The days in the mountains were harder than Kael ever imagined. The air was thin, the nights freezing, and wild beasts prowled at every shadow. His food stores dwindled, so he learned to hunt and fish, guided by Maverick's sharp tongue and sharper eyes.
But the training never stopped. Every morning, Maverick forced him to run up steep slopes until his legs burned, then balance on narrow rocks while the winds howled around him. Kael's body grew tougher, his spirit steadier.
One evening, after Kael struck down another beast with his glowing fists, he turned to Maverick.
"Why am I like this? Other knights need years of training to feel their spark. Mine bursts out without control. What makes me different?"
Maverick licked his paw slowly, then met Kael's gaze. His golden eyes glowed in the firelight.
"You are different because your spark does not follow the normal path. Other knights pull life force from within, shaping it carefully. Yours… leaks out on its own, wild, hungry. It can break rules that bind others."
Kael's brows furrowed. "Then why not just tell me the truth? Why am I like this?"
The cat's tail swished. "Because it is not my place. Someone will tell you, when you are ready. Until then… learn to survive with what you have."
Kael sat in silence, staring at his hands. The faint red glow pulsed in them, like embers waiting to become fire.
That night, while training alone by the waterfall, Kael felt his spark surge wildly. His palms grew hot, hotter than ever before, until the water itself hissed when drops touched his skin. He thrust out his hand—and for the first time, a crimson flame burst forth, crackling like living lightning.
Startled, he stumbled back, but the flame didn't burn him. Instead, it wrapped around his fist like a gauntlet of fire.
"Maverick!" he shouted. "Look!"
The cat appeared on a rock, tail stiff with surprise. For once, his smug tone was gone.
"…So it begins. Your first technique."
Kael stared at the flame dancing around his hand, awe mixing with fear. "What is it?"
Maverick's eyes narrowed. "Something only you can do. The others call it life force. But for you… it is blood fire. A dangerous gift."
The flame flickered out, leaving Kael's hand steaming in the cool air. He panted, shaken, yet thrilled.
"I can fight with this," he whispered.
Maverick sighed. "Yes. But remember—what makes you strong also makes you a target. The moment others learn of this… they will come for you."
Kael clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "Then I'll train harder. I'll master it before anyone else can take it from me."
The night wind swept through the mountains, carrying the scent of ash. Kael didn't know it yet, but his crimson flame would one day shake the world.