Their first destination was Winden City, where they visited Irene's home. The Emberheart family warmly welcomed them, pleasantly surprised by the growth and transformation of these young individuals.
Irene and Lilly appeared stunningly beautiful, while the six young men looked handsome and sturdier than ever. There was a striking similarity among all eight of them, a kind of deadly grace evident in their body language.
"I never imagined there would come a day when I'd be envious of someone for having such wonderful friends." Fredrick thought to himself.
Rodrick, who had taken a break from his studies, was also present. Irene excitedly hugged her brother, who was equally delighted to see her. "Wow, Rene, you look stunning," he exclaimed, ruffling her head affectionately.
Irene then introduced all six to Rodrick. When they shook hands, Rodrick felt as if he was holding an iron bar in his hand—a sensation shared when shaking hands with all six of them. He was in awe of their physique.
Upon meeting Lilly, Rodrick looked at her in admiration, blushing slightly as he bowed gracefully. This, in turn, made Lilly blush.
Rodrick was infact most handsome and sturdy looking young man beyond her brother she had seen. From Irene Lilly also came to know that he was not only good in combat arts but also an excellent economist, a decent painter and a good musician.
Moreover, Rodrick had even mastered the invocation of his Mana at the young age of eighteen like her. Possessing a strength attribute mana, he not only excelled in combat but was also nearly unbeatable in a duel with an ordinary person.
After freshening up and changing into clean clothes, the young ladies looked even prettier than before, while the young men appeared as though they were sculpted from marble.
During lunch, they revealed their plan to begin their journey in the next 20 days. Estimating that it would take a few months to reach the Capital if they travel at a normal pace, giving them enough time to reach and familiarise themself with the Capital city and its surrounding.
Alan informed Rodrick about Master Harry accompanying them on their journey. which made Rodrick beam delightfully.
As per Rodrick, like Victor, Master Harry was a living legend with unbelievable ability and unparalleled skills in combat. No one tried to correct Rodrick as they all knew, time itself will reveal the true ability of the six infront of him.
After spending some time, the seven youngsters took their leave to go to the Heathrow's.
"I would say, she will come in 2 days. Anyone want to bet on it?" Dave looked around earning him a kick fron Irene on his shin.
"Ouch.... Irene, you are not Rose. Its hurts, girl." Dave started hopping on one foot. Bringing forth a round of laughter from everyone.
Rodrick was surprised to see Irene behaving like this. She always carried herself in a dignified manner. Fredrick observing his son's confusion, patted him on his shoulder with a grin.
"Dave, I thought of coming there after 10 days, but now I am not coming. You guys come here a couple of days before we leave to the capital." Irene glared fuming at Dave.
Who laughed and smacked on the back of Irene's head playfully. "Guys 4 days max, anyone up for a bet of 1000 gold?"
"Ouch, Dave you jerk, it hurts." Irene made a puppy face.
"I am in, 6 days. She will not come before 6 days." Ben took on the bet.
Rodrick was shocked to see how casual her sister was with these young men. But the others were grinning widely.
"I think this time she will stay for 7 days, Her brother is here afterall." Samuel made a bet.
"Lads If I win the bet, you all have to stay here with us for 4 days before you leave to the capital." Samuel stated grinning.
"It's a deal then." Dave noded his head. "We will stay here for a couple of days your grace but I will be winning this bet for sure." He proclaimed confidently.
"We will see about that lad, we will see." Samuel grinned widely.
"By the way, Irene we are going to the academy in 2 days, are you coming?" Alan asked.
Irene noded her head vigorously. " Yes I will. Brother will you join us?" She asked Roderick, who happily agreed to accompany her, as he was also a student from the Winden academy. And a huge admirer of Master Harry.
Infact he was the first student in the academy to get a few pointers from Harry about the sword skill. He was considered one of the most talented young man in the Winden region before he left to study at the university.
"By the way, the rumors says that Master Harry had returned a couple of months ago. And his auro had also increased drastically." Victor proclaimed proudly.
'Is that so.... Lets see in a couple of days." Ben shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.