitely Awaken. And if you Awaken alongside her, you’ll both be sent to the dungeon."

Then he sighed.

"I just want you two to look out for each other if you end up there. From what I’ve heard, no one survives the dungeon alone."

Aaron glanced at Natasha and caught her staring at him. She immediately averted her eyes.

"Father, I’ve already told you. I’ll find Damien, introduce myself, and stick with him. He’s more reliable than his little brother."

Captain Stones gave his daughter a stern look.

"Quiet, Natasha! You don’t know Damien. You’ve only watched him fight and shaken his hand a few times. That doesn’t mean you know him. He’s a very temperamental young man who can’t easily be reasoned with.

"I’m also certain you won’t be the only one trying to get close to him. Plenty of powerful children from wealthy families will be attempting the same thing. This is the only viable option."

Natasha stared at her father in frustration for a long moment before sharply turning her head to the side with a loud snort.

"Hmph!"

Aaron simply looked at her, unimpressed.

I don’t want to be stuck with you either. I have a sister I intend to look after if she passes the Awakening stage.

Mr. Goldilock rubbed his face with an exhausted groan, making all three of them turn toward him.

"All my children are taking the test at the same time. It should be a moment of joy, but..." He trailed off with a sigh. "It’s not."

Captain Stones gave him a light slap on the back.

"Cheer up, Commander. I already have a son I haven’t heard from in five years. Now, my only remaining child is about to leave me too."

He took a deep breath.

"My daughter and your children will survive. I’m sure of it."

Mr. Goldilock chuckled bitterly before shifting his gaze to Aaron.

"Damien is unpredictable. He’s older, stronger, and more experienced than you are, but he’s also reckless and immature."

He sat upright and took another deep breath.

"I know this isn’t something a father should ask of his child, but... promise me you’ll protect your elder siblings, even if it costs you your life."

Aaron stared at his father expressionlessly.

Such a demand was truly extreme.

He wanted to say that he would protect Abigail with his life, but he couldn’t honestly say the same about Damien. However, when he saw the determination etched across his father’s face, he changed his mind.

Instead, he uttered the first words that came to mind.

"I promise."

Captain Stones glanced at the cracked, dirty windows of the train before announcing solemnly,

"We’ll get off at the next stop. We’re almost at the Royal House."

Natasha shifted in her seat.

"Finally! My butt is starting to ache."

An hour later, they alighted.

The environment that greeted Aaron the moment he stepped off the train was utterly different from the one he had left behind.

The town he had come from was still better than the place where he had grown up, but it was far from pleasant. The streets were muddy, the air carried an unpleasant, fishlike smell, and black fumes from the trains and their wheels constantly hung in the air.

This place, however...

It was an entirely different world.

The town was calm and serene, with well-dressed students, men, and women going about their daily activities. There were no piles of mud anywhere.

Only smooth, tarred roads.

No unpleasant smells permeated the air. Tall buildings made of exposed red bricks stood at almost every corner, a stark contrast to the sturdy wooden house he called home.

And...

Wait!

The train was departing, yet it wasn’t leaving a trail of black smoke behind it.

How?

Aaron glanced around.

Now that he thought about it, there were vehicles moving along the streets, and just like the departing train, they weren’t emitting any black fumes.

Aaron whipped his head around in confusion.

"But... but..."

Natasha walked over to his side.

"I was surprised too when I first saw it. Dad said it’s the influence of a powerful Awakened who lives in the Royal Palace."

Aaron frowned as he and Natasha walked side by side, a few meters behind their fathers.

"I... I never knew they could be this powerful."