The Gate to Grand Arcanum

Dran took a sip of his warm tea and coughed deliberately, signaling the man to sit back down.

(The man glanced at Dran, then reluctantly sat down with a childish pout.)

"Heh? You really act like a child," Dran mused internally. "It seems he truly has lost his memories... interesting."

The carriage neared the grand gates of the academy, towering and opulent, their size rivaling that of a grand mansion. Finally, they arrived at the entrance of the prestigious institution. A guard approached them.

"Welcome back, Lord Agnus. Please present your exit permit."

Dran gestured to his servant, who was riding the mechanical horse, to hand over the permit. The guard examined it briefly before nodding.

"Everything is in order. You may proceed, Lord Agnus. Have a pleasant day." (The guard bowed respectfully.)

The carriage resumed its journey, passing through the gates into the academy’s domain. The city within was lined with houses, all sharing a similar architectural style but differing in color and surroundings. Each home spanned at least 200 square meters.

The unfortunate man observed his surroundings with wide eyes. For the first time, a genuine smile spread across his face—a pure, innocent expression, like that of a child seeing a home... no, seeing the world itself for the very first time.

Dran raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Hey, are you actually a child?" he chuckled.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at Astraea District.

Dran glanced at the man beside him. "Hey, do you really remember nothing? Not even your name?"

The man hesitated, fear flickering in his eyes. Then, for the first time, he spoke.

"R-Riden... I only remember that name."

Dran sighed. "No need to be afraid, I won't bite. Riden, huh? When we arrive at the Archon Sector, make sure to stay close to me, alright?"

Riden nodded vigorously.

Dran chuckled, "You’re really innocent, huh?"

Two Hours Later

Dran lightly tapped Riden’s cheek. "Hey, wake up. We’ve arrived. Unless you want me to leave you here?"

Riden jolted awake, wiping away the drool from his mouth. He hurriedly stepped out of the carriage, following Dran. As he stepped onto the pavement, he shielded his eyes with his hand before slowly lowering it, taking in the breathtaking sight before him.

The area was elite—students floated mid-air with enchanted shoes, others casually levitated entire vehicles with their magic. Riden gawked in astonishment, pointing excitedly at them while looking at Dran.

Dran chuckled. "Don’t be too surprised yet. Come on, follow me. We’re going to my house."

Without hesitation, Riden grabbed Dran’s hand—like a child clutching their father’s hand for safety.

As they walked, their steps trailed by servants, some students greeted Dran warmly, while others sneered at him, whispering insults:

"That weakling doesn’t belong in the Archon Sector, let alone Exarch. He should be demoted to Adept, hahaha."

Riden glanced at Dran with concern—an innocent child’s sympathy for an adult. He turned to Dran and asked, "Sir? Are you okay?"

Dran smiled faintly. "Ignore them. They’re just a bunch of fools."

They continued walking until they reached Dran’s estate, a grand home spanning 600 square meters, located right at the border of Exarch Sector.

As they arrived, the servants bowed. "Welcome home, Lord Agnus."

Dran nodded, then looked at Riden. "Come in. What are you waiting for?"

They entered, and Dran immediately gave orders to the staff: "Prepare clothes, food, potions, and a Rzine."

Turning to Riden, Dran said, "Enjoy your time here, kid. I’ll be waiting in the main hall."

Riden nodded and followed the servants, marveling at the luxurious interior—the grand crystal chandelier, the vast collection of rare magical crystals adorning the halls. He was led to a bath, where he was washed and dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit: a dark navy tunic with silver embroidery, fitted trousers, and comfortable leather boots. Afterward, he was escorted to a grand dining hall, where a fine steak and a glass of fresh milk awaited him. He ate hungrily, savoring every bite like a child tasting something delicious for the first time.

In the Main Hall, Dran sat in his chair, letting out a deep sigh, his gaze sharp.

"Six months left... damn it."

A knock on the door.

"Come in."

Riden stepped inside, fidgeting with his fingers and shifting his weight between his feet, waiting for permission to sit.

Dran smirked, amused by his behavior. "Go ahead, sit down. No need to be shy."

Riden immediately sat upright on the couch, waiting attentively.

Dran stood up and walked toward him, setting a Rzine in front of him. "This is a Rzine, a device that detects your Inretor level. Place your hand on it, close your eyes, and try to sense the energy in the air. The size of the particles will differ for each person—it could be large or small, but you should be able to perceive it."

Dran watched as Riden’s body was enveloped in a faint blue glow. The energy felt thin—too thin.

"Is that all?" Dran sighed, disappointed.

But in an instant, something changed. Dran sensed something deeper—something unnatural. The energy felt infinitely vast, an abyss with no end. His forehead broke into a cold sweat.

"What the hell is this...?"

The Rzine displayed the result—a single purple crystal with one mark.

"That’s extremely basic... no different from an average commoner."

Riden opened his eyes, looking drowsy from the test.

Dran narrowed his eyes. "So, what size were the particles you saw?"

Riden hesitated, looking embarrassed.

Dran chuckled. "No need to be shy. Just say it."

Riden finally spoke, "I... I couldn’t see their size, Sir. Am I strange?"

Dran froze for a moment before laughing softly. "That’s fine. It’s your first time, after all."

Riden yawned, rubbing his sleepy eyes like a child.

Dran smiled. "Looks like you’re already tired. Go get some rest. Ask the servants, and they’ll take you to your room."

Riden nodded sleepily, dragging his feet toward the door. Before stepping out, he turned to Dran hesitantly.

Dran raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Riden shifted shyly before whispering, "Uhm... good night, Sir..."

Then he quickly left, his cheeks slightly flushed.

Dran sat there, stunned. "When was the last time someone said ‘good night’ to me...?"

Suddenly, the Rzine reacted again, displaying new data.

"Let’s see what that boy actually saw... Wait... Atoms?!"