Seventeen years have passed, and I, Orion, have transformed from a helpless baby into... well, a masterpiece. Tall, handsome, with jet-black hair and brilliant purple eyes that Silas says could charm even the most arrogant fairy. Of course they could—they're mine, after all.
Living with Silas is a combination of hellish training and a stand-up comedy show, where I am the star.
"Orion! Focus! Don't grin at your own reflection in the blade!" Silas snapped as we trained on the mountain top grassland.
"Dad, it's not just a smirk," I retorted, deftly parrying his wooden sword. "It's a victory smile designed to intimidate opponents and charm the audience. I'm practicing it."
"The only audience here is that eagle up there!"
"And he looks very impressed!"
Silas taught me his unique sword style, which I called the "Heavenly Storm Sword Style." I made up the name myself, of course. It was much cooler than the boring original name. This style was a deadly dance that combined lightning speed with starlight precision.
With my Lightning affinity, I could channel electricity into my sword, making my attacks faster and capable of stunning my opponents.
Meanwhile, my Star affinity gave me more subtle abilities—I could make my sword blade glow to blind my enemies, or slightly manipulate the gravity around my sword to make my slashes feel heavier than they should.
* * *
On my 17th birthday, Silas sat across from me in front of the campfire. His usually stern face looked serious.
"Orion, I've taught you everything I know," he began. "You're talented. So talented, it makes me angry."
"Of course," I said, brushing my hair back. "Talent is my middle name."
"But your talent, especially your Star affinity, needs better guidance. There are things that cannot be taught by an old hermit on this mountain," he continued, ignoring my narcissism.
"It's time for you to go. See the world."
I raised my eyebrows. "Oh? So finally Father is sending me out to conquer the world?"
For 17 years I had lived only on the mountain, never venturing further than the village at its foot when we ran out of food and I had to go down to buy or sell our mountain hunt.
"I'm sending you to learn," he corrected.
"In the capital city of Astrea, there is the most prestigious institution in the entire Empire: Starfall Academy. They specialize in training people with rare affinities like yours. I want you to enroll there."
"Well, basically enrollment is open to 16-year-olds, but well..."
Why did I feel a little annoyed that he didn't finish his sentence? But my mind immediately started racing. Academy? A place filled with young nobles, talented fighters, and most importantly, beautiful girls? That's not a school, it's a stage created just for me!
"Hooo... Starfall Academy, huh?" I smiled widely, a smile that could melt an iceberg.
"Alright, Father. For my education, I'll go. I'll be the best student they've ever seen and make the name 'Orion' a legend there!"
Silas just tapped his forehead. "I just hope the academy is still standing after you graduate."
* * *
The journey to the capital city of Astrea opened my eyes. The view of a medieval fantasy world on a monitor was amazing, but seeing it in person was even more breathtaking.
Small villages, vast wheat fields, and busy streets. Everyone I passed stared at me in awe. Of course, they had probably never seen anyone as handsome as me before.
Silas accompanied me throughout the journey, his quiet demeanor a perfect contrast to my constant, enthusiastic commentary on everything.
Finally, we arrived. The capital city of Astrea was an extraordinary sight. Giant white walls towered high, and in the center of the city, a cluster of floating islands floated in the sky, with the main island perhaps as large as the continent of Australia and dozens of smaller islands surrounding it.
"Tomorrow is the entrance exam. I'll take you to the gate," Silas said as we stood in front of the inn.
The next day, in front of the city's magnificent main gate, Silas stopped. The atmosphere between us felt different, not like usual.
"Orion," he called. "Before I go, there's something I have to give you."
He reached into his pocket and took out a necklace. It was simple but beautiful. A thin silver chain held a small star-shaped pendant made of crystal that emitted a faint purple light. It was the first time I had seen it.
"It was with you when I found you in the river, hidden inside your blanket," Silas explained.
"I kept it until you were old enough to understand it. I don't know what it means, but it's the only thing left from your family."
I took the necklace. It felt warm to the touch. Without realizing it, I activated [Insight Eyes].
Name: Mother's Hope Pendant
Class: Artifact (Personal, Soulbound)
Description: Made with all her heart by a mother for her beloved son. Contains traces of a very weak protective mana and deep love.
Materials: Star Silver, Moon Tear Crystal.
I fell silent. All my mischief, all my excessive self-confidence, seemed to vanish in an instant. Made by a mother for her son. I have a mother. Someone who loves me. A strange and warm feeling spread through my chest.
I quickly hid my emotions with my signature smile. "Wow. My mother has very good taste. No wonder her son is such a masterpiece."
Silas smiled slightly, a sincere smile he rarely showed. "Take care of yourself, son."
"Sure. And don't miss me too much, Old Man."
He patted my shoulder once, then turned and walked away, his figure quickly disappearing into the crowd. For the first time in 17 years, I was truly alone.
I stared at the necklace in my hand, then at the Starfall Academy tower in the distance. I put the necklace around my neck, its crystal feeling cool against my skin.
My confident smirk returned, this time with a new spark of determination in my eyes.
"Alright, Mother, wherever you are... watch your son become the brightest star in the entire kingdom!"
With a confident and stylish stride, I walked toward the academy gates, ready to shake up their world.