Kaelen and his siblings returned to the Academy one day after he finally woke from his rest. The campus was lively as always, but whispers still followed him down the halls. As he stepped into his classroom, a flash of movement darted his way.
"Kaelen!" Selianne cried, leaping into his arms. She hugged him tightly, her eyes brimming with relief. "I'm so glad you're okay…"
Kaelen let out a faint smile, patting her back. "I told you, I don't go down that easily."
The warmth of the moment was quickly interrupted as their teacher, Mirelle Astoria, entered. The chatter died down instantly and the students hurried to their seats. Mirelle's gaze swept across the class, sharp but tinged with pride.
"Well," she began, "everyone did well on their group assignment. But one group… went beyond what was necessary."
Confused murmurs spread. Students glanced at each other, unsure who she meant. Mirelle raised her hand.
"Group Five — consisting of Allaric, Kaelen, Lyra, and Selianne — encountered a dragon."
The classroom froze. Gasps echoed, chairs creaked, and wide-eyed stares fell upon Group Five. Mirelle didn't stop there.
"Not only did they encounter it… Allaric and Kaelen defeated it."
The room erupted in disbelief. Whispers clashed like sparks in a storm. A dragon? Defeated by students? Kaelen sat silently, unbothered by the stares, while Allaric crossed his arms with a faint, smug grin.
"Someone may come to see you later," Mirelle added cryptically. "But for now, let's continue.
Today's class will focus on the theory and practice of magic and spellcasting."
She unfurled a parchment, launching into lecture.
Spells, Mirelle explained, required a mage to channel mana through incantations or hand signs. These were tools — focusing images to shape the flow of magic. But a true master needed neither; with enough clarity of mind, one could cast with pure will.
The class diligently took notes as Mirelle continued:
Four main types of magic existed:
Aspectual Magic
Elemental Magic
Holy Magic
Summoning Magic
She also mentioned other branches:
Dark Magic
Engraving Magic
Illusion Magic
Physics Magic
Soul Magic
Some required lifetimes to master, others carried risks too great for most students to attempt.
When class ended, Kaelen made his way through the halls. The whispers followed him like shadows.
"Is that him? The dragon slayer?"
"What bloodline produces monsters like this…?"
He ignored it all. Gossip never mattered. What mattered was growing stronger.
By then, Group Five had realized the truth: word of their feat had spread not only through the Academy, but even to the Imperial Capital. Their name was on every tongue. The "Caelthorn Duo"—Kaelen and Allaric—was becoming legend.
It wasn't long before a messenger arrived.
"You are summoned by His Majesty Rudra," the envoy declared.
The Throne Room
Hours later, Kaelen and Allaric entered the imperial palace. The grandeur of its marble halls and golden banners pressed down like the weight of history itself. When the massive doors of the throne room opened, the brothers were greeted by the sight of two figures.
Upon the throne sat Rudra, the Emperor himself, garbed in ornate black and gold. Beside him stood Velgrynd, her azure hair flowing like silk, her golden eyes sharp yet softened by poise. The image of them together radiated power — a ruler and his dragon companion, bound as one.
Rudra rose slightly from his seat, smiling.
"You've accomplished a great feat. Defeating a corrupted dragon… that is no small matter."
Velgrynd's lips curved into a rare, approving smile. She gave a single nod, her gaze lingering on Kaelen for a moment longer than expected.
"As recognition," Rudra declared, "I grant you each a reward." He motioned for a servant to step forward, carrying a chest. Within gleamed gold coins — far more than either boy had ever held.
"One hundred gold coins each," Rudra said.
Both Kaelen and Allaric stiffened in shock.
"That much?!" Allaric burst out.
Rudra chuckled. "Think of it as an investment in your future. And… you killed a corrupted dragon. Left unchecked, it could have ravaged nations."
Then, he asked, "Do you desire anything else?"
Allaric stepped forward eagerly. "A sword. A strong one."
Rudra nodded and presented him with a blade forged of Magisteel, gleaming with restrained power. Allaric's eyes lit up as he took it in his hands.
"And you, Kaelen?" Rudra asked.
The boy thought for a moment, then replied simply:
"Magic ore."
A pause followed. Velgrynd tilted her head. Rudra raised a brow. Even Allaric gave him a baffled look.
"That's all?" Rudra asked.
Kaelen nodded. " if possible."
A chuckle escaped the Emperor's lips. "You truly are an odd one." He handed him a pouch of ores — far more than Kaelen expected.
"One last thing," Kaelen added quietly. "Could I have the address of a master blacksmith?"
Understanding flickered in Rudra's eyes. He realized then — Kaelen wished to forge his own weapon. The Emperor smiled faintly. "So be it." He gave the boy the address.
Later, after classes ended, Kaelen slipped away toward the blacksmith's shop. On the way, he conversed with the voice of Founder within his mind.
"Founder, I want to develop a skill… something to replenish life force of others."
At once, Founder began working." Attempting conceptual creation of skill… failed. Retrying… failed… retrying…"
The voice echoed in Kaelen's head, hundreds of times, until finally:
"Creation successful: Unique Skill — Aether Rejuvenation.
Effect: Draws ambient magicules to replenish vitality for self and others.
Sub-effect: Rapid healing of tissue, restoration of magical stamina, and accelerated recovery from injuries."
Kaelen exhaled in relief. He hadn't expected the ability to heal others, it was a bonus.
The Blacksmith's Forge
The shop was modest, its forge burning with steady heat. The blacksmith, a burly man with soot-stained arms, glanced at Kaelen with disdain.
"What's a brat like you doing here?"
"I was sent by Emperor Rudra," Kaelen replied evenly.
The man froze. His eyes widened as realization struck. So this was the boy who defeated a dragon. His demeanor shifted instantly.
"Come in," the blacksmith said gruffly. "What is it you want?"
"I want to watch you work," Kaelen answered.
The man blinked. "That's it? …Strange kid. Fine, but don't get in my way."
As the blacksmith hammered steel and stoked flames, Kaelen activated Eyes of the Eternal Dragon, observing every movement with perfect clarity. At the same time, he used Primordial Ingestion to absorb faint traces of the man's life force — carefully balanced by Aether Rejuvenation so the blacksmith never weakened.
Hours passed. Kaelen immersed himself in every strike, every spark, every channeling of mana into steel.
Then, something awakened.
"Unique Skill acquired: Ideal Blacksmith.
Abilities:
Master Forging – Craft weapons/armor with perfect balance, durability, and elemental affinity.
Material Resonance – Unlock hidden properties, purify corrupted resources.
Spell Infusion – Embed magic directly into equipment.
Enhanced Refinement – Reforge existing items to higher quality without loss."
Kaelen's lips curved into a quiet smile. He had gained not just knowledge, but a skill that would forge his future.
Exhausted from the continuous strain of Aether Rejuvenation, he returned home late that night. The moment he collapsed into bed, sleep claimed him instantly.
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sorry for late upload it was my exams