Chapter 35 – Beneath the Magi’s Shadow
The days that followed were deceptively quiet. The seven chosen ones now lived in a mansion reserved solely for their training. They only attended lessons with Aurus—and those lessons were nothing like the ones before.
Their days started at sunrise and ended at sunset, filled with studies in biology, anatomy, astrology, and mathematics. Breaks were brief, meals balanced, and the rhythm unrelenting.
William refused to waste a single moment. While the others rested or chatted, he trained with his sword in the back courtyard, drenched in sweat, repeating every movement from the technique Jayce had shown him.
One day, after a class on arcane anatomy, William approached Aurus and presented his sword. He drew it slowly, like revealing something sacred.
Aurus gave it a single glance. His normally unreadable face twitched ever so slightly.
"Don't show this sword where we're headed," he said, voice low. "Not unless you're strong enough to protect it. Even Rank 2 mages would kill for a weapon like this."
"Do you want it, Master?" William asked, cautious.
Aurus let out a short, dry laugh.
"I'm no swordsman. I've never wielded a blade. It's of little use to me. But others... others won't be so kind. They don't need to use it. Just selling it would fetch a fortune."
The honesty in those words put William at ease. He had always felt uneasy around Aurus—unsure whether the man's kindness was real or a façade. Knowing he didn't covet William's most precious possession helped lower his guard, if only a little.
During those days, he also began interacting more with the girls. Not in the intimate way he once had, but genuine, regular conversation. After digging into a few books and consulting with Aurus, they realized something: their current status was closer to magical nobility than runaway slaves.