The news spread faster than a wildfire through dry tinder.
It only took one afternoon after Leonel displayed that faint aura on the training grounds for the entire mansion to be filled with gossip. The servants talked about it in the kitchen, the young knights discussed it in the barracks, and even the visiting minor nobles spread the rumors.
"They say Young Master Leonel can finally ignite his aura."
"Impossible. It must be a trick of the light."
"My friend saw it himself. He said the light was real."
I heard it all while cleaning the front courtyard. My heart pounded every time Leonel's name was mentioned. Part of me wanted to dismiss the gossip, but another part knew: they were right. I saw it myself.
The Young Master truly manifested aura.
That afternoon, I was summoned to the family's training hall. As soon as I arrived, the atmosphere inside almost made me stop breathing.
In the center of the hall, Leonel stood with a calm face, a far cry from the young man I used to know. Before him was a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and sharp eyes. It was Instructor Gareth, a senior knight of the Kaelthorn family.
Surrounding the hall, Leonel's cousins sat on long benches, watching with keen interest. Other nobles were also present, as if this were a performance not to be missed.
"Leonel," Gareth's deep voice echoed. "Rumors say you are capable of awakening your aura. As the family instructor, I must verify this. Are you prepared to be tested?"
Usually, Leonel would grimace, evade, or even rage from the humiliation. But this time, he only gave a firm nod. "I am ready."
I felt the hairs on my neck stand up. Even his way of speaking had changed. There was no more arrogance or fear. Only calmness.
The test began simply. Gareth placed a detection crystal on the table, a special stone that would emit light when touched by aura.
"Place your hand upon it. Show us if you truly possess aura."
The room fell silent. All eyes were fixed on Leonel.
I could see some of his cousins already stifling laughter, sure that Leonel would humiliate himself again.
But Leonel simply took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and placed his hand on the crystal.
For a few seconds, nothing happened. Whispers began to fill the air.
"See, it's just a rumor."
"How could trash like him—"
Then, a faint light began to emerge. Very dim, almost like a candle in the night. But it was real. The crystal vibrated lightly, emitting a bluish glow.
All sound ceased immediately.
I held my breath. That aura… though weak, was truly there.
Instructor Gareth narrowed his eyes. "Level One Aura. Weak, but stable. Impossible to achieve without talent."
The room erupted in disbelieving gasps. Some of Leonel's cousins even stood up, their faces pale.
Leonel opened his eyes, looking at Gareth without flinching. "Is this proof enough, Instructor?"
Gareth was silent for a moment, then nodded. "It is."
But the test did not stop there.
"Then, demonstrate the basics of aura: an aura-enhanced slash," said Gareth, tossing a wooden practice sword towards Leonel.
I almost screamed, wanting to stop the test. A wooden sword might seem harmless, but without proper control over aura, one could be seriously injured.
Leonel caught the sword with one hand. He stood straight, closed his eyes briefly, then swung it in a simple motion.
A faint sound of wind was heard as aura enveloped the sword, leaving a subtle trail in the air. It wasn't a powerful slash, but it was clearly not an empty movement either.
Instructor Gareth nodded again, this time with a slight smile. "A basic aura slash. Not perfect, but clearly real. No one can deny it any longer."
The room was silent. No one dared to mock.
I stared at Leonel, my chest trembling. I wasn't dreaming. Young Master Leonel, who was once constantly scorned, now truly stood before everyone with real aura.
After the test concluded, Leonel's cousins left the hall with grim faces. Other nobles began whispering, probably trying to guess how this change could have happened.
I walked behind Leonel as he exited the hall. In the quiet corridor, I finally found the courage to speak.
"Young Master… you were amazing."
He glanced back, giving a faint smile. "Thank you, Rian. But this is only the beginning."
There was calmness in his voice, but also something else, a conviction that sent shivers down my spine.
For the first time, I didn't just see Leonel as a Young Master I had to serve. I saw him as someone who could change his destiny. And perhaps, change the world.
That night, the gossip in the mansion shifted. It was no longer about the "Kaelthorn trash," but about the "Leonel Miracle."
Some were still skeptical, some were envious, but all agreed: something had changed.
And I, Rian, a lowly servant, was the only one who knew just how profound that change truly was.
Because I knew this wasn't just a coincidence.
Leonel Kaelthorn had risen.