Chapter 170: Onward to Vermillion Night

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As Apollo exhaled as gazed at the others, he remained silent. With his whimsical nature, Irauk took this as Apollo's agreement. The moment Irauk let go of his ankle, Apollo rebounded and retreated far away. Even though he understood it was useless due to the power gap, he still kept his guard up.

On the other hand, Nadida approached with a peal of laughter. "Ahahaha, it seems you've experienced the commemorative torture administered by none other than our dimwit Master. It's a shame that he is useless other than his deep pockets and odd jokes."

"Hmph, if he keeps that attitude, he'll wind up being surpassed by me. And, when that happens, his jokes will be returned to him," Adeon added as he gave Irauk an icy stare. In response, Nadida chuckled while elbowing him in his gut.

"Hah, I'd like to see you try. Haven't you heard his stories? Even the Grand Masters of the Supreme Families haven't surpassed him. Just because you have a variant talent and irregular aptitude, doesn't mean you'll be able to," Nadida smirked.

Due to her words, the two stared at each other while their auras began to flare. Meanwhile, Irauk shook his head. With a snap of his fingers, both of their auras were cut off, "Whoa, simmer down now. This isn't the time to butt heads. You all can do that after you arrive at the academy.

"In the meantime, I suggest you go say your farewells," Irauk mentioned. While speaking, his eyes fell on both Apollo and Aaron. Unlike the others who he picked far before this trial took place, these two still had some family members to bid their adieu to.

Naturally, they both nodded. Thanks to the thinned crowd, it was quite easy to locate Kayn and Cynthia in the stands looking down at them. As they looked at each other, Apollo's eyes once again traveled to Aaron's shoulder.

"I have made a deal to help you in the future," Apollo uttered. Immediately after, he took a step with Aaron next to him. 

"You know, you didn't have to," Aaron shook his head. In truth, he felt like a burden at this point. While Apollo had delivered on his promise to achieve strength, he didn't. Thus, he felt like he had failed Apollo and was now inhibiting his growth.

"Nonsense, we have already made a vow. We will both seek strength and we'll go as far as our perseverance takes us," Apollo retorted in an adamant tone. As they continued walking up the extensive staircase, Aaron nodded.

Afterward, however, he released a sigh. And, laced within were his worries that were previously weighing him down. He knew he could place his trust in Apollo, but it wasn't a small task to overcome losing an arm.

Even though he put up a tough appearance, it pained him deep inside. To a certain extent, he understood the powerlessness Apollo felt in his early years. Thus, Aaron coerced himself to place his trust in Apollo's words. Whatever they were to face, then if there was a way for them both to prevail, they would aim for that.

When they reached the top of the stand, in almost an instant, they found themselves in Cynthia's embrace. "You guys...you did it," she whispered. 

For a while, they were both silent but then they grinned. Even though she was there when Irauk offered to help, she didn't exactly know who he was. Additionally, she understood the academies wasn't somewhere that influence could be thrown around impulsively.

According to what her brother told her in the past, inside the War Academies was a place that promoted fairness. Of course, the environment wasn't ironclad. Humans were fickle beings and prone to impulse, however, rarely did the instructors intervene.

When they did, it was only for matters that were deemed to be dire. For example, a battle between Spirit Cultivators on common academy ground outside of the designated area. That was something that was not to take place. Not only would the culprits involved be subject to punishment, but any damages would also have to be covered by their resources.

"You have abode by your word. You've made it into one of the 9 Famed War Academies. My only hope now is that when you graduate, you achieve an illustrious reputation on the battlefield. The family name now depends on you two as well as Lily," Kayn stated as he stepped forward.

After he spoke, he reached in his pocket and extended his hand. "This isn't much, but it should be able to do you both well. Now that you have cemented your standing in a worthwhile environment, those pouches should be of some use to you."

Inside both of their hands, there were pouches the size of a palm. However, when they looked inside, there were neatly packed lines of pills that eclipsed any of the other pills in the Kaiser Family's treasury.

"Are these specially prepared? These weren't in the treasury when I entered there," Apollo questioned.

"No, these are my personal items. They were all gained by offering my services when needed. In other words, these resources came from what circulates within the academic circle. While it can't be compared to what the Scions and Glories possess, it should help nonetheless," Kayn answered with a hint of pride present.

However, little did he know that Apollo's pouch was currently filled with Spirit Shards. Even if he didn't have the proper pills, he was sure there was a way to exchange a portion of the items in his possession for what he needed.

"Auntie, make sure to take care of yourself. When we return, you'll definitely be pleasantly surprised by how we mature," Apollo smirked. Afterward, he placed the pouch given to him in her palms.

Truthfully speaking, it wasn't just done out of filial piety. Something deep down told him to help his aunt. Not only was it the first time she was without her son, but there was also another gnawing feeling. One that told him, she needed strength.

'What is the negative wave of feeling? It's not coming from anyone here and it's very faint,' Apollo thought as he examined his surroundings. No matter how he did so, it all came up empty. There was nothing in his vicinity that matched this sensation.

Since he was unable to find it, he pushed the matter to the back of his mind. On the other hand, Cynthia was shocked. She pushed the pouch back almost immediately, "I can't take your resources. Are you silly? That's for you!"

"Nope, it's yours. I have my resources prepared. Besides, there's a certain unlikeable man that I can extort for things," Apollo quipped as he pushed the pouch back. At the same time, he moved away so she wouldn't repeat her action.

However, when he moved back, he bumped into something. When he did, a voice entered his ears, "I heard that. Who is unlikable? How about I send that crazy lioness to beat you up again," Irauk responded. But, he was unable to keep a straight face as the scene replayed in his mind.

Although he didn't respond, Apollo gave Irauk a deadly glare. He had learned his lesson, there no was no dead drop on his immediate agenda.

"Anyway, I've come to tell you, we need to leave soon. The silly headmaster has alerted me that she wants to perform the orientation for her new students as soon as possible. And, admittance is impossible without one of the academies' staff members accompanying you," Irauk informed.

Before they could leave, Cynthia moved in an attempt to grasp Apollo's hand. "Wait, take this back!"

Naturally, with his head made up, Apollo declined and did something foolish. He jumped off the stand as he waved, "Keep it, I'll see you soon Auntie. As for you Kayn, perhaps. It depends on what you can offer me in the future."

'After all, this world isn't my focus,' Apollo thought to himself as he descended towards the ground below.

Quickly, Aaron gave his farewell also. He followed behind Apollo by jumping as well. In response, Irauk looked at them incredulously. Did these kids think they were Zul Knights? There was no way they'd survive that fall without damage.

"It'd be wrong of me if I let them go splat on the floor, right?" Irauk muttered with a wry smile. Of course, the question was rhetorical. As he disappeared, a message lingered inside Cynthia and Kayn's ears.

"I'll take care of these rascals, there is no need to worry. Their names will definitely resound throughout. Although, I can't promise whether or not it'll be for infamy. That child is quite the terror, I tell you."

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When Irauk landed, he held both of them in his grasp. Without hesitation, he dropped them and left the area. "Onward to Vermillion Night. Make the journey and stay be eventful," he grinned.

Meanwhile, Apollo and Aaron dusted themselves off and followed along.