A peaceful hush draped itself over the orchard for a handful of days following Kael's battle with the awakened boar. Yet anyone paying attention could sense the tension coiling in the air. Workers kept one ear constantly attuned for any new disturbance—be it a stray beast's growl at dusk or a whisper of suspicious footsteps by the fence. If once the orchard was a haven of ordinary farm tasks, it now braced itself for the next wave of trouble.
Kael spent his daylight hours, as always, rotating between orchard chores and hidden synergy-forging pursuits in the barn. Though only six going on seven years of age, his focused demeanor often made him seem older. His father, Joren, encouraged him to rest more, but Kael was driven by a deep internal push. Every hour not spent growing stronger feels wasted, he reminded himself.
He found it increasingly easy to slip away undetected. The orchard staff had new duties—reinforcing fences, patrolling perimeter watch routes, and repairing small sabotage marks discovered along the southwestern boundary. This allowed Kael to vanish into the barn or retreat behind distant orchard rows with minimal notice. He used each opportunity for synergy training, small forging experiments, or refining runes.
Quiet Forge, Steadfast Determination
Late one afternoon, Kael carefully re-lit the barn forge, feeding it slivers of dry wood and bits of charcoaled branches. The gentle roar of flames brought a sense of calm. Already, the orchard's prior chaos—fighting the awakened boar, forging the first gold-infused synergy plate—felt like a half-remembered dream. But the heat of the forge reminded him how much work remained.
I need new synergy plates for the northern fence line, he thought, surveying a messy stack of half-forged iron. One or two gilded plates alone won't protect the orchard if a more coordinated attack comes.
He set a short chunk of iron on the anvil. With short, deliberate motions, he hammered away. Unlike most smiths who pounded with raw muscle, Kael wove faint pulses of Earth and Fire synergy into each strike, an advanced technique gleaned from a battered forging manual. The synergy streams in his body resonated, and he guided them carefully so as not to reveal too much if anyone peeked in.
Clank—clank—clank. The rhythmic sound offered him an almost meditative focus. Each time the hammer struck, he concentrated on channeling a measured synergy thread, binding the iron more tightly. This will be a simpler synergy plate—no gold this time, but enough runic reinforcement to strengthen orchard wards.
His gaze flicked to the small stash of gold scraps. He had so little left that forging another "full" gilded plate right now was impossible. I'll reserve those gold flecks for something crucial—like a gate plate or a corner post.
A sheen of sweat beaded on his forehead, but he kept forging. Minutes slipped into hours. Only when his arms trembled with effort did he finally quench the half-formed plate in a bucket of water. Steam erupted with a sharp hiss, swirling around him.
Kael exhaled, shoulders burning with fatigue. This forging definitely challenges my synergy reserves. Yet the sense of incremental improvement fueled him.
A Subtle Gain
Once the new plate cooled, Kael tested it by channeling a faint ripple of Earth synergy. Runes he'd etched along the edges flared with a soft glow—less potent than the gold-infused version, but still respectable.
His pulse throbbed with satisfaction. Laying the plate aside, he felt an odd, gentle warmth in his core. He recognized it as the subtle feeling that accompanied synergy refinement. Am I close to advancing Earth synergy again?
He closed his eyes, inhaling slowly. The swirl of earthen mana inside him felt a touch denser—like he had chipped away a tiny barrier within. But it didn't quite cross a threshold. Progress is progress. I have to remain patient.
No immediate status prompt appeared. Kael nodded to himself. Sometimes improvements occur without big fanfare—only when something more decisive happens do I get a clear notification.
An Evening Assembly
That same evening, Rowan called the orchard hands together in the courtyard for a brief meeting. Joren and Kael stood off to one side, watching. Lanterns flickered, and the gathering hush signaled that everyone felt the orchard's precarious balance.
Rowan cleared his throat. "No new attacks in the past few days. That's good. But let's not get complacent. We found more footprints last night—likely from the same saboteur group or someone testing our defenses. We need to maintain our patrols."
Several orchard workers murmured agreement. Torik, the orchard's stocky laborer, spoke up. "Any sign they're teaming up with awakened beasts again?"
Rowan shook his head. "Not definitively. But we have to assume they might attempt it. So, keep your eyes sharp. If you spot anything unusual—shadows, unfamiliar faces—alert the rest."
Kael listened quietly, arms folded. They still have no clue why these intruders want to sabotage the orchard. Are they after produce? Tools? Or are they simply using the orchard as a test site for forcibly awakening beasts?
He grimaced slightly. I have to keep forging synergy wards. Let them try to sabotage us again—they'll find the orchard a harder target.
A Late-Night Visitor
Well after sunset, Kael found himself prowling along the orchard's southern fence line, cautious yet curious. He wanted to sense if any runic interference or sabotage lingered. He tapped a small synergy channel—Air—to sharpen his hearing. The breeze carried the faint creaking of tree branches and the distant rustle of leaves.
He detected nothing suspicious until a silhouette appeared near the orchard's entrance—a taller figure on horseback, quietly dismounting. Reflexively, Kael crouched behind a stack of crates. Bandit? he wondered, heart thudding.
But the figure called out softly, "Hullo? Joren? Rowan? Anyone awake?"
The voice was vaguely familiar. Squinting through the darkness, Kael recognized the shape of a short sword strapped to the person's back, and a certain tilt to the shoulders reminiscent of family traits. Then it clicked: Kallen—my cousin from the neighboring village.
Months ago, Kael's father had mentioned writing letters to his brother in the next region to share orchard news. Evidently, word about the sabotage had traveled quickly; now Kallen had come to visit his uncle and ensure their safety. Kael's relief spread through him. He must've come earlier than expected.
He slipped out from behind the crates. "Kallen?" he called softly.
The figure's posture tensed at Kael's sudden appearance but then relaxed. "Kael, that you? You nearly gave me a heart attack sneaking around like that." Kallen's voice was calm yet concerned.
Kael chuckled softly, stepping under a lantern's glow. "You came late. The orchard's on alert. We've had… troubles."
Kallen's expression turned grim. "My father—your Uncle Benton—told me about sabotage and awakened beasts here. I set off right away to see if Uncle Joren needed help. Are you all right?"
Kael nodded. "I'm fine. Let's find my father—he'll be glad you're here."
Sparring Under Moonlight
Word of Kallen's arrival spread quickly. After orchard staff greeted him with hearty pats on the back and a few concerned questions, Joren insisted he get some rest. But Kallen—who was nearly fourteen, with a hint of youthful eagerness—expressed an immediate desire to test his sword arm, especially given talk of awakened threats.
So an impromptu sparring session was arranged behind the barn, under flickering torchlight. Rowan stood watch, curious to see how Joren's nephew handled himself.
"Come on, Kael," Kallen said with a grin, tossing him a wooden practice sword. "Show me what you've learned these past months. I heard you've been tinkering with forging, but do you still remember footwork?"
Kael feigned a sheepish smile. I must not show too much. Yet a part of him craved a chance to measure how his synergy training translated into swordplay.
They took stances. Kallen held his wooden sword with easy confidence—he'd traveled a bit more widely than Kael, helping in caravans or small local patrols. Kael approached with caution—he was physically smaller, after all—but inside, he layered a tiny thread of Earth synergy to stabilize his balance.
Kallen lunged lightly, testing Kael's reaction. Kael sidestepped, redirecting the blow, letting synergy bolster his footwork.
"Not bad," Kallen commented. "You're quick for a half-pint."
Kael smirked. "You're heavier on your lead foot than before." He parried an overhead strike, then flicked in a controlled counter that Kallen barely deflected.
Rowan's eyebrows rose. The kid's footwork is surprisingly crisp…
They exchanged a few more gentle blows. Kael kept his synergy use minimal, just enough to keep pace without overshadowing his older cousin. Still, Kallen's grin turned more impressed by the minute.
After several rotations, Kael made a swift feint, aiming low at Kallen's knee. Kallen hastily blocked, though it threw him off balance. Kael could have pressed the advantage, but he stepped back, letting Kallen recover.
Kallen let out a short laugh. "Cheeky." They continued for a few more passes before Kallen lowered his sword, breathing a bit heavier. "You've improved a lot, cousin. I didn't expect you'd been practicing this diligently."
Kael shrugged, feigning innocence. "I guess I picked things up from the orchard hands—and from forging, maybe."
In truth, synergy conditioning had refined his reflexes more than normal training ever could. But revealing that too blatantly would raise eyebrows.
Kallen clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, I see why Uncle Joren's proud. You've done well. Let's do more tomorrow with real gear."
Nightfall Tensions
As the orchard quieted for the night, Kael found it impossible to sleep. His body still hummed from the spar, synergy swirling in a pleasant afterglow. I might incorporate advanced synergy maneuvers if I ever face a real foe with a sword.
He eventually slipped out into the orchard's center again, wanting to practice a few solo drills. Lifting a light wooden staff from the barn, he retreated to a clearing beneath the moonlight.
First, he performed a series of fluid staff sweeps, each movement timed with shallow synergy pulses. Flickers of Earthsynergy rooted his stance, while a hint of Air synergy helped accelerate his overhead arcs. He practiced combos:
Low sweep – shift synergy to Earth for balanceHigh overhead – an infusion of Air to speed the strikePivot strike – micro Fire synergy for explosive power
At the end of each combo, he paused, controlling his breathing. A bit sloppy on the second overhead, he noted, correcting his posture.
A Sudden Disturbance
He was mid-sequence when a rustle by the orchard fence made him freeze. The hair on his neck prickled. Could it be Rowan? Or another orchard guard?
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
He carefully stilled, letting his synergy senses tune in. Through the darkness, he sensed movement—low to the ground, definitely not a human shape. Something with elongated limbs or a snout perhaps, slinking between orchard rows.
Kael's heart quickened. Another awakened beast?
He moved quietly, staff in hand, approaching the perimeter. The moonlight revealed a canine-like creature—a large, mottled hound sniffing the air. A faint, unnatural glow around its eyes suggested partial awakening. The orchard had wards, but perhaps it found a gap or a weaker fence section.
The creature noticed him and let out a guttural growl. Its hackles rose, drool glimmering with a faint swirl of mana.
Kael glanced around, scanning for orchard guards. No one was in immediate sight. I have to handle this quickly before it hurts someone—or calls out to others.
Gripping his staff, Kael stepped forward. Stay calm.
A Swift Encounter
The awakened hound lunged with startling speed. Kael pivoted, letting Earth synergy stabilize his stance. The hound's jaws snapped at empty air as he twisted aside. It's fast, but not as large as the boar.
He brought the staff down in a controlled overhead strike, channeling a fraction of Fire synergy. The staff smacked the hound's flank, eliciting a yelp. Sparks flickered.
Snarling, the hound whirled back, eyes blazing with feral mana. Kael exhaled, pressing the advantage. He feinted left, then thrust the staff at its shoulder. A minimal shock of synergy flared.
Crack. The hound stumbled, letting out a strangled whine.
It tried to retreat, likely realizing it faced more than a feeble child. But Kael refused to let it escape. Another staff strike whacked its hind leg, knocking it to the ground. The beast whimpered, rolling over, clearly subdued.
At that moment, faint footsteps sounded—likely orchard men on patrol who heard the commotion. Kael forced a quick decision: Do I finish it or tie it up?
Given how the orchard had handled the boar (tying it up, uncertain what to do), Kael opted for a swift end. If this beast had truly been forcibly awakened, letting it remain alive was too risky. With one final blow to its head—less synergy this time—he ended its life.
The orchard men arrived seconds later: Torik, Baret, and another worker. They froze at the scene: Kael standing over a limp hound, staff in hand.
"Kael! Are you—?" Baret exclaimed, wide-eyed.
Kael, panting slightly, nodded. "I'm fine. It tried to slip in. I… I just defended myself."
Torik gaped. "You… alone? Gods, boy, you took it down yourself?"
Kael lowered his staff, adopting a shaken expression. "It wasn't too big. I managed somehow."
The orchard men traded glances, half astonished, half impressed.
Reward in the Shadows
[Notification: You delivered the final blow to subdue (kill) an Awakened Hound (Minor Tier). EXP gained: 80.]
Kael's heartbeat quickened at the silent prompt. Eighty more experience… that'll push me to 360 total. Still a ways from leveling.
He pressed his lips together, feigning ignorance while the orchard men marveled at the beast's body. "We need to check if there are more," he said, pivoting to scan the orchard.
Baret and Torik nodded. "We'll warn Rowan. Good job, lad… You keep surprising us."
Kael mustered a nervous laugh. "I—I guess."
Inside, he was calmer than he let on. Another awakened beast infiltration, swiftly handled. At least I was the main contributor, so no conflict about who gets credit. He remembered how the system only bestowed attribute points if he leveled up after being the major contributor to enough beasts. Right now, he was far from the next level threshold, so no attribute gain would manifest. I'll keep working.
News Spreads; Whispers Rise
Word of the slain awakened hound rippled through the orchard by dawn. Rowan offered Kael a measured nod of respect, though with a hint of puzzlement. Joren—torn between pride and worry—scolded Kael for risking his life. Meanwhile, Kallen just shook his head, impressed. "You're growing up too fast, cousin."
But Kael noticed an undercurrent of whispers among the orchard staff: How does a six-year-old repeatedly fend off awakened beasts? Some chalked it up to luck, others to "that blacksmith's forging skill," but doubt lingered.
To avoid suspicion, Kael acted more timid whenever questioned—claiming the hound was smaller than the boar, or that he'd used the staff as a fluke. People seemed to accept it, but Kael couldn't shake the sense that curiosity about him was building.
The Brookside Glade
Two days later, life in the orchard had almost returned to routine again—save for the added night patrols and rumors swirling. Kael found that forging synergy plates nonstop was draining his mental reserves, so he decided on a small venture beyond orchard bounds.
He remembered a Brookside Glade about a half-mile from the orchard—an overgrown clearing near a shallow creek. In the past, he'd practiced basic mana sensing there as a toddler. If I go there, I can train in quiet, maybe gather herbs for forging experiments.
After finishing midday orchard chores, Kael slipped away, staff in hand, telling his father he wanted to gather wood or check for interesting materials. Joren, busy at the smithy, simply waved him off with an admonition to be safe.
Serene Yet Watchful
The glade was as peaceful as Kael recalled—tall grasses swaying around a gentle stream, sunlight dancing on trickling water. Birds chirped overhead, and dragonflies zipped among reeds. He found a flat rock near the water's edge and sat down, letting the hum of nature fill him with calm.
Here, he began slow-breathing exercises, focusing on synergy channels:
Earth – draw stability from the ground underfoot.Fire – feel the subtle warmth from the sun, harnessing it in short bursts.Air – the breeze blowing across the glade, swirling about his arms.Water – the babbling creek, its fluid mana signatures faint but present.
Though still limited to Basic or Intermediate levels in some channels, he could sense each element more vividly with every practice. This environment is perfect for fine-tuning sensitivity.
He practiced gentle illusions of water motes, forming small swirling droplets above his palms. Then he exhaled and let them drip back into the stream.
A Prickling Sensation
Midway through these quiet exercises, Kael's senses flared. Something—or someone—was nearby. He stilled, letting the water droplets collapse. Carefully, he crouched behind a large rock, scanning the tree line.
A figure stepped into view: a middle-aged man robed in worn travel gear, leaning on a staff. He paused at the edge of the glade, glancing around, then spotted Kael.
"Ah," the stranger said mildly. "Didn't expect to see anyone out here. Apologies if I startled you."
Kael took in the stranger's attire—a mage-like cloak, silver runic patterns embroidered at the cuffs. Could he be a traveling scholar or a local mage? The orchard's typical visitors rarely wore such runic designs.
Kael tried to appear casual. "It's all right. I'm just… gathering herbs."
The man's gaze flicked to Kael's staff, then to the faint water droplets on his fingers. "You have some mana skill, child. Interesting."
An uneasy feeling squirmed in Kael's gut. He noticed? I need to be cautious. Aloud, he forced a small smile. "A little. I'm not an awakened mage, though." That was the typical lie—nobody expects an Awakening before age nine or ten.
The man offered a polite nod, though the glint in his eyes suggested curiosity. "Is this region known for awakened beasts? I encountered claw marks along the path. Perhaps you know if it's safe to travel?"
Kael's mind raced. Could he truly be just a traveler, or is he investigating the orchard's issues? He decided to remain vague. "We've had some problems with awakened animals, yes. Might be safer to stick to main roads."
"Thank you for the warning." The man's lips quirked into a small smile. "I'm Gethran, a scholar of runic scripts. I roam these parts, studying old sites. And you are…?"
Kael hesitated. "Kael." He left out his surname.
Gethran nodded. "Well, Kael, keep your wits about you. Young or not, if you dabble in synergy, you should practice caution. Strange events brew across Aurelia."
He turned as if to leave, then paused, rummaging in his pouch. Drawing out a battered piece of parchment, he held it out. "Here, something for your forging or synergy journeys. Just a snippet of runic theory I found in a ruin. Perhaps you'll find it interesting if you truly study runes."
Kael accepted the parchment, perplexed. Why offer a stranger a runic snippet? But Gethran simply nodded, then meandered away.
Once alone, Kael carefully unrolled the parchment. It contained part of a schematic for an advanced synergy circuit blending Earth and Light elements in a defensive barrier. Half of it was missing, but the detail was intricate. Fascinating…
He bit his lip. Could Gethran be an innocent scholar? Or was this some test by a Veiled Magi or another hidden faction? Regardless, this is valuable knowledge.
Return to the Orchard
Kael pocketed the parchment. Then, collecting a handful of common herbs to mask his real reason for leaving, he returned to the orchard by sunset. Rowan spotted him coming in. "Where'd you go, lad?"
Kael held up the herbs. "Just searching for these by the creek. Thought maybe they'd help with forging or—um—healing salves."
Rowan, obviously busier with orchard matters, simply nodded. "Just be wary. We can't risk losing you in these dangerous times."
The orchard's atmosphere remained tense, but no fresh attacks had occurred that day. Even so, Kael felt that the orchard was like a wound that refused to fully heal. We stave off each threat, but the root cause remains unknown.
That night, over a simple dinner with his father and Kallen, Kael listened as his cousin recounted the news from the neighboring village: rumors of unusual beast sightings or sudden thefts of livestock in other communities, too.
"Seems like the entire region is on edge," Kallen concluded, sipping his mug. "No clear leads on who orchestrates these awakenings, but a few travelers suspect some clandestine group is testing manipulations."
Joren grunted. "This orchard could be their next test bed. So we remain vigilant."
Kael poked at his food, mind drifting to Gethran's runic parchment. I'll study it later, maybe glean more advanced synergy forging methods.
Late-Night Studies
When night settled, Kael retreated to his small corner in the barn loft, lighting a single candle. Carefully, he unrolled the parchment Gethran had given him. The lines depicted a layered synergy formation that merged Earth's protective properties with Light's purifying aspect. Part of it was incomplete, but he could guess how certain runes aligned from his forging manual.
He traced the runes with a fingertip, mentally superimposing them onto an iron plate scenario. The idea was to create a synergy array that not only physically blocked intruders but also cleansed or dispelled minor curses. If I can replicate even half of this concept, the orchard's wards might repel sabotage or illusions.
Quiet excitement flickered in him. I'll adapt the forging next time, incorporate a partial Light synergy array on top of Earth synergy. Even if incomplete, it might yield a new ward effect.
He rubbed fatigue from his eyes. One day soon, I'll run out of forging resources. But for now, I must keep trying.
Subtle Attribute Gains
Over the next few days, Kael applied pieces of Gethran's schematic to small iron scraps. He hammered partial runic lines, weaving Earth synergy. Then, using only faint knowledge of Light channeling at Basic level, he attempted to embed a purifying arc. Each attempt felt draining yet rewarding.
His arms, already toned from forging, strained under repetitive hammer strikes. The synergy threads burned in his muscles. He welcomed the fatigue. A training freak… if I can inch forward, I'll do it.
Slowly, he sensed mild physical improvements. Late one evening, after finishing a forging session, Kael felt an unusual ache in his biceps. Yet beneath the ache was a subtle empowerment—like his muscles had adapted again to the forging intensity.
[Notification: Through rigorous forging practice and synergy exertion, Strength has increased (+1).]
Kael paused, heart fluttering. An attribute gain from sustained effort. Indeed, as his Strength inched up, the forging hammer no longer felt quite as heavy.
He quickly checked his status in his mind:
Strength: 19 → 20
A wave of satisfaction coursed through him. Good. My body's catching up to my synergy demands.
Another Unseen Threat
That same night, after Kael banked the forge's coals, Rowan burst into the barn. "Kael! We need you—someone spotted a figure creeping near the main gate."
Kael stiffened. A saboteur? Again? He grabbed his runic hammer from the workbench. "I'll follow you."
Outside, orchard men with lanterns hustled around. Kallen, sword belted at his hip, stepped up to coordinate the search with Rowan. "Torik saw a cloak vanish behind the fence. We're checking the perimeter."
They spread out. Kael advanced along the orchard's western fence, every sense on high alert. Could it be the same shadowy saboteur from before?
Suddenly, a faint flicker of movement caught his eye near a row of barrels. Kael dashed over, synergy thrumming in his legs. But by the time he peered behind the barrels, all that remained was a cut rope lying on the ground—part of the orchard's supply line.
"Find anything?" Kallen called from a few yards away.
Kael shook his head. "Just this rope… severed." He picked it up. A sharp, clean slice, likely from a fine blade.
No footprints led further, as though whoever it was vanished into thin air. The orchard men spent another hour combing the area but uncovered no sign.
Determined Vigil
Near midnight, the orchard quieted again. The men posted extra guards, but the mysterious figure was gone. Kael lingered by the barn door, scanning the moonlit rows. They keep testing us—beasts, sabotage attempts, stealth infiltration.
Yet the orchard had grown stronger with each incident: synergy wards, watchful eyes, and a hidden synergy prodigy ready to defend it. Kael clenched his fists. I'll be ready next time.
He returned to the barn, forcing himself to sleep. Tomorrow, he'd push forging to new heights or attempt combining Earth and Light synergy in a larger plate. He'd hone his staff techniques with Kallen. He'd keep raising his synergy channels day by day, unstoppable in his determination to safeguard this orchard—and to prepare for the greater challenges that lay beyond.
Status Window
Name: Kael Ashborne
Age: 6 (Nearing 7)
Talent: SSS (Hidden)
Core Grade: Red
Level: 10
EXP: 360 / 1600(+80 from subduing awakened hound. No level up yet.)
Attributes
Strength: 20 (+1 from intense forging sessions)
Agility: 6
Constitution: 19
Intelligence: 34
Spirit: 45(Incremental gains from hard work become rarer as attributes climb.)
Free Attribute Points: 0
Trait: Sage's Insight (Passive – fosters advanced comprehension of spells, runes, forging)
Synergy Channeling
Earth Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.2)Fire Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)Water Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Air Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Light Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)
Shadows still lurked at the orchard's edges, but Kael faced them with steady resolve. His arms bore the strength of newly hardened muscle; his synergy channels pulsed with budding power. Each passing day saw him inch closer to the formidable mage he had once been—and to a destiny that promised both greatness and grave danger. The orchard might be his current battlefield, but soon, the stage would expand, testing every skill and cunning trick he'd painstakingly honed in the quiet fields of his childhood home.