章 10: MEETING WITH UNCLE ALBERT

The next day, Alex stood outside with his family, awaiting the Obsidian clan's carriage. This time, he was embarking on the journey alone, and his mother, Mary, looked at him with concern.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll come home whenever I have time," reassured Alex, meeting his mother's gaze.

Mary nodded with a hint of worry, while his father wore a confident expression. Grandpa Wishton patted Alex's head and offered some advice, "Good luck, Alex. If anyone provokes you without reason, make sure they never dare to do it again."

As they spoke, a carriage appeared on the horizon. Accompanying it was someone familiar to Alex's father, and the tall figure stepped onto the path with an air of authority.

Dressed in finely tailored robes that spoke of noble lineage, he moved with graceful deliberation, revealing his accustomed position within high society.

Grandpa Wishton observed the newcomer with a discerning gaze, acknowledging the quiet authority he exuded.

When Austin, Alex's brother, saw the person emerging from the carriage, he initially wore a shocked expression, but it quickly transformed into a happy smile.

"Brother, I didn't think you would come here," said Austin in a somewhat reserved manner.

"Well, after all, he is my nephew," replied Albert in a kind manner, though the depth of his sincerity remained uncertain.

" And looking at Alex who has trained his Thunder Refining Technique to its pinnacle, made my trip here worth it " Albert continued, appreciating Alex's achievements.

"With the resources sent by the clan, there's no way he wouldn't reach the pinnacle," added Wishton, while Mary remained silent with Alex beside her.

"But it also shows Alex's hard work, as not many reach the pinnacle of the refining technique, which is basic yet crucial for a solid foundation."

After that Albert turned towards Mary

"You should be my sister-in-law," Albert said, looking at Mary, who appeared somewhat panicked.

"Yes, brother-in-law," replied Mary in a reserved manner.

After some conversation, Albert turned his gaze to Alex. "Shall we go, my nephew?"

"Yes, Uncle Albert."

They boarded the carriage, heading towards the Obsidian clan. During the journey, Albert asked occasional questions, seemingly trying to build a connection with Alex.

Alex answered promptly, noting that, throughout the conversation, Albert never urged him to join his faction, creating a positive impression.

"Alex, after reaching the clan, you'll be meeting your grandfather for the first time," mentioned Albert.

"Yes, Uncle."

"Even though your grandfather looks strict, he still loves his family and misses Austin very much," shared Albert, having been born before his father became the patriarch and possessing insights beyond Austin's knowledge.

"Mmmm," nodded Alex perfunctorily, the true depth of the family dynamics awaiting discovery.

"I don't know how much Austin shared with you about the illustrious Heavenly Star Academy, so allow me to recount my experiences as one of the few graduates from the previous generation," Albert began to lighten the mood, his voice carrying the weight of nostalgia.

When Alex heard about the academy, he showed enthusiasm since his father hadn't joined, and he wasn't familiar with it.

" To join the academy, everyone must successfully pass atleast one of three tests conducted by the academy " explained Albert, laying the foundation for the aspiring Alex.

"The first test necessitates possessing talent surpassing the human rank, all while being under the age of twenty-five."

"The second test demands reaching the pinnacle of body refinement within your chosen basic technique before the age of eighteen."

"The third and perhaps most mysterious test involves ascending more than a hundred steps of the enigmatic Heavenly Ladder. The end of this celestial staircase remains an enigma, as no soul has yet reached its conclusion."

Alex listened intently, absorbing the intricacies of the academy's admission process. Questions arose in his mind, and Albert, in his role as a mentor, responded patiently to each of his inquiry.

"Upon achieving success in one of these tests, individuals commence their journey as handyman disciples.

Those who conquer two tests are bestowed with the status of outer disciples.

Yet, for those extraordinary few who triumph in all three, the honor of becoming an outer disciple is coupled with a unique opportunity — the chance to select a cultivation technique or battle skill of their choice."

"As for the finer details, my dear Alex, you will discover them within the hallowed halls of the academy itself. However, always bear in mind that the Heavenly Star Academy offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance one's strength swiftly. Do not squander this golden chance," Albert advised, his words echoing with wisdom.

"Yes, Uncle Albert," Alex responded respectfully, discerning the earnestness in Albert's voice.

After a journey that spanned half a day, the duo finally arrived at the Obsidian Clan.

As they stepped out of the carriage, Albert turned to address Alex.

"Alright, Alex, you may proceed. Butler Alfred will be your guide to the patriarch's room," Albert declared and went on his way.

"Shall we proceed, young master?" inquired Butler Alfred, his refined demeanor echoing years of dedicated service. Alex responded with a subtle nod, curiosity gleaming in his eye.

They soon made their way towards the clan's tallest building, constructed from heavenly thunder, a rare mineral used to craft Supreme rank artifacts. The entire structure itself qualified as an Emperor artifact, a pivotal reason behind the Obsidian clan's enduring power in the world.

In this world, artifacts are categorized as Mortal rank which is the lowest, Spiritual, Innate, King, Supreme, Emperor, Demi-God, and God ranks, each further divided into three levels.

The same hierarchy applies to alchemy and formations. Alex's father, Austin, is a Innate-level weapon refiner and made a Innate rank sword for Alex for which he worked hard for three years using the black gold mineral which can be found in the inner areas of the black forest.

As Alex was looking at the sword, they soon ascended to the summit of the towering structure. As Alex stepped into the room, he encountered a middle-aged man deeply engrossed in his work.

"May I come in, Grandpa?" Alex inquired, surprising Butler Alfred, who had anticipated a more formal address. Alfred was about to offer a correction, but his words halted as the patriarch responded.

"Yes, you can come in." The patriarch's acceptance echoed in the room, setting a tone of familiarity and warmth.