Morning in Hage Village came quietly, the sky a soft orange as the first rays of dawn kissed the rooftops. The cold breeze whispered across frost-covered fields. Roosters crowed. Firewood crackled in the hearth.
Inside the orphanage, life was already stirring.
Kael sat near the window, watching his breath fog the glass. His white hair caught the sunlight like strands of snow, and his crimson eyes seemed to glow faintly in the morning dim. In his lap sat a thick book on mana theory—one of the few he'd salvaged from an old ruin weeks ago. He read it front to back three times already, memorizing every symbol.
Behind him, the familiar clatter of Asta's morning routine shattered the silence.
"HYAAAAAAH!"
The door burst open as Asta somersaulted in with two wooden buckets filled to the brim. Water splashed everywhere, including all over Kael's book.
"Training's done!" Asta shouted proudly. "Time to do push-ups with these buckets on my back!"
Kael sighed and flicked his fingers. A gust of warm air dried the pages instantly. "You're going to break your back before you get a grimoire."
Asta beamed. "I'd rather break it than fall behind! Yuno and I will be Magic Knights, and you too, right?"
Kael smiled gently. "Of course."
---
Yuno entered a moment later, as quiet as the wind behind him. He looked at Asta, then Kael, then back again. "Asta's louder than the rooster."
"HEY!"
Kael chuckled. He stood, stretching his arms. "You two always start the day like this."
"It's the only way to stay strong," Asta declared, proudly flexing non-existent muscles. "Besides, Kael, you're freakishly fast. You gotta have some secret!"
Kael shrugged. "Discipline. I just don't shout about it."
Asta puffed out his cheeks, while Yuno actually smirked—a rare show of amusement.
Together, the three cleaned up, helped the younger kids dress, and prepared breakfast. The routine was familiar, grounding. In this world of magic and destiny, this was peace.
But Kael knew it wouldn't last.
---
After chores, the older kids gathered near the cliffside behind the orphanage—their secret training spot.
Kael stood in the center, a branch in one hand and eyes closed. He breathed deeply, feeling the pulse of the earth beneath his feet. A light breeze brushed his cheek. Mana moved around him, not as something to be controlled, but something to respect.
Then he moved.
The branch became a blur, slicing through air with sharp precision. He danced across the snow-dusted grass—fluid, balanced, each step perfectly timed. A silent kata born from sword styles of his old world, fused with the instincts of this one.
"Show-off," Asta muttered, impressed.
Yuno, seated nearby, narrowed his eyes. "He doesn't use magic. But... he's still stronger."
"I know, right?! I mean, what the heck, Kael?!"
Kael landed softly, the tip of the branch digging a neat line in the dirt. "I don't want to rely on magic alone. If I ever lose it, I need to keep fighting."
The two boys nodded in agreement. They understood.
They were orphans. Weakness was a luxury they couldn't afford.
---
Later that day, Kael helped Sister Lily carry supplies into town. The system softly chimed in his mind.
> [Minor Event Synced: Helping the Sister]
Kindness +1 | Affinity with Locals: Increased
Progress: 3.7% Synced
It was small, but everything counted. Even the smallest act advanced him toward the future.
As they walked, villagers whispered.
"That boy… the pale one with the red eyes…"
"Always helping. Never complains. Odd eyes, though."
"He's not from around here, is he?"
Kael heard every word. He didn't react.
Sister Lily looked down at him with a gentle smile. "You don't mind what they say, do you?"
Kael shook his head. "I'd rather they talk than stay silent."
She nodded thoughtfully. "You're different, Kael. Not just your eyes. Your soul feels… older."
He paused.
"…Maybe I was born that way."
---
That night, as the stars blinked alive, Kael sat atop the roof of the orphanage. Alone, legs dangling over the edge, he stared at the endless sky.
From here, he could see the capital in the far distance. The faint shimmer of magical lights on the horizon. That was where fate waited.
> "This world… it feels so fragile up close."
He clenched his fist.
> "But I won't let it break. Not while I'm here."
He closed his eyes—and heard the system again.
> [Checkpoint Approaching: Grimoire Tower - 1 Year Remaining]
Recommendation: Begin Mental-Magic Fusion Training
Spirit Compatibility: 62% – Potential Detected
Next Evolution Path Unlocked: Spirit Link Initiation
Would you like to initiate? [Y/N]
Kael hesitated only a moment before whispering, "Yes."
A burst of light surged in his mind.
In a realm of dream and light, a figure appeared—glowing with warmth and clarity. She had silver hair, flowing robes, and wings made of shimmering runes.
A voice like song echoed.
> "So… you're the one fate stitched from two worlds. I am Lyra. Shall we grow together, Kael?"
His crimson eyes widened.
And then, he smiled.
> "Let's protect this world… together."