My name is Kael Ardyn, the strongest mage who reincarnated because I believed that the world I once protected was now safe from any threats.
In this new world, I became the child of a married couple, Leon ardyn and Claire. For some reason, my name is the same as my previous one. Is it a coincidence, or something more? I don't know, but the three of us live a simple life in a village.
When I turned five, I went to the kitchen to see my mother and father cooking. I was shocked because my parents, when casting magic, had to use long and complicated incantations, even for something as simple as lighting the stove.
"Oh ancient fire that once danced at the creation, hear the will of this lowly vessel. Through the union of ether and breath, through the warm agreement and sparks, rise, little ember—burn and bring forth gentle fire to serve the human hearth!" my mother said as she recited the incantation to light the stove.
Out of curiosity, I asked my parents, "Father, Mother, why do you have to chant incantations to cast magic? It's just to light a fire for cooking, right?"
Then my parents answered my question.
"Of course, dear. If you don't chant an incantation, how can the magic work?" my mother replied.
I then asked again, "So, if someone can cast magic without an incantation, would they be considered a genius?"
My father answered, "Of course, they could be invited to the royal palace to become a royal mage, but no one has ever been able to cast magic without an incantation."
I asked again, "So, Father, Mother, if your child could cast magic without an incantation, would you both be proud of me?"
My parents smiled at me, as if what I had said was just a joke.
"Of course, dear. Father and Mother would be proud of you, but don't think too much about it. If you could only cast low-level magic, we'd still be proud. So, don't worry about it," they said.
Hearing this, I decided to try casting magic without an incantation.
"Fireball."
As I said the magic's name, a fireball appeared in my hand.
"Father, Mother, look! Magic can be cast without an incantation!" I said, showing them the fireball.
My parents were both shocked to see that I had cast magic without any incantation.
"How is it possible that you cast magic without an incantation?" my mother asked, her face full of curiosity and awe.
"Of course, Mother. Magic is actually not cast through long and complicated incantations. Magic can be cast by the user simply imagining how the magic works," I explained to my parents.
They couldn't believe that a five-year-old could say such complex things.
"Who are you? Are you really our child? How can you speak such complicated words?" my father asked, disbelieving.
"Of course, I am Kael Ardyn, the child of Leon and Claire," I said to them.
Hearing this, my parents smiled.
"Hahaha, forgive Father for doubting you, dear. But it's good. Finally, our family has given birth to a talented son," my father said proudly.
"You're right, dear. With Kael's talent, the Valemont family won't be able to look down on us," my mother added.
Hearing the name Valemont, I asked my parents, "Father, Mother, who is the Valemont family?"
My parents paused for a moment after hearing my question.
"You're not allowed to know that yet, dear. Wait until you turn fifteen, and then Father and Mother will tell you about them," my father replied.
"Now focus on your talent, dear. So that you can enter Stellaris Academy, a magical academy that trains talented mages," my mother said.
"Alright, Father, Mother. I will train hard to enter that academy and make you both proud," I said enthusiastically.
"Haha, now that's my child. But when you get into that academy, you should keep your ears closed, because most of the students there are arrogant nobles," my father warned.
"Alright, Father," I replied.
After our long conversation, we had dinner peacefully in the dining room, and I had already made up my mind to enter Stellaris Academy.
"Good, now I have a new goal in this reincarnated world. Stellaris Academy, get ready. You're about to receive a future mage who was once the strongest Archmage," I muttered to myself.
Ten Years Later
Finally, I turned fifteen, the same age I was when I reincarnated.
As I was practicing my magic, my father suddenly came in holding an envelope.
"Hey, Kael, what do you think of this?" my father said, handing me the envelope.
I opened the envelope he handed me, and the letter inside read:
---
STELLARIS ACADEMY OF MAGICAL ARTS
Notification of Selection Exam Admission
To:
Mr. Kael Ardyn Valemont
Southern District, Raventon Village
Dear Sir,
We are pleased to inform you that your application to take the entrance exam for Stellaris Academy of Magical Arts has been accepted.
Based on the documents you submitted and our preliminary verification of your mana affinity, we hereby invite you to participate in the entrance exam, which will be held on:
Date: 14th Moon of Lytharia, Year 812 A.E.
Location: Main Gate of Stellaris Academy, Selection Hall
Time: 09:00 local magic time
Please bring your standard personal magic equipment and this invitation letter as proof of your official participation.
May the Ether Light guide your steps.
Sincerely,
Velmira Astrallis
Head of Admissions
Stellaris Academy of Magical Arts
---
I was shocked as I read the letter.
"What? How did you get this, Father?" I asked, astonished.
My father replied with excitement, "Of course, what do you think I am?"
"Hahaha, you're truly the best, Father! Alright, since the exam is tomorrow, I need to get ready!" I said enthusiastically.
"Alright, son," my father said.
I left my father outside as I prepared for the selection exam.
That night, as we were having dinner, the story I had been waiting for the past ten years finally came.
"Now, Kael, since you're fifteen, Father and Mother will tell you about the Valemont family, as we promised ten years ago," my father said seriously.
"But remember, dear, once you hear this story, never act recklessly before you're strong enough to face them," my mother warned seriously.
"Alright, Father, Mother. I won't act recklessly," I promised.
My parents began to tell me about the Valemont family, and after hearing the story, I was furious.
Who exactly is the Valemont family? Why is Kael so angry after hearing their story? What will happen during the entrance exam? Will Kael be accepted into Stellaris Academy with his magic and experience as the strongest Archmage? Find out in the next chapter.