Omniphage of Apathy

Vastarael stood in his room, dressed in an outfit tailored for royalty, adorned with faint accents that marked his lineage. He ran his fingers through his curly hair hair, a mixture of excitement and a twinge of sadness filling him as he glanced at the packed suitcases and chests waiting by the door.

Iona, ever-efficient and poised, stood near his luggage, her hands folded in front of her. She was ready for the journey, dressed in an elegant yet practical uniform that blended the grace of a noblewoman with the practicality of a warrior.

Her eyes were calm but alert, always scanning for any potential dangers, though this was one of the safest mornings in the palace.

"Are you ready, Master Vastarael?"

He looked at her through the mirror, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve.

"I don't think anyone's ever ready for this kind of thing, Iona. But I'm as close as I'll get. You sure about coming with me? Last chance to back out."

Iona's lips curved slightly into a faint smile of her own. "I made my decision yesterday, Your Highness. I won't leave your side."

"Good. You'll keep me sane, I think," he said, turning away from the mirror. "Let's get this over with before I change my mind and decide to barricade myself in here for the next year. I don't even know what to do once I get there."

Together, they made their way to the grand hangar where the royal family's spaceship awaited. It was a magnificent vessel, its dark hull engraved with the Richinaria crest and patterns that glowed faintly with enchantments. Only the royal family could board it.

When they arrived at the Landing Lounge, his siblings were already waiting for him. Anamorsia, Leon, Leones and Milliania stood near the ship's ramp, their faces painted with emotions they were struggling to hide. Vastarael could see the reluctance in their eyes.

"You're really going," Anamorsia said first, her voice quieter than usual.

Vastarael gave her a crooked smile, dropping his luggage for a moment to face them fully.

"It's not forever, you know. I'll be back next summer. And besides, it's not like you'll even notice I'm gone. You'll all be busy enough causing trouble around here."

"That's not funny," Leones muttered, his usual confidence replaced with a rare vulnerability. "The palace won't be the same without you."

Leon stepped forward next, fidgeting slightly as he spoke.

"Do you really have to go? Can't you just... I don't know, send someone else in your place? Like a decoy or something?"

His words were half-joking, but the look in his eyes betrayed how serious he was.

Vastarael chuckled softly, placing a hand on Leon's shoulder.

"No decoys. This is my decision, remember? Besides, it's not like I'm vanishing into the void. We'll talk, we'll keep in touch and... before you know it, I'll be back."

Milliania gently stepped closer and hugged him suddenly, burying her face in his chest.

"You better," she mumbled, her voice muffled. "Because if you don't come back, I'm dragging you back myself."

He hugged her back tightly, his usual teasing nature replaced with genuine warmth.

"You'd probably succeed, Mille. I'd bet on you over anyone else. And of course I'll be back. Don't worry."

One by one, his siblings hugged him, each trying to mask their emotions in their own way. But Vastarael could see the sadness, the fear of change, the love they all had for him. It was almost overwhelming, but he held himself together, reminding himself that this was part of his path.

Then came his mothers. Caresse, Opera, and Lysameria approached him together, their expressions a mix of pride and sadness. Lysameria was the first to reach him, pulling him into a tight embrace.

"You've grown so much," she whispered, her voice soft and full of emotion. "I knew this day would come, but it doesn't make it any easier. You'll do great things, Vastarael. I'm certain of it."

"Hey mom, I'll be back before you know it. And I'll make you proud."

She pulled back just enough to look at him, her hands resting on his shoulders.

"You already have."

Opera was next, her embrace just as warm but slightly lighter. She cupped his face gently, her eyes shimmering.

"I'll miss your teasing. Don't let those academy girls distract you too much, alright?"

"Me? Distracted?" Vastarael grinned. "I'm far too focused for that."

He wasn't kidding.

He knew that he wove a new destiny for himself for choosing all three destiny option made out for him. He would experience suffering before being rewarded.

And... he knew that the academy life would not be easy.

"Sure you are," she said with a laugh, brushing his hair back. "But really, Vastarael, take care of yourself. You're our pride, but you're still our son. Don't you agree, Lys?"

Lysameria narrowed her eyes, "Don't steel my son away from me."

Caresse was the last and she pulled him into a hug so tight it left him momentarily breathless. Even though he was stronger, her mother was a Primordial Goddess. He almost felt his ribs snapping like twigs.

"Don't you dare get yourself into too much trouble," she said sternly, though her voice wavered. "You're still my baby boy, no matter how big or strong you've gotten."

"I promise," he said softly. "I'll be careful. But... where's dad?"

"He's too emotional to come."

"Oh. Well, tell him not to worry too much about yesterday."

"He'll be fine."

As the final goodbyes were exchanged, Vastarael turned to face his family, all gathered together on the edge of the hangar. His heart ached at the sight of them but he straightened his shoulders, lifting his chin as he gave them a confident smile.

"I'll see you all next year," he said firmly, his voice carrying across the space. "Try not to miss me too much."

With that, he stepped onto the ship with Iona by his side. The ramp lifted behind them, sealing him inside the vessel. Through the windows, he could see his family waving, their faces a mix of pride, love, and longing.

As the spaceship's engines roared to life, lifting off into the sky, Vastarael stood by the window, watching them grow smaller and smaller.

The spaceship ascended smoothly, breaking through the soft haze of the floating palace's cloudline and into the open skies. Vastarael leaned back in his seat, his gaze drifting to the window as he watched his home shrink into a distant speck below. The gentle hum of the engines filled the cabin, a subtle reminder that he was truly leaving everything he had known behind.

Across from him, Adelasta sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap, her back straight and her expression as composed as ever. Her icy demeanor seemed almost at odds with the soft glow of the ship's interior. Beside her, her personal maid, Lais, sat quietly, her hands resting on the embroidery in her lap.

Iona, seated next to Vastarael, gave him a sidelong glance before resuming her habitual quiet observation. She rarely spoke unless necessary but her presence alone was reassuring.

Breaking the silence, Vastarael leaned forward slightly, directing his gaze at Adelasta.

"So... ready to face Minafallen Academy?"

Adelasta's pale eyes flicked to him, her expression unchanging.

"I wouldn't describe myself as 'ready,'" she said coolly, her voice as crisp as ever. "But I am prepared."

"'Prepared,'" Vastarael echoed with a small smile. "You always have a way of making things sound so... calculated. Are you ever nervous about anything?"

Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she spoke, "There's no point in being nervous about what's inevitable. Minafallen is an important step in our lives. Worrying about it would be a waste of energy."

"Practical as always," Vastarael said, shaking his head lightly. "Of course you're going to do great. You always do."

Adelasta arched a brow, the faintest hint of curiosity breaking through her frosty exterior.

"And you? Do you think you'll do 'great'?"

He chuckled softly, leaning back in his seat. "I think I'll survive. Isn't that what matters?"

"That's a remarkably low bar for a prince of your caliber," she replied, her voice laced with a faint edge of teasing—barely there—but enough for Vastarael to catch.

"I like to keep expectations reasonable," he said, giving her a lopsided grin. "But seriously, I am looking forward to it. New faces, new challenges, a fresh start... Who wouldn't be excited?"

Adelasta didn't reply immediately, her gaze drifting out the window for a moment.

"Excitement isn't always an advantage," she said finally. "But I suppose we'll see how it serves you."

Vastarael studied her for a moment. Ever since they met, her cold demeanor grew less and less. She could form a few facial expressions but... not that many.

"You're really not going to let yourself enjoy this, are you?"

"Enjoyment has never been my priority."

"Pity. Life's too short to spend it all being serious you know."

Adelasta didn't respond, but Lais, her maid, glanced up from her embroidery, a flicker of something—amusement, perhaps—crossing her face before she returned to her work. Iona, on the other hand, remained as stoic as ever, her sharp eyes shifting between the two royals like a silent sentry.

The silence stretched for a moment before Vastarael decided to break it again.

"So, do you know what they'll throw at us first at Minafallen? Some sort of trial? Or is it just all about politics and posturing?"

Adelasta's lips pressed into a thin line.

"From what I've been told, we will be ranked according to our prowess. The first few months are meant to assess our strengths and weaknesses. We'll be tested, not just academically, but in combat, strategy and leadership. It's not simply an academy. It's a proving ground."

"Sounds like fun," Vastarael said with a grin. "Nothing like a little trial by fire to keep things interesting."

Adelasta's gaze shifted slightly, studying him. "You say that now. Let's see how long your enthusiasm lasts."

"Oh, ye of little faith," he replied, his grin widening.

"Is that... an expression? I've never heard it before."

"Uh... maybe. Anyways, I'll be fine. It's you I'm worried about."

"Worried about me? That's unnecessary."

"Maybe," he said with a shrug. "But you've always been a little too good at hiding how you feel. Just promise me you'll let me know if things get overwhelming, alright? Even if it's just Lais."

Lais looked up at the mention of her name, her expression neutral, but her eyes flicked to Adelasta briefly before returning to her embroidery. She didn't expect the prince to know his name and it amazed her.

Adelasta's expression didn't shift but her reply was measured.

"I can manage myself. You'd do better to focus on your own challenges."

Vastarael smiled faintly, sensing that was as close to an acknowledgment as he was going to get.

"Fair enough."

Vastarael glanced out the window, watching as the skies around them gave way to the ethereal expanse of space.

He would arrive in a few hours.

'Are you ready, Phaenora?' He asked the living Omniscient in his thoughts.

[You know it.]

Phaenora's words were now filled with emotion. She didn't sound like a robotic machine anymore and it made him smile. He wore his faceless black mask and looked outside the windows again as the auto pilot spaceship flew to Minafallen.

'Seems that the second phase of my life is about to begin.'