Chapter 682: What I have learnt about the Sun

Duke Aldous remained silent as he looked at Cyrus.

He did not speak immediately.

His expression stayed as calm as ever, and he simply observed his youngest son, who was sitting before him.

Cyrus shifted slightly on his cushion.

Why is he staring at me like that?

He maintained his usual expression, though a faint awkwardness could still be seen in his eyes.

Finally, the Duke spoke.

"You have done well, breaking the expectations I had of you."

His words were direct.

He made no attempt to soften them or hide what he had originally thought of his son.

"I truly didn’t think you would rank among the top twenty."

Cyrus’s expression stiffened slightly.

His father had just praised him, yet the words that followed made the praise feel rather questionable.

You could have just stopped at the first sentence, Father.

He looked faintly offended, but the playful look in his eyes gave him away.

He wasn’t genuinely hurt by the remark.

If anything, he seemed to find it amusing that his father had decided to be so honest about his expectations.

Duke Aldous continued without paying much attention to his son’s expression.

"But you ended up ranking tenth in your year."

He nodded once, looking pleased with the result.

"Just make sure you don’t ruin everything with your laziness."

The Duke’s eyes narrowed slightly as he delivered the warning.

His tone had become serious again.

Cyrus immediately placed a hand against his chest.

"How could you say that, Father?"

He looked at the Duke as though he had just received an unbearable insult.

His expression carried a touch of exaggerated disbelief, as if his father’s words had wounded him more deeply than any opponent could.

However, Duke Aldous didn’t seem interested in entertaining the performance.

"Just reply."

His voice was firm.

Cyrus’s playful expression disappeared almost at once.

He straightened his back, lowered his hand, and answered without hesitation.

"Yes, Father."

The change was quick enough to make it clear that he knew when to stop.

Duke Aldous gave a small nod before shifting his attention to the last of his children.

Ravenor.

The young man had remained quiet throughout the conversation.

While Cyrus had been exchanging remarks with their father, Ravenor had simply sat in place, waiting for his turn.

His posture hadn’t changed, and his expression showed no particular reaction to Cyrus’s little performance.

Now that the Duke was looking at him, Ravenor raised his gaze.

"Have you been able to settle your thoughts on what you learnt from your losses to the Jewel of Ash and the New Sun?"

The Duke asked the question calmly.

At the mention of those two titles, the attention of the other children shifted toward Ravenor.

Sasha turned to look at him.

Cyrus, who had just finished correcting his posture, also directed his gaze toward his younger brother.

Behind them, Ransley and Matilda waited to hear his answer.

Ravenor had lost to two opponents who stood out among their peers.

The defeats had been a clear setback, but he had not allowed himself to remain trapped by them.

Instead, he had spent time in seclusion, examining what he had witnessed and considering what he could learn from those encounters.

Now, their father wanted to know what had come of that effort.

"Yes, Father."

Ravenor answered without hesitation.

"I was able to blend the art that allows the Jewel of Ash to move faster than her usual speed with the Silent Architect of Ash’s art, which guides an opponent’s momentum. And finally... I gained a slight understanding of the New Sun Alchemy Path."

He spoke casually, as though he were describing a few ordinary lessons he had learned during training.

Cyrus blinked.

He managed to master Ezra’s art?

His eyes lingered on Ravenor for a moment.

The things his half-brother had just mentioned were not simple techniques that anyone could learn after watching them a few times.

One involved changing speed in an instant, while the other required an understanding of an opponent’s force and how to guide it.

And Ravenor had combined them.

On top of that, he claimed to have gained some understanding of the New Sun Alchemy Path.

Cyrus couldn’t help feeling surprised.

He had known Ravenor was talented.

That much had never been in question.

Still, hearing him explain the results of his seclusion so casually made it difficult to judge just how much progress he had actually made.

Sasha, who appeared just as curious, raised her hand slightly.

"Can you elaborate, our Copy Genius?"

Her expression held genuine interest, though the name she used to address him carried a hint of teasing.

Even though the name is actually his given Title.

Ravenor turned his attention toward her.

"Among all the arts and Alchemy abilities I’ve watched and learned to make my own, I realized during my seclusion that those three were the best choices for strengthening my Alchemy Path."

His answer was straightforward.

"The Jewel of Ash’s instant change of speed and the Silent Architect of Ash’s simple manipulation of an opponent’s force are both very useful in close combat."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"However, their arts are quite complicated, so I have to make use of my Cognis to make the movements feel natural, the way they do when using their arts without relying on Cognis."

Ravenor’s explanation was simple, but the meaning behind it was not.

He had not merely copied what he had seen.

He was trying to understand the principles behind those movements and adapt them to his own abilities.

The difference mattered.

His attention then shifted toward the Duke.

"While studying the Sun Alchemy Path, I realized something else."

His tone remained calm, though the subject had clearly caught his interest.

"From what I’ve learned about Life and Death Essence, the Sun Path seems to utilize more Life Essence than the harmony of Life and Death Essence. A pure energy that is the Sun. A natural light that has existed for so long that we believe it was one of the first creations in the Realm of Stars."

The training quarters fell quiet for a moment.

Ravenor had moved beyond discussing techniques.

He was now talking about the nature of an Alchemy Path itself.

His words were still only an explanation of what he had come to understand, but even that much was worth considering.

Ransley lowered his gaze slightly, thinking over what he had heard.

"So, are you saying that our Alchemy Path contains more Death Essence than the harmony of Life and Death?"

He asked thoughtfully.

Ravenor looked toward him.

"Perhaps it comes from harmony, or perhaps it doesn’t. I can’t say for certain, since we can’t even perceive Essence in the first place. But that’s what I’ve been able to conclude with some confidence."

He didn’t pretend to know more than he did.

His understanding was still incomplete, and he made that clear.

He had studied the subject and formed a theory, but he wasn’t going to claim that his theory was the absolute truth when he couldn’t directly perceive Essence.

Ransley remained silent, considering his answer.

Duke Aldous also listened without interrupting.

His expression remained composed, though his attention stayed on Ravenor as the young man continued.

There was one more thing he wanted to reveal.

"I also created a new Flame Alchemy Philosophy, combining it with my mastery of these arts."

Ravenor stretched out his right hand.

His fingers closed slowly until his hand formed a fist.

The movement was simple, yet the air around him seemed to change.

"I have successfully broken through to the Meister Alchemist rank as a Full Alchemist."

He announced it in the same calm tone he had used throughout the conversation.

For a brief moment, nobody spoke.

Then Ravenor released a small amount of his Cognis presence.

The change was subtle, but it was enough for the others to sense the difference.

The air around him seemed to carry a weight that had not been there before.

It spread only slightly, as though he had deliberately limited what he was revealing.

He wasn’t trying to intimidate his siblings.

He was simply showing them that his breakthrough was real.

Sasha stared at him.

"This boy..."

The words slipped from her mouth in a low mutter.

Then she smiled, clearly impressed.

Ravenor had lost to two Alchemists and failed to rank among the top three.

Those results alone might have been enough to discourage someone else, especially when the opponents they had faced were so far ahead of them.

Yet Ravenor had returned from his seclusion with an even more frightening level of growth.

Sasha could feel it.

The small amount of Cognis he had released was only enough to demonstrate his new Alchemist rank.

It wasn’t the part that impressed her most.

What caught her attention was the difference in Ravenor himself.

He had gained something during his time away.

His understanding of his arts had improved, and his grasp of his Alchemy Path had deepened.

Even without seeing the details of his training, Sasha could tell that he had not wasted those weeks.

The same realization reached the others.

Ransley and Matilda both felt a faint chill run down their spines.

Their younger brother had reached the Meister Alchemist rank.

And the pressure coming from him made them feel as though the distance between them had grown wider than before.

He has reached our Alchemist rank...

They exchanged no words, but the thought came to both of them.

Why does it feel as though I can no longer compete with him?

A trace of cold sweat appeared along the sides of their faces.

They had known Ravenor was talented.

They had watched him grow, and they were aware of his abilities.

But knowing someone was gifted did not make it any easier to accept how quickly that person could advance.

Still, neither Ransley nor Matilda felt threatened by his progress.

Because they acknowledged it.

There was no point in denying what stood before them.

Ravenor had worked for his breakthrough, and he had achieved it.

Whatever distance had opened between them, they could only recognize the result.

Sasha and Cyrus felt the same way.

He’s truly a monster.

The thought passed through all four siblings almost at the same time.

Ravenor noticed their reactions, but he didn’t seem particularly interested in prolonging the display.

He withdrew the Cognis presence he had released, and the pressure in the training quarters faded.

His expression returned to normal.

Cyrus let out a light laugh.

"I couldn’t even sense your Alchemist rank if you hadn’t revealed it. Haha... Haha... Haha..."

He scratched his cheek, still looking at Ravenor with surprise.

Ravenor answered without looking at him.

"I have no reason to hide my progress from any of you or Father."

His voice was direct.

He wasn’t boasting about his achievement. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing strange about telling his family what he had accomplished.

Then he turned his gaze toward Cyrus.

"If only you had the same mindset and stopped hiding what you’re truly capable of, Cyrus."

His expression became serious.

Cyrus’s smile remained in place, but the atmosphere around him changed slightly.

"What the hell are you talking about? Haha... Haha... Haha..."

He laughed again, making the words sound like a joke.

His hand moved to the back of his head, scratching it while looking at Ravenor with his usual relaxed expression.

He seemed determined to treat the remark as nonsense rather than give it a serious response.

Matilda, who had been listening to their exchange, shook her head.

"Yeah, little brother. Cyrus has nothing to hide. He’s just a lazy boy, but if he really worked harder, he could actually bloom."

She spoke as though the matter were obvious.

To her, Cyrus’s lack of progress had a simple explanation.

He was lazy.

If he put in more effort, he could achieve better results.

There was no need to search for some hidden reason behind his behavior.

She didn’t appear to believe Ravenor’s suggestion for even a moment.

Cyrus gave a relaxed shrug.

"What Big Sister said. I really don’t have anything like that."

His answer came easily.

He didn’t seem offended by Matilda’s words, nor did he show any sign of wanting to defend himself.

Instead, he continued wearing the same careless expression, as though the conversation had nothing to do with him.

Ransley and Sasha quietly shifted their gazes between the three of them.

Neither spoke.

Ravenor watched Cyrus for a moment longer.

"I’ve told you what I think. If you still choose to walk down that path, then I have nothing else to say to you."

With that, Ravenor turned away from his younger brother and folded his arms.

He had no intention of forcing Cyrus to accept his words.

Cyrus laughed again, still scratching the back of his head.

The conversation appeared to have ended, at least for the moment.

Duke Aldous, who had been listening to everything, finally spoke.

"This is good."

His calm voice drew the children’s attention back toward him.

Then, to their slight surprise, he laughed.

"This is really good. Hahahaha."

The laughter was brief, but it was genuine.

He looked pleased with Ravenor’s achievement, and the satisfaction in his expression was difficult to miss.

His son had not only broken through to the Meister Alchemist rank as a Full Alchemist but had also developed a new Flame Alchemy Philosophy through his own study and mastery of his arts.

For a father who had been watching his children train for the coming semester, there was plenty to be pleased about.

"I am really proud."

The Duke returned to his usual calm tone.

His expression settled, but the pleased look on his face remained.

"The new Flame Philosophy is already in the process of being made into a Manual. The rest of you will receive a copy before your resumption."

The announcement caught the attention of his other children.

Ravenor’s achievement would not remain his alone.

Once the Manual was ready, the others would have the opportunity to study the philosophy and see what they could learn from it.

Duke Aldous then spoke again, this time with a thoughtful look.

"I hope this Manual will also help me get closer to breaking through from the Alchemist Scholar rank."

His words were calm, though the meaning behind them was clear.

He did not elaborate further.

Instead, he waved his hand.

"You are all dismissed."

The children lowered their heads in acknowledgment.

Their meeting with the Duke had come to an end, and there was no reason for them to remain in the training quarters any longer.

One after another, they began to rise from their cushions and prepare to leave.

Matilda and Ransley were the first to go.

As they walked out, they began discussing Ravenor’s new Flame Alchemy Philosophy and what it might contain.

Sasha followed beside Ravenor.

She seemed to have found a new reason to tease him, and she continued speaking as they walked.

Ravenor paid her little attention.

He kept moving forward, ignoring her remarks and doing his best not to give her the reaction she wanted.

Sasha, however, did not seem ready to stop.

Cyrus followed behind them, making his way toward the exit of the training quarters.

He had almost left the room when his father’s voice called out.

"Cyrus."

His steps stopped.

"Father?"

Cyrus turned around.

Duke Aldous was still seated on the scarlet cushion.

He had not risen to leave, nor had he turned to look directly at his son.

For a brief moment, Cyrus simply waited.

Then the Duke asked a question.

"How long are you going to keep punishing your mother?"

The words struck Cyrus harder than he expected.

A pressure settled over him.

His fingers curled into a fist almost immediately, and the relaxed expression he had worn throughout the meeting grew stiff.

The change was small, but it was there.

He looked at the Duke.

"I don’t understand what you mean, Duke."

His reply carried a slight edge of seriousness.

The casual tone he had used when speaking with his siblings was gone.

He stood still, his right hand clenched at his side, and looked toward his father without moving.

Duke Aldous did not appear surprised by the response.

"You can’t hide your progress from your father or any of the Top Flame Alchemists in this House."

He spoke directly.

There was no need for him to raise his voice.

His words alone were enough to make the point.

Cyrus remained silent.

The Duke continued.

"They might act angry and wicked toward you, but it’s because of the path you have chosen to walk. And I know it’s because of..."

"Father!"

Cyrus interrupted him.

His voice rose sharply, cutting through the Duke’s words.

He gritted his teeth, and his clenched fist tightened further.

The pressure he had felt a moment earlier had not disappeared.

If anything, it had become harder to ignore.

"I said that I don’t know what you’re talking about."

His tone was clearly annoyed now.

He stared at his father, no longer making any effort to keep his response light or playful.

"I already tried my best to rank among the top ten, so I don’t understand what else you or Ravenor are thinking about."

Cyrus spoke with a serious expression.

He had worked to achieve his current ranking.

He had reached tenth place in his year, despite his father and his family’s low expectations, and he had already made that clear during their earlier conversation.

He did not understand why that result was not enough to end the discussion.

Or, at least, that was what he chose to say.

Duke Aldous looked at him for a moment.

"I see."

His reply was simple.

He did not argue with Cyrus, nor did he press the matter further.

Hearing those two words, Cyrus’s expression remained tense.

He stood there briefly, his hand still clenched, before turning away.

"I will be taking my leave."

He spoke without looking back at his father.

Then he left the training quarters.