As the school holidays began, Kenneth and Joash found themselves getting along better, especially after working together on cases for their investigation club. On surface, tension between them had eased.

They returned to the Fireon estate together. Joash, ever composed, spoke up with a casual smile as they approached the entrance, “Now that we’re back at the estate, should I finally start calling you ‘Brother’?” The words were light, yet carried an undertone that Kenneth couldn't quite place.

Kenneth blinked, caught off guard by the comment. Oh, right. That misunderstanding about their connection still hadn’t been cleared up. “If… you’re comfortable with that,” Kenneth replied, unsure of how to navigate the situation.

Before Joash could respond, a voice interrupted them. “Kenneth!” Salem’s familiar voice rang out as he dashed toward Kenneth, jumping at him with excitement.

Fintan and Dr. Mir, standing at the entrance, greeted them both warmly. Joash moved forward to greet his mother. After embracing her son, Fintan turned to Kenneth, he eyes sharp with appraisal. “You’ve finally mastered the Ultimate Fire,” she remarked.

Kenneth nodded, though the weight of the responsibility still sat heavily in his chest.

Suddenly, Salem stepped forward, his voice carrying a surprising intensity. “Kenneth, I want to inherit a magic.”

Dr. Mir, who was standing nearby, added with a smile, “Salem has been an eager student, wanting to inherit magic to help further. He’s been waiting for your return to make his choice.”

Kenneth considered Salem’s words. He knew how serious this decision was, especially in this world. Salem had been a mortal, now an Elementless. Inheriting magic would mean transforming himself permanently. “Salem,” Kenneth began, his voice steady, “there’s no turning back once you inherit a magic. You’ll never be ‘mortal’ again. Have you thought about what that means?”

Salem, though usually lighthearted, had a serious look on his face. “I’ve thought about it. Ever since we got stuck in this world, I’ve watched how quickly you’ve adapted, Kenneth. You’ve progressed so fast, and I don’t want to be left behind. I want to be of use. That’s why I’ve made this decision.”

Kenneth smiled softly, seeing a braver and more determined Salem standing in front of him. He gently ruffled Salem’s hair, something he used to do when they were still in school. “I understand. It’s your choice, and I’ll support you.”

Joash grinned, nudging Salem. “Congrats! So, which magic are you going to inherit? Healing magic like Dr. Mir?”

Salem shook his head. “No, I want to inherit plant magic.”

Fintan nodded thoughtfully. “Then we’ll need to contact the Cassia family to arrange the inheritance ceremony.”

Dr. Mir, who had been quietly listening, interjected. “Fintan, why don’t I contact them? If the Head of the Fireon family personally requests the ceremony, it might cause more of a stir.”

In this world, the Ultimate Elements were bestowed upon certain chosen families by the first emperor, a legacy that was passed down either through bloodline or through the formal inheritance ceremony. The ceremony was an ancient practice overseen by the head of the family, a tradition that held great significance. For those Elementless or Wizards who had lost their magic, undergoing the inheritance ceremony was a way to receive their magic. However, it was a delicate process, as it involved families of high standing, each carefully safeguarding their inherited elements.

Dr. Mir’s concerns were understandable. As the mistress of the Fireon family, Fintan’s personal involvement in requesting an inheritance ceremony could be seen as a significant gesture—one that might ruffle some feathers. The families who guarded their magic were often wary of outsiders, even other high-ranking families like the Fireons. Requesting their element for an inheritance ceremony meant acknowledging their sovereignty over that magic.

But Fintan was resolute. “Salem is now an adopted member of the Fireon family,” she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. “It’s my responsibility to ensure his inheritance ceremony is properly arranged. I will not shy away from that duty, and besides…” She looked at Kenneth with purpose. “I want Kenneth to witness firsthand what an inheritance ceremony look like”

Kenneth’s heart tightened at the mention of his involvement. He had indeed mastered the Ultimate Fire. Yet the thought of passing that power to others, of leading a family one day, filled him with uncertainty. He knew the time would come when he’d have to transfer the magic to other members of the family—when he would officially become the Head of the Fireon family. But deep down, a question lingered in his mind.

Is this really the right step for me?

＊＊＊

Joash looked at Fintan with concern. “Mother, they rejected your request?”

Fintan fell into silence. She had reached out to the Cassia family, to arrange an inheritance ceremony for Salem. However, it seemed that they had distanced themselves from the Fireon family, possibly due to its declining reputation. However in the past, when Fireon was in its prime, the Cassia family had always been cautious, likely because fire and plant magic held an inherent tension—fire could easily destroy what plants created.

Kenneth clenched his fist, feeling a surge of frustration. The Fireon family, once respected, now faced rejection and hesitation from others.

“I’m sorry,” Salem whispered quietly.

Fintan gave a soft smile, though her voice was calm and reassuring. “No, it’s okay, Salem.”

＊＊＊＊

Kenneth found Salem sitting alone, staring at the clover in his hand, deep in thought. Kenneth sat beside him, and for a while, they just sat in silence, both of them lost in their own thoughts.

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Finally, Salem broke the silence. “Because of my selfish request, I put Aunt Fintan in an awkward situation.”

Kenneth shook his head. “You don’t have to worry about that.”

After a pause, Kenneth asked, “Why plant magic? There are other kinds of useful magic, like healing. Why not choose one of those?”

Salem looked down at the clover, his expression thoughtful. “While working with Dr. Mir, I learned that not all diseases can be treated with healing magic—at least not unless you’re a high-level wizard. I thought that with plant magic, I could create new herbs with unique properties, study their components, and maybe help cure illnesses that can’t be healed with magic alone.”

Kenneth blinked, surprised by the depth of Salem’s reasoning. It wasn’t just about power; Salem was thinking about how to help others in practical, meaningful ways.

A sudden idea flashed through Kenneth’s mind. Maybe there was another way to help Salem gain his magic, one that didn’t require the Cassia family’s approval. He stood up, a new sense of determination filling him. “Come with me,” Kenneth said, a spark of excitement in his voice. “I have an idea.”

＊＊＊

In the afternoon, Kenneth and Salem stood before the massive Tree of Life, its towering branches swaying gently in the breeze. Nero had given Kenneth permission to visit the tree from time to time, and even on holidays, he could access the academy grounds. Today, he felt a pull toward the tree—something urging him to bring Salem here.

“Wow, that’s a big tree,” Salem exclaimed, his eyes wide as he took in the sheer size and majesty of it. “But why are we here?”

“This is the Tree of Life, created by Aether Magic,” Kenneth explained, glancing up at the sprawling branches above. He could feel the ancient power pulsing faintly through the air, as if the tree itself was alive with energy. “I have this idea that maybe… just maybe, this tree can help you inherit magic.”

Salem looked confused, his brows furrowing. “How? Isn’t that kind of impossible?”

Kenneth understood his skepticism—it did sound far-fetched, even to him. But there was something inside him, a growing certainty, that this wasn’t just a wild guess. It felt… right. He couldn’t explain it, but ever since his encounter with the tree and the visions it had shown him, he had started to believe that the Tree of Life held more power than anyone realized.

“Well, nothing will be lost if we try,” Kenneth said with a sheepish laugh. “Besides, haven’t we seen stranger things here? This whole world feels like it’s straight out of a fantasy novel. Speaking of which, have you read The Wizard’s Magical Adventure?” He was referring to the novel they had talked about before their transportation—the very place they now found themselves living in.

Salem blinked in surprise, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I remember. That book… it’s kind of eerie how similar it feels to this world.”

Kenneth nodded, feeling more confident. "If the things from that novel can somehow reflect what’s happening here, maybe this tree could work like the inheritance ceremony in the story. It’s a long shot, but… with everything else we’ve seen, I have a good feeling this might actually work. Let’s recreate it.”

Kenneth felt a flutter of excitement in his chest. He was relieved no one else was around to witness what would likely seem like two kids playing make-believe under the giant Tree of Life. He glanced at Salem, who knelt down before the tree, his expression half-amused, half-curious. Kenneth himself knelt down beside him, and though he had never thought this would be real, a strange, unshakable confidence welled up inside him.

The tree had shown him something before—visions, memories from the past. It had responded to his magic, to his presence. Maybe… just maybe, it could do the same for Salem.

Since the tree couldn’t act on its own, Kenneth decided to act as the conduit, hoping to connect Salem with the tree’s ancient power. He placed his right hand gently on Salem’s head, feeling the warmth of his friend’s energy beneath his fingers, and then pressed his other hand against the tree’s rough trunk. As soon as his palm touched the bark, Kenneth felt a subtle but distinct pulse of energy flow through him, almost like the tree was waking up in response to their presence.

Kenneth closed his eyes, focusing his breathing, his thoughts centering on the tree. The energy pulsing beneath his hand grew stronger, more insistent, and his heart skipped a beat. The air around them seemed to hum with life, and he realized—this was no mere experiment. It was working. The magic was responding to him, to Salem.

A tingling sensation traveled up Kenneth’s arm, spreading warmth through his entire body. The connection between him, the tree, and Salem deepened, and suddenly, Kenneth felt certain—this wasn’t just a whim. It was as if the tree had been waiting for this moment, waiting for someone to ask for its power, to bring something new into the world.

“Salem,” Kenneth started. “You kneel before the Tree of Life. Today, you seek to inherit a power not only to benefit yourself, but to heal, grow, and create for the good of others.”

Salem clasped his hands together as if in prayer, looking nervous but hopeful.

“Hear us, Tree of Life,” Kenneth continued, his voice growing stronger. “Grant this successor the gift of Ultimate Plant, so that he may bring life where there is none, healing where there is hurt, and growth where it is needed.”

The glow surrounding Salem intensified, and Kenneth felt the magic of the tree rushing through him—warm, nurturing, ancient. It flowed from the tree into him, then from him into Salem, a seamless transfer of life-giving power. The energy pulsed in sync with his heartbeat, and Kenneth knew in that moment—they had succeeded.

The ceremony was no longer a simple reenactment. It was real.

Kenneth spoke the final words of the ceremony, his voice filled with the importance of the moment. “By the will of the Tree of Life, you are now one of the pillars of the kingdom. Rise, Salem, and use the magic that has been given to you.”

Salem stayed on his knees for a moment longer, as if trying to take in what had just happened. Slowly, he opened his eyes and stood, his hands glowing faintly. He looked at Kenneth, amazed by the new energy flowing through him.

“We did it?” Salem asked, his voice filled with wonder.

Kenneth nodded, though he felt tired from the effort of channeling the magic. “Try it,” he said, pointing to the ground. “Imagine a plant.”

Salem knelt again and placed his hands on the soil. He focused for a moment, and then, to Kenneth’s amazement, a small root broke through the dirt. Slowly, the rare and beautiful Rafflesia flower bloomed, its red petals spreading wide.

“I did it! I made it grow!” Salem exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.

Kenneth laughed, feeling proud of what they had accomplished. “Well done.”

The two of them laughed but neither noticed the shadowy figure watching them from a distance.

＊＊＊

They returned to the Fireon estate, still buzzing with excitement from the day’s events, but their enthusiasm quickly turned to shock when they shared the news about Salem’s newfound abilities.

“Did you go to the Cassia family for the ceremony?” Fintan asked, her brow furrowing in concern.

“No, we didn’t go to them,” Kenneth replied.

“How come? They are the only family that holds the Ultimate Plant,” Fintan insisted.

“Actually, Salem didn’t inherit the current Ultimate Plant. He’s inherited a new type of Ultimate Plant directly from Aether Magic,” Kenneth explained.

Fintan and Dr. Mir exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. “Care to explain?” Dr. Mir prompted.

Kenneth elaborated, explaining that the Tree of Life was created with Aether Magic, leading him to believe that it might have the ability to generate new magic. All he needed to do was channel that magic into Salem.

“I didn’t know that the Tree of Life could do that. This could create chaos if it becomes public knowledge, especially considering how the influence of the families is tied to the Ultimate Elements they possess,” Dr. Mir warned, turning his gaze toward Salem. “Salem, unless absolutely necessary, don’t use your magic publicly.”

“I understand,” Salem replied, nodding solemnly.

Fintan sighed, a mixture of exasperation and admiration in her voice. “You kids from the mortal world never fail to amaze me.”

As she spoke, it became clear that Fintan was slowly beginning to accept them as part of their family. Kenneth couldn’t help but smile at the warmth of the moment, grateful for the bond that was forming among them.