Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey-Chapter 10: Parting From Home

The morning sun cast a warm glow through the window as I woke up, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling within me. Today marked the day I would be heading to Nova Academy in Academy City.

I got out of bed, took a refreshing shower, and headed downstairs for breakfast. The air was thick with unspoken emotions as I sat down at the dining table. My parents exchanged glances, and my younger sister, Lily, seemed blissfully unaware of the weight in the room.

As I buttered my toast, I decided to break the silence with a bit of humour. I turned to Lily, who was enthusiastically digging into her pancakes, and said, "Hey, Lily, you know what they say about pancakes, right? They're just flat muffins trying to be waffles."

Lily looked at me, puzzled for a moment, then burst into giggles. "big brother, you're silly!"

My mother couldn't help but smile at our interaction, and even my father cracked a small grin. "Well, at least someone's in a good mood this morning," he said, ruffling Lily's hair.

Breakfast continued in relative silence, punctuated by the occasional chuckle from one of my attempted jokes.

After breakfast, I gathered my belongings, including a letter I had received from the academy. The atmosphere remained sombre as we prepared to leave for the train station. The car ride was a mix of quiet contemplation and lighthearted conversation.

"Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to bake a cake from scratch and ended up with a charcoal brick?" I quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

My father chuckled. "Ah yes, the Great Cake Disaster of 2020. I thought we were under attack when the smoke alarm went off."

Lily giggled from the backseat. "You set off the smoke alarm, big brother?"

I grinned, rolling my eyes playfully. "Well, I figured the cake was just trying to communicate its inner turmoil through smoke signals."

As we neared the train station, the jovial atmosphere turned more serious. It was time to face the reality of leaving home. We stood on the platform, my family, and I. Lily was the first to break the silence.

"Big brother, why do you have to go to that academy? Can't you stay here with us?"

I knelt to her level, gently wiping away the tears forming in her eyes. "Hey, don't cry, Lil. I'll visit whenever I can. But going to Nova Academy is important for me. I want to learn and grow, so I can come back and make you all proud."

Lily sniffled, hugging me tightly. "Promise you'll visit?"

I smiled, ruffling her hair. "Promise."

As Lily's tears subsided, my mother stepped forward, her eyes glistening. "Lucas, you know, you've always been our little boy. It's hard to see you go, even if it's for the best. Take care of yourself, okay?"

I nodded, my voice catching slightly. "I will, Mom. And I'll make sure to call and visit as much as I can."

My father's turn came next. He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his expression a mix of pride and emotion. "Lucas, I know we've had our ups and downs, but I'm proud of the person you've become. There's something I want to tell you."

I looked at him, curious. "What is it, Dad?"

He sighed, his gaze distant for a moment. "There was a time when I was disappointed in you. You were getting into trouble, rebelling... I thought you were headed down the wrong path."

I furrowed my brows, memories of my past self starting to resurface. "I... I don't remember much of that time." what can I say there are still some gaps in my memories like 11-14-year-old memories are still not clear to me.

My father nodded. "It's in the past now. The point is, you changed. After that incident, you transformed into someone I respect and admire. And when the time is right, I'll pass my guild down to you. You'll be ready to take on that responsibility."

I was taken aback, my mind racing to piece together the fragments of my past. His words held a weight I couldn't quite comprehend yet.

As my father and I finished our conversation, my mother approached. Her features bore a striking resemblance to mine, making people often mistake us for siblings rather than mother and son.

"You know, Lucas, I still have a few more things to tell you." Her voice wavered, and I could see the emotions in her eyes. "but I know that it's time for you to go, so please take care of yourself."

I laughed at her words, a mix of embarrassment and affection filling me. She had always been the voice of reason in our family.

Her tone turned serious as she continued, " Just know that whatever path you choose, I'm proud of you."

Tears welled up in her eyes, and I felt a lump forming in my throat.

My father joined her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "We're both proud of you, Lucas. Now go out there and show them the strength of our dear family."

With their words ringing in my ears, I boarded the train. The windows reflected the faces of my family, their expressions a mix of love and encouragement. My sister waved frantically, and I returned the gesture with a smile.

With one final, lingering look, I stepped onto the train. The doors closed behind me, and I found a seat near the window. My family stood on the platform, waving as the train started moving.

As the train pulled away, I watched them until they were out of my sight.

***

The train ride was unlike any I had experienced before. The marriage of mana and technology was evident in every detail. The sleek design of the train, its smooth movements, and the soft hum of machinery blended seamlessly with the ethereal energy of mana. It was as if the train itself was a living entity, a fusion of two worlds.

As the train accelerated, I could feel the speed at which it moved. It was exhilarating, a rush of wind against the windows, and a blur of scenery outside. The train was incredibly fast, covering vast distances in mere minutes. The sensation was both awe-inspiring and slightly disorienting, as the landscape outside transformed rapidly.

"Next station [Verdant Haven]" a robotic voice said.

The first station we reached was named "Verdant Haven." The train slowed down, and the voice overhead announced our arrival.

The station was a picturesque oasis nestled between rolling hills and lush forests. People bustled about, some disembarking, and others waiting to board.

The stop lasted for a few minutes, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

As the train resumed its journey, I gazed out of the window, taking in the breathtaking scenery that passed by.

Verdant meadows stretched as far has the eye could see, adorned with vibrant wildflowers that danced in the gentle breeze.

Towering trees stood like ancient sentinels, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. Streams glistened like threads of silver, weaving through the landscape, while majestic mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks touching the sky.

The train's rhythmic motion had a soothing effect, and before I knew it, my eyes grew heavy, and I drifted into sleep.

Ding!

[ We have reached the final Destination Academy City]

My slumber was interrupted by the voice overhead, announcing our arrival at Academy City. I blinked awake, momentarily disoriented, before the realization dawned on me.

I gathered my belongings, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as I stepped onto the platform. As I made my way through the bustling station, I overheard snippets of conversations from fellow passengers. The topic was familiar—the challenge of gaining admission to Nova Academy.

"Can't believe you got in, mate. It's practically impossible!"

The voice was sceptical, and I couldn't help but smile as I joined the conversation. "Maybe it's just a stroke of luck."

The person chuckled, shaking their head. "Luck? More like a miracle. Good luck in there."

I nodded in gratitude, my heart swelling with anticipation. The train ride had been a journey in itself, a testament to the wonders that mana and technology could create. Now, as I set foot in Academy City, I knew that an entirely new adventure awaited—one that would shape my destiny and challenge the limits of my abilities.