Chapter 7 – Royal Blood
Morning sunlight streamed through the canopy, scattering golden light upon the hidden elven village. Deep within the forest, the elves lived in quiet secrecy. At the center stood a wooden hall—once part of a royal palace, now only a shadow of its former glory.
Valdyn, now seven years old, walked at his mother's side. Queen Serenea's hand rested gently on his shoulder, guiding him toward the hall. His golden hair shimmered under the sun, his emerald eyes sharp with curiosity.
"Valdyn," Serenea said softly, "today, you will learn the true meaning of the name you bear."
---
Inside, the elders awaited. Elder Elrond nodded as Valdyn entered.
"This child is old enough to hear the weight of his bloodline," he declared.
Queen Serenea sat upon a carved chair and faced her son. "Valdyn... your surname, Thalorian, is no mere family name. It is a legacy older than our memories. Thalorian means 'the eternal lineage, guardians of the World Tree.'"
Her voice grew heavy. "Our ancestors swore to protect the balance of nature and our people. That oath was broken when the World Tree burned during the Ragnarok War."
Valdyn listened intently. So... I am not just a prince. I am heir to the bloodline meant to guard the world itself.
---
Elder Elrond leaned on his staff. "The old prophecy spoke: 'From Thalorian blood, a child of golden hair shall rise. He will lead the elves to rebirth.'"
All eyes turned to Valdyn. The boy swallowed hard, feeling the weight press against his chest.
"I'm only seven..." he whispered under his breath.
But another elder smiled faintly. "Age matters little. The world has already chosen you. You proved it when you awakened an element before the age of five. That was no coincidence."
Valdyn clenched his fist. They're right... I am different. I have the System. But to carry all their hopes... it's almost too much.
---
That night, in their private chamber, Serenea sat behind her son, combing his golden hair with gentle hands.
"Valdyn... I know this burden is heavy. But your blood is Thalorian blood. You cannot escape it."
Valdyn lowered his gaze. "Mother... I want to help our people. But I'm still weak."
Serenea smiled sadly, brushing his cheek. "You've already done more than enough. You're still a child, yet you've given hope to a dying race. That hope is stronger than a thousand swords."
Valdyn looked up at her, and in his heart he swore: I will grow strong. I will prove that Thalorian blood is not just a legacy—it is a promise.
---
Status Update
[DING!!]
> Hidden Stat Growth: Heritage Awakened.
+5 Magic
+5 Intelligence
Updated Status:
Attack: 5
Vitality: 5
Magic: 30 (+5)
Intelligence: 27 (+5)
Endurance: 4
Magic Resistance: 8
Occupation: None
Passive Skills: Reproduction (S), Nature Magic (A)
Valdyn felt clarity flood his mind. Even my bloodline itself strengthens me... This world truly demands that I become something greater.
---
But greatness never comes without trials.
Only days later, a scout burst into the hall, panting heavily.
"Monsters... from the outer forest... they're approaching! A pack of Dire Wolves!"
Gasps filled the room. The elders' faces paled. Queen Serenea turned sharply toward her son.
Valdyn rose to his feet, his emerald eyes flashing with determination. At last... my first trial in this world has arrived.
---
In the midst of fear and uncertainty, a boy with golden hair stood calm and unshaken.
He was Valdyn Thalorian, heir of Thalorian blood, the last prince.
And within his eyes burned a vow:
If this is my trial, then I will face it. I will prove who I am.
---
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