After four long months, the sound of hooves echoed faintly down the gravel road that led to the house on the hill. The evening sun dipped low. A weary figure appeared at the gate, his cloak dusty from travel, his stride steady despite the long journey.
"Father!!" Julius cried the moment he saw him. His small legs carried him as fast as they could, his wooden sword clattering to the ground in his haste. "Welcome back!"
Nicholas set down his travel pack and swept his son into his arms, laughing as he lifted him high. "Julius… you've grown in just these few months. Taller already, I see."
Juliette stood in the doorway, her gentle smile softening her tired features. "Welcome home, Nicholas, we missed you"
"I missed you two as well" he said simply, and in his voice was the warmth of a man who had missed his family dearly.
Turning his attention back to Julius, Nicholas asked, "Tell me, while I was gone… did you practice with your sword properly?"
Julius puffed out his chest, pride "Yes, Father! I trained every day. And I even learned some new tricks as well!" His grin was full of mischief.
"New tricks, huh?" Nicholas arched an eyebrow, amused. "Very well. Let's see what new tricks you've got."
---
Later that evening, once Nicholas had rested and shared a meal with his family, Julius tugged at his sleeve impatiently.
Julius declared "I, Julius Grey Neshville, challenge you to a duel!"
Nicholas chuckled, rising to his feet. "A duel, is it? Very well. I accept it."
The two stepped into the yard, wooden practice swords were brought forth, and the boy and his father faced each other beneath the twilight sky.
"Ready yourself, Julius," Nicholas said, his stance calm, his expression focused.
Julius gripped his wooden blade tightly, his little heart pounding with excitement. "I'm ready!"
Then the clash began.
Clack! Clack! The sound of wood striking wood rang through the air. Julius moved with surprising speed, darting forward and swinging with all his might. Julius was much faster than he had been four months before.
"You've grown quick," Nicholas admitted, deflecting the blows with practiced ease. "But—"
Before Julius could strike again, Nicholas swept his blade in a fluid motion, knocking his son's stance off balance. Julius stumbled back, his small body unable to keep up with the sheer weight of his father's experience. He fell flat on his back.
Nicholas lowered his weapon and extended a hand. "Come, my boy. Get up."
But Julius, seized the opportunity, he thrust out his free hand.
A ball of water formed in an instant. Before Nicholas could react, splash! It burst against his face, drenching him from head to toe.
"Wha—?!" Nicholas staggered back, blinking furiously as he was completely drenched.
Julius leapt to his feet. "I won!!" he declared, a proud smile spreading across his face.
Nicholas froze, staring in disbelief. His five-year-old son had just… used magic. And not only that—there had been no incantation. No words at all.
Still dripping, he asked, "Julius… did you just use magic?" His voice trembled between shock and awe.
"Yeah, I did!" Julius said brightly. "I found a book in the study and learned from it!"
Nicholas's eyes widened further. "You… learned magic by yourself? Just by readinga book?"
Julius nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement.
Nicholas exhaled, staring at him as though seeing him anew. "At only five years old… Julius, do you realize how extraordinary that is?" He placed a strong, calloused hand on his son's shoulder, his voice steady with pride. "I am proud of you, son."
---
That night, under the gentle glow of lamplight, Nicholas shared the revelation with Juliette.
"What!!" Juliette gasped, her hands flying to her lips. She looked at her boy in disbelief. "Julius, you can use magic? And I didn't even notice?"
Julius giggled. "I practiced in secret to surprise you all, Mother. When you were busy with housework, I used that time to train."
Juliette exhaled shakily. "That explains a lot… you really are a prodigy. But Nicholas—are you absolutely sure? He used no incantation at all when he used his water magic?"
Nicholas nodded gravely. "Not a single word."
Julius explained with innocent clarity, "I just need to think the incantation in my head, and the magic works."
Juliette shook her head slowly. "That shouldn't be possible. Incantations are necessary to shape and stabilize magic, I never heard of it before."
Nicholas's gaze softened. "You're right. But Julius is different. He's… an exception. I think it's time he learns properly. He needs a professional mentor."
Julius's eyes widened, sparkling like stars. "What!! A real mentor will teach me magic? That's amazing! I'm so excited!!" He bounced on his toes, spinning in delight, his joy uncontainable.
"Calm down, calm down," Juliette said, chuckling, though her eyes shone with affection. "Don't get too carried away."
Nicholas laughed at his son's happiness, and Julius laughed too, their voices mingling warmly in the little house.
Thus, a new chapter in Julius's young life began—a chapter where sword and sorcery would walk hand in hand. His father would continue to shape his swordsmanship, while a new mentor would soon arrive to guide his gift of magic.
The boy stood at the threshold of destiny, his heart brimming with excitement, unaware of just how far his talents would one day carry him.
---
The day had finally come.
Julius could hardly sit still. He darted back and forth across the yard, his little face full of restless energy.
"When will my mentor come!?" he asked for what must have been the tenth time that morning.
Nicholas, leaning casually against the fence, watched his son's impatience with quiet amusement. "Soon, Julius. In just a few moments, she'll be here."
"But I can't wait any longer!" Julius groaned, puffing out his cheeks.
Juliette stood at the doorway, a soft smile touching her lips. "Be patient, dear. Waiting is also part of growing."
---
Not long after, the sound of wheels crunching over gravel echoed from the road. Julius's head snapped up, eyes wide. A sleek carriage slowed to a halt before the house, its polished wood glinting beneath the afternoon sun.
The door opened. From within stepped an elven lady, a graceful woman, with long silver hair that shimmered like moonlight and emerald eyes.
"I am Elina," she said, her tone formal and composed. "I was assigned as the mentor of a boy named Julius."
Nicholas stepped forward, offering her a respectful nod. "Nice to meet you, Miss Elina. This is our son, Julius."
Juliette laid a gentle hand on her boy's shoulder. "Go on, dear. Greet your teacher."
Julius straightened, recalling his mother's lessons. Bowing properly, he said with bright politeness, "I am Julius. It's my pleasure to meet you, Teacher."
Elina's eyes softened at his manners, but soon a flicker of doubt crossed her face. Most apprentices she trained were between ten and twelve years old, Yet here stood a child barely past his toddler years.
"How old are you, Julius?" she asked, curiosity slipping into her voice.
"I'm five years old!" Julius declared proudly.
Elina blinked. "Five…?" She turned sharply toward Nicholas and Juliette, disbelief plain on her face. "Forgive me, but isn't he far too young? Children cannot usually even begin channeling mana until ten or twelve. Surely—"
Nicholas cut in, his tone steady but filled with pride. "Our son is different. He's a prodigy. He started using magic on his own—self-taught, just by reading a book."
Elina's brows shot upward. A five-year-old, self-taught? It was absurd. And yet Nicholas's conviction rang true, his words leaving no room for doubt.
Juliette added softly, "And there's something else. he can use magic without incantations."
The elf's composure cracked. Her emerald eyes widened in shock, her lips parting. "Without… incantations?" She turned to Julius directly. "Is that true? Can you truly cast without words?"
"Yes, teacher!" Julius replied cheerfully. With a bright smile, he lifted his small hand. a shimmering water sphere formed in the air, perfectly shaped.
Elina stared, disbelief, her voice trembled as she finally spoke. "This… this is unbelievable. Only one in a million possess such a gift. And you…" She paused, her gaze softening as awe replaced doubt. "You truly are very special, Julius."
The boy grinned from ear to ear.
Elina let out a quiet breath, her heart racing. "I have clearly underestimated you," she admitted at last. "Julius, you are far more talented and blessed than any apprentice I have ever taught. I would like to train you with everything I have."
Nicholas stepped forward, pride glowing in his eyes. "We believe in you, Miss Elina. Only under your guidance our son can refine his skills and grow into a formidable mage."
The elf inclined her head, a faint but genuine smile curving her lips. "Thank you, Sir, for placing such faith in me. I promise—I will do my best to teach your son." She turned her gaze back to Julius, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Well then, lets begin our first lesson, Are you excited?"
"Yes!" Julius exclaimed, bouncing on his toes. "I'm so excited!"
the parents withdrew into the house, leaving the courtyard awash in golden afternoon light.
Elina folded her arms, studying Julius with sharp curiosity. there was only one question she needed to ask.
"Julius," she said calmly, though anticipation thrummed in her tone, "tell me—what kinds of magic can you use?"
The boy's face lit up. "I can use water magic… wind magic… earth magic… and healing magic!" he declared proudly.
Elina froze. Her composure slipped once more. "Four…? You've already learned four schools of magic?"
"Yes, Teacher!" Julius answered brightly. "I practiced every day when my father was away!"
For a long moment, Elina only stared at him, her mind racing. At five years old… four schools of magic… and without incantations. It was beyond genius—it was unthinkable.
She knelt down, meeting his eyes directly. "Can you show me each one of them."
"Yes, Teacher!" Julius said eagerly.
He lifted his hand, summoning a sphere of water that hovered gracefully. With a flick of his wrist, a gust of wind swept through the yard, scattering dry leaves into the air. He stomped his foot, and a jagged stone spike rose from the ground. Finally, he pricked his finger on the tip, then healed the wound instantly.
"All better!" he announced proudly.
Elina was silent. Shock and awe battled within her. At five years old… four schools of magic… without incantations. Impossible… yet real.
At last, she drew in a slow breath. Her voice came out soft, almost reverent. "Julius… you truly are a miracle."
The boy only grinned wider, his eyes glowing with joy, looking forward to be trained by his teacher