The Castle of Marquis Windwalker was a significant historical landmark renowned for its antiquity. Allegedly dating back to the founding of the Windwalker family, it was said that the family's founder, rumored to be a powerful mage, spent his later years residing within its walls. The castle was known for its safety, vastness, and remarkable beauty.

It must be noted that Marquis Alaric Windwalker's heritage came directly from the main line of the family and, therefore, housed many precious items dating back centuries. The Windwalker castle's secret treasury was rumored even to contain numerous restricted magic tools and books that once belonged to the ancestor.

...

Seated in a carriage rumbling toward Windwalker Castle, Edric was lost in thought.

"If the Marquis could be convinced to share, I might be able at least to read some of the magic books. These books are exactly what I need now," he thought.

There were other benefits to living in the Windwalker castle.

Once he took up residence in the castle, he could finally escape his mother's relentless training. The rigorous swordsmanship lessons she forced upon him had caused great suffering. As a Silver Knight, this training was no longer helpful for him. However, because his breakthrough to the Silver Realm remained a closely guarded secret, he would still have to feign weakness during any future training with his mother. This charade—pretending to be vulnerable and enduring her blows despite his true strength—would be extremely frustrating.

For those reasons, Edric wasn’t dissatisfied with this turn of events. While he wasn’t as afraid of the assassins as his mother and would have been fine staying in his mother's place, he gave no indication of this. Instead, he feigned fear and obediently followed them as they made their way to the Windwalker castle.

Edric felt no attachment to his mother’s castle. He didn’t miss her, nor did he miss anything the castle had to offer. His only concern was the many children he was expecting, who would be born in less than six months. However, there was still plenty of time before then. Perhaps, by that point, he might even achieve a breakthrough to the Golden Rank—or, at the very least, come close.

In any case, the assassins were after him, not his children or any of their mothers. His absence might actually ensure their safety, as his presence would only place them in greater danger. Besides, his mother would undoubtedly care for them, ensuring they had money and everything they needed.

Edric wasn’t exactly a model father. While he wasn’t overtly selfish, he didn’t care much for his many incoming children and didn’t take his responsibilities seriously. He would provide them with financial support, of course, but beyond that, he believed it was up to them to decide what to do with their lives. In his view, they were already fortunate to be his children, as he was far wealthier and more powerful than the average person. Had they been born into a commoner’s family, their lives would have been much harder.

...

The group continued their journey for another day before finally reaching the Windwalker castle. It was as magnificent as the tales had described. Towering over 60 feet high, the walls were impeccably maintained, constructed from pristine white snow bricks that gleamed under the sun. The castle's design was both imposing and elegant, adorned with intricate patterns and arcane symbols etched into its surface.

As a mage, Edric could feel the immense mana field enveloping the castle. It was evident that these were no ordinary walls; they were steeped in powerful magical formations. The enchantments stretched beyond the physical structure, forming an invisible barrier that even flying creatures or objects could not breach. This level of magical mastery was extraordinary, a clear testament to the legacy of the Windwalker family’s magical heritage.

It was clear that the family's ancestor was no ordinary mage—they had to have been at least a Silver-ranked spellcaster, a master in the art of magical formations. While Edric didn’t know for certain if this ancestor had personally inscribed the runes into the stone, it seemed likely. After all, few on Silver Flower Island could boast such skill.

Historically, both the Windwalker and Darkwind families shared the same lineage, meaning both could technically claim the Silver-ranked mage as their ancestor. However, with the castle, the former home of this illustrious figure, now securely under Windwalker's control, the Darkwind family's claim to this legacy was significantly weakened.

The Darkwind family's lands were far more prosperous. Their soil was fertile, yielding bountiful harvests, and their population was much larger. They had more nobles and controlled more castles than the Windwalkers. Yet, despite these advantages, the Windwalker family remained their equal in power and deterrence, both holding the title of marquis with identical noble status.

The reason for this parity was the Windwalker castle itself—an extraordinary asset, capable of repelling strong assaults and halting even a formidable army led by silver knights. As long as it stood, the Windwalker family had a formidable stronghold. Without this castle, they would never have qualified for the rank of marquis.

Although the castle’s magical defenses were only at the silver rank, they were at the apex of that level. This meant it could withstand attacks from many silver-ranked knights simultaneously; even ten such knights would find it challenging to breach.

However, against a golden-ranked opponent, the castle's defenses would falter. The gap between the silver and golden ranks was vast.

If the castle could defend against golden-ranked forces, the Windwalker family might well have been elevated to the rank of Duke.

Dukes typically command at least one golden-ranked master. However, merely possessing a castle capable of withstanding golden-ranked assaults could also justify the promotion to Duke, highlighting how crucial such strategic assets are in the political landscape of Silver Flower Island.

...

The Marquis was unaware of Lyria and Edric's arrival; therefore, no one came to greet them when they reached the castle.

The castle was not primarily a residential structure but was surrounded by a bustling city, which, in turn, was enclosed by a wall. However, the city was far less secure than the formidable castle.

When the group entered the city gates, they passed through without rigorous inspection; however, things changed when they approached the castle's gates. Even though they were confirmed as members of the Windwalker family and recognized as silver knights in its service, they were still subjected to a thorough search. They were required to surrender their weapons and were prohibited from carrying anything sharp. Additionally, they were fitted with restraints designed to limit the use of their silver-ranked internal strength.

This strict protocol was a precaution against potential threats. If an enemy managed to infiltrate the castle by disguising themselves and deceiving the guards, the consequences could be catastrophic. Allowing silver-ranked combatants to enter unchecked could compromise the castle’s defenses. As such, extreme vigilance was always maintained at the castle gates.

A high-ranking servant soon arrived and said, “Honorable Masters, I’m not sure why you’re here, but I’ve already informed my master. He will meet with you shortly. Please follow me to the guest rooms.”

They were led to the guest rooms and given time to rest, as the journey had taken an entire day. Silver-rank knights did not require much sleep but still enjoyed it, especially when exhausted.

As for whether the Marquis could be trusted, they didn’t even consider the possibility of danger. After all, they were in the heart of the Windwalker family’s domain—within the Windwalker castle and the residence of the Marquis himself. They would find no peace anywhere if they had to remain vigilant here.

...

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Marquis Alaric Windwalker was a man of striking appearance, with fiery red hair, vivid green eyes, and a tall, commanding presence. Yet, the passage of time had begun to leave its mark—streaks of gray wove through his hair, and faint wrinkles etched themselves across his face. As a seasoned Silver Knight, his rank had granted him an extended lifespan, but even this gift could not stave off the inevitable decline of age forever.

For now, Alaric was still considered to be in his prime. Yet, he couldn’t ignore the shadow of what awaited him in the decades ahead. He often thought of the Marquis of the Darkwind family, now so frail that he couldn’t leave his bed without assistance. The prospect of a similar fate—or worse—was a thought Alaric avoided whenever possible. It was not cowardice but a very human reluctance to confront his mortality.

...

Alaric once dreamed of becoming a Golden Knight, but his talent was insufficient for such an achievement, and he was painfully aware of it. The path to the Golden rank required relentless training, exceptional talent, and unwavering dedication—qualities that, while present, were not strong enough in him to bridge the gap. Recognizing this, Alaric chose a different path, devoting himself to the service of his family rather than chasing an unattainable goal.

For those without the necessary talent, the pursuit of advancement often ended in failure, wasting years or even decades. While some were willing to make such sacrifices in the faint hope of success, Alaric was not. He accepted the limits of his potential and resolved to focus on what he could achieve: the prosperity and legacy of the Windwalker family.

...

Years ago, Alaric’s attention was drawn to Lyria, a remarkably talented young girl from a branch of the Windwalker family. Recognizing her potential, he intervened to support her ascent, using his authority as family patriarch to appoint her as Countess—a rare move, as local nobles typically determined their own successors. In Lyria’s case, however, Alaric felt compelled to act, and time had proven him right.

Now under 80 years old, Lyria had already achieved the rank of Silver Knight, an extraordinary accomplishment for someone of her age. But what set her apart was her potential. Experts estimated that she had a 40% chance of breaking through to the Golden rank—a probability so high it was considered remarkable.

If Lyria succeeded, it would not merely elevate her own status but transform the entire Windwalker family. The leap from Silver to Golden rank was monumental, signifying a shift from considerable power to unmatched prestige. A Golden Knight in the family could elevate their standing to that of a Dukes, a title that carried immense influence and authority.

For the Windwalkers, this was more than a matter of ambition—it was a chance to secure their legacy for generations to come. Alaric understood that such opportunities were rare, and he was determined to do everything in his power to support Lyria on her path to greatness.

...

Edric, the son of Lyria, was born 15 years ago heralded as a prodigy almost from the moment of his arrival. When his talent was tested shortly after birth, the results revealed that his potential matched his mother’s legendary rank. Marquis Alaric Windwalker was elated, seeing Edric as a beacon of hope for the family’s future.

Alaric pledged unwavering support for the boy, ensuring both financial and emotional backing. He allocated millions of silver coins annually for Edric’s upbringing, sparing no expense in providing the best tutors, resources, and training. Naturally, as a child, Edric did not manage the funds directly; they were entrusted to his mother, Lyria, who oversaw their use.

...

It is a well-established belief in noble circles that talent is largely hereditary. Children born to gifted parents have a significantly higher chance of inheriting their extraordinary abilities. With this in mind, Alaric privately approached Lyria, encouraging her to consider having more children for the benefit of the family. However, mindful of the physical toll such a request might impose on her, he refrained from pushing her too hard.

As a man, Edric would face fewer biological limitations and could, theoretically, father hundreds or even thousands of children over his extended lifespan. For Alaric, Edric’s ability to produce numerous descendants represented a cornerstone of the family’s future.

In noble families, it is not unusual for exceptionally talented members to be encouraged—or outright compelled—to have many children. This practice stems from the belief that extraordinary abilities, like those required for knight or mage training, are predominantly passed down through bloodlines. Talented individuals are seen as the custodians of these gifts, tasked with ensuring their continuation across generations.

Edric’s value to the Windwalker family extended far beyond his individual strength or potential as a Silver Knight. His importance lay in his ability to perpetuate the family’s bloodline and perhaps, through sheer numbers, ensure the emergence of more prodigies in future generations.

Lyria’s contributions, while immense, were naturally constrained by her biological limitations. Even if she were to bear as many children as possible, the number would likely cap at 10 to 20 over her lifetime. In contrast, Edric’s potential was virtually limitless—he could father hundreds, perhaps thousands, of children over the centuries, should he live to his full lifespan.

Adding to Edric’s significance was his rarity. He was the only male in the region with legendary talent. Neither the Windwalker, Darkwind, nor Stonefist families boasted another male of his caliber, making him an irreplaceable asset in the noble hierarchy.

Although Marquis Alaric Windwalker would never openly express such utilitarian views, those "in the know" understood Edric’s role within the family’s broader strategy. In private, some might even liken Edric to a "breeding asset," a harsh but accurate summation of his perceived worth.

This perspective was not unique to the Windwalker family. In their society, where power and bloodlines dictated status and survival, such pragmatic considerations were commonplace. Still, the idea of reducing someone to their reproductive potential was deeply frowned upon in polite conversation.

That said, while this approach increases the chances of producing gifted offspring, the actual inheritance of legendary-level talent remains exceedingly rare. It is far from guaranteed that even the most talented parents will pass on their abilities. Indeed, entire noble bloodlines might span thousands of descendants without producing a single individual capable of reaching the golden rank, let alone the legendary.

...

Alaric’s understanding of Edric’s value was one of the reasons he was fiercely protective of him. He knew that Edric’s significance as a progenitor made him a target for enemies seeking to weaken the Windwalker family. This fear proved justified when it was revealed that assassins had been dispatched to eliminate Edric.

For Alaric, this was not merely a personal affront but a direct threat to the family’s future. The thought of losing Edric—whether to death or abduction—was intolerable. It was also the reason Alaric’s concern for Edric seemed even greater than for Lyria. While both were indispensable, Edric’s unique role placed him at the center of the family’s ambitions and vulnerabilities.

The revelation that assassins were targeting Edric ignited an inferno of fury within Marquis Alaric Windwalker. This was no mere challenge to his authority but a brazen assault on the very future of the Windwalker family. It crossed the most sacred of his boundaries.

Enraged, the Marquis issued an uncompromising decree: the Windwalker nobles were to prepare for war. He also took immediate action to ensure Edric’s safety, deploying Silver Knight protectors without delay. The assassination attempt had turned into a call to arms, a rallying point for the family's survival and honor.

...

Amid the tension, a servant entered the Marquis’s study and announced with a bow, “Master, Lord Edric and Lady Lyria have arrived at the castle.”

At this news, a rare smile broke across the Marquis’s face. Relief and joy mingled in his expression. Edric’s arrival was a moment he had anticipated for years. Alaric had long desired for Edric to stay at the castle—not as a guest but as someone of unparalleled importance. Until now, this had been impossible; Lyria, protective of her son, had been reluctant to part with him.

But the threat of assassination had shifted the balance. The castle, with its formidable defenses capable of thwarting even Silver Knights, was now the safest refuge for Edric.

With a sense of urgency, the Marquis turned to his servants and commanded, “Quickly, bring them here.”

The servants bowed and began to leave, but one hesitated before speaking up, “My lord, I’ve already placed them in the guest rooms. They are resting.”

The Marquis paused, considering the information. His initial impulse was to see Edric immediately, but he understood the need for rest after a long journey. After a moment’s reflection, he nodded. “If that’s the case, disturbing them is unnecessary. Let them rest for now. Bring them to me tomorrow.”

The servants bowed again, this time with no hesitation, and left the room quietly.