Absolute Cheater - Chapter 476
476: Plans 476: Plans Arnold leaned back as the servants placed dishes before them.
“Busy as always,” he said.
“But worth the trip.
We found some interesting supplies-and a few surprises.” Liam raised an eyebrow.
“Surprises?” Asher pointed toward the small cage resting by the window.
Inside, the Nightrazor was curled up, its violet glow pulsing faintly.
Liam blinked.
“You bought a Nightrazor?” Arnold chuckled.
“Technically, it found us.
The young ones insisted we look around, and it seems fate decided to throw this one in.” Liam gave him a long look, then sighed with a small smile.
“Only you would come back from a market trip with a rare soul beast.” Asher smirked.
“You sound like you’re surprised.” “I shouldn’t be,” Liam replied.
“Not anymore.” The table filled with quiet conversation for a while-the clinking of plates, the soft sound of fire crackling in the nearby hearth.
Marina and Catherine chatted about the fabrics and trinkets they’d bought, while Freya asked Valeris about their next destination.
Sophia listened quietly, occasionally adding a practical comment about travel routes and supply lists.
When the first round of food was done, Liam set his cup down and looked at Arnold.
“I was going to mention this tomorrow, but since you’re all here, I might as well say it now.” Arnold looked at him curiously.
“Something important?” Liam nodded, his tone shifting to a more serious one.
“Yes.
Since we’ve only recently settled here in the higher realm, I’ve been thinking about how to help everyone adjust-especially the younger ones.
The Averin Academy is reopening its enrollment for the advanced division next week, and they’re taking candidates for the Soul Arts program.” Asher looked up from his plate.
“The one overseen by the Council of Realms?” “That’s the one,” Liam confirmed.
“It’s one of the oldest institutions still preserving the cultivation methods of this realm.
And this time, they’re allowing direct entry for new families who’ve risen here from the lower worlds.” Arnold’s brows lifted slightly.
“Ah, so you’re thinking ahead.
Smart.” “Exactly,” Liam said, resting his elbows on the table.
“And since we’ve only just arrived in the higher realm, it’s the perfect time to start settling in properly.
The Averin Academy’s advanced division just reopened enrollment, and I think our younger ones should be among the first to join.
Maxwell, Sylens, Lia, Sophia, and Amanda-they’ve all shown remarkable talent already.
The academy will teach them more than just cultivation-it’ll teach them how this realm truly works.” Freya tilted her head with a faint smile.
“You mean, to blend in-to learn the higher realm’s ways.” Liam chuckled.
“Precisely.
We may have power and legacy, but this world runs differently.
If they’re to grow here, they must learn its rhythm, its rules, its people.
The Academy isn’t just about cultivation; it’s a bridge-a place where alliances are forged and futures begin.” Arnold nodded slowly, his expression approving.
“That’s wise.
The sooner they adapt, the smoother things will go for all of us.
And they might even find new friends along the way-connections that matter here.” Maxwell leaned forward, excitement glinting in his eyes.
“So, we’re really going to the capital?
The real Averin Academy?” Sylens, quieter but equally intrigued, added, “I heard their Soul Technique Vault is unmatched.
They store recorded soul arts from the old Council era, and advanced students get limited access.” Lia clasped her hands together, her enthusiasm barely contained.
“That sounds incredible!
I’ve always wanted to see how cultivators train outside family grounds.” Sophia, ever the thoughtful one, spoke softly.
“It’ll feel strange, living there after just arriving here…” Liam shook his head gently.
“Not full-time.
The Academy runs in seasons-four months of study, then two months back home.
You’ll have time to return, rest, and keep cultivating under family guidance.” Amanda crossed her arms, pretending to be indifferent though her eyes gleamed with interest.
“So, when’s the enrollment closing?” “In three days,” Liam replied with a nod.
“I’ll handle the registration and speak with the Academy’s envoy in Velstrand tomorrow.
They’ll need to see the Magnus name officially represented.” Arnold gave a satisfied hum.
“It’s decided, then.
Let them go.
We’ve barely been here a day, but if the next generation starts early, they’ll blend into this realm far better than we ever could.” Asher, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke.
“It’s a smart move.
The Academy will test them, but it’ll also shape them.
They’ll learn the temperament of this world-and what kind of people survive in it.” Liam smiled faintly.
“That’s exactly what I want.” Soon after, Ryder-Asher’s other uncle-returned with his wife, Aunt Serena, and Asher’s mother, Selene.
They entered the hall and took their seats, listening as Liam explained his plans for the younger generation.
When he finished, the three elders exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
Serena placed a gentle hand on Sylens’ shoulder.
“Then it’s settled.
Sylens will attend as well-he needs to see how the higher realm teaches its cultivators.” Ryder added with a small smile, “Sophia and Amanda will go too.
It’s time they learned to stand on their own feet out here.” Selene looked at Asher with quiet pride.
“And you?
What will you do next, my son?” Asher leaned back slightly, his tone calm but certain.
“I’ll keep roaming this realm,” he said.
“There’s still much to learn-and more to prepare before the Rift expedition.
Valeris, Freya, and I will continue our journey together.
You should all focus on building your lives here.
The higher realm isn’t only about fighting; it’s about understanding the world we’ve stepped into.” His uncles and aunt nodded approvingly, and even his grandfather, Arnold, gave a slow, thoughtful smile.
“I’ll leave that part to you then,” Arnold said.
“I’m too old to chase power now.
Ryder, I’m putting the family in your hands from here on.
Guide them well.” Ryder bowed his head slightly.
“I will, Father.
I’ll see to it that the Magnus name stands firm in this realm.” Arnold chuckled softly, the sound tinged with nostalgia.
“It’s strange… for so long, the Magnus family carried weight back home.
But here, in the higher realm, we’re just another name-one among many.” Asher looked toward the window, where the moonlight traced faint silver patterns across the floor.
“Then we’ll make it more than just a name,” he said quietly.
“In time, they’ll remember it.” Ryder met his nephew’s eyes and nodded.
“They will.
The foundation begins now.” The hall grew still for a moment-warm candlelight flickering across their faces, the faint murmur of the wind outside whispering through the new world they had only begun to claim.