Chapter 40: Shadow creature and Whispers of Fate

As Kael stepped out of the carriage and walked past Ethan, a subtle shift in the air caught the latter’s attention.

Ethan’s gaze lingered on Kael for a split second before his instincts flared. Narrowing his eyes, he focused his mana sense sharply on Kael’s retreating shadow.

To his surprise, a strange, writhing entity was tethered within the darkness of Kael’s silhouette, feeding directly off Kael’s life force and mana.

It was a bound shadow creature—abominably rare in this world. Interesting, Ethan thought, a faint trace of calculation crossing his mind. He managed to bind with one of these? I knew I shouldn’t rely blindly on my past-life knowledge.

I should have placed a proper spirit or spy on him from the start, but I was in too much of a hurry to get back inside last night.

Meanwhile, Kael walked alongside the family butler toward the main entrance of the manor. Keeping his voice casual, he asked, "By the way, when did those two boys—Ethan and Arthur—start living here?"

The butler glanced sideways at him. "They arrived just yesterday, young master."

Kael frowned slightly, a strange thought crossing his mind. They arrived yesterday, right around the time I came back? Could this be some sort of twisted twist of fate? He quickly shook his head, brushing it off. Whatever.

I’m a transmigrator; destiny has to favor me eventually.

As they walked, Kael mentally recalled how the shadow creature had suddenly crawled out from the manor’s basement right as he was leaving earlier, feeding off the remnants of dark energy there.

Because it hadn’t attacked him and had even docilely accepted a few scraps of food, it had essentially adopted him as its master.

Though he found its slimy, ugly appearance repulsive and didn’t view it as any great asset, he figured it might come in handy someday.

Arriving at his newly assigned room, Kael dropped his travel bag onto the pristine hardwood floor and took a deep breath. A confident smirk spread across his lips.

This is where my new life truly begins. Let’s see how my stepmom treats me... and honestly, reading about fantasy magic academies in novels was always a dream of mine.

Let’s see how much fun I can squeeze out of this world.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts as the family butler entered, asking if he needed anything. Kael shook his head, though a sudden pang of hunger reminded him of the long journey. He asked the butler to arrange a meal, letting out a quiet sigh as he prepared to face whatever political games awaited him in the Sterling household.

Back inside the grand carriage speeding toward the elite magic academy, the atmosphere was a stark contrast of quiet tension and youthful curiosity.

Ethan, Arthur, Lumian, and Seraphina sat facing one another in the spacious cabin.

Ethan and Seraphina shared one plush bench, while Lumian and Arthur sat directly across from them.

Seraphina glanced sideways at the young boy beside her, her expression softening into a polite, inquisitive smile. "So, when did you actually start attending formal schooling, Ethan?"

Ethan blinked innocently, maintaining his five-year-old facade. "In my old remote village, we mostly learned basic survival and rudimentary reading from older townsfolk. Nothing as grand as the capital’s academy."

"Ah, I see," Seraphina nodded understandingly.

"Here at the academy, the awakening ceremonies and formal magic theory start early. But don’t worry—since you’re my fiancé, I can help tutor you. If there are any spells or texts you don’t understand, you can always ask me."

A knowing, amused smirk flickered in Ethan’s eyes, though he kept his voice light. "I’d love that. I’ll be counting on you, Seraphina."

Hearing this, Arthur leaned forward eagerly, pointing at himself. "Hey, what about me? Can you teach me too, Seraphina?"

Seraphina gave him a polite, apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Arthur. I only have enough free time to tutor one person properly." She gestured slightly toward Lumian, who sat quietly across the aisle. "Why don’t you ask Lumian? I’m sure he’d be happy to help."

Lumian, who had been quietly watching the exchange with a mixture of dark envy and lingering anxiety regarding his mother, blinked in surprise when he was suddenly singled out. He forced a stiff, polite nod.

"S-Sure... I can help you, Arthur. I don’t really have much else to do around the manor anyway."

Before long, the carriage slowed to a gentle halt.

The heavy oak doors swung open, revealing the breathtaking sight of the Royal Magic Academy.

The campus was an architectural marvel—towering white-stone spires pierced the azure sky, connected by glowing bridge-runes and lush botanical gardens humming with natural mana.

Hundreds of students in immaculate uniforms bustled across the grand plaza. Among them, various demi-human students with distinct animal traits—fox-like ears, subtle scales, and feathered wings—walked side-by-side with human aristocrats.

Ethan stepped down from the carriage, taking in the vibrant, sprawling fantasy landscape. A sharp, ambitious grin spread across his face.

If I play my cards right, Ethan thought quietly as he watched the vibrant crowd, this academy will be the perfect stage to expand my influence.