I was in the library reading a book that I found interesting, namely the Magic book, even though I was forced to become a fighter, I would still learn to use magic.
"Ken-sama, what are you doing?" A maid approached me and patted my head very happily
"Sephy-san, I'm learning magic, please don't disturb me" I was annoyed because I was always disturbed by them.
"Aww, Ken-sama is so smart, I love Ken-sama" Sephy suddenly hugged me so tightly that I couldn't breathe
"Let go please" I got out of Sephy's hug and grabbed the magic book and ran out of the castle and towards the magic training field around the kingdom.
"Okay, I'll learn magic here" I arrived at the large field for practicing the magic written in this book.
"First, we spell it, Fire Spirit Hear My Voice, Show Your Fire Heat,FIREBALL" Suddenly a fireball came out of my hand and exploded the ground around the field.
"THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!" I jumped up and down in excitement because I could finally cast my first magic at the age of 5.
When looking at the book open the next page there is a way to cast magic without reciting it, which is by focusing very high and putting all the magic flow into the hand.
I confidently put the book beside me and stared at the ground seriously, my breathing became heavy and then "FIREBALL" a fireball came out and Explosion on the ground
"YESS, I did it"
While practicing the other elemental magic, my sister suddenly came and went straight to me.
"KEN-KUN!!!" He jumped at me and I caught him with both hands
"Onee-chan, what is Onee-chan doing here?"
Chika-nee-chan looked to the side and was shocked that the field, which was originally clean and undamaged, was suddenly riddled with holes and on fire.
"EHH-? What happened? You're okay, Ken-Kun" My sister hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek.
"I'm fine, Nee-chan, I'm just learning magic"
"MA- MAGIC??" Nee-chan made a shocked face because I told her that I was learning to use magic.
"Y- yes, what happend Onee-chan?"
"You can already use magic?" With a confused and questioning face
"I can only use beginner level magic, Onee-chan, We're only 2 years apart anyway, Onee-chan." Suddenly nee-chan pulled my hand and ran to the castle, I don't know what onee-chan wants to do, but I left my magic book in the middle of the field earlier, not knowing what will happen
When we arrived at the kingdom "wait, onee-chan" Nee-chan pulled me towards our father's room, I think I know what onee-chan will do.
"Papa, Ken-kun can already use magic"
"EEEEEEEEHHHHH-?" My father's face was very shocked because he heard that his son could use magic even though he was only 7 years old, it was beyond reason, even onee-chan couldn't use magic at her age now.
Father quickly stood up from his chair, his eyes wide open."Ken… show me. Right here, right now!"
"Ehh? Papa, but I left the book in the field…" I hesitated, scratching my cheek nervously.
"You don't need the book, right? Just use it like before," Chika-nee encouraged me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I sighed and stepped into the middle of Father's chamber. I focused my breathing, raised my small hand, and whispered:"Fireball!"
A glowing flame burst from my palm and exploded harmlessly above the floor, leaving a tiny scorch mark.
"Impossible…" Father muttered, his hands trembling. "At your age… no noble child has ever been able to manifest magic without a catalyst."
Chika-nee hugged me tightly from behind. "See? I told you, Papa! Ken-kun is amazing!"
"Indeed…" Father stroked his beard, his serious eyes fixed on me. "Ken, from today onward, you will train under the royal court magician. Your talent cannot be wasted."
"Ehh? But Papa, I was supposed to train as a fighter…" I protested.
Father slammed his hand on the table. "Nonsense! A fighter's path will only limit you. With such talent in magic, you could surpass even the Archmage one day!"
Chika-nee smiled brightly. "That means… Ken-kun and I can study together in the castle, right?"
I nodded slowly, though my heart was racing. I just wanted to play with magic a little… but now everyone looks at me like I'm some kind of prodigy…
At that moment, the door burst open—Sephy the maid rushed inside."Ken-samaaaa! Why did you leave me behind in the library?" She hugged me so tightly again that I almost dropped to the floor.
"Ugh… Sephy-san, please…" I gasped.
Father narrowed his eyes. "Sephy, enough. From this moment on, Ken will begin his training as the kingdom's future mage. Guard him well."
Sephy blushed and saluted. "Y-yes, my lord! I will protect Ken-sama with my life!"
And so, at the age of just five, my peaceful days ended, and my life as the kingdom's youngest magician prodigy had begun.
The next morning, Father called me to the audience hall.
"Ken, today you will meet your instructors. From now on, they will guide you in both magic and swordsmanship."
My heart skipped a beat. Sword and magic? Both? That sounds fun but scary at the same time…
The huge door opened and two figures entered.
"Claire von Reindhart, reporting for duty! I'll make sure Ken-sama becomes the strongest swordsman in this kingdom!"A tall, beautiful woman with long golden hair bowed… and then immediately rushed forward and hugged me tightly.
"KYAAAA—Ken-sama is so small and cuteee!" she squealed, rubbing her cheek against mine.
"H-hey! I can't breathe!" I struggled, my face turning red as Chika-nee giggled from behind.
The second figure walked in slowly. A silver-haired woman with glasses, carrying a thick staff. Her eyes half-closed, voice soft and drawn-out."…Nagumo, the royal magician… I will teach you the flow of mana… so relax, little boy… no need to rush…"
"Ehh…" I tilted my head. "You sound… sleepy?"
"…Mmm, not sleepy… just relaxed…" she answered in the same slow tone.
Claire laughed. "Don't mind her, Ken-sama! She's always like that. Now then, shall we begin—"
"Wait, wait, Claire! Let's at least settle him down first…" Chika-nee tried to calm her, but Claire was already spinning me around in her arms like a stuffed toy.
Later that day, I returned to my room on the second floor of the castle. I peeked down from the balcony to see if Claire and Nagumo were still waiting outside.
Hmm, I wonder if they're still here… maybe I can sneak out and practice a bit more—
The railing under my hand slipped."UWAAAAHHH—!!"
Before I could scream again, I landed on something soft. Very soft.
"KEN-SAMAAA!" Claire's voice rang out as I realized my face was buried… right into her chest.
"Eh… ehhhh???" My whole face turned red instantly.
Claire held me up, her cheeks pink but her voice full of excitement."Kyaaa, Ken-sama fell straight into my arms! It's destiny!!"
Nagumo slowly walked closer, her expression calm as ever."…How reckless… but at least you landed safely. You should thank Claire… though… I wonder if she'll let go of you anytime soon…"
"U-uhhh, Claire-san… please let me down…!" I squirmed, but Claire hugged me tighter, spinning around happily.
"Never! Ken-sama is mine to protect and train!"
Chika-nee, who had just arrived, shouted with a vein popping on her forehead."CLAIRE-SAN! STOP HUGGING MY LITTLE BROTHER LIKE THAT!!!"
And so, my chaotic days of training with a clingy swordswoman and a super calm magician officially began.
-----
in the center of the field where magic and sword training are practiced
For the first time… it was just the three of us.Claire, Nagumo, and me.
"Finally… no interruptions," Nagumo whispered slowly, sipping her tea as if she had all the time in the world."…Ken-kun, today… you'll train seriously. Both sword and magic."
"YESS!!" I pumped my fist excitedly.
Claire clapped her hands and smiled brightly."Then let's start with me! Sword training, round one! Come at me, Ken-sama~"
We stood on the castle's training ground. I held a wooden sword tightly with both hands. Claire stood opposite me with her sword, eyes glittering.
"Don't hold back, Ken-sama! Attack me with everything you have!" she shouted, grinning.
"Haaah!!" I charged forward with all the courage I had. My sword slashed down—
Clank!
Before I even realized it, my sword was knocked away, and I fell on my butt.
"Eh??" I blinked.
"Too slow, Ken-sama! Your stance is wide open!" Claire teased, sticking out her tongue.She leaned closer and whispered playfully, "At this rate, even Sephy the maid could beat you."
My face went red."D-don't compare me to Sephy-san!!"
I stood up again, grabbed the sword, and attacked. Left slash, right slash, stab—Clank! Clank! Clank!
Each time, Claire deflected my strikes like it was nothing. She wasn't even sweating.
"You're so stiff, Ken-sama~ If you swing like that, you'll never hit anyone. Look, I can even close my eyes!" She shut her eyes dramatically and still blocked all of my swings with ease.
"Ghhhhh—!!" My teeth clenched as frustration boiled inside me.
I swung again with all my might. Clank! My sword was sent flying once more, landing several meters away.
"Haaah… give up already? You haven't even scratched me once." Claire smirked, spinning her sword around her finger.
I fell silent, my fists trembling.Inside my chest, irritation built up like fire.
"…"
Nagumo finally spoke, her voice slow and calm as always."…Ken… you're frustrated. That's normal. But… don't let anger cloud you. Focus. Learn from every mistake… and try again."
I clenched my fists tighter."I know… but still, it's annoying…! She keeps mocking me like I'm just a baby…!"
Claire crouched down in front of me, smiling warmly despite her teasing tone."But you are just a baby, Ken-sama~ A very cute one, though ♥" She hugged me tightly again.
"Ughhh!! This is why I get angry!!" I shouted, my face completely red as I struggled in her arms.
Nagumo let out a slow sigh."…This is going to be… a very long training journey…"
After the exhausting sword training, Claire plopped down on the grass, still giggling."Ken-sama, that was so much fun! I can't wait to spar again tomorrow!"
"Ugh… I need a break…" I muttered, wiping sweat from my forehead.
Nagumo slowly adjusted her glasses and raised her staff."…Ken-kun… now, let's focus on magic. I want to see your progress… carefully, please. No accidents…"
I nodded eagerly, determined to show my skills after failing so badly with the sword."Alright… let's do this!"
Nagumo raised her hand slowly and whispered:"Fireball… controlled… small…"
I mirrored her movements, concentrating hard. A tiny ball of fire appeared at the tip of my fingers."Yes! I can do this!"
Feeling confident, I tried a slightly larger fireball, letting it float in front of me."…FIREBALL!"
The fireball shot forward faster than I expected… and hit Nagumo in the shoulder."EEEEHHH!?"
Nagumo stumbled backward, her slow, calm demeanor replaced with surprise as she landed on the ground."…Oww… Ken-kun… that… was… quite strong…"
My heart skipped a beat. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to…!"
I immediately raised my hands, focusing all my magic into a healing spell."Heal!"
A soft glow surrounded Nagumo, and the wound on her shoulder closed almost instantly."Ahh… thank you… Ken-kun…" she said, her voice slow but calm, though her cheeks faintly tinted pink.
Meanwhile, Claire stood nearby, her hands on her hips, glaring at me—but not exactly angry."Ken-sama… don't go too far, got it?! You might actually kill her if you're not careful!"
I blinked. "Huh? Claire… weren't you the one teasing me and bullying me during sword training?!"
Claire tilted her head, grinning mischievously."Eh? That was different! That was… playful teasing! This… is serious danger territory. Big difference~"
I groaned, running my hand through my hair."Y-yeah, sure… playful teasing that made me want to throw my sword at you…"
Nagumo slowly sat up, rubbing her shoulder and looking at both of us."…I suppose… this… is training… in many… ways…"
Claire jumped toward me and hugged me tightly again."But Ken-sama, I'm proud of you! Using magic to heal someone at your age? That's amazing~"
I squirmed, embarrassed and red-faced."C-Come on, Claire… I'm not a toy!"
Nagumo's calm voice floated between our chaos."…Ken… try to focus… control your power… it's impressive, but… reckless actions could hurt you too…"
I nodded seriously, taking a deep breath."Y-yes… I'll be more careful…"
Claire whispered teasingly, still hugging me, "But don't worry, Ken-sama… I love seeing you get all fired up~"
My face flared red again. Why is everyone so obsessed with me today…?!
Just as Claire and Nagumo were helping me set up for more training, the door to the training yard burst open.
"KEN-KUN! Lunch time!" Chika-nee-chan's cheerful voice rang out.
"Huh? Nee-chan? Already?" I asked, blinking.
Claire's eyes went wide."…Lunch… in the castle? Ken-sama, we didn't expect that…"
Nagumo slowly raised her eyebrows, her voice calm but tinged with surprise."…We… eat at the castle…? Very… fancy…"
Before I could answer, Chika-nee grabbed both Claire and Nagumo by the hands."Come on! You two are coming too!"
I followed behind, slightly worried about how my instructors would react, but once we arrived in the castle dining hall, both women's eyes widened.
"Wow… the… royal dining hall…" Claire whispered, almost sparkling.Nagumo slowly sat, muttering, "…So… many dishes… so… much… bread…"
When the food was served, both Claire and Nagumo began eating with surprising enthusiasm, as if they hadn't eaten in days. Claire devoured meat with her usual energetic flair, while Nagumo's calm voice occasionally muttered things like, "…This roast… surprisingly delicious…"
Chika-nee sat next to me, smiling. "See? Even training prodigies need good food."
Father finally looked up from his chair, frowning slightly."So… tell me, Ken… how is your training going? Sword, magic… progress?"
Claire and Nagumo immediately leaned forward, their faces lighting up."Oh! Ken-sama was amazing with magic! He… healed me perfectly after hitting me accidentally!" Claire said, hugging me again."Yes… Ken-kun… your mana control… very impressive…" Nagumo added slowly.
Father's face relaxed, clearly proud.
But then, both Claire and Nagumo suddenly exchanged mischievous looks.
"But sword training? Hahaha… Ken-sama, you're completely helpless! I can block every strike without even trying!" Claire laughed, pointing at me.
"Yes… Ken-kun… completely reckless… like yesterday… almost hurt me…" Nagumo added calmly but with a teasing smile.
I froze, my cheeks turning bright red."Wha—what?! I… I'm not that bad!"
Father slammed his hand on the table."Ken! What is this I hear? Magic is fine, but you can't even defend yourself with a sword?! And reckless actions in training?! This is unacceptable!"
I looked down, embarrassed and frustrated.
Meanwhile, both Claire and Nagumo burst into laughter."See Ken-sama? You are a handful~" Claire said, still hugging me.Nagumo's slow chuckle floated across the hall."…Ken-kun… truly… a dangerous prodigy…"
Mother, who had been quietly observing the scene, smiled gently."You know… maybe it's time we officially enrolled you in the magic academy, like Chika-nee-chan suggested."
Chika-nee-chan grinned."See, Ken-kun? I told you… you're meant for magic too!"
I groaned, covering my face with my hands."…Why does everyone make me feel like I'm a baby prodigy troublemaker…?"
Claire leaned down and whispered in my ear, teasingly:"Because you are adorable, Ken-sama~"
I felt my face burn even more.
Meanwhile, far from the castle, in a dimly lit chamber filled with glowing runes and strange artifacts, someone quietly observed a crystal orb floating in midair.
A soft, eerie chuckle echoed through the room.
"…He's even more… interesting than I thought," the mysterious voice whispered.
Inside the orb, Ken's small face appeared, flushed from training and frustration, Claire's teasing smile, and Nagumo's calm presence all captured in perfect detail.
The figure leaned closer, eyes gleaming with curiosity and something unreadable.
"Very well… let's see how far this little prodigy can go," they murmured, their fingers tracing the runes around the orb.
Ken's innocent struggles, his growth, and even his little failures were being watched… and judged by eyes he didn't yet know existed.
A sinister laugh echoed, fading into the shadows.
To be continued…