The orchard greeted dawn with placid calm—but Kael doubted the peace would linger. Standing near the barn door, he inhaled the crisp morning air, scanning rows of apple trees that glimmered under the pale sun. Workers moved about in a routine hustle: hauling baskets, repairing fences, and tidying fallen leaves. On the surface, everything seemed normal.

Yet the memory of the robed stranger from a few nights earlier refused to leave Kael's mind. They're still out there, he told himself, rubbing the faint ache in his arms from forging until late. And if we don't prepare, the orchard will remain a target.

Heaving a sigh, he moved briskly across the courtyard, forging disc hidden under his shirt. I need to refine that detection disc. And also figure out if these illusions can be made stronger. He nodded politely to Torik, who was hefting a barrel onto a cart, then slipped into the barn to continue his quiet work.

A Forge Rekindled

Inside, the low embers from last night still glowed in the stone forge. Kael fanned them gently, adding bits of charcoal until the fire crackled to life, heat washing over him. He grabbed a hunk of scrap iron and set it atop the anvil. Pushing a slender thread of Fire synergy, he kindled a hotter flame to help melt surface impurities.

I need something more conductive, he thought, recalling the difficulty of layering illusions with mild electrical shocks. But we don't have advanced metals here. The orchard's store was limited to basic iron, small amounts of copper, and a few leftover scraps from forging tools. The orchard didn't trade in rare alloys; that was more the domain of specialized blacksmiths in nearby towns.

Nevertheless, Kael hammered away. If he could shape runic channels more precisely, perhaps less-conductive iron would suffice. The synergy channels in the disc were the key. If I can just keep illusions stable while adding a small discharge effect…

His focus deepened with each hammer strike. Minuscule pulses of Earth synergy flowed from his core into the metal, binding runes that would anchor illusions. As sweat beaded on his brow, the forging barn echoed with rhythmic clangs that melded with his measured breathing.

Interrupted by Rowan

After nearly an hour, he sensed someone approaching behind him. Kael set the hammer aside and turned. Rowan, orchard caretaker and second-in-command to Joren, stepped in, hands on his hips.

"You're working early," Rowan observed, gaze flicking from the half-formed disc to the glowing forge. "Your father's not around—did he leave you with these tasks?"

Kael shrugged. "I—I just thought I'd help, in case we need any new plates or wards."

Rowan nodded, though suspicion briefly crossed his eyes. "You're… talented, Kael. But watch your energy. We can't have you collapsing from overwork, lad."

"I'll be fine," Kael said, forcing a smile. "Thanks for checking on me."

Rowan patted his shoulder and left. Kael exhaled, remembering how his father had once cautioned him not to appear too dedicated to advanced forging. I must keep a low profile, he reminded himself.

Testing New Plates

By midday, Kael had shaped two new synergy plates. They were smaller, but their runic lines were etched with greater precision. Tucking them under his tunic, he ventured outside, seeking a corner of the orchard fence rarely frequented—perhaps behind the southwestern orchard row, where some older wards needed reinforcement.

He hurried along the tree-lined path, the scent of warm apples drifting in the breeze. Once he reached a post that showed minor cracks, he pried off the old, half-rusted plate. Placing his newly forged plate there, he pressed a thread of synergy into it.

The runes flickered uncertainly, stabilizing after a few moments. A faint shimmer of illusion washed over the fence post. Then, as planned, a mild static crackle arced around the runic grooves. Kael's eyes gleamed. It's working. If someone tried fiddling with this plate, they might receive a small jolt, hopefully enough to deter sabotage.

Before he could fully verify the effect, a soft thump in the undergrowth made him freeze. He peered through the foliage—a boar? Another awakened beast?

Instead, a slim silhouette emerged: a traveling donkey cart, wheels rattling. The donkey brayed softly, and the cart's driver—a stooped older man in threadbare robes—pulled the reins gently.

Kael instantly recognized him. Gethran. The supposed runic scholar who once gave Kael a snippet of advanced synergy script. Kael's pulse quickened. Why is he back here?

An Unexpected Return

Gethran spotted Kael at the fence and waved amiably, guiding the donkey closer. "Hail, young blacksmith's whelp," he greeted, voice low and calm. "You're tinkering with wards?"

Kael managed a polite nod, forcing calm. "Just repairs," he lied, stepping away from the fence post to hide the fresh synergy lines. "What brings you back?"

Gethran hopped off the cart, leaning on a crooked staff. "My research leads me through these orchards again. Thought I'd see if your orchard's issues had subsided. Rumors swirl of sabotage, forced awakenings, even illusions near the fences. Interesting times, no?"

Kael kept his expression neutral. "We've had… less trouble. Still staying vigilant."

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A faint smile crossed Gethran's weathered face. "Good. If you'll allow, I'd like to speak with Rowan or your father. Perhaps offer more advanced protective runes. I suspect the orchard hasn't seen the last of these… meddling forces."

Kael's instincts screamed caution. Is he ally or foe? The cloth fragment with puppet runes still weighed heavily on Kael's mind. "I'll let Rowan know you've arrived," he said noncommittally.

Gethran inclined his head, then flicked a curious glance at the plate on the fence post. "Neatly etched runes. You show promise, lad."

Before Kael could reply, the old man strode away, donkey in tow. Kael sighed inwardly. I can't trust him blindly. But maybe gleaning knowledge from him wouldn't hurt—if I stay cautious.

A Flicker of Light Synergy

Afternoon light spilled through orchard rows as Kael returned to the barn, mind swirling with thoughts of Gethran. He either wants to help or gather intel for something. Meanwhile, the orchard staff busied themselves with daily tasks, unaware of potential intrigues.

Kael decided to test illusions deeper. With the detection disc in hand, he moved to the barn's quieter corner and set it on a makeshift wooden stand. He closed his eyes, drawing on a faint current of Light synergy—the trickiest for him to wield so far, though it was essential for illusions.

Focusing on the runes he'd inscribed around the disc's rim, he tried weaving illusions of flickering shapes across the metal surface. Wisps of milky light coalesced into hazy silhouettes. His control wavered at first, then steadied.

Careful…

After several attempts, the illusions stabilized into a shifting pattern of faint, ghostly images. A wave of elation coursed through him. Light synergy threads answered his call more readily than before—less flicker, more fluid.

Without warning, a sharp tingle coursed through his core, and a subtle pop sounded in his ears, like a barrier giving way.

[Notification: Your persistent practice of Light synergy has yielded progress! Light Channeling has advanced from Basic Lv.9 to Intermediate Lv.1.]

Kael's eyes flew open, heart pounding. I actually advanced Light synergy. This was a significant leap; illusions and healing aspects of Light synergy often required deeper understanding. Now I can weave illusions with greater stability—and maybe integrate them more easily with other synergy elements.

He forced down the rising excitement, reminding himself not to celebrate aloud. This orchard is full of watchful eyes. Keep it hidden, keep it safe.

Whispered Exchanges

Late in the day, Kael found Rowan and Gethran in quiet conversation near the orchard gate. Rowan looked wary, arms crossed. Gethran's tone was polite, but his posture radiated confidence.

"…my runic knowledge is modest," Gethran said with a grin. "But I might assist you in reinforcing perimeter wards. At minimal cost."

Rowan eyed him. "We manage. But we've had repeated sabotage. If you can truly help identify any infiltration, we'd be grateful. We can't pay much, though."

Gethran spread his hands. "Understanding the orchard's puzzle is reward enough. I only ask to be allowed to study any remnants of sabotage runes you find."

Kael tensed. He wants the orchard's sabotage runes? Why? Before he could slip away, Gethran's gaze caught him. "Ah, Kael. Rowan was saying you've done plenty to help—maybe you'd like to join us if we search the orchard's perimeter this evening?"

Kael forced a hesitant nod, eyes flicking to Rowan. The caretaker shrugged. "You know this orchard well, Kael. Guide Gethran around. But don't go far from sight. We still have responsibilities."

"Understood." Kael's stomach fluttered. An opportunity to see Gethran's method… but I must remain cautious.

Evening Revelations

That evening, as the sky bled into sunset hues, Kael led Gethran along the orchard's southwestern fence line. They passed the synergy plate Kael had replaced earlier, which Gethran admired but did not touch. "Hm. Subtle illusions. You do good work for someone so young."

Kael cleared his throat. "I'm still learning." No need to reveal how advanced I truly am.

They continued until Kael halted near a patch of ground still holding faint runic traces from a previous sabotage attempt. Kneeling, Gethran lightly traced the symbols with a gloved finger. His brow furrowed.

"This script is… forcibly awakening beasts, you say? Or controlling them?"

Kael nodded warily. "Yes. We suspect so."

Gethran exhaled. "I see layered puppet runes. Crude but dangerous. Likely left incomplete. If the saboteur had finished this, awakened beasts might've launched a renewed attack on orchard workers." He paused, glancing at Kael. "You found scraps of it earlier, I presume."

Kael's pulse quickened. He never told Gethran about the cloth scrap. But perhaps the old man deduced as much. "Yes," Kael lied, choosing words carefully. "We found partial runes in the dirt."

Gethran rose, eyes glinting in the dying light. "Whoever's behind this is persistent—this orchard has real significance to them. Possibly a test site. If you want my aid, I can set up a detection array that resonates with puppet runes, though it's… advanced."

Kael hesitated. A part of him worried Gethran might exploit orchard secrets. Another part recognized the orchard's vulnerability. And I can learn from him. "Rowan might agree," Kael said slowly. "We'll see what he decides. But thanks."

Gethran nodded. "Of course. Careful, Kael. Forces that tamper with awakenings seldom show mercy. You have potential—don't let it be twisted."

With that, Gethran turned, heading back toward the orchard's gate. The hush of night closed around them, the orchard's rows gleaming under faint moonlight.

A Private Resolution

Alone now, Kael lingered by the fence. The quiet orchard only amplified his racing thoughts. Gethran's words confirmed what Kael suspected: someone was systematically planting puppet runes. They'll strike again unless we root them out.

He looked down at his detection disc, hidden in a pouch at his waist. I'll refine it further, maybe combine it with the illusions or Gethran's approach. If he does set up an array, I can watch how he forms it—and adapt the knowledge for my forging.

He clenched his fists, that familiar determination rising. I won't let this orchard become a puppet-lab for criminals. Not while I can stand guard.

At that moment, a breeze swept through the trees, carrying the faint rustle of leaves like a whispered promise. The orchard might be threatened by cunning saboteurs, but it also sheltered Kael's quiet growth—a place where he could hone illusions, synergy forging, and cunning, away from the prying eyes of a larger world.

Status Window

Name: Kael Ashborne

Age: 6 (Nearing 7)

Talent: SSS (Hidden)

Core Grade: Red (Awakened in secret)

Level: 10

EXP: 520 / 1600

Attributes:

Strength: 20 Agility: 6 Constitution: 19 Intelligence: 34 Spirit: 45

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)Light Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)Air Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)Water Channeling (Basic, Lv.9)(Light synergy advanced from Basic to Intermediate.)

Night deepened, stars glimmering overhead. Kael's eyes shone with resolve—he would protect this orchard, while nurturing his hidden talents. Sooner or later, the saboteur would return, and Kael intended to greet them with illusions, synergy, and a cunning second life's vigilance. He might be a child in body, but his unwavering spirit and knowledge burned bright—an ember ready to blaze forth when the time was right.