The soft glow of dawn spilled through the thin shutters of the Ashborne home, casting long, delicate patterns across the worn floorboards. Kael blinked awake in his cradle to the gentle sound of Father's uneven breathing. Over the past two days, Father's condition had improved enough that he could move more freely, but each step still took visible effort.
On the hearth, the embers had nearly burned out. Last night's coals smoldered in a low orange hue, barely warming the chilly morning air. Kael flexed his tiny fingers, recalling how he had amplified that same fire in moments of playful secret practice, or how he had unleashed a swirl of heated wind to save Father from the rampaging boar days before. A sense of pride, mixed with caution, wove through his thoughts. No one must discover his hand in that rescue—the orchard families still whispered about the sudden wave of scorching heat that diverted the boar. Father and Mother remained perplexed, but they had not pressed Kael for an explanation.
A Fractured Routine
"Stay still," Mother whispered to Father, adjusting his fresh bandage. He winced as she tied it tighter around his torso. "There, that should keep the wound stable."
Father exhaled shakily. "Better each day," he managed. Though his face still looked pale, he held himself upright with only mild trembling. "By next week, I'll be forging nails again," he added, voice threaded with stubborn optimism.
Mother gave him a concerned glance. "If you push too soon, you'll tear it open." Her gaze drifted to Kael in the cradle. A small smile crossed her lips. "At least this little one finally started fussing like a normal baby." She reached over, lifting Kael from the cradle. He responded with a gentle coo, nuzzling against her shoulder, feigning the infant's contentment.
Inside, Kael's mind buzzed with recollections of his nightly training. Since the boar attack, he'd redoubled his practice in stealth. The near-catastrophe had driven home how vulnerable his family was to Aurelia's many threats. I have to grow stronger, quietly, he reminded himself. I won't let them face danger alone again.
Subdued Tensions in the Orchard
In the late morning, Father and Mother prepared a modest breakfast: porridge with bits of dried fruit. Father insisted on helping slice bread, though the subtle winces crossing his face did not escape Kael's notice. After a few mouthfuls of the warm meal, they noticed Rowan's voice calling from outside.
Mother opened the door to find Rowan standing in the mild drizzle—this spring had been uncharacteristically wet. The orchard worker's posture was tense, worry etched on his brow.
"Morning, Eliana," Rowan said, nodding politely. He peered around her to see Father perched at the table. "H-how's that wound?"
"Better," Father replied, standing carefully with a hand braced on the table. Kael observed from Mother's arms, quiet. "Come in out of the rain," Father urged.
Rowan stepped inside, doffing his damp cap. "I won't stay long. Just wanted to share that… a traveling mage arrived in the village late last night. He heard rumors about magical beasts around the orchard and came to investigate. Some orchard folk are hoping he'll help reinforce the fences, or figure out what's causing these creatures to mutate."
"A traveling mage?" Mother echoed. "We rarely see any pass through here."
Rowan nodded. "Yes. He calls himself Altheon. Says he's from Ironspur originally, but he's wandered widely. He set up near the orchard workshop for now."
Father took in the news with a pensive look. "Perhaps we can glean more about these earthen boars. If he's truly skilled, maybe he can ward off future attacks." He tapped a finger on the table, ignoring the mild grimace that flickered across his face when his torso twisted. "I'd go speak with him, but—" Father broke off, gesturing at his bandage.
Rowan inclined his head. "Of course. Might be wise to rest. Anyway, I thought you should know." He cast a nervous glance at Kael. "Your boy's safe from those beasts, right?"
Mother's arms tightened around Kael protectively. "He's fine here at home. Thank you for checking in, Rowan."
With a polite nod, Rowan departed. Mother shut the door, letting the quiet of the home settle in again.
Father cleared his throat. "A traveling mage. Huh." He shot a quick look at Kael, still cradled in Mother's arms. "Sometimes these wanderers are charlatans, but if he's genuine, maybe I can request a minor enchantment on the orchard fence." His voice carried a hint of hope—anything to lighten the orchard families' burdens.
Sparks of Practice
That afternoon, Father dozed off again—his body still demanded frequent rest to heal properly. Mother busied herself tidying, rummaging through the corners of the forge area to prepare for the day Father could resume forging. Kael, as usual, lay in his cradle or on a small quilt near the hearth. He waited patiently for a moment of solitude.
Finally: Mother stepped outside to hang linens, leaving Kael alone. He seized the chance for a brief experiment. He closed his eyes, regulating his breath as he did each time he practiced synergy. This time, he aimed to incorporate a faint sliver of Earth energy with his more familiar Fire and Air threads. In the orchard confrontation, he had used only Fire and Air. If he added Earth, perhaps he could create a more stable shield or an anchor effect.
But integrating a third element, especially Earth, tested his control. Mana vibrated unsteadily beneath his skin. A wisp of heat swirled with a swirl of wind, but the moment he tried weaving Earth into the swirl, a grinding tension rippled through his limbs. The synergy threatened to unravel. He pictured a tripod of elements, each supporting the next, and carefully coaxed them to balance.
[Notification: Overlapping Elements Detected. Potential Skill Fusion: Earth + Fire + Air? Proceed with caution!]
A faint smile curled Kael's lips at the new prompt, though his mind burned with concentration. He directed a thread of Earth energy from his core, letting it circle the swirling heat and wind. It felt akin to forging a ring out of three different metals—cohesion uncertain unless meticulously hammered. For a split second, the swirl stabilized. He conjured a tiny orb the size of a marble in his hand, swirling with faint sparks of red, swirling air lines, and brown flecks.
His heart pounded. If he could perfect this triple synergy, it might create a new skill—some kind of Earthen Gale or Molten Gust? The possibilities excited him. But he soon felt the swirling mass destabilize. The intangible orb flickered, then dissolved in a flash of harmless sparks.
He let out a silent sigh. Not yet. He checked around: no sign Mother had returned. Kael relaxed, though his arms tingled from the partial meltdown of synergy. I need more practice. The concept thrilled him even if the attempt had failed.
Father's Determination
Evening fell, bringing steady drizzle that pattered on the roof. Father insisted on stepping outside with a walking stick to check the orchard path for further damage. Though Mother tried to dissuade him, he argued that "a slow walk will do me good, help me regain strength."
They returned an hour later—Father leaning more heavily on the stick, but eyes resolute. "I ran into that traveling mage," he told Mother in a low tone. "We didn't speak much, but he said he's investigating 'mana anomalies.' The orchard boar might be just one instance. He's found signs of earthen flux around the orchard's northern patch of land."
Mother's face paled. "Mana anomalies? Why here?" Her gaze drifted to Kael, who sat perched in a wooden high chair, nibbling on a piece of softened bread. Kael gazed back innocently, feigning ignorance.
"Hard to say," Father replied. "But Altheon—he looked knowledgeable, at least." A note of relief mixed with caution tinged his voice. "He plans to speak with Rowan and a few others tomorrow. If the orchard families pool some coin, maybe we can hire him to cast a protective ward."
Mother exhaled, relieved at the prospect. "That'd be good for everyone. And maybe it'll keep you from risking yourself again." She set a fresh bowl of stew before Father, offering him a supportive squeeze of the arm. Kael observed, heart warming at the tender moment. Then he resumed his soft munching, letting the hush of the small home lull him.
Night Whispers
Late that night, after Father's labored breathing evened into sleep, and Mother sank wearily into her own slumber, Kael stirred in the darkness. A silver moon's glow seeped through cracks in the shutters, outlining silhouettes of furniture. Carefully, Kael wiggled free from the blanket that tucked him. He slipped onto the floor in near silence, toddling slowly—his child body unsteady but guided by an adult's caution.
He approached the hearth's embers, crouching at a safe distance. The coals still emanated a faint warmth. He inhaled, feeling the gentle tug of Fire energy. This time, no one watched. If he moved carefully, he could attempt a more thorough synergy practice.
Summoning a gentle breeze of Air, he coaxed the embers to glow a shade brighter. Then came Fire: a slow exhale of mana that amplified the flickering coals. A faint flame sprang up, dancing at the edges of the blackened wood. Finally, he tried once more to incorporate a thread of Earth—like grounding the flame so it would not flare wildly.
For a moment, Kael visualized a small swirl of flame with earthen dust rotating around it, stabilized by a ring of breeze. The swirl glowed in his mind's eye, poised between the real coals and his intangible mana.
One beat… two… A tremor hit his arm. The synergy threatened to crack again. He quickly channeled an extra measure of focus from his core, bridging the gap. The swirl stabilized, albeit precariously. A quiet surge of excitement rippled through him.
[Notification: +1 Spirit Through Focused Triple-Element Synergy!][Notification: Skill 'Earthen Flame Gust' (Unstable) has been partially formed. Further practice required for stability.]
Kael stifled the urge to grin widely. The system recognized a new synergy in embryonic form. With more refinement, he might craft a genuine triple-element skill—Earthen Flame Gust. However, the mental strain was immense, and his breath grew shallow. Not wanting to risk a sudden flare that could wake Father or Mother, he carefully let the swirl dissipate before it manifested any visible phenomenon.
He sank onto his rear, heart pounding. This is just the beginning. Each success, no matter how slight, made the next step feel more attainable. But as his gaze flickered to Father's sleeping form, he remembered the day Father nearly died from that boar. Even with new synergy, if a truly powerful foe appeared tomorrow, Kael's unawakened body would be no match in open confrontation. He needed time—and absolute secrecy.
Nodding to himself, he tiptoed back to his cradle, careful to keep any rustling minimal. Sleep took him swiftly, dreams laced with swirling runes and flickers of earthen flame.
Morning Arrival of Altheon
Sunrise brought a flurry of activity. A knock came at the door while Mother fed Kael a spoonful of mashed oats. Father, wearing a fresh bandage under his tunic, ambled over to answer. He opened it to reveal a tall man with silver-streaked hair and a traveler's cloak. A faint aura of mana surrounded him—Altheon, the traveling mage.
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"Forgive my early visit," Altheon greeted, voice deep but cordial. "Rowan said you were recovering from a grievous wound. I wanted to see if I could help."
Father exchanged a brief glance with Mother, who hovered protectively near Kael. "I appreciate it," Father replied. "Come in."
Altheon stepped inside, sweeping his gaze around the humble interior. His eyes briefly fell on Kael, who gazed back with wide, seemingly guileless eyes. "Ah, the famed quiet child," Altheon murmured, offering a polite half-bow to Mother before focusing on Father. "Shall we take a look at your injury?"
Father hesitated, then nodded. "If you can accelerate the healing, that might help me return to the forge. But…" He paused, wincing as he eased onto a stool. "I can't pay much. I've yet to resume work."
Altheon raised a hand. "No need for heavy coin. The orchard families have already chipped in a bit for my services, and I was told your efforts have kept this place running. Let me see what I can do."
He crouched, placing a palm just over the bandage. Kael felt subtle waves of mana swirl. He recognized faint traces of Water and Earth healing energies merging with a mild warmth—Healing synergy. Father inhaled sharply at the tingling sensation, but Altheon's expression remained calm, concentration etched on his furrowed brow.
After a minute, Altheon withdrew his hand. "You'll still need rest, but the tissues should knit faster now. Try not to do heavy lifting for another week." Father gingerly poked at the bandaged area, eyes brightening with relief.
"Thank you," Father said, voice soft. "I can already feel it's less painful."
Altheon rose, scanning the forge area. "I gather you're the blacksmith here. The orchard folk rely on your nails and fittings."
"That's right," Father confirmed. "Though the orchard has gotten dangerous lately. We even had a boar, infused with Earth mana, nearly kill me. If you can ward the orchard boundary, it'd help the entire village."
Altheon nodded. "Yes, I suspect a mana rift or an underground flow might be stirring these beasts. I'll investigate thoroughly. But it may require more advanced wards than the orchard can afford." He sighed, looking genuinely concerned. "For now, I'll do what I can."
A Mage's Curiosity
Altheon turned to glance at Kael once more, his interest piqued. "I've heard rumors about your boy—unusually quiet, rarely cries. May I…?" He trailed off, extending a hand as if to sense Kael's mana presence.
Mother tensed, hugging Kael closer. The sensation of a mage's scanning aura pressed gently against Kael's skin. Stay calm, Kael told himself. He reached for a simple infant reflex—widening eyes, letting out a small whimper to feign discomfort.
"Hush, hush," Mother soothed, giving Altheon a faintly apologetic look. "He's a bit shy with strangers. Please understand."
Altheon withdrew his hand with a kind nod. "No harm intended. Some children have minor mana sparks that can grow into real talent." His tone was offhand, but Kael sensed a measured curiosity behind it. "He does seem… unusual."
"Perhaps," Father replied, forcing a light laugh. "But he's just a baby. I'd rather see him free of trouble for as long as possible."
A momentary pause. Altheon's gaze lingered, but he said nothing further, turning his attention back to the conversation about orchard wards. Kael exhaled silently, relieved he hadn't been forced to reveal more. Better not let him sense my advanced control. One slip, and the entire ruse collapses.
Muted Threats
Over the next few hours, Altheon roved about the orchard's perimeter with Rowan and a handful of villagers, studying the battered fences and areas where earthen energy seemed most concentrated. Meanwhile, Father remained indoors, resting but visibly more comfortable thanks to the healing. Kael used that time to stay near Mother, giving occasional fusses and babyish outbursts to cement the notion that he was an ordinary toddler. But inside, his mind churned with plans:
Refine the triple-element synergy so it wouldn't fizzle out.Keep practicing stealthy control to mask any stray mana fluctuations.
He recalled the half-formed skill the system had mentioned: Earthen Flame Gust. If he could master it, it might serve as a decisive move in case of future threats—like the orchard boar, or worse. Yet each attempt would risk discovery.
Shortly after midday, Altheon returned to the house, announcing he'd be spending a few nights in the orchard workshop to monitor changes. He exchanged a few more pleasantries, then departed. Mother and Father watched him go, each weighed by cautious hope.
Subtle Gains
That evening brought a mild hush over Brightwood. Father braced himself at the forge's workbench, sorting through leftover nails and half-finished horseshoes. Though he refrained from actual forging, the act of cleaning and organizing gave him comfort. Mother busied herself with dinner, glancing frequently at Father to ensure he wasn't pushing beyond his limits.
Kael, placed on a woven mat near the forge corner, observed in quiet fascination. The clink of metal scraps, the subdued glow of the forge's embers—these were the earliest memories of labor he would carry. Father's earnest desire to return to normalcy tugged at Kael's heart.
At one point, Father exhaled, leaning on the bench. "I never realized how draining an injury could be. I can't wait to shape metal again, to feel the hammer strike."
Kael crawled a step closer, letting out a faint babble of concern. Father chuckled softly. "Don't fret, little one. I'll be back at it soon." He ruffled Kael's hair, eyes shining with paternal warmth. I'll protect you properly next time, if a beast shows up. The unspoken vow lingered in the air.
But Kael knew the orchard's problems likely wouldn't vanish so easily. Perhaps Altheon's wards would help. Or perhaps the root cause—the odd earthen flux—would persist. One day, Kael thought, I'll stand openly and guard them.For now, he had to remain a child in their eyes.
A Nighttime Discovery
Later that night, as sleep once again claimed Father and Mother, Kael rose for his secret practice. He moved with the same toddler's caution to the quiet hearth. Determined to solidify his partial skill, he sat cross-legged near the dying coals, drawing in deep breaths.
Fire responded first, warming the coals to a faint glow. Next came Air, swirling gently, ensuring no smoke revealed his deeds. Finally, the tricky component: Earth. He pictured a stable ring of earthen energy encasing the flame-laced breeze.
Steady… he told himself, imagining forging a metal band in Father's smithy. A gentle push of willpower, binding the three forces. Sparks danced within his mind's eye, swirling faster.
[Notification: Minor Earth Channeling → Lv.2. +1 Control Through Multielement Practice!]
A spark of excitement flitted through him. He'd quietly begun developing Minor Earth Channeling days ago, but this was the first formal level-up. The synergy felt smoother this time. The swirl glimmered in an invisible orb around his palm.
Yet sustaining it took everything he had. His toddler body trembled, muscles threatened to spasm. Once more, the swirl hovered on the brink of collapsing. Gritting his teeth, Kael tried channeling the synergy outward—like extending an arm instead of holding it to his chest. A faint breeze ruffled the edge of his tunic. The swirling heat brushed the coals, intensifying them by a fraction. Then, with a silent flicker, the synergy snapped.
A bright spark popped in the coals, making Kael flinch. His heart pounded. That small pop could've awakened Father or Mother—but a quick glance around assured him the room remained peaceful. He exhaled, letting tension drain from his limbs.
He had progressed: a stable synergy lasting a few more seconds than before. Eventually, he'd shape it into a skill. A wry grin tugged at his lips. Even a partial success overshadowed anything typical for a child of his age. And to think, he mused, others fear meltdown from absorbing too many skill stones. If they only knew what I accomplish each night…
He let weariness guide him back to the cradle. Tomorrow, he'd try again.
Curious Footsteps at Dawn
A shrill cry from a neighbor's rooster cut through the early dawn gloom. Kael stirred, blinking away remnants of dream images—a swirl of earthen flame suspended in star-flecked darkness. He realized he'd overslept slightly, for Father was already up, quietly speaking to someone at the threshold. The voice was unfamiliar: lower, brimming with curiosity.
"—only a few questions," the visitor insisted. Kael recognized Altheon's deeper baritone. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, peeking from the cradle. Indeed, Altheon stood in the open doorway, posture polite but persistent.
Father wore a faint scowl, though it was tempered by respect. "I told you, my boy's just a baby. He isn't forging hidden magic here," Father said, half-joking, half-defensive. "Why the sudden interest, Mage Altheon?"
Altheon offered an apologetic nod. "I mean no offense. But the orchard folk mentioned unusual quietness and the recent orchard incident—some swear they felt an inexplicable burst of heat from nowhere. I'm merely thorough in my investigations. Surges of elemental energy might come from any source, even an awakened child."
Father's eyes narrowed. "Kael hasn't awakened. He's not even a year old."
A mild tension hung in the air. Mother hovered behind Father, arms protectively folded. Kael sank lower in the cradle, stifling a nervous flutter. Altheon is suspicious. Whether or not the traveling mage had true leads, he seemed determined to verify if the baby was more than he appeared.
"I understand," Altheon said gently. "In rare cases, children exhibit spontaneous outbursts. If it's not him, then we can dismiss the rumor. May I simply sense his mana signature once more? Properly, this time."
Mother and Father exchanged uncertain glances. Finally, Father sighed. "We have nothing to hide." He stepped aside. "But please be careful."
A Mage's Probe
In a swirl of tension, Altheon approached the cradle. Kael forced himself to breathe slowly, letting his eyelids droop as if half-asleep. Altheon's mana aura brushed Kael again—a gentle wave of Water or Light-based scanning magic. It probed at the edges of Kael's core.
Kael reflexively dampened his presence, recalling all he had gleaned about concealing mana. His Sage's Insight guided him in compressing or scattering the signature. Let it appear as a faint spark—like any baby might have. He drew on the memory of how he feigned normalcy during the womb stage.
Time stretched. Altheon frowned slightly, intensifying the scan. A subtle prickling sensation washed over Kael's skin. For a heartbeat, he worried: If I slip, he'll see a swirl of Fire, Air, Earth synergy swirling within me. Yet he steadied himself, adopting the same approach he used to remain unawakened in the academy's eyes (though that was in the future).
After nearly a minute, Altheon withdrew, exhaling. "He has a gentle mana flow. Nothing out of the ordinary for a healthy child, if maybe a touch stronger than average. But not awakened, indeed." A note of confusion flickered in his gaze, as if he expected a bigger anomaly. "Perhaps the orchard's phenomenon is unrelated to the child after all."
Relief coursed through Mother's posture. Father let out a slow breath. "Thank you. Are we satisfied now?"
Altheon bowed slightly. "Yes, my apologies for intruding." He stepped back. "I'll refocus on the orchard wards. I trust you'll be forging again soon—your neighbors need your nails, after all." He gave a polite smile and turned to leave.
Quiet Victory
As Altheon's footsteps faded into the morning air, Father shut the door, letting out a rueful laugh. "I hope we won't get any more strange visits," he said. "The orchard is the real culprit here, not Kael."
Mother nodded, hugging Kael close. "Poor thing. He must be so confused with these strange men wanting to scan him." She brushed a gentle hand across Kael's cheek, gazing at him with maternal warmth. Kael let out a soft giggle, playing the part of a content baby perfectly.
Within, though, he felt a surge of triumph. I passed the test. Altheon's suspicion had been deflected—for now. Another close call that reminded him how precarious his hidden training was. Any slip would risk upending everything.
Yet he also recognized a stark truth: as these anomalies grew, more powerful or astute individuals might come to investigate. He would need to refine not only his synergy but also his masking. The orchard was small; rumors might spread quickly if anything else happened.
Brief Status Check
Later in the day, once Father dozed off and Mother stepped outside to chat with a neighbor, Kael seized a quiet moment. He let out a soft breath, summoning the Status Window within his mind:
Status WindowName: Kael AshborneTalent: SSS (Hidden)Age: ~6 MonthsCore Grade: UnawakenedPhysique:Omni-Element Physique (Sealed)Level: 1
Strength: 3Intelligence: 10Spirit: 13 (recently increased)Agility: 3Constitution: 3
Skills:
Mana Sense (Novice, Lv.2)Minor Air Channeling (Novice, Lv.6)Minor Fire Channeling (Novice, Lv.3)Minor Earth Channeling (Novice, Lv.2)Earthen Flame Gust (Prototype)
The new line—Earthen Flame Gust (Prototype)—caught his eye. A swirl of satisfaction coursed through him. Even if it wasn't fully formed, the system recognized its existence. Mastering it might bestow potent crowd-control or direct offense.
He closed the window with a nod. The orchard's troubles might escalate, but he would be ready. A part of him itched to test the skill outside, away from prying eyes. Perhaps at night, in a secluded spot near the orchard, he could practice. If only Father's wound were fully healed, Kael might slip away more easily.
Shadows of the Future
As dusk fell, the day ended quietly—no monstrous boars, no drama from Altheon. Yet a crackle of tension underlay the air, as if the orchard's uncertain future weighed on every inhabitant's heart. Father rested, obviously eager to recover faster. Mother remained on edge, worried about new beast sightings. And Altheon patrolled the orchard perimeter, seeking the root cause of the earthen flux.
Kael lay in the cradle, letting the hush of the night envelop him. Another day behind them, another day of guarded secrets. A sense of both relief and urgency warred within him. So long as I keep hidden, no one will suspect. Yet to truly protect them, he needed more power, more synergy, and eventually a real Awakening. That day was not too distant, but he dared not force it prematurely.
As the moon rose, Kael gazed at Father's sleeping form once again. The memory of the orchard boar's tusks inches away burned in his mind. He vowed silently, I'll never allow that to happen again. If it meant crafting advanced synergy in private every night until he could stand openly—so be it.
And so, once more, he let exhaustion coax him into slumber. Dawn would bring more vigilance from Altheon, more orchard speculation, and further steps in forging Kael's hidden path of magic. Despite the risk, a faint smile touched his lips. He was forging his own destiny, piece by piece, in the secrecy of the night and the flicker of half-dead coals.
No matter what suspicions lurked, or how many traveling mages might come sniffing around, Kael would remain hidden. At least, until the day came when he could stand tall, no longer just a quietly overpowered infant, but a guardian of those he loved. And that day—Kael could almost taste it in the swirling threads of the triple synergy he nurtured each night—that day in Aurelia would dawn soon enough.