The forest behind the Valeford estate was quiet—almost too quiet for a noble family's land. A place untouched by servants, guarded by knights from the outside, yet open enough for a clever boy to sneak into.
At only four years old, Caelan moved through the trees with grace and confidence unnatural for his age. His boots barely disturbed the grass, and his breath stayed even as he searched for the right spot.
> I can feel it. Mana is thicker here… and the system has been humming lately.
He knelt in a small clearing where moonlight broke through the trees. The moment his hand touched the soil, a low warmth bloomed in his chest.
---
[System Notification]
> Mana Threshold Reached
Affinities Detected:
Fire (Intermediate)
Wind (Basic)
Light (Intermediate)
Water (Basic)
Eligible for First Combat Spell Awakening
Trigger instinctive casting: Yes/No
---
> Yes.
The moment he accepted, something exploded within him.
Not pain—no. It was clarity.
Mana surged through his veins, flooding every corner of his being. His eyes glowed faintly gold as wind rustled the leaves in a spiral around him. The ground sizzled beneath his feet.
Instinct guided his hand. He raised it to the sky.
"Ignis Flare."
---
A swirling orb of fire gathered in his palm—vibrant, controlled, burning with life. It hovered for a moment before shooting forward, crashing into a distant boulder and shattering it with a fiery burst.
---
[New Skill Acquired]
> Ignis Flare (C) – A focused fire-element projectile. Fast and precise. Moderate mana cost. Can be charged for increased damage.
Combat Magic Slot: 1 Unlocked
---
> So this is combat magic… the real deal. The energy, the control. I missed this.
He looked down at his hand, still faintly warm from the spell.
Then he smiled—sharp and satisfied.
> And this is just the beginning.
---
That night, Caelan returned with dirt on his boots and a glow in his eyes. His parents noticed the change—subtle, but real.
"Did something happen today, sweetheart?" his mother asked during dinner.
Caelan smiled softly. "No. Just… had a nice walk."
> Let them think I'm just a smart kid. I'll show them when the time is right.
---
[System Log – Private Note]
> Goal Set: Prepare for 5th Birthday Debut
Objective: Master one more spell.
Bonus Goal: Enhance physical training secretly.
Let the nobles think I'm a genius. They have no idea I'm a monster in the making.