Solomon, as the observant father acknowledged that John's attitude is not an ideal one, but he has faith in his son that it would change as he grew older and more responsible, permitting it for the time being.
And he was not mistaken; his son's behavior changed significantly following the event where he almost died after falling over a cliff. John, who is currently thirteen, become consistent in his exercise regimens for about a year now. He has become more caring by helping his parents with household chores and more responsible at work by taking on extra tasks without being asked. He has been more focused on enhancing his physical attributes, evident in his dedicated practice and training.
His parents—Solomon in particular—are thrilled to see their son putting in more effort and honing his martial arts skills. John's attitude has greatly improved as he skillfully applies critical thinking to solve complex problems. Lately, he even goes further from his physical training, as he also decoded runic symbols and studied ancient arrays from the book's collections of his father.
Despite Solomon not retiring soon, he greatly benefits from his son's new way of thinking. This is a common practice among middle-class families in their community to get their heir ready for a bigger role later on, such as inheriting the family company or property once his parents retire. The improvement occurring in just over a year is almost unbelievable; John has matured more during this time than in the twelve years prior.
Meanwhile, after checking and ensuring that her kid is ready for his trip, Anne quietly enters her room, her heart heavy with pride and anticipation, and closes the door gently behind her. Taking a deep breath, she feels proud of her son's development and future preparation. She knows that John is now capable of overcoming any obstacles that may arise as she observes the years of perseverance and hard work that have brought him to this point.
In the neighboring room, John meticulously packed his belongings, his nerves tingling with anxiety at the thought of leaving his parents behind. Despite his initial doubts about the separation from his parents, John's commitment was fortified by the discussion and agreement he had with his parents a year ago. Despite feeling slightly melancholic, John left his room and took his belongings to the living room, expecting to find his parents and Albus there. But as he turned to look around, he saw that the only persons there were Albus and his father.
Thud, thud, thud.
The conversation between Solomon and Albus is interrupted by a steady beat of footsteps.
"Oh, John, you're here! Albus has been waiting for you!" Solomon immediately turned to John as he came down the stairs.
"Hi, Dad!" John was carrying a medium-sized travel bag in his hand and a black backpack on his shoulder. "I'm ready." John greeted Albus as he immediately descended, saying, "Hello, Sir Albus." He was informed of this arrangement a year ago.
"Son, that's a lot of luggage. It appears you won't be returning with that." Are you going to do so? Solomon gives his child a cheeky wink.
Ha, ha, ha, ha! Solomon cracked a joke to cheer them all up.
"Hello, John," Albus said. He grinned and went on, "You can call me your big brother if you want, and I can also provide guidance as an older figure."
John said courteously, "Please call me your little brother as well; I won't turn down the offer, big brother Albus." John is thirteen years old and stands at five feet seven inches tall. Anyone with good eyesight could tell that he exudes maturity, and there is something about him that is indescribable.
John has changed so much, especially since the last year after his near-accident which he was taken to the hospital. After that, a tremendous improvement was seen on him. As such, many would mistakenly believe that he is older than his actual age based on his appearance alone.
Apart from being a bright child, John's attractiveness will be noticed right away by someone. His symmetrical features, including lips, eyebrows, teeth, curly black hair, fair skin, and athletic physique, gave him a movie-star appearance. Having a quarter blood of a Fey is indeed a big factor on his appearance.
"What time are we leaving, big brother Albus?" John asks, Albus right away.
"As soon as your ready brother." Albus told the young John.
"Dad, we must leave now! Where's Mom?" John urgently asks, Solomon. However, his father was unable to respond to his inquiry as Anne was already being called by John.
"Mum!" John called his mother. "Yes, son, I'm just in here. Please take care of yourself." Anne was in her room, and it was clear from her crack voice that she was crying.
"Don't worry, son. You can leave now," Solomon whispered to his son. "Your mom stays in her room because she doesn't want to see you go. I'll take care of your mom, okay?"
"You look after yourself, son." "Call me when you arrive at your godfather's place," Solomon instructed, giving his son a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Yes, dad, I promise. I'll make you proud," John affirmed with a sense of responsibility and determination. "Goodbye, father!"
"Goodbye, mum!" Once again John shouted his farewell to his mom.
Then, Solomon turned to Albus after giving his kid a hug. He handed Albus a tiny box and said, "Albus, please give this gift of mine to Eldrin."
Albus was unaware of what's inside when he received the little box, but he was certain it was not an ordinary box since, as his master Eldrin's helper, he had seen a few unusual items similar to the one Solomon had given him. He recognized the intricate engraving on the box's lid as a sealed rune.
"You can count on me, sir—master will receive this." He then made another bow to Solomon following Albus' acceptance of the said little package. Following that, they proceeded to the garage where the vehicle for their journey was parked.
"Albus, look after my son for me, and drive carefully." "All right! Please give Eldrin my respects as well."
"Yes, High Lord! Albus gave Solomon a kind response.
Solomon said the two farewells with a wave. "Very well!"