NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Growing up
Chapter 3: Growing Up
Age 1 to 3
Aida's early years were marked by rapid growth and discovery. As he grew from a baby to a toddler, his grasp of the Atlans' language improved significantly.
By the time he was two, he could speak simple sentences, much to the delight of his parents and siblings.
His siblings—brothers Aric and Damon, and sister Lyra—became integral parts of his daily life. Aric, the oldest at 17, was serious and dedicated, often training with the royal guards.
Damon, the middle child at 14, was more carefree and adventurous, constantly exploring the kingdom.
Lyra, the youngest at 11, was kind-hearted and deeply curious, spending much of her time reading and learning.
Aida spent his days observing his family and the castle's activities. The more he observed, the more he learnt and adapted.
He absorbed knowledge like a sponge, learning about the history and culture of the Atlans. With his brain processing capacity it was fairly easy.
His keen intellect did not go unnoticed, and soon, tutors were assigned to him.
He was taught reading, writing, and basic arithmetic, and he showed a natural aptitude for learning.
His interactions with the maids and servants were always polite and respectful. Despite his royal status, he treated them with kindness, earning their affection and loyalty.
His favorite maid, Alina, often indulged him with stories of the kingdom's past, further fueling his curiosity and desire to learn.
Age 4 to 6
By the age of four, Aida's intellect had grown sharper. He began to delve into more complex subjects, such as history, geography, and the natural sciences.
His tutors were amazed by his insatiable curiosity and ability to grasp difficult concepts quickly.
No matter how Aida tried to make the problems seem hard, he ended up still amazing them by his reply. It wasn't just Aida's fault.
Asking a grown man to lower his intelligence and reply like a four year old kid?
That was impossible.
Other than that, Aida's relationship with his siblings deepened during this period.
Aric, despite his stern demeanor, took on the role of a mentor, teaching Aida the basics of swordsmanship and combat.
Damon, with his adventurous spirit, often took Aida on explorations around the castle and its grounds, showing him hidden nooks and crannies.
Lyra, always eager to share her knowledge, introduced Aida to the royal library, where they spent hours reading together.
This helped Aida read up more information on his location both as a country and as a world in general. Unfortunately, he always came back blank as to the nature of the World he was in.
With that setback, Aida quickly turned his attention to his immediate surroundings and also began to understand the responsibilities that came with his position.
He attended court sessions with his parents, observing the internal workings of governance and diplomacy.
His father, King Thallan, and his mother, Queen Elara, encouraged him to ask questions and participate in discussions, a proposal he didn't let go to waste.
This helped in fostering his understanding of leadership and justice.
Age 7 to 9
As Aida entered his seventh year, his training intensified. His education now included advanced studies in politics, economics, and strategy.
He also began formal combat training, honing his skills with a sword and learning various forms of martial arts.
They were all unique and out of the World.
It was a combination of a system straight out of a fantasy world together with the standard Martial arts techniques from earth such as Karate, Taekwondo, Judo and others.
Other noble kids attended such classes with him, but unlike most who were quick to complain, Aida took these classes very seriously. Knowing that in the end, personal strength matters.
It wasn't just about philosophy. Even as an archaeologist, at the end of the day, to get a better detail on your research, said archeologist would have to do it themselves.
Borrowed hands would only get you so far, so whether it was physically or mentally, Aida wasn't ready to slack.
Ok the family side, Aida's bond with his siblings remained strong. Aric, now a young man of 23, was a formidable warrior, an exemplary role model even.
Damon, at 20, had become a skilled navigator and explorer, often sharing tales of his adventures with Aida.
Two years prior, on the day of his coming of age ceremony, he was asked which land he'd like to rule but he was quick to decline while requesting for a ship and autonomy to sail the seas.
It caused quite the stir in the Castle that night but Damon remained firm.
For the first time ever, Aida saw a new side of his brother. One that was steadfast in front of his passion.
Lyra, who was 17 and wise beyond her years, continued to be a source of knowledge and experience for her youngest brother.
In the entire castle, she was the only one that could comfortably debate certain topics with him without fear of his Status.
This was something Aida found disconcerting. Thankfully it wasn't that intense in the Royal family, however, upon closely observing his fellow noble children, he came to understand that the Noble Status was just an umbrella that protected and spoiled the mentality of the kids who'll later grow up to rule their respective territories.
Aida wasn't bothered by them though. He couldn't bring himself to correct them with his status, he'd just be imposing his will on them. Nothing to be proud about.
It wasn't also his problem but Aric's. In the future, when he came into power, perhaps a thing or two could be done.
Those were his thoughts.
The royal family's interactions with the maids and servants were a constant in Aida's life.
Age 10 to 12
By the time Aida turned ten, he had grown into a confident and capable young prince. His studies now included advanced military tactics, statecraft, and philosophy. He excelled in his combat training, becoming proficient with a variety of weapons.
Aida's siblings continued to play pivotal roles in his life. Aric, at 27, was a decorated general, leading the kingdom's army with honor and valor.
Damon, now 24, had earned a reputation as a skilled diplomat and strategist, often accompanying his father on diplomatic missions.
Lyra, at 21, was a respected scholar and advisor, her insights valued by the entire royal court.
When she came of age and was to be married off, she protested deeply, saying she could be more useful to the kingdom here than as a bride to some noble Scion.
The entire assembly were furious about this, but a test from the king was all it took for her to be acknowledged. She was his only daughter and he wasn't lacking in strength.
To him, there was no reason to incur his entire family's wrath just to please a bunch of old men.
In terms of personal families, Aric was betrothed and would wed his wife on the day he took the throne. Damon was still not content with his adventures and hadn't thought of settling down. Lyra on the other hand rejected all suitors who weren't more intelligent than her.
As the family's prided Princess, no one went against her orders.
By the age of twelve, Aida had become a young prince admired by everyone in the castle. His intelligence, kindness, and sense of duty made him a rising star and a sign of hope for the future of the kingdom.
Everything was going well until one certain day. .
###
The hall of Atlan Castle was bathed in the warm glow of the afternoon sun. King Thallan sat upon his throne, a figure of regal authority. His sharp eyes scanned the room as he listened to the daily reports from his advisors.
The air was filled with the quaint hum of discussion, the clinking of armor, and the occasional rustle of parchments.
Suddenly, the heavy doors of the hall creaked open, drawing everyone's attention.
A royal messenger, dressed in the distinctive green and silver livery of the kingdom, hurried inside. His face was flushed with urgency as he approached the throne, bowing deeply before the king.
"Your Majesty," the messenger began, his voice steady despite the clear urgency of his message. "I bring urgent news from the Magic Tower."
The mention of the Magic Tower sent a ripple of murmurs through the hall. The tower was a place of mystery and power, its inhabitants rarely involving themselves in the affairs of the kingdom unless something significant was at stake.
King Thallan's expression grew serious. He raised a hand to silence the murmurs and gestured for the messenger to continue. "Speak," he commanded.
The messenger took a deep breath, his eyes darting nervously around the room. "The Archmage himself has requested an immediate audience with Your Majesty. He insists it is a matter of utmost importance, concerning the very safety of the realm."
The hall fell into a tense silence. The Archmage was a figure of immense respect and authority, and his direct involvement signaled something truly extraordinary. King Thallan's brow furrowed as he processed the information.
"Very well," the king said, rising from his throne. His presence was commanding, and the advisors and guards stepped back to give him space. "Prepare the council chamber. I will meet with the Archmage at once."
As the preparations were swiftly made, King Thallan walked towards the council chamber.
The Magic Tower rarely reached out unless they had foreseen something catastrophic. If that was the case, the implications were grave.
In the council chamber, the air was thick with tension as King Thallan walked in.
The chamber was adorned beautifully, and the large, round table at its center was surrounded by high-backed chairs reserved for the kingdom's most trusted advisors.
King Thallan took his seat at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the door.
Moments later, the Archmage entered. He was an imposing figure, clad in flowing robes that shimmered with an ethereal light.
His staff, crowned with a glowing crystal, tapped rhythmically against the stone floor as he approached.
"Your Majesty," the Archmage greeted with a deep bow, his voice resonant and filled with a gravity that sent a shiver down the spines of those present.
"Archmage Lorian," King Thallan responded, inclining his head slightly. "What brings you to my court with such urgency?"
The Archmage's eyes glinted with a mix of concern and determination. "My king, we have detected a significant disturbance in the space beyond our world. A force unlike any we have encountered before is stirring. It threatens the balance of our realm and poses a danger to all of us."
The king's advisors exchanged worried glances, the weight of the Archmage's words sinking in. King Thallan leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "What must we do?"