A stillness hung over Brightwood Orchard. Days had drifted into weeks since Kael placed his Windflare Alarm along the southern fence. Though that cunning runic plate had chased off a horned wolf-beast in dramatic fashion, no further attacks befell the orchard. Some workers believed the wards and watch rotations had finally dissuaded monsters; others, more apprehensive, suspected the lull merely signaled a greater threat biding its time.

Kael—only three years old, yet armed with the mind of a reincarnated magus—remained ever vigilant. Each morning, he surveyed orchard boundaries for fresh footprints or mana distortions. By midday, he trained in stealth behind the barn, forging new synergy shapes in secret. At dusk, he joined Father, Joren, to fix warped boards or hammer nails. And late at night, he meditated quietly, grappling with the unawakened core that bound him.

Despite the orchard's apparent calm, Kael refused to grow complacent.

Subtle Shifts in Orchard Life

In the weeks after the wolf-beast scare, orchard routines regained a semblance of normalcy. Mother, Meria, roamed the fields at dawn to oversee fruit picking, humming soft lullabies that eased the workers' nerves. Rowan and the orchard hands resumed typical tasks—pruning trees, hauling baskets, occasionally joking with one another. Even Father's brow relaxed a notch. He no longer limped from his old injury, forging plow blades and fence spikes with renewed vigor.

Yet Kael noticed small changes. Lantern posts now ringed the orchard perimeter, each with a fresh supply of oil to keep them burning through the darkest hours. Workers patrolled in pairs after sundown, pitchforks in hand. Father instructed them to treat any suspicious movement with utmost caution.

Over the course of these quieter days, Kael discovered that while large beasts ceased testing the fences, lesser critters occasionally left behind ominous signs—odd claw scratches on old stumps, droppings that smelled faintly of corruption. A sense of watchful tension prevailed, even if no new battles shook the orchard walls.

A Quiet Timeskip

Time slipped past in that uneasy calm, carrying Kael toward his fourth birthday. While Father and Mother marveled at how swiftly he grew—taller, stronger, more articulate—the orchard folk simply assumed he was a bright child. They remained unaware of the hidden synergy forging behind his every breath.

Several months passed in this manner, ensuring the orchard's uneasy equilibrium. Kael's training advanced in small increments, each day yielding new attempts at runic wards, synergy manipulations, or stealthy push-ups that incrementally raised his attributes. When Father or Mother caught glimpses of his odd feats—like lifting a sack heavier than expected—they said nothing, though a spark of pride and concern shone in their eyes.

Pursuit of Harder Training

One late afternoon, while orchard laborers bustled to store the last harvest of apples, Kael slipped away to the barn's far side. He had fashioned a rough training dummy from burlap stuffed with straw, propped against the barn wall. The orchard hand who glimpsed it assumed it was a child's toy or scarecrow in the making.

But to Kael, it was a sparring partner.

He took a steadying breath, channeling Fire synergy to his right hand. Though stuck at Basic Channeling Lv.9—like all his elements—he had honed considerable control. A faint red glow wreathed his palm, manifesting as a swirl of heat just beyond the edge of his fingers.

"Ember Dart," he whispered. A small spark coalesced. He aimed at the dummy, releasing a compact, flaming projectile the size of a bird's egg.

Fwoosh!

The Ember Dart struck the dummy's chest. Straw smoldered, releasing a puff of charred odor. Kael exhaled, slightly disappointed that the impact didn't feel stronger. Even at Basic, Lv.3 for Ember Dart, it was stronger than any normal toddler's trick—but he sensed how much more it could do if not for his unawakened core's bottleneck.

He clenched a fist. Someday, I'll push Ember Dart to the next level…

Incremental Attribute Gains

Still, Kael refused to let frustration consume him. Every minor improvement mattered. Even limited to Basic synergy, repeated practice sharpened his mental acuity and synergy flow.

[Notification: Continuous elemental channeling recognized. Spirit +1, Intelligence +1!]

He paused, a hint of a smile crossing his face. Small though it was, these attribute increases stacked up over time. One day, they would pay off in leaps once his core awakened.

He concluded his training with Earth synergy drills, shaping lumps of soil into small discs. Then he carefully cooled them with a swirl of Water synergy to avoid cracking. In a final flourish, he added a breath of Air synergy, smoothing the surfaces. Mundane tasks, yes, but they refine my synergy control…

Father's Observations

Evening approached, painting the orchard rows in hues of orange and gold. Kael carefully hid his straw dummy behind crates before stepping into the open. Father, finishing a day's forging, observed from a distance, faint curiosity touching his gaze.

"Kael," Joren called softly, wiping sweat from his brow. "Help me carry these nails to the storage bin?"

Kael obliged, hefting a small wooden box brimming with nails. Father's eyebrows rose slightly when he saw Kael lift it without strain. Though it weighed as much as a typical adult's burden, Kael handled it as though it were half the load.

Still, Father said nothing. He merely gave Kael a gentle pat on the back once they stowed the nails away. "Good work."

Kael offered a shy grin. The unspoken understanding between them had only deepened in the months following the orchard's near attack. They both knew Kael was no ordinary child, yet they cooperated in preserving that illusion for the orchard's peace.

Unexpected Tidings

Early the next morning, bright sunlight peeked through orchard leaves. Rowan, scanning the perimeter, spotted a lone figure approaching from the main road. It was Kora, the same villager who once brought news of devoured livestock. Panting, she arrived at the orchard gates, greeting Father and Meria anxiously.

Kael, perched atop a crate nearby, listened intently.

Kora glanced around, voice hushed. "There's been talk in neighboring farms—some have glimpsed odd silhouettes at twilight. Others found livestock with twisted markings, as though partially corrupted. Folks suspect a lingering presence of these beasts in the region."

Rowan exchanged a worried look with Joren. "We haven't faced another direct assault since that last incident, but… we keep watch."

Kora nodded. "A traveling mage passed through my village, too. He asked about any runic wards or strange sightings. I directed him your way—he might arrive in a few days."

At that, Kael's heart fluttered. Another mage? Could it be Altheon or someone new? He recalled how Altheon once fortified the orchard wards, yet Altheon had left weeks ago, tracking corruption further south.

Father thanked Kora, sighing heavily. "We appreciate the warning. Tell your folk to remain vigilant."

As Kora departed, Kael mulled over the possibility of meeting another mage. If I can glean new runic knowledge… or even a hint on awakening my core…

Subtle Core Stirrings

That evening, Kael decided on another attempt to spark his dormant core. He chose a secluded spot near the orchard's northern fence, beneath a spreading apple tree. The orchard staff mostly patrolled the south and west, leaving this corner relatively private.

Sitting cross-legged on a patch of grass, Kael closed his eyes. With measured breaths, he drew in synergy from all five elements he could manage: Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Light. The swirling mana threads converged in his chest, forming a faint swirl near his navel.

This time, he visualized forging those threads into a tiny candle flame—something stable, bright, yet gentle. If he could coax that candle to ignite fully, maybe his core would awaken.

For a few heartbeats, a faint warmth flared. Kael sensed an inner tension on the brink of release. Hope soared within him—this might be it…

Then, like a smothered spark, it fizzled. Pain flitted through his mana channels, forcing him to exhale sharply. The synergy scattered.

[Notification: Awakening Attempt failed. Core remains locked.]

Kael opened his eyes, frustration mingling with acceptance. He'd faced this many times. "I won't give up," he whispered, ignoring the dull ache in his chest.

Lightening the Orchard's Burdens

In the ensuing days, Kael continued assisting with orchard tasks. Workers noted that whenever Kael was around, chores seemed to go smoother—baskets felt lighter, wheels on carts rarely squeaked, and orchard hounds barked less anxiously. Father and Meria exchanged knowing smiles. They recognized Kael's discreet synergy manipulations: a subtle Earth channel that eased the weight of heavy loads, a gentle Air swirl that cooled sweaty workers in the midday heat.

No one else questioned these small miracles. If anything, they assumed the orchard simply thrived under good fortune.

But Kael's real focus lay in pushing his synergy practice further. If direct attempts to awaken his core failed, he'd refine his synergy in other ways. He began layering advanced scribbles on scrap metal—experiments that tested partial wards and alarms. He realized he couldn't create high-tier wards yet, but these small runic items, like the Windflare Alarm, still functioned at Basic rank.

One breezy afternoon, he channeled Earth synergy into a rusted piece of iron, scrawling minimalistic runes for stability. Then he threaded Fire synergy to inscribe a mild heat circle. If placed near a fence post, it might deter frost-based monsters or keep certain areas warm at night. Yet again, the system recognized it only as a Basic-level utility skill.

[Notification: Minor forging success. Warmth Ward (Basic, Lv.1) unlocked!][Notification: +2 Intelligence for forging synergy items!]

Kael smothered his excitement behind a neutral expression, carefully stashing the newly created ward in his satchel. Each little success readies me for bigger breakthroughs.

News of the Traveling Mage

A week later, the traveling mage arrived—not Altheon, but a gruff fellow named Gadriel. Clad in a threadbare robe that had seen many roads, Gadriel carried an iron-tipped staff brimming with runic etchings. He introduced himself politely to Father, explaining he'd heard rumors of a "mysterious orchard" that survived multiple corrupted beast incursions with minimal damage. He sought to investigate and possibly reinforce wards if needed—for a fee, of course.

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Father, mindful of orchard finances, hesitated. But Rowan insisted on at least hearing the mage out. Meria cast Kael a meaningful glance, as if to warn him not to reveal too much. Kael only nodded, playing the role of an innocuous child who happened to hover near the adults.

Gadriel walked the orchard perimeter, staff tapping the ground. Occasionally, he muttered about faint ward lines and residual synergy traces. When he reached the southern fence—where Kael's Windflare Alarm was discreetly attached—Gadriel paused, eyebrows arching.

He traced a hand over the wood. "Curious… there's a low-level runic item embedded here. Didn't sense the typical mage's signature. Who crafted it?"

Father coughed, forcing a casual tone. "A traveling mage left it some time ago. We assumed it was from him."

Gadriel frowned. "Strange. The synergy pattern is… simplistic, almost childlike in form, yet stable." He shrugged. "Regardless, it's functional enough to deter lesser beasts. Not half bad."

Kael hid a wry smile. If only you knew who forged it…

A Tense Negotiation

That evening, Gadriel shared supper with the orchard family. Over a modest meal, he offered to bolster the orchard's wards for a fixed price. Father frowned, fiddling with his mug, the orchard's meager budget flashing in his mind.

"We appreciate your assistance, Gadriel," Father said carefully, "but money is tight. If the orchard continues to struggle, we might leave for a safer region eventually."

Gadriel snorted, showing little sympathy. "Your call. But I can assure you, these random runic scraps alone won't hold back stronger corrupted beasts forever." He paused, glancing around the table. "My wards, though expensive, would keep monstrous threats at bay."

Meria sighed softly, tension filling her features. Kael, perched quietly, felt a protective surge. I can do more, but then we risk exposing my gifts…

Rowan interjected. "We'll discuss. We have the rest of the orchard staff to consult."

Gadriel shrugged. "Very well. I'll remain a day or two. If you decide you want my services—and can pay—call on me. If not, I'll head west."

Kael's Risky Demonstration

Late that night, while Gadriel slept in the barn's loft, Kael crept outside. He was determined to see if he could glean knowledge from the mage's staff runes or perhaps replicate them. If he could replicate better wards himself, the orchard wouldn't need to pay Gadriel.

Quietly, Kael found Gadriel's staff propped near a corner. Pale moonlight revealed swirling runic lines, more intricate than anything Kael had attempted. He slowly traced them with his gaze, letting Sage's Insight piece together partial meanings.

[Notification: Attempting to analyze advanced ward inscriptions… insufficient synergy rank to duplicate fully.]

Kael's jaw tightened. He recognized advanced synergy threads in the staff that outstripped Basic-level forging. Nonetheless, he memorized the lines. Perhaps he could form a simplified version suitable for his Basic synergy rank.

"Curious child, aren't you?" a low voice murmured behind him.

Kael whirled, heart pounding. Gadriel stood in the loft doorway, eyes narrowed. "Sneaking a peek at my staff, hmm?"

Kael stammered, "I—I was just—"

Gadriel approached, staff in hand, though not unkindly. "No need to fret. Kids are curious, especially about magic. But be careful—these runes can scorch if tampered with."

Kael forced a nervous smile, pretending wide-eyed innocence. "I… sorry, mister. It looked pretty."

Gadriel gave a rough chuckle. "Best mind your father's rules, lad. Don't go meddling with runes beyond your ken." He ruffled Kael's hair, then turned away. "Off to bed with you. I won't tattle, so long as you're careful."

Kael nodded hastily, retreating with a racing heart. That was close.

Quiet Resolve

The next morning, orchard staff gathered to decide on hiring Gadriel. Weighing the orchard's finances, they reluctantly concluded they couldn't afford his steep price. Gadriel accepted their refusal with a curt nod, preparing to depart. Kael watched, half relieved—he disliked the mage's mercenary vibe—yet half regretful at losing a chance to study more advanced wards.

Before leaving, Gadriel addressed Joren in front of several workers, Meria, and Kael. "Fine. If you won't pay, that's your business. But mark my words—should a stronger beast wander through, these patchwork wards won't hold forever."

Rowan stiffened, but Father only set his jaw. "We'll manage."

With a final snort, Gadriel departed, staff in hand, footsteps echoing along the orchard path. Once his figure disappeared beyond the bend, orchard workers exchanged uneasy glances. Some questioned whether they'd made the right choice. Others shrugged, confident in the orchard's modest peace.

Kael, silent in the background, resolved to bolster the orchard's runic defenses himself. If money was scarce, he'd rely on skill.

A More Ambitious Ward Scheme

Late that afternoon, Kael snuck behind the barn, rummaging through leftover scraps of iron. He retrieved half a dozen suitable pieces, each large enough to hold rudimentary inscriptions. If he could link them around the orchard's perimeter, maybe they'd form a partial array.

He recalled the swirling lines from Gadriel's staff—especially the ringed patterns that seemed to distribute synergy in arcs. He couldn't replicate them exactly, but perhaps a simpler version would do.

He spent hours etching each plate in secret, layering Earth synergy for stability, adding faint lines of Fire synergy for deterrence. A wisp of Air synergy to unify them once placed. The process tested his stamina.

[Notification: Attempting multi-plate synergy forging. Mana consumption elevated…][+1 Constitution from repeated synergy strain!]

Kael gritted his teeth, forging carefully. One slip could cause a feedback burst, damaging the plates. But he persisted, determined to craft a Basic-level ward array.

By twilight, he'd shaped six small runic plates. Each glowed faintly with synergy lines. They lacked the oomph a true awakened ward might possess, but it was better than nothing.

A Moonlit Installation

That night, while orchard watchers rested or patrolled, Kael stole away to place the plates at strategic fence sections: north, south, east, west, plus two diagonal points. He buried them near fence posts to keep them hidden. With trembling focus, he directed a thin filament of synergy among them, mentally willing them to connect.

It drained him more than usual. Yet, he sensed a faint pulse rippling along the orchard's boundary, as if the plates recognized each other's presence.

[Notification: Minor Ward Array established: Earthen Ember Circuit (Basic)!][+2 Spirit for successful multi-plate synergy link!]

Kael's vision swam with exhaustion. He sagged against a fence post, chest heaving, but exhilaration coursed through him. It's done. Even if it's not advanced, we have an orchard-wide deterrent now…

After a moment's rest, he crept back to the cottage, careful not to wake Father or Mother. Tomorrow, he'd check if the orchard's atmosphere felt any different.

A Beast's Sudden Arrival

He got his answer sooner than expected. Near midnight, a startled cry rang out from the western fence. Kael jerked awake, heart pounding. He bolted from his bed, ignoring the fact that Father and Meria called after him. Racing outside, he spotted orchard hands with lanterns hurrying westward.

A deep, guttural roar resounded across the orchard. Kael's stomach clenched. Another corrupted beast…

He dashed to the scene, staying low behind a stack of crates. Torchlight revealed a hulking creature with matted fur, twice the size of a normal boar, its snout twisted with bony protrusions. Greenish drool sizzled upon hitting the ground—clearly corrupted saliva.

Orchard workers, brandishing pitchforks and spears, tried to keep it from charging in. The beast slammed the fence, splintering boards… yet somehow, it recoiled moments later, letting out a furious snarl. Kael realized the newly placed ward array must be releasing a mild shock or heat pulse whenever the creature struck.

"It's… something's fighting back!" Rowan shouted.

The creature roared again, red eyes glaring. Despite the rudimentary wards, it refused to abandon the orchard's perimeter. With each collision, the fences cracked further. The orchard hands braced, but fear gleamed in their eyes. Another blow like that and the fence might collapse.

Kael's Hidden Intervention

Kael's mind raced. If the fence breaks, the orchard workers can't handle this beast alone. Father's ribs had only recently healed from past encounters. Rowan was brave, but spear thrusts might not suffice.

Swallowing his trepidation, Kael inched forward, heart hammering. He extended a hand, summoning Earth synergy. If he used a quick Earthen Snare—a Basic spell stuck at Lv.1—it might slow the beast from outside the fence. Then orchard hands could strike safely. He had to be precise to avoid revealing himself.

Taking a steadying breath, Kael shaped the synergy beneath the ground near the beast's hind legs. A faint tremor, then roots and soil lumps coalesced into a tangle of earthen tendrils. The monstrous boar jerked, pinned momentarily.

[Notification: Earthen Snare (Basic, Lv.1) cast successfully! Beast movement slowed.]

"Now!" Rowan yelled to the orchard workers. They lunged, spears piercing the beast's flank. The creature shrieked, thrashing violently, but the partial ward array delivered another shock wave. It staggered, foam dripping from its maw.

Sensing it was overmatched, the beast finally tore free of the snare and bolted into the darkness, leaving behind a trail of fetid drool. Orchard hands cheered in stunned relief, praising the "powerful wards" that aided them. Father exhaled a shaky breath, shoulders sagging.

Kael slumped behind crates, adrenaline roaring in his ears. We did it. The orchard stands another night.

Dawn's Aftermath

By sunrise, orchard workers surveyed the damaged western fence. Broken boards littered the grass, but crucially, the beast hadn't fully breached the orchard. Many credited Rowan's leadership—and the surprising surge from those "mage wards." Father nodded along, grateful, though he shot Kael a knowing look when no one else was watching.

Meria found Kael soon after, ruffling his hair. "I'm so relieved, child. Everyone's safe." She glanced around, voice lowering. "That was your runic work, wasn't it?"

Kael managed a faint nod. "And a bit of synergy, yes." He didn't elaborate. She smiled, tears brimming in her eyes, then pulled him into a brief hug.

Rowan approached, confusion tugging at his features. "It's odd—Gadriel left, but the wards felt stronger last night. Maybe he left behind some protective runes despite our refusal?"

Father placed a hand on Rowan's shoulder. "Possibly. Or maybe Altheon's earlier wards still lingered." They both walked away, discussing repairs.

Kael let out a slow breath. For now, our secret remains safe.

Orchard Unification

In the days that followed, orchard morale soared. Workers replaced broken boards, hammered new nails. They asked fewer questions about the orchard's "mysterious wards," content to believe they'd lucked into potent runic defenses. Tension lingered over the possibility of more monsters, but a sense of camaraderie grew. If they could repel that monstrous boar, perhaps they could survive other threats.

Kael sensed the orchard staff looking less fearful. Father and Meria, too, wore gentler expressions, though Father often gazed into the distance, mulling over deeper concerns. Should we keep living on edge, or move to safer territories?Kael knew that question haunted him.

For now, the orchard endured. Kael used each quiet day to refine synergy once more, forging small alarm plates or practicing basic spells behind barns and fences. Each time a system prompt awarded him a modest attribute gain, he felt a glimmer of pride.

[Notification: Repeated synergy forging – Intelligence +1, Spirit +1!]

Bit by bit, he advanced closer to a threshold he couldn't quite name. He guessed that one day, these attributes would prove crucial if he ever awakened.

Reflections Before Dawn

Late one night, Kael found himself in the orchard clearing, gazing at the moonlit sky. He thought of the travelers who had come and gone—Altheon, Kora, Gadriel—and the beasts that lurked in the darkness. He recalled the monstrous boar's vile drool, the orchard workers' trembling hands. We survived again… but for how long?

He pressed a small palm against his chest. The synergy within felt restless. He yearned to break free of Basic rank, to finally awaken. But the gate remained closed. If the orchard faced a more cunning or powerful threat, no runic plates or Basic synergy might suffice.

Someday, he vowed silently, I'll surpass these limits.

He inhaled the orchard's scents—apple blossoms, damp earth, lingering hints of scorched wood from earlier battles. This was his cradle, his home. Protecting it was more than a duty. It was his promise to the parents who sheltered him and the orchard that offered him a second chance at life.

And so, as dawn neared and a hush settled over the fields, Kael closed his eyes, letting synergy swirl gently around him. An infant soul reincarnated into a child's body, forging wards beyond normal comprehension, yet shackled by an unawakened core. He refused despair. Each day's subtle growth proved that one day, the orchard's young defender might rise far beyond these humble fields.

But for now, he would remain the orchard's quiet guardian.

Status Window

Name: Kael Ashborne

Age: ~3-4 (Months of orchard peace have passed)

Talent: SSS (Hidden)

Core Grade: Unawakened

Level: 6

EXP: 410 / 700

Attributes:

Strength: 15

Agility: 6

Constitution: 14 (+1 from synergy strain)

Intelligence: 31 (+2 from forging synergy items, +1 more from repeated synergy drills)

Spirit: 37 (+3 from forging synergy items and partial skill usage)

Free Attribute Points: 0

Trait: Sage's Insight (Passive – fosters advanced comprehension of synergy, runes, and forging)

Synergy ChannelingFire Channeling (Basic, Lv.9) (Bottlenecked by unawakened core)Earth Channeling (Basic, Lv.9) (Bottlenecked by unawakened core)Air Channeling (Basic, Lv.9) (Bottlenecked by unawakened core)Water Channeling (Basic, Lv.9) (Bottlenecked by unawakened core)Light Channeling (Basic, Lv.9) (Bottlenecked by unawakened core)SkillsEmber Dart (Basic, Lv.3)Clay Shield (Basic, Lv.3)Mist Veil (Basic, Lv.3)Sunflare Needle (Basic, Lv.3)Earthen Snare (Basic, Lv.1) – Snare ability recently displayed.Windflare Alarm (Basic, Lv.1) – Utility ward for detecting hostility.Warmth Ward (Basic, Lv.1) – Minor heat-based deterrent.

Notable Feats:

Minor Ward Array ("Earthen Ember Circuit," Basic) – A ring of Basic-level plates discreetly placed around the orchard fence, offering mild shock and heat pulses against corrupt beasts.