Aidan picked up the ring from the table, turning it between his fingers. His gaze shifted to his mother, brows knitting in quiet confusion.
"What's this, Mom?"
Sophia's eyes followed the ring, her expression softening. For a moment, her gaze seemed to drift—somewhere distant, threaded with memory.
"That ring…" she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "your father gave it to me after he reached the Fourth Being Rank. It's… tied to him in more ways than one."
Aidan blinked, his grip on the ring tightening slightly.
"What do you mean?"
Sophia met his eyes. "He can sense my condition through it—my health, even where I am, if he truly wishes to know. And I can contact him through it, no matter the distance, if the need arises."
Aidan's brows lowered, his mind piecing together the meaning behind her words.
"There are only two rings like this, right?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. "And it's… a Fourth-Rank artifact."
Aidan stared at the ring, his mind tracing through the knowledge he'd gathered from countless books. Artifacts, much like Rankers, followed a hierarchy.
The First-Rank artifacts were called Runeforged—simple enchantments, relatively easy to create, and in high demand among Soldier-ranked individuals. Then came the Manabound artifacts, classified as Second-Rank. He didn't know much about them beyond their name, but they were said to resonate with a user's internal mana.
Third-Rank artifacts were known as Soulwoven. Rare and powerful, they were often considered heirlooms passed down through noble lines.
And then there were the Fourth-Rank artifacts—so scarce that most people would never see one in their lifetime. These were called Astralforged.
Even among the Astralforged, there were distinctions—melee, ranged, and support-based. The ring his mother had given him, if he judged correctly, was a non-combat support type—less valued by warriors who sought direct power, but still invaluable. In truth, Aidan couldn't even activate a basic Runeforged artifact yet, let alone an Astralforged one.
He had expected an artifact—but not one of this level.
Sophia gave a slow nod. "It is. Strong—far beyond what you can tap into yet. But it'll still protect you, even passively."
Her hand brushed over the arms of the chair as she made herself more comfortable.
"It has three main enchantments. First—it shields you from any mental assault below the Second Rank. If you could use it fully… even a Third-Rank mental strike wouldn't break through."
She hesitated, then continued, "Second—it holds one of your father's attacks, sealed within. You won't be able to trigger it consciously, but if your life's ever in danger by any physical attack, the ring will act on its own."
Aidan stared down at the artifact, now seeing it with a different weight.
"And the third?" he asked quietly.
She shook her head, a faint smile flickering at the edge of her lips. "The third won't mean much to you yet. Let's just say… with it, your father will come to you the moment it matters."
She leaned forward slightly, reaching out as if to steady her voice.
"Oh, and… it also works as a storage ring," she added, almost like an afterthought. "You'll find that handy."
Then her hand gently rested on his, and her smile faltered just a little.
"It's not just protection, Aidan," she said softly. "It's peace of mind—for me. A part of your father… watching over you, when we can't."
Aidan sighed, the weight of the ring pressing gently against his palm. He realized then—this journey wasn't just a risk to his life; it was a gamble with his parents' peace of mind… and with his mother's smile.
He didn't fully understand what this ring meant to her, but the looks Erwin and Matthew exchanged when she handed it over said enough. The artifact held history—memories wrapped in silence and sacrifice.
Aidan ran his fingers over the smooth surface of the ring, feeling the weight of more than just the metal.
He looked up at his mother, her soft smile doing little to hide the worry in her eyes.
"…Thank you, Mom," he said quietly at first, then firmer. "I'll wear it—not just because it protects me, but because I know it means something to you."
With the ring in his possession, preparations were quickly finalized. The original escort plan, which included more than two hundred people, was only reduced after Aidan's persistent objections.
Even then, the numbers were staggering—over thirty First-Rank beings, twenty Second-Ranks, and three captains, including Matthew. Alongside them were twenty servants, a dedicated cook, three physicians, and a convoy of carriages.
The escort totalled close to a hundred people—perhaps ninety, maybe a few more. Among them was Zane.
Aidan couldn't help but guess that his mother had understood. He hadn't said it aloud, hadn't asked directly, but she must have known he wanted Zane with him. Even if the boy lacked experience in her eyes, she still included him.
Aidan glanced once more at the list—each name carefully written beside their assigned roles. The document detailed everything: ranks, responsibilities, even contingencies. It was thorough, precise… just like his mother.
With a final look, Sophia said gently, "Aidan, let me know if you need anything else. If not… I'll take my leave now."
Her gaze shifted toward Matthew. "Matthew, I'm leaving Aidan in your care. You'll be in charge, so take responsibility. I'm trusting you to protect him."
Matthew's usually sharp features softened. He bowed his head slightly. "Don't worry, Aunt Sophia," he said solemnly before adding a silent note in his mind. "I swear, I'll protect Aidan… even if it costs me my life."
Lord Erwin, having ensured everything was in order, gave a brief nod of approval. With a final glance at Aidan and Matthew, he bid his farewell and departed alongside Sophia.
Now, in the vast silence of the grand hall, only two people remained—Aidan and Matthew—seated across from one another, their eyes quietly meeting.
The distant echo of footsteps faded, replaced by the hush of anticipation that blanketed the air like snow, silent.