The exchange of blows and counterattacks continued, neither of us giving an inch. The onlookers were in awe, but Caius and I were focused only on each other. Both of us were determined to come out on top. But I could tell that Caius was holding something back. 

I weaved wind blasts in with my sword strikes, attacking his right leg with a wind bullet while striking at his left shoulder with my sword. The wind landed, and he was thrown off for a second. I was about to land the finishing blow when my sword suddenly slowed, nearly coming to a stop. 

The air felt thick and heavy around me.

I knew this is what he had been hiding. He must have learned how to manipulate external air pressure and density at some point during his time in the Sylvan Guard. Creating a dense blast of wind with your own mana was not so difficult for an average wind mage, but manipulating the ambient wind mana to such a degree that it can stop a mana-enhanced blade? That’s unheard of outside of the most elite wind mages.

The blunt end of Caius’ spear connected with my chest, combined with a powerful wind blast.

I was left panting and sweating on the dirt, but with a smile on my face. Although I lost, the match proved to be very helpful, I had a goal to work towards and a rival to catch up to.

Caius’ ability to manipulate external air density was truly awe-inspiring, and I knew that I had a lot to learn from him. I was proud to have such a talented brother, I knew he would make a great Guardian. Although he was not quite on Instructor Blake’s level yet, I knew Caius had the potential to surpass him.

As I sat up, I could see the pride in Caius' eyes. He extended a hand and helped me up, and we shared a smile.

"Well done, brother," he said as I began brushing dirt off my clothes. “The Guardian, Blake Arward was it? He taught you a lot.”

"You did very well too," I replied, nodding. "That was a phenomenal technique at the end there, you manipulated the air density, right? I think even Instructor Blake would be impressed."

"I'm glad you noticed," Caius said. "And I don’t doubt that you'll master it soon enough. Your skills are truly remarkable."

“You say that,” I chuckled, scanning my brother up and down, “But you’re hardly even sweating.”

“You are young, Kai, remember that,” Caius reminded me, his tone turning serious. “You kept up with me until I used my strongest technique, and I have 12 years on you. I’m excited to see your future progress, brother.”

I looked over, and I saw my sister and our parents making their way over to us. Aria was grinning from ear to ear, practically running in our direction.

"Kai! That was amazing!" Aria exclaimed as she pulled me into a hug.

"You did so well," our mother chimed in, with a warm smile.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness wash over me as I accepted their congratulations. I was home, with my family, and living up to their expectations. It was a feeling I wasn't used to, and it was all the sweeter because of it.

"Caius, you too," Aria said, turning her attention to our older brother. "You both did amazing."

Caius smiled and hugged Aria, before turning to our parents.

"Thanks, everyone," he said, looking as proud as I felt. "It means a lot to us."

"Your skills have improved greatly, Kai," our father said, a proud look in his blue eyes. "I'm very proud of how you’re progressing, I’m sure Blake would say the same."

The mention of Blake had me taken aback for a second, reminding me of the danger he was in. But I knew that thinking about it too much now would do nothing good for me. So, I pushed aside my concerns for Blake and focused on the moment with my family. It was times like these that made all the hard work worth it. To be able to spar with my brother and hold my own was all I could ask for.

I kept on living in the Vale Estate for a few months, each day passing by peacefully. Though I wasn’t as active with my training as I had been in Luminia alongside Arden, I made sure to meditate for a couple of hours a day to strengthen my mana channels. I also sparred with Caius when I could, I wasn’t yet able to defeat him but I felt my wind magic becoming much faster. But, I prioritized spending time with my family instead of training. A big regret I had in Luminia was being too tunnel-visioned in training to make any true bonds outside of Arden, Blake, and Eira.

One day, I went downstairs to get breakfast and entered the dining room, surprised to see a strange man sitting at the grand wooden table, speaking to my father and brother. He appeared to be an elf around Caius’ age, he wore a silver cloak, embroidered with intricate green threads that gleamed like emeralds.

“Ahh Kai, just who I wanted to see,” my father called out, once he noticed me enter the room.

“Hello Father, Brother,” I nodded to them both, then looked at the man, thinking he looked vaguely familiar. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I am Kai Vale, youngest son of House Vale.”

“I have heard a lot about you, from my sister, Eira. She speaks very highly of you.” the elf replied. “My name is Celadriel Luthien, Viscount of Cedarfall.”

I suddenly realized why I recognized him. The way his well-kept golden hair and pointed ears combined with his green eyes, reminded me exactly of Eira.

“Nice to meet you,” I replied, greatly interested in Celadriel Luthien.

“Yes, it’s about time we were acquainted,” Celdariel pulled out a letter from the folds of his cloak and handed it to me, “It’s from my sister, she insisted that I deliver it to you myself.”

I took it, trying to keep a smile off my face, “Thank you, I appreciate it.” 

“Well anyway,” Celadriel began speaking again after a moment’s hesitation, “I’ve finished my business with your father so I’ll be off now. But Kai, feel free to stop by Cedarfall anytime. You’ll be welcomed with open arms.”

With that, Caius showed him to the door, and he left.

“Father, what were you speaking to Celadriel about?” I queried.

“We were discussing plans for the future of Cedarfall and the Vale Domain. After you and I passed through Cedarfall a few months ago, I realized how much of an adventuring town it had become over the last 5 years. I’d like to expand on that.” My father explained, clearly excited about the potential development.

“You look very happy about that, Father,” I said, genuinely surprised to see him so excited about the development of a small town.

“You look very happy about that letter, Kai,” my father retorted.

“Speaking of, I’ll be upstairs reading it.” With that, I left my father and Caius in the dining room alone, but not before I grabbed a piece of bread from the table.

I rushed upstairs to my bedroom, incredibly excited to read the letter from Eira, yet I was also very nervous. Nonetheless, I sat down on my bed and opened the letter, instantly noticing the elegant handwriting. 

I was taken aback by Eira's request. I hadn't expected her to ask me to attend school alongside her and Arden, but I knew immediately what my response would be. I would need to have a conversation with my father about it closer to the time. Typically, the children of House Vale completed their formal education within the Vale Domain before exploring other options. I needed to demonstrate my trustworthiness and capabilities as a mage to my father before I would be able to venture out to another Domain on my own.