A crisp dawn lightened the sky over Brightwood Orchard, painting each row of apple trees in faint gold. The sweet aroma of ripening fruit drifted across the yard. Kael stood outside the barn, hands clasped behind his back, surveying the orchard as if it were his realm. In a way, it was. No one realized just how integral his secret synergy had become to its defense—or how that synergy even existed at all.
Most believed Kael was simply a gifted blacksmith's son with a remarkable knack for "ward forging." After all, how could a six-year-old possibly have awakened a mana core? By the traditions of Aurelia, any Awakening before the age of nine was considered impossible. Certainly, Kael's father and the orchard staff chalked up every strange phenomenon to the child's inventive runic plates.
Kael intended to keep it that way. Indeed, he was content letting them believe he was just a quick study in forging. If they knew the truth—that a swirling Red Mana Core already burned within him—rumors and scrutiny would follow, something he was keen to avoid until the day he set foot in Astraeus Academy.
Morning Routine
Joren, his father, lumbered out of the smithy with a yawn, pausing at Kael's side. The older man wore a faint scowl that quickly melted into a kindly grin. "Up early again, son?"
Kael hid the mild fatigue behind a polite nod. He had spent most of the previous night practicing synergy with lumps of mana-tinged ore. "I thought I'd check the orchard fences, see if any wards need replacing," he said quietly.
"Seems you never tire of it," Joren replied. Then, narrowing his eyes, he added, "Just—be cautious if you venture too far. We had that incident with corrupted wolves a few weeks back."
Kael forced a modest smile. If only you knew how simple those wolves were to handle, he mused silently. "Yes, Father, I'll be mindful."
Joren gave his son's shoulder a brief squeeze. "Well, I'm forging new pruning shears. If you see orchard hands, let them know I'll have them ready by noon."
"Will do." Kael watched his father meander toward the barn's interior. A wave of affection surged: though Joren didn't suspect Kael's hidden power, the man's concern felt genuine and warm. Kael would keep the orchard safe from any threat that lurked—even if he had to remain discreet.
Checking the Perimeter
Kael slipped into the orchard's rows of apple trees, silent as a shadow. Early morning dew clung to his boots, and the rustling leaves provided a gentle backdrop of sound. Every few yards, a small metallic ward plate glinted on the bark—Kael's forging handiwork, layered with just enough synergy to repel lesser beasts.
Most orchard workers believed the plates' potency came from runic inscriptions alone. In truth, Kael channeled Earth synergy into them, anchoring their effect. He lightly ran a hand over one plate, feeling the subtle hum of mana. Still stable, he thought. No sign of tampering.
He continued on, occasionally noting lumps of half-dry soil near fence posts—residue from where he had quietly tested Earthen Snare spells. The orchard staff had dismissed them as poor soil patches. Kael gave a wry grin: Ignorance can be a blessing.
By the time he completed his circuit, the sun hovered higher, warming the orchard with golden light. All is calm for now, Kael mused. But something in the breeze felt off—a hint of tension, or perhaps he was just uneasy because the orchard had been too quiet recently.
Stir in the Village
Shortly after, Kael reached the orchard's main gate. A mild bustle emerged from beyond: villagers passing by, delivering goods or seeking orchard produce. Kael recognized Mera, a local fruit vendor, and a few traveling laborers from a distant farm. He overheard their anxious chatter:
"They say livestock's going missing again—like some creature is snatching goats at night."
"Aye, and no footprints but a few strange marks, almost like a big cat's claws."
Kael's heart perked. More corrupted beasts or something new? He listened from a discreet spot behind the orchard fence.
One of the laborers spat onto the dirt road. "We might ask Joren's orchard folks for those ward plates. Didn't young Kael forge them? They deterred those monstrous wolves, right?"
Another nodded fervently. "Yes, we'll see if we can borrow some for our farmland. A few plates might keep the livestock safe."
Kael found himself torn. On one hand, assisting the villagers would do real good. On the other, distributing ward plates widely might raise suspicion about how they truly worked. I must stay cunning, he reminded himself. I can't have people from far and wide discovering I can do more than just carve runes.
Still, the possibility of a monstrous creature prowling the outskirts stirred his curiosity—and offered potential. Perhaps subduing it could earn me enough essence to level up. He was close to bridging that gap to Level 10, after all.
A Subtle Plan
After a quick conversation with a few orchard hands, Kael gleaned a location: a farmland on the orchard's northwest edge, near a gully known to harbor wild creatures. Over the past few nights, goats had vanished, leaving only bloodstains and claw marks. The farmers were on edge.
Kael approached Rowan—a seasoned orchard worker with whom he'd fought side by side against corrupted beasts. "Rowan," he said, voice hushed. "I heard talk about missing livestock. Could you come with me to check the outskirts there? Maybe I can place a few wards to help."
Rowan's weathered face tightened. "You want to risk traveling that far from the orchard, lad?"
Kael shrugged softly. "It's still close by, and the orchard can't prosper if neighboring farms are terrorized. I promise to be careful."
Rowan gave an approving nod. "All right, but we take two others for safety, and we'll let your father know. Just… don't do anything rash."
Kael suppressed a smile. I'll keep my real strength masked. "Of course."
Setting Out to the Farmland
By midday, Kael, Rowan, and two orchard workers named Baret and Lorr were tramping along a winding footpath west of the orchard, heading toward the farmland. Kael carried a small satchel of newly forged ward plates. He'd discreetly layered some with Fire synergy this time—just enough to create a faint scorching effect if triggered, though he publicly called them "modified alarm wards."
The farmland appeared soon after they crested a gentle hill. A few goats wandered behind a rickety fence, and a cluster of anxious villagers congregated near a small barn. The farm's matron, a broad-shouldered woman named Miri, rushed forward as Rowan and the orchard party arrived.
"Oh, thank the spirits you came," Miri panted, relief plain on her face. "Another goat went missing just before dawn. We heard bleating, then nothing. My husband found deep claw marks near the pen."
Rowan laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll see what we can do."
Kael stepped up, adopting a humble tone. "I have some new ward plates to install around your fences. They should deter or slow any creature that tries to cross." He carefully omitted mention of how they truly functioned.
Miri's expression lit with gratitude. "Bless you, Kael. I've heard rumors about your forging. Anything that keeps our animals safe is a gift."
Investigating the Claw Marks
While Rowan and the others conferred with the farmers, Kael quietly examined the pen's perimeter. Sure enough, faint clawed gouges marred the wooden rails, as though some massive feline had scraped them. Dark, dried blood stained a small patch of grass.
Kael crouched low, pressing a hand to the soil to gather any lingering energies. I sense a faint residue—tainted with some primal ferocity. Not quite as malevolent as the corrupted wolves… but definitely unnatural.
He rose, scanning the horizon. Gentle hills and copses of trees stretched out, with a deep gully meandering behind them. That might be the beast's lair. A stirring excitement fluttered in him— a chance to test synergy. But caution reined him in. Let's see if it returns tonight.
Setting the Wards
Kael busied himself hammering the ward plates onto fence posts. Each plate bore simple runic etchings, though in truth it was his Fire synergy that would ignite if the beast tested the barrier. As he tapped nails in place, Baret and Lorr watched curiously.
Baret scratched his beard. "I can't believe how strong these things are. It's almost magical, but I know you said it's just runes."
Kael forced a bashful shrug. "A bit of forging technique I picked up. The orchard tested them on smaller creatures. They mostly cause a mild shock or heat to scare beasts away." That's… not entirely false, he thought.
Rowan hovered close. "We'll stay here until nightfall, see if anything stirs," he said quietly. "If the beast appears, we'll intercept."
Kael nodded, hiding a flicker of excitement. Indeed. Let it come…
Twilight Vigil
By sundown, the farmland glowed under a violet sky. The wind rustled through the tall grass. Kael, Rowan, Baret, and Lorr stationed themselves near the goat pen, weapons (and illusions) at the ready. The goats huddled nervously, as though sensing an invisible threat.
Most farmers retired indoors, too frightened to stand guard. Miri lingered behind a shuttered window, lantern in hand. Kael placed a final ward plate near the barn door, then feigned stretching, as if just tired. In truth, my synergy is fully charged.
Hours crawled. Stars emerged. A distant hoot from an owl punctuated the silence. Suddenly, near midnight, Kael's keen hearing picked up a low growl from beyond the fence line. He stiffened, signaling Rowan with a quick gesture. The orchard worker tightened his grip on a spear.
Crack. A twig snapped. Then a shape bounded out from the darkness—a lithe, panther-like creature, fur shimmering in the moonlight. Its eyes glowed with unnatural red flecks. Slinking forward, it bared wicked fangs. One paw tested the fence line.
The Beast's Assault
An ominous hiss echoed from the beast as soon as it neared Kael's freshly placed ward. A faint glow sparked at the runic plate, courtesy of Kael's Fire synergy. The creature snarled, recoiling. Then it leapt sideways, circling the pen to find a gap.
Rowan cursed under his breath. "It's big—bigger than I expected."
Baret advanced, spear trembling. "We should chase it off before it kills more goats!"
Kael observed the beast's movements. It's definitely tainted by some strange mana… Possibly awakened enough to surpass normal panther might. He signaled Rowan and the others to fan out.
The creature lunged suddenly, scaling a corner post with shocking agility. One of Kael's wards flared, igniting a brief flash of flame. The beast shrieked but persevered, hooking its claws into the wooden beam.
Rowan rushed, thrusting a spear. The beast twisted, knocking the spear aside with a powerful foreleg. Baret tried a follow-up jab, only to have the creature pivot and smack him across the chest. The orchard hand staggered back, gasping.
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Kael stepped forward, heart racing with both nerves and anticipation. Time to intervene without revealing too much.
Subtle Magic
He extended one palm toward the beast's hind legs. Quietly, he channeled Earthen Snare, letting the soil beneath the fence post shift into ropy tendrils. By normal eyes, it might appear that the ground quaked from the ward's effect. The creature yowled as its rear paws sank into the dirt, stuck fast.
Rowan's eyes widened. "Your ward plates did that?"
Kael nodded vaguely, as though uncertain. "Maybe… I hammered some new runes earlier."
With the beast partially restrained, Lorr found an opening to slash at it with a short sword, wounding its flank. Enraged, the creature twisted, snapping at Lorr's leg. Kael inhaled sharply—he needed to end this swiftly, or someone would get badly hurt.
He mustered a small Ember Bolt behind the beast's shoulder—disguising it as a stray spark from the ward. The blazing projectile hit its mark with a muted whoosh, scorching fur and drawing a screech from the panther. The orchard men reeled at the sudden flash, but none suspected Kael of direct casting; they assumed a ward's surge had triggered.
Wounded, the beast tore free of the earthen tendrils, leaping back onto open ground. Blood dripped from its scorched fur, and a savage hatred glowed in its eyes. With a furious roar, it pounced at Kael, sensing him as the true threat.
Kael's heart hammered. He forced himself to appear startled, half-stumbling backward. Secretly, he readied a second cast—Earthen Snare from another angle to drag it mid-leap.
The Decisive Blow
As the beast soared through the air, it suddenly jerked to a halt—Kael's synergy yanked at its rear paws. The orchard men saw only that it seemed to land short, pinned by "rune-laced ground." Rowan lunged, spear tip glinting in the moonlight. He drove it into the creature's chest with all his might. The beast howled, flailing. Lorr and Baret joined, weapons striking to ensure it never rose again.
A final, pitiful snarl escaped the panther's maw before it slumped, defeated. Blood pooled on the grass. Rowan panted heavily, stepping back. Baret and Lorr looked shaken, but relief flooded their expressions.
Kael exhaled, carefully masking his satisfaction. That should yield enough essence for me to level up. He suspected his synergy had contributed the most damage: the Ember Bolt strike and the repeated Earth manipulations.
Sure enough, the system stirred in his mind:
[Notification: You contributed major damage and synergy attacks to slay a Tainted Panther (Intermediate Tier). EXP gained: 310.]
310 was precisely the amount Kael needed to cross from 790/1100 to 1100/1100. Perfect.
[Notification: Level Up! You have reached Level 10. You have earned 5 Attribute Points.]
Kael kept his face blank, though excitement sparked inside. Finally… Level 10. He'd come a long way from the days of meager synergy experiments.
Aftermath & Explanations
Rowan, chest heaving, turned to Kael. "Those wards of yours… they saved us, lad. That panther was more vicious than any normal beast. Are you all right?"
Kael feigned a shaky nod, placing a hand over his fast-beating heart. "Yes. It—it almost had me." Then, more quietly, "I'm glad the wards worked."
Behind them, Baret and Lorr prodded the carcass, grimacing. "Never seen a panther that big," Baret muttered. "Look, it's got weird lines along its flanks—like some corrupted mana ran through its veins."
Lorr shrugged, unsettled. "Could be more of those foul energies drifting around. But at least it won't bother the farm again."
Kael nodded solemnly. And I gained a valuable step forward.
Miri and a few other farmers ventured out, drawn by the commotion. Their gratitude overflowed upon seeing the dead predator. "Thank you, Rowan, Baret, Lorr—and Kael," Miri said tearfully. "We can rest easy now."
Rowan half-smiled. "We'll help you bury or burn the carcass, so no scavengers get a taste of that taint."
Kael quietly slipped away from the group, letting Rowan handle the conversation. I need a moment to check my status in private.
A Quiet Corner
Kael found a secluded spot near the barn's side, hidden from prying eyes. With a subtle exhale, he accessed his Status Window.
Name: Kael Ashborne
Age: 6 (Nearing 7)
Talent: SSS (Hidden)
Core Grade: Red (Awakened in secret)
Level: 10
EXP: 0 / 1600
Attributes
Strength: 17
Agility: 6
Constitution: 16
Intelligence: 33
Spirit: 43
Free Attribute Points: 5 (From leveling to 10.)
Trait: Sage's Insight (Passive – fosters advanced comprehension of synergy, runes, forging)
Synergy Channeling
Earth Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)Fire Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Water Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Air Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Light Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)
Skills (Selection)
Earthen Snare (Intermediate, Lv.1)Ember Bolt (Intermediate, Lv.1)Stone Shield (Basic, Lv.5)Windflare Alarm (Basic, Lv.2)Warmth Ward (Basic, Lv.1)
Kael's eyes flitted over the Free Attribute Points. He had 5 to allocate—a reward for reaching Level 10. He thought carefully: Spirit bolsters synergy capacity, Intelligence aids spell complexity, Strength and Constitution keep my body robust, while Agility remains my weakest area.
Reflecting on the orchard's quiet battles, he realized the importance of stamina in extended fights. He might also need raw physical resilience to hide synergy usage behind mundane actions. I'll distribute them wisely.
He assigned 2 points to Constitution, boosting health and stamina for longer forging sessions and fights. Then he added 2 points to Spirit for synergy potency. Finally, 1 point to Intelligence to refine spell control.
[Notification: Attributes successfully allocated.]
He felt a subtle pulse of energy course through him, leaving him stronger and more stable. I must remain cautious. Even these incremental gains can't be too obvious.
Quick Return
He rejoined the orchard men, who had finished hauling the panther's corpse to a pit behind the barn. A small pyre was lit to destroy its remains, preventing further corruption. Kael stared into the dancing flames, reflecting on how a single stealth cast of synergy had sealed the creature's fate. If only the orchard hands knew the truth…
Meanwhile, Rowan clapped him on the shoulder. "We'll camp out here tonight, just in case there are more. You up for it, Kael?"
Kael nodded. "Yes, I don't mind staying. If that's all right with Miri."
The farmer's matron overheard and gave a grateful nod. "You're welcome here. We have spare bedding in the loft."
And so they settled. Kael spent the night in the barn loft with Rowan and the others, dozing in shifts to watch for any further threat. None came—apparently the alpha predator had been that single Tainted Panther.
Dawn & Gratitude
By first light, the farmland was safe. Miri and her husband offered a hearty breakfast of eggs and smoked meats. The orchard men accepted graciously, though Kael ate lightly, preferring not to bog himself down. He also inspected the ward plates—some had flared the previous night, but they remained intact. I can re-infuse them with synergy if needed.
Before departing, Miri pressed a small pouch of coins into Rowan's hands. "For your orchard. For the wards. We can't repay you enough, but please accept this."
Rowan tried to refuse, but Miri insisted. Finally, they compromised: the orchard men took half, suggesting they'd use it to buy more forging supplies from the traveling merchant. Kael hid a smile. Additional forging materials might yield him more synergy-laced experiments.
Road Back to Brightwood
The group headed home in easy spirits. Baret and Lorr chatted about how they'd regale orchard workers with the tale of the monstrous cat, praising Kael's wards. Rowan walked more quietly, occasionally glancing at Kael as if pondering some deeper question. Finally, he spoke.
"You did well, lad. But that snare effect… I've seen wards before, but none that snag a beast midair. Not so precisely."
Kael's heart thudded. "I, um—maybe I hammered too many runic lines, so it triggered a bigger reaction."
Rowan's brow furrowed, but he didn't press. "Well, keep at it. The orchard's mighty fortunate to have you."
Kael gave a polite nod. I must be more cautious. Rowan is starting to suspect something unusual.
Subtle Confirmation
They reached Brightwood Orchard by late morning. Father, Joren, rushed out to greet them. "Rowan, Baret, Lorr—Kael. You all look exhausted. Miri's farm…?"
Rowan recounted the event, praising Kael's ward plates. Father's eyes shone with relief and pride, though a flicker of worry remained. "You're all safe, that's what matters."
Kael, slipping away from the group's focus, noticed orchard staff crowding around, eager for details. He gave short, modest answers, letting Rowan and Baret do most of the talking. Less attention on me, the better.
Father's Concern
That evening, Kael found himself in the forge, cleaning tools while Joren prepared dinner. Father approached, crossing his arms. "Son," he began gently, "Rowan told me how that beast nearly gutted you before the ward flared. Are you sure you're all right?"
Kael paused, meeting his father's gaze. "I'm fine. It was scary, but I managed."
Joren hesitated, as if wrestling with unspoken worries. Finally, he exhaled. "Look, I'm proud that your forging helps folks, but be careful. You're only six, yet I see you risking yourself like… a veteran. Sometimes I wonder if I'm failing to protect you."
Kael set down a hammer, stepping closer. "Father, you taught me to do what's needed. The orchard, the farmland… they depend on the wards. I'm just forging them." He forced a small grin. "Besides, we orchard folks look out for each other."
Joren ruffled Kael's hair, eyes misty. "Aye. Just… promise me, if something is beyond your skill, you won't charge in alone."
Kael nodded. "I promise."
Inside, he felt a pang of guilt. I won't ever put the orchard in harm's way. But my path is set.
Unseen Confidence
That night, Kael slipped from his bed to do some private synergy meditation behind the barn. Having reached Level 10, he felt more in control than ever. Earth synergy thrummed powerfully, Fire synergy brimmed at the cusp of an upcoming evolution. He carefully shaped a small Ember Bolt in the air, letting it float for a moment before extinguishing it. No one suspected he was channeling real magic so far ahead of his years.
Because, for everyone else, an awakened core before age nine was unthinkable. At best, children could do small magical tricks by referencing runic inscriptions or daily lessons. But genuine synergy? That only began after one's official Awakening in adolescence. Hence, no one guesses my secret…
Even if they did wonder at how advanced his forging seemed, they had no precedent to suspect a hidden mana core. I'm safe—for now.
A Subtle Shift
Days rolled forward quietly. The farmland gave thanks for Kael's wards, reporting no more missing goats. In appreciation, they offered produce to the orchard: sacks of grain, some extra feed for orchard animals. Life resumed its steady hum.
Kael, for his part, devoted the next few evenings to forging improvements. Now that he was Level 10, synergy control had sharpened. He toyed with new runic inscriptions, trying to blend Earth and Fire synergy into a single forging stroke. It was tricky: too much might cause a meltdown, and his father would notice. But step by step, he felt synergy weaving more fluidly. Eventually, multi-element synergy might birth a unique skill.
In between these forging sessions, Kael practiced one other crucial art: concealment. He made sure the orchard workers saw only "mundane runic forging," nothing that screamed awakened mage. If a chunk of iron glowed red-hot from his synergy, he'd blame the forge's heat. If the ground softened from an Earthen Snare test, he'd wave it off as a "ward test." The orchard staff accepted these half-truths, content with the security he provided.
A Minor Celebration
One late afternoon, father emerged from the barn with a broad smile. "Kael, come here, son."
Kael joined him by the orchard's old oak table. Joren revealed a small feast prepared by the orchard wives: roasted vegetables, spiced bread, honey-glazed fruit. Rowan, Baret, Lorr, and several orchard workers gathered around.
"Tonight," Joren announced, "we celebrate the orchard's new safety—no beasts threaten us or the farmland. And we honor Kael for forging the ward plates that kept us safe."
Kael's cheeks warmed at the applause. He gave a slight bow. "It's—everyone's effort. The orchard stands strong because you all fight together."
Still, a sense of accomplishment filled him. Though I hide my awakened status, I can still protect them.
They ate and laughed under lantern glow. Soft conversation drifted about improvements to the orchard, expansions to the orchard's boundaries, and potential trade deals. Kael chimed in occasionally, but mostly he listened, heart brimming with quiet satisfaction. So long as I remain watchful, no harm will come to these people.
Night's Reflection
Well after the feast ended, Kael lingered alone beneath an ancient apple tree. Fireflies blinked, dancing amid the orchard. He closed his eyes, feeling the gentle swirl of synergy within his veins—a swirl that no one else suspected. Level 10 at age six… If only they understood how far I can go.
And yet, he thought of Aerion, his past self, who had soared even higher—only to fail in saving dear ones from the final demon onslaught. This time, he vowed, he would not be complacent. I'll keep forging, keep learning, keep pushing my synergy. By the time I reach the Academy, I'll be ready to seize any opportunity.
A faint breeze shook the tree's branches, sending petals drifting around him. He opened his eyes to see the orchard in a hush of moonlit splendor. For a moment, Kael felt wholly at peace—a child secure in his father's domain, yet harboring the soul and ambition of a reborn magus.
He rose, heading back to the barn. Tomorrow, there'd be more forging, more covert synergy practice. Another day of cunning illusions to hide the impossible fact of his early Awakening. Another day forging a path that would eventually lead him beyond this orchard, to a world full of greater challenges—and revelations.
He pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the hum of his Red Core. No one suspects. Not yet. A slight smile curled his lips. And that is precisely how I want it.
Status Window
Name: Kael Ashborne
Age: 6 (Nearing 7)
Talent: SSS (Hidden)
Core Grade: Red (Awakened in secret)
Level: 10
EXP: 0 / 1600
Attributes
Strength: 17
Agility: 6
Constitution: 18 (+2 from free points)
Intelligence: 34 (+1 from free points)
Spirit: 45 (+2 from free points)
Free Attribute Points: 0
Trait: Sage's Insight (Passive – fosters advanced comprehension of spells, runes, forging)
Synergy Channeling
Earth Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)Fire Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Water Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Air Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Light Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)
Skills
Earthen Snare (Intermediate, Lv.1)Ember Bolt (Intermediate, Lv.1)Stone Shield (Basic, Lv.5)Windflare Alarm (Basic, Lv.2)Warmth Ward (Basic, Lv.1)