Chapter 5: The Beginning of a Journey Together
The sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and red. The elven village, always peaceful, seemed silent as Ares and Liana walked toward the exit, where the path disappeared among the trees surrounding the town. This wasn't a farewell, but the beginning of a new chapter—a journey that would take them far beyond their home.
Liana walked beside him, her green hair glowing under the sunset light, her eyes as determined as ever, but with a spark of excitement she couldn't hide. The Magic Academy, a place where the greatest mages in the world were trained, was their shared goal.
"I can't believe we're finally doing this," Liana said, breaking the silence. Her voice was cheerful, but with a hint of nostalgia for the life they were leaving behind. "I always imagined this day would come, but I never thought it would feel so... strange."
Ares smiled. Liana had been his best friend for as long as he could remember. He had shared every stage of life with her—from his first steps to the nights they trained together, trying to help Ares control his blue fire.
"It is strange," Ares admitted, looking toward the path that stretched ahead. "But we're ready, Liana. Not just to go to the Academy, but to prove we belong there. Together."
Liana nodded, her face lit up with a confident smile.
"Together," she repeated, as if those words were a promise they had silently made to each other for years.
As they walked forward, they reached the edge of the village, where Elysia, Ares's adoptive mother, was waiting. Her face reflected a mixture of pride and sadness. She had raised Ares as her own son, and though she had always known this day would come, letting go of someone you love is never easy.
"Ares…" Elysia said, embracing him gently. "I'm going to miss you so much. But I'm so proud of you. I know you'll do great things at the Academy."
Ares hugged her tightly, feeling the warmth and love of the only family he had ever known. She had been his mother in every way, teaching him what it meant to be strong—not just in magic, but in heart.
"Thank you, Mother. Don't worry, I'll be fine," Ares said, pulling back and smiling with determination.
Liana, who had been quietly watching, approached Elysia.
"Thank you for everything, Elysia," she said kindly. "I promise I'll take care of Ares. I won't leave him alone."
Elysia smiled at Liana with affection, though her gaze was full of sadness at the parting. Liana was very special to Ares, and although she wasn't her daughter, Elysia felt a deep fondness for her, as if she were part of her own family.
"I know you will, Liana." Elysia gently caressed both their heads. "You're strong, and though I'm letting you go, I'll never lose sight of you. I'll always be here if you need me."
With one last glance back, Ares and Liana headed toward the path. However, before they could leave, Ares's adoptive father, Thalion, appeared at the end of the trail. His tall and robust figure, always serious but with a spark of affection in his eyes, stood waiting. Though not as openly emotional as Elysia, his farewell carried even greater weight for Ares. He was the man who had trained him physically, who had taught him the value of hard work and discipline.
"Ares, come here," Thalion said with his usual deep voice.
Ares approached, and Thalion, in an uncharacteristic gesture, hugged him briefly, giving him a firm pat on the back.
"I'm going to miss you, boy." Thalion gave him a steady look, as if imparting one final lesson. "I know you're strong, but remember, strength isn't everything. Magic can be powerful, but character is what will make you invincible."
Ares nodded, knowing those were wise words, even if not always easy to understand.
"I'll remember, Father," Ares said firmly. He felt immense gratitude for everything his adoptive father had taught him.
Liana, who had also been observing in silence, stepped forward to Thalion.
"We'll…" she began, with a slight smile, "we'll do our best to make you proud too."
Thalion nodded, offering a rare smile.
"I know you will. Take care of each other, no matter how far you go. And don't forget where you come from."
With those words, Ares and Liana began walking the path that would lead them to their destiny. As they moved forward, Elysia and Thalion watched them in silence, confident they had done their best to prepare these two young ones for the future.
Ares looked at Liana as they walked, a smile appearing on his face.
"Liana, have you ever wondered what kind of mages we'll become?" Ares asked.
Liana looked back at him with a confident smile.
"We'll be everything. We'll be strong, brave, and most of all, we'll be the best. And one day, when we make it, we'll be remembered."
Ares felt strengthened by her words. He hadn't just found a friend in Liana, but a comrade—someone who would be by his side as he fought to become the strongest mage. Their journey was just beginning, but he felt that no matter how hard it got, nothing could stop them.
Together, they looked toward the horizon, toward the great adventure that awaited them. Together, they would be unstoppable.