Five minutes later, Novus made his way down the stairs, carrying two large bags he had packed the night before, he couldn't fit everything in and had plans to return for some pieces of arcane equipment he left stashed behind. 

He was dressed in baggy light brown pants, adorned with numerous pockets and pouches, held up by a couple of belts. His knee-high black boots were part of the uniform for the Arcane Sciences Academy, where he had graduated.

Over his upper body, Novus wore three layers: a white shirt with buttons, a blue vest, and a red coat, all of which were part of the academy's official uniform.

His right hand gripped one of the bags while the other hung from a diagonal strap crossing his body. 

In his left hand, he clutched a dark brown staff made of gnarled wood, with two pale pink crystals on both ends and a larger one atop the staff, and a smaller one at the bottom, the wood entwined around them.

As Novus entered the kitchen, he was greeted by the delightful aroma of food.

Tiria, his mother, moved about the kitchen with the ease and grace only somebody who knows her kitchen upside and down does, ensuring everything was ready. 

Despite her job refining Cibus, an essential mineral for the Viani economy, she had taken the time to cook breakfast for her son before his departure.

Novus sat down and began to eat heartily, while Tiria hummed an old Imperial song as she cooked. 

Tiria was notably taller than Novus, standing around 9.2 Eirus (approximately 1.85 meters). She had a strong, impressive physique, concealed beneath a long dress and an apron. In contrast, Novus was much shorter, barely reaching 8.1 Eirus (around 1.62 meters) in both height and size.

Both mother and son shared similar traits, such as copper-red hair and green eyes. 

However, there was an intriguing element to their hair length. Both tended to be surrounded by sparks, explosions, and other phenomena that could potentially set their hair on fire.

While Tiria kept her hair long but immaculately groomed, Novus had opted for a shorter cut, a practical measure to avoid accidents given his line of work. The last explosion he was near had left some charred tips, and he even had a couple of scorch lines over one eyebrow due to similar mishaps.

Novus was a graduate of the Royal Academy of Arcane Sciences, a prestigious institution that taught the understanding and control of "Vis," the energy that enveloped all things. 

This was an extraordinary accomplishment for someone of lowborn status like Novus, as traditionally, only Highborn were allowed to study Arcane Sciences.

It had been a longstanding belief that those from humble backgrounds lacked the innate ability to manipulate the "Vis" and use Cibus Crystals as catalyzing agents.

-I'm going to miss your cooking...- As Novus enjoyed the homemade breakfast, he expressed his appreciation for Tiria's cooking.

-I'll try to send you something from time to time, but I don't know how easy getting it to the castle will be.- she responded with a smile and a touch of sadness, knowing her son would face challenges adapting to life among the Highborn in the King's court.

-You’re going to miss me too or just my cooking?- Novus almost choked on his food. After a couple of seconds, he managed to reply.

-Of course, I’ll miss Father and you, more than your cooking.- He looked around after speaking, realizing his father wasn't around.

-He isn't coming?- Novus asked about his father's whereabouts,

-Unluckily he was caught by work.- Tiria explained. -He left early in the morning to handle an issue with one of the caravans coming from Ater Arva.-

Novus nodded with a half-smile. -I understand.- After all, he knew that his father was well-meaning, and much like his wife and son, he was extremely talented and passionate about his work. But that passion always ended up distracting him from other aspects of life.

Novus couldn’t fault him, not after everything he did for him, providing not only food and shelter, but many useful life lessons, and most importantly being one of the reasons he managed to enroll in the Academy of Arcane Sciences.

-I better get going, I need to start with my best foot forward.- Novus stood up and approached his mother.

Tiria smiled, patted his head, and embraced him. -I know you’ll do that, just try to keep your head down and don’t get involved in any trouble…- She looked him directly in his eyes. -Can you promise me that?-

Novus nodded and replied with a smirk. -I only promise I’ll try.- 

Tiria shook his head in fake disbelief and chuckled. Then Novus joined and both laughed, hiding their sadness behind the display of hilarity. -Take care Novus.- 

He smiled, without the snark this time, and nodded. -You take care of father, without you he wouldn't know which boot goes on each which foot.- 

Tiria laughed, ruffling his hair. -Go, before I change my mind.- Tiria watched as Novus picked up his bags and left the house, closing the door behind him. 

She didn’t know what troubles he would end up being involved in, but if she did, she might’ve attempted to stop him.