The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays across the fields as Sylas and I wandered beyond the outskirts of the village. The quiet paths we followed were bordered by wildflowers and tall grass swaying in the breeze, their sweet scent mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly tilled soil. The village itself, nestled below the hill we climbed, seemed almost magical in the warm light—its stone houses, dirt roads, and scattered farmlands forming a picturesque scene.

When we reached the top of the hill, I paused, letting the serene view wash over me. "This place feels like it belongs in a storybook," I said, breaking the silence.

Sylas smiled beside me, her golden hair catching the sunlight. "It's beautiful. Peaceful, too... like nothing bad could ever happen here."

We sat down on the soft grass, leaning back slightly to enjoy the breeze that whispered through the trees below. The stillness of the moment was comforting, a rare escape from the demands of training and expectations.

As we sat in silence, a thought stirred within me, breaking through my usual guarded demeanor. "You know," I began hesitantly, "I don’t think I’ve ever had someone I could just talk to like this. Someone who makes it easy to be myself."

Sylas turned to me, her green eyes warm but curious. "Really? You? But everyone seems to like you."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "They like the idea of me. You know... the son of Michael Caddel, future swordmaster, heir to who knows what. But none of that’s really me. It’s just what people expect."

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I know what you mean. Being an elf makes me... different. Most of the kids avoid me, and when they don’t, they’re either curious or mean. It’s like I’m always an outsider."

"Then that makes two of us," I said, smiling at her. "Which means you’re stuck with me now. No take-backs."

She laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Okay, fine. But you better not make me regret it."

We lapsed back into silence, watching the sun sink lower. The air grew cooler, but the golden glow of the sky remained warm, wrapping the village in its embrace.

A spark of curiosity flared in me. "Hey, Sylas," I said, turning to her. "Elves are supposed to have higher mana than humans, right? Like... you’re born with a bigger magical potential or something?"

Sylas blinked, considering. "I think so. At least, my parents said something like that when I was little. Why?"

"Have you ever tried magic before?" I asked.

She hesitated, frowning slightly. "Not really. My parents are always too busy to teach me, and I guess I’ve never thought to try on my own."

A grin spread across my face. "Well, we’re fixing that right now. Come on!"

"Wait, what?" Sylas said, startled as I jumped to my feet.

"We’re going to my house. My mom has books on beginner spells. I’ll teach you!" I said, practically dragging her up.

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Sylas followed reluctantly but with a hint of curiosity. "Are you sure about this? What if I’m... I don’t know, terrible at it?"

I stopped and turned to her, grinning. "Terrible? I’ve seen you punch a kid twice your size. Trust me, if you’ve got half that power in magic, you’re going to be amazing."

By the time we reached my house, the sky had turned a deep orange. My parents were seated at the table, and their faces lit up with surprise when they saw Sylas with me.

"Mom, Dad, this is Sylas," I said, motioning toward her. "She’s never tried magic before, but I think she’s got real potential."

My mom, ever the welcoming one, smiled warmly. "An elf? Oh, you’re bound to be talented. Welcome, Sylas. I’m Laura Caddel, and this is my husband, Michael."

Sylas gave a polite bow. "It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. and Mr. Caddel."

My dad, busy sharpening his sword, nodded briefly. "Magic, huh? Taking the easy way, are we?" He smirked, clearly teasing.

"Dad!" I groaned, rolling my eyes.

"Alright, alright," he said, raising a hand in mock surrender. "Go on, show her what you’ve got, son."

I dashed upstairs to grab a book of basic spells and returned moments later, flipping it open to a page titled Ember Flicker. "This one’s perfect," I said, placing the book on the table. "It’s an F-rank fire spell, easy enough for beginners."

Sylas studied the instructions, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Okay, so I just... focus my energy into my hand and say the words?"

"Exactly!" I said, grabbing a wooden cup to use as a target.

Sylas took a deep breath, her hand outstretched toward the cup. "By my flame, ignite! Ember Flicker!"

To my absolute astonishment, a small flame burst to life, setting the cup on fire.

I stared, slack-jawed. "No way... You just did that on your first try."

Sylas blinked, equally stunned. "I did? Was that... good?"

"Good? Sylas, that was amazing!" I exclaimed, practically jumping with excitement.

Our celebration was short-lived as the flaming cup tipped over, catching a nearby tablecloth on fire. We both screamed, frantically trying to pat it out.

"Mom! Dad!" I yelled.

My mom burst into the room, her hands glowing with mana as she used water magic to douse the flames. My dad, meanwhile, couldn’t stop laughing.

"Well," he said, ruffling my hair, "looks like we’ve got another prodigy in the house."

"I’m so sorry!" Sylas said, her face red with embarrassment.

My mom smiled gently. "Don’t worry, dear. It’s all part of learning. How about this: you come here every afternoon, and I’ll teach you magic myself. After all, I'm still an A-rank adventurer and got some teaching experience with my little prince here" She said ruffling my hair

"You were and A-rank adventurer all this time? Why didn't you tell me, I could have heard many more interesting stories from you, unlike those made-up ones from dad." I teased my dad, but a part of me still felt astonished by my mom's achievement.

"Oh come! They were real, I swear. I myself was an adventurer too. However, I will not reveal my rank too soon."

Mom said, with her hands and my dad's shoulders "Yes, trust him, thought stories are what he told to me when we were younger to get my heart."

My dad raised an eyebrow. "But, back to the main topic, Sylas' parents might not be too thrilled about that."

"Then we’ll talk to them tonight," my mom said confidently. "This is worth celebrating."

Sylas looked at me, her eyes shining with excitement. "Really? I can come back?"

"Of course!" I said, beaming.

For the rest of the afternoon, we practiced other basic spells. Wind, water, earth—Sylas mastered them all with an ease that left me both awed and inspired. Her mana flowed naturally as if magic was an extension of herself.

When it was time for her to leave, I felt a pang of sadness. "Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you home? I can be your bodyguard if you want." I asked.

Sylas shook her head, smiling. "No, I think I’m stronger than I realized today. Thanks to you, Duke."

As she disappeared down the road, I turned to find my dad smirking at me. "Keep this up," he said, "and I’ll be a grandpa before long."

"Dad!" I shouted, my face heating up as my mom scolded him, tugging his ear.

But as I climbed into bed that night, I couldn’t stop smiling. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had someone who truly understood me—and that was worth everything.