Chapter 406: Let’s Head For the Aetherian Academy!

Words : 1330 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 406 A week had finally passed, and in this week, a change was happening in Grey’s life. Today was the day he would be leaving for the Aetherian Academy’s assessment. And not just him, Finral and one other person would be tagging along for the assessment, hoping to gain admission into the academy. Throughout the week, Grey had spent his time training and honing his skills with complete focus. Thanks to his exceptional memory, he was able to learn not only the three basic sword skills but also a few additional ones that required a decent level of mastery. Yami, seeing his progress, had taken the liberty of giving Grey one more Cromwell family secret: a sword technique that was exclusive to their bloodline. A technique that only a handful of Cromwells in history had been able to master. However, no matter how hard Yami tried to teach Grey the technique, it just wouldn’t click. Grey was unable to perfect it. Eventually, Yami dropped the training and shifted the focus elsewhere, accepting that some things required more time. Grey’s Dantian still refused to expand beyond the size of a soccer ball, as if resisting all attempts to grow. With his cultivation seemingly stagnant, Grey decided to concentrate solely on physical combat, martial arts, and sword training. Now, it finally felt like he was ready—truly ready to embark on this next phase of his life. Gathered outside the house were members of the Cromwell family, all there to see them off. Grey had his bag packed, and so did Finral. They stood together, both awaiting their ride and the final person who would be joining them for the journey. "Honestly, these past few months that you have been with us, it didn’t feel like you were an outsider at all," Clarice said softly, her eyes misting with emotion as she stared at both Finral and Grey. "It felt like you were a second son to me. And now, not only will one of my sons be leaving, but two." Her voice cracked slightly as she smiled through her tears. "I will really miss you both." "We will miss you too," Finral and Grey said in unison, only to immediately turn and scowl at each other. "You both will be going to a new territory together. Kindly try to get along, damn it!" Yami facepalmed in frustration as the boys glanced at each other and then back at him. "Never," they replied together, their voices firm and unyielding. "Brother Grey, Brother Finral, I will really miss you both a lot!" Millie cried out suddenly, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her cheeks. The boys quickly crouched to her height and gently patted her head, trying to comfort her. "We won’t be gone for long, cutie," Grey said with a warm, reassuring smile. "Don’t worry, he’s coming back after the assessment," Finral added with a grin as he ruffled Millie’s hair. "What do you mean by that?" Grey spun around to glare at him. "I mean, you won’t be passing the assessment. I’m sure you’ll fail it." Finral smirked as he stood upright, the smugness in his tone undeniable. "You son of a—" Grey was about to snap when Millie suddenly held both his hands and Finral’s. "Please," she sniffled, looking up at them with glistening eyes, "this is my one request to you both. Try to get along and stop fighting." The boys exchanged glances, then looked back at Millie. "Fine, we would try," they said together, their voices reluctant but sincere enough to make Millie beam with joy. She gave them both a tight hug before skipping off to join the others, leaving the two boys silently standing side by side. "We aren’t getting along, right?" Finral whispered to Grey as he leaned toward him. "Never," Grey scoffed. "Great. Was just checking in," Finral muttered, flashing a smile at his family. "When’s our ride getting here?" Grey asked as he twisted around. The faint sound of something wheeling toward them reached his ears. Turning fully, he spotted a carriage approaching. It looked plain and almost rusty, its wooden frame creaking slightly with each rotation of the wheels. It seemed built to carry four people comfortably, with a side window left open to let in the breeze. Strapped to a single horse, the carriage was guided by a lone man sitting atop it. He flashed a wide grin at the Cromwells as he reined the horse to a halt. "This is all I can do to help," a voice called from above. A figure crashed down from the sky, landing hard and kicking up a burst of dust and debris. When it cleared, Duke stood there with a proud grin etched on his face, hands on his hips as he surveyed the little family before him. "I hope this suffices," Duke said with a confident smile. "Sure, it will do. At least it doesn’t draw attention, which is perfect," Grey replied with a shrug. "Great," Duke said again, nodding. "Uhm... where’s the last dude?" Grey asked as he twisted his neck around, searching for the final person who was meant to join them. "Right here," a calm voice called out. Someone walked over with unhurried steps, each one smooth and deliberate. A serene smile stretched across his perfectly symmetrical face, unmarred by blemish or flaw. His eyes, a brilliant shade of dazzling blue, swept across the group, examining every individual with quiet intensity. Standing at 5’7", he carried himself with an elegance that made his height feel taller than it was. His posture was near flawless. Sleek black hair swayed gently in the wind as he closed the distance, a backpack slung over his shoulder. In mere moments, he stood directly in front of the Cromwells, pausing only to offer a respectful nod and another smile—this one directed at Yami. "And here he is. Grey, meet my best student; Ray," Yami introduced, pointing at the striking young man. "He’ll be joining you both for the assessment and, hopefully, make it into the academy too." "Oh, cool," Grey replied, giving Ray a brief up-and-down glance before heading for the carriage. He was just about to take a seat when a sharp yank on his ear made him yelp and spin around in surprise. Vanessa stood there, glaring at him as she tugged his ear with surprising strength. "You’re going to the academy now, and I have no doubt you’ll get in. But if you even dare look at another girl there, I’ll burn that academy down along with you and the girl. That’s your one and only warning," she growled, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "But... but we aren’t even dating!" Grey protested, throwing his hands up in a defensive posture. "Doesn’t matter. My parents have already approved of you. We’re getting married," Vanessa scoffed without hesitation. "Wait, I didn’t say such—" Yami began, only to fall silent when Vanessa shot him a deadly glare that made him swallow his words immediately. "Whatever," Grey muttered, grabbing Vanessa’s hand and gently prying her fingers off his ear before climbing into the carriage alongside the others. "Be careful, all of you. Show that academy what you’re made of... and please, try to keep a low profile," Yami said as he waved to the carriage, which was already rolling away. "Bye! We’ll miss you all!" Clarice and Millie shouted, waving frantically as the vehicle disappeared into the distance. ’Grey... you were lucky to be adopted into the Cromwell family. Their backing and protection made sure no one could lay a finger on you. And now, you’re heading into the academy. I just hope that red hair of yours doesn’t draw too much trouble. Good luck, and I hope you’re ready to face what the academy is really about... that is, if you get in at all,’ Duke thought, his gaze fixed on the slowly fading carriage as it covered more and more distance.

Chapter 406: Let’s Head For the Aetherian Academy!

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