Julian stood before Augustus. The two locked eyes as a silent understanding passed between them.
Finally, Julian spoke, "Grandfather, I will depart now."
Augustus nodded, his face softening just enough to reveal the depth of his emotions.
"Be safe, Julian," he replied. "You are the hope of the Easvil family. Carry that with pride."
Julian's gaze swept across the gathered faces, lingering momentarily on Gregoria, Eva, and others before settling on Eleanor. He nodded and gave her a warm smile.
Eleanor returned the smile, her cheeks painting with a faint blush as her heart swelled with pride and affection.
Then his eyes met Regina's. Despite the tension that had hung between them in recent days, she couldn't resist the pull of her emotions. She stepped forward and embraced him tightly.
Julian hugged her back, his arms comforting as he gently patted her back. "Be safe," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
"I will, mother," Julian replied. He leaned in closer, his voice a soft whisper meant only for her ears.
"I love you, mother," he said, the words laced with a depth of emotion that transcended the simple familial affection.
As he slowly pulled back, Regina's heart raced wildly in her chest. She could feel the underlying meaning behind his words, carrying a deeper affection than what a son would typically express. Yet, she found herself nodding and smiling at him.
Julian turned his gaze to Alden. "Father, I am leaving," he said.
Alden nodded solemnly and stepped forward to embrace him. His hug carried unspoken words, a mix of pride and unresolved emotions lingering in the air.
After exchanging the final pleasantries with his family, Julian stepped into the waiting carriage. He settled inside, his expression serene as the door closed behind him.
Through the window, he casted a final glance at his gathered family. His calm yet commanding aura lingered in their hearts as the carriage began to move.
Slowly, the Easvil estate faded into the distance, marking the start of his journey toward the royal capital.
The journey from the Easvil estate to the royal capital was of two days. As the carriage moved through the city, Julian focused on his cultivation.
By the night of the first day, they reached a nearby forest and decided to stop for the night. The camp was set up quickly, with guards keeping watch.
The rest settled in for some rest before continuing their journey the next morning.
Julian who was seated in his tent, suddenly felt a shift in the surrounding mana. His senses sharpened as he quickly activated his Domain of Isolation, isolating him from the outside world.
He immediately detected movement outside. He concentrated and realized that they were being surrounded by what appeared to be bandits. Their intentions were unclear, but their approach was unmistakable.
Julian swiftly teleported, his movements like a blur, as he dealt with the first three bandits in a flash. He then teleported behind the final one and intentionally leaked his aura to let the bandit sense his presence.
The bandit froze and turned around in confusion. "Wha... what? Who—?"
But before he could finish, Julian grabbed his head and, with a slight focus, he erased the man's memory from the moment they had discovered Julian and his group.
Julian quickly teleported away and the bandit stood there in confusion, as if a veil had descended over his mind. He turned and began walking in the opposite direction.
Julian followed him with a sly grin playing on his face, enjoying the twisted game he was playing.
As they moved, they soon reached a small settlement, which Julian recognized as the headquarters of the bandits. The area looked primitive, with buildings constructed from hay and wood.
The smoke of a fire was rising from a central pit. It was a perfect hideout, isolated and easy to defend.
Julian observed and saw several figures around the fire. Firstly, there was a tall and muscular man who was undoubtedly the leader of the bandits.
Sitting next to him were two women, likely his wives or close companions, judging by the way they seemed to be focusing on his every word.
Next to the leader sat a younger man, likely his son, based on the way he was dressed similarly to the leader. His posture had a hint of pride and arrogance.
After observing for some time, Julian walked confidently towards the entrance of the bandit hideout. The guards were taken aback by his sudden approach and they immediately rang the bells in alarm.
One female guard quickly stepped forward, trying to stop him.
"Who are you?" she demanded. "Do you know where you're trying to enter?"
Julian's gaze locked on her figure as he studied her like a complex magic problem.
"You have small breasts, your face is decent, but not exactly pretty. Nice ass, though," he said as he slowly walked around her.
He paused for a moment before finishing with, "Solid 4/10."
The female guard stood frozen, stunned by his bluntness, and for a brief moment, Julian could see the flicker of embarrassment in her eyes. However, she quickly regained her composure and reached for her weapon.
"Don't blame me for what is about to happen to you." the female guard warned.
In an instant, she slashed her sword in Julian's direction, a slash of an aura making its way towards Julian.
However, Julian simply laughed. His reaction was almost too fast for the eye to follow. With a mere flicker, he teleported behind her, effortlessly dodging her attack.
He then continued walking leisurely towards the center of the bandit hideout. His steps were calm and unhurried.
The guards watched in shock as Julian moved. His fluid, graceful movements conveyed not just speed, but an unshakable confidence that they could all feel.
They quickly drew their weapons and formed a wall to block his path, but not a single one moved to stop him directly. Julian's aura enveloped him, making the air around him crackle with lightning.
Just then, the voice of the bandit leader rang out, commanding, "Stop! Leave him be."