As night fell, the Vallis household was alive with warmth and activity. After a hearty dinner shared with Adrian, the family gathered in the sitting room. The flickering light of the fireplace cast dancing shadows on the walls as they shared stories and laughter.
Adrian sat in a grand armchair, with Liam perched on a stool at his feet. Amara was curled up in Mara’s lap, her eyelids drooping as the day’s excitement took its toll. Lilia and Elric were seated nearby, their curiosity piqued as Adrian prepared to reveal what he had been hinting at all day.
“I’ve seen many things in my life,” Adrian began, his voice deep and rich, “but nothing compares to what this boy—” he gestured to Liam, “—is capable of.”
Liam’s cheeks flushed, but he sat up straighter, eager to hear his grandfather’s thoughts.
“I’ve been alive for over a century,” Adrian continued, “and in that time, I’ve studied magic from every corner of this empire and beyond. Yet, the potential I see in Liam surpasses anything I’ve encountered.” He looked directly at his grandson, his piercing blue eyes filled with pride. “You’re not just talented, Liam. You’re boundless.”
Elric raised an eyebrow. “Boundless?”
Adrian nodded. “Liam possesses an affinity for all elements of magic—a rarity in this world. Most are lucky to master one, perhaps two if they’re exceptionally gifted. But Liam…” He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. “Liam has the potential to master them all.”
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A hush fell over the room as everyone absorbed this revelation. Lilia broke the silence, her voice tinged with awe. “That’s unheard of.”
“It’s also why I’ve come,” Adrian said. “This boy’s future is far too bright to be confined to a small village. He needs proper training, resources, and mentors.”
Liam hesitated, torn between excitement and apprehension. “But I like it here,” he said quietly. “I have my family, my sister, and my plans to help the village.”
Adrian smiled, leaning forward to ruffle Liam’s hair. “And you will, my boy. This world is vast, and to change it, you must first understand it. That’s why I’m here—to guide you.”
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small crystal orb, its surface shimmering with ethereal light. “This is for you. It’s an archive of my own discoveries—spells, theories, and even ideas inspired by Earth.”
Liam’s eyes widened as he accepted the orb. It pulsed faintly in his hands, as if alive. “Thank you, Grandfather.”
Adrian chuckled. “Don’t thank me yet. Your training starts tomorrow.”
As the night wore on, Adrian shared tales of his adventures, weaving together stories of magic, battles, and even his seven wives, each a legend in her own right. Their titles—Sword Saint, Saintess of Healing, Enchantress of the West, and others—were spoken with reverence, and Liam couldn’t help but be amazed.
“You’ll meet them soon,” Adrian said, his gaze distant. “They’re eager to see the boy who carries our legacy.”
When the family finally retired for the night, Liam lay awake, the crystal orb clutched in his hands. Dreams of magic, discovery, and a brighter future swirled in his mind. For the first time, he felt the weight of his potential—and the promise of the journey ahead.