During the remaining days of school holiday, Kenneth and Joash were invited as guests to Rika's birthday party at the Maridian estate. It wasn’t just any ordinary birthday celebration—Rika was the successor to the Water Guardian and the next head of the Maridian family. Important figures, including members of the royal family and other prominent Elemental families, were expected to attend.

“Oh! You two came together,” Rika said as she greeted them at the entrance hall. She wore a formal blue dress adorned with emerald accessories, befitting her role as the focus of the party.

Kenneth and Joash had shared the same carriage from Fireon to Maridian. They exchanged a brief glance, realizing that no one knew about their evolving dynamic yet.

“Uh, I just happened to run into Joash on the way and offered him a ride in the carriage,” Kenneth explained.

“Yeah, that’s right,” Joash added quickly.

“Oh, and the head of Fireon sent you a gift,” Kenneth said, as Joash handed a small box to Rika.

Rika hesitated for a moment, confused, but accepted the gift. “Thank you. It’s a shame that due to… circumstances, I couldn’t formally invite the Fireon family,” she said, hinting at the current strained relations.

Kenneth assumed the Meridian family had carefully curated the guest list, likely excluding Fireon to either avoid public scrutiny or to shield the Fireon family from unwanted attention. He had only managed to get invited due to him being on Rika's classmate.

“That’s why you need to hurry and become the Head of Fireon,” Rika teased with a chuckle.

Kenneth smiled but glanced at Joash.

“Oh, I need to greet the other guests. Everyone is inside now,” Rika said before excusing herself.

Kenneth and Joash left Rika and entered the grand hall. It was lavishly decorated, with tables full of food, and a live orchestra playing softly in the background. The guests, most of whom were prominent figures, were engrossed in conversation, likely discussing new alliances and opportunities. As Kenneth scanned the room, he noticed Raiden from the Ekaitz family, the Lightning Wizards, standing alongside someone who appeared to be the head of the Ekaitz family, given their matching formal attire and aura of command.

As Kenneth and Joash wove through the crowd, they finally spotted Aine and the rest of their friends gathered near one of the grand tables.

“Kenneth!” Ash’s booming voice echoed, catching everyone’s attention.

The room seemed to momentarily pause. Heads turned, and within seconds, the whispers started.

“That’s him—Fireon’s successor.”

“Can he actually wield fire?”

“The revival of fire magic… could it be true?”

Kenneth’s shoulders tensed. This was exactly what he had hoped to avoid at such a public event. He shot a side glance at Ash, who gave him an apologetic look.

“Oops,” Ash muttered sheepishly, realizing his mistake.

Aine, ever the observant one, noticed the unease spreading through the crowd and offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t let them get to you,” she whispered.

Eager to steer the conversation away from himself, Kenneth asked, “Are your parents here now?”

Ash nodded, relieved to switch topics. “Yeah, my father and Aine's mother just went to greet the head of the Maridian family. They’re probably discussing some policies.”

Joash, curious, added, “What about Lucian and Elena? I haven’t seen them.”

“They’re here,” Ash replied, gesturing toward a cluster of guests in the distance. “Lucian’s aunt had some personal matters to deal with, so he and Elena are representing the Luminel family tonight.”

As Kenneth’s gaze followed Ash’s direction, he couldn’t help but notice the way every family in the room seemed to be circling one another, forming alliances, discussing future plans. He felt a sudden weight of expectation—this party wasn’t just about celebrating Rika's birthday; it was also a subtle power play, where the balance of influence and magic in the kingdom was at stake.

“Looks like tonight is going to be more than just a party,” Kenneth muttered under his breath, catching Joash’s knowing look.

“Indeed,” Joash said quietly. “Everyone’s watching.”

As Kenneth, Joash, and the rest of the group continued their conversation, a noticeable commotion stirred through the crowd. Heads turned, and whispers spread as Rika entered the hall, escorting a young man who carried an undeniable air of authority. People bowed slightly, offering respectful greetings as he passed by.

“Oh, the crown prince is here,” Lucian remarked casually as he and Elena rejoined the group after completing their formal greetings.

Kenneth’s eyes followed the young man. So that’s the crown prince, he thought. There was something strangely familiar about him—his features somewhat resembled the young Emperor Hadrian from Kenneth’s dream, though there was a subtle difference in expression and demeanor.

After greeting the key figures in attendance, Rika and the Crown Prince made their way toward their group.

“Your Highness,” everyone murmured, bowing slightly as a show of respect.

The Crown Prince waved them off with a smile. “Please, rise. We’re all around the same age here, so there’s no need for formalities. Ash, Aine—just call me Ivan like you used to when we were kids.”

Ash grinned, but Aine’s smile was more reserved. “Your Highness, now that we’ve officially taken on the roles of as the successor of Elemental Guardians, it would be improper to call you by your name without the formal title.”

Crown Prince laughed lightly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Ah, I see the responsibilities of being a successor have already weighed down on you. Still, don’t let the titles get in the way of old friendships.”

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

As the tension lightened, Rika introduced the others. “Your Highness, this is Lucian, the successor of Luminel, and Elena, who serves their family.”

Lucian bowed slightly. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Crown Prince replied, shaking his hand. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting the new successor of the Light Guardian.”

Rika then motioned toward Kenneth. “And this is Kenneth, the successor of Fireon.”

Crown Prince's gaze shifted to Kenneth, studying him closely. His expression softened, but Kenneth couldn’t shake the feeling that the prince was seeing something—or someone—else. His resemblance to the young emperor lingered in Kenneth’s mind.

“Nice to meet you, Your Highness,” Kenneth greeted.

Ivan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Kenneth with interest, his gaze sharp yet not unkind. “Fireon…” he repeated, the name rolling off his tongue with a mix of reverence and curiosity. “So, you’re the one who was summoned from the mortal world? The one who reawakened the fire?”

Kenneth felt the weight of Ivan’s attention fully on him, but he met the prince’s gaze steadily. “Yes, Your Highness,” he replied, his voice calm despite the nerves tightening in his chest.

For a moment, Ivan’s expression softened, but there was a flicker of something deeper—recognition, perhaps, or nostalgia. “I’ve heard much about you,” the prince said, placing a firm hand on Kenneth’s shoulder. “I have high expectations.”

Kenneth felt the prince’s words sink in, his hand warm and steady on his shoulder. He gave a respectful nod. “I’ll do my best to live up to those expectations, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince’s attention then shifted to Joash, his brows knitting in thought. “And who is this?”

Rika stepped in quickly, “This is Joash, from the Theory Division. He’s a member of the club we’ve formed.”

The Crown Prince’s gaze lingered on Joash, his expression turning contemplative. “I see… You remind me of someone I knew a long time ago—the son of Fireon. We were playmates when we were younger, but he disappeared after the family’s downfall.”

Both Joash and Kenneth froze at the mention, exchanging uneasy glances.

“How come I don’t remember him?” Kenneth murmured, confusion clouding his thoughts.

The Crown Prince’s eyes stayed on Joash, as if trying to uncover a hidden truth. “It was a long time ago. He disappeared quite suddenly after tragedy struck Fireon.”

Then, with a polite smile, the prince inclined his head. “I apologize if I misspoke. It’s nice to meet you, Joash.”

Joash still processing the moment, forced a smile in return. “Likewise, Your Highness.” he replied, his voice even but distant.

Just then, a servant approached and whispered something to Rika, who nodded and turned to the Crown Prince. “It seems Mother has finished her courtesies with the other Guardians,” she informed him.

Crown Prince nodded, preparing to take his leave. As he turned, his gaze lingered briefly on both Kenneth and Joash before he departed with Rika, leaving an odd silence in his wake.

Kenneth and Joash exchanged uneasy glances. The prince’s words had struck a chord neither of them could quite shake.

＊＊＊

Some time later, Kenneth and Joash excused themselves from the party, pretending to go for food but instead slipping outside to the balcony. They glanced around to ensure no one was nearby, then began their private conversation.

“That almost got me,” Joash muttered, leaning against the cool stone railing.

Kenneth crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “It seems the Crown Prince knows more about our situation than we thought, and he’s decided to keep it a secret.” He paused, recalling how the prince had subtly hinted at Joash’s identity.

Joash gave a small, grim smile. “It’s been a long time since I last saw him. But I feel like an outsider now… like I don’t belong anymore.” His voice was quiet, weighed down by years of isolation.

Kenneth shook his head firmly. “Don’t say that. We’ll bring Fireon back, and you’ll be the next head. You’re not an outsider—you’re still part of this.” His words were filled with conviction, leaving no room for doubt.

Joash opened his mouth to respond, but Kenneth continued, his voice filled with newfound intensity. “I’ve already thought of a way to transfer the Ultimate Fire to you.”

Joash froze, confusion and disbelief crossing his face. “What? What are you talking about?”

“Just like Salem’s inheritance ceremony,” Kenneth explained, the confidence in his tone unwavering. “With the Tree of Life, I can transfer the Ultimate Fire to you. Then, I’ll ask the tree to grant me a new magic to replace it.”

Kenneth’s plan felt so solid in his mind, so clear, as if everything would fall into place perfectly. He believed it would work, almost as though the solution had been waiting for him to discover it. But as he spoke, Joash’s expression shifted from surprise to something much deeper. His face grew tense, his eyes widening with a sudden wave of panic and disbelief. “No way,” he muttered, his voice sharp, almost on edge, as if the very idea was something he couldn’t accept.

Joash stood there, silent, his gaze locked onto Kenneth as if searching for something in his words. His reaction confused Kenneth—he had been so sure that this was the answer. Why did Joash seem so shaken?

The heavy silence between them only deepened the uncertainty, and for the first time, Kenneth felt a small, nagging doubt creep into his mind.

＊＊＊

Raiden stood rigidly in his father’s study, his hands clasped behind his back, staring at the desk that separated them. Across from him, his father, Lord Zaros Ekaitz, head of the Ekaitz family, sat in silence, swirling the dark red wine in his glass. The faint clinking of the glass against his ring was the only sound in the room.

Zaros was in a foul mood, the lines on his face deepening as he brooded. “I thought Fireon was finished,” Zaros muttered, his voice thick with irritation. He placed the wine glass down sharply on the desk. “We spent years building after their fall, Raiden. Years of careful moves, aligning ourselves to finally take their place among the main families. And now, what do I see at the party? A Fireon.”

Raiden clenched his fists, feeling the tension in the room growing heavier. He had already sensed his father’s disappointment earlier, but hearing it now felt worse. His father had always been focused on expanding the Ekaitz family’s influence, particularly after the downfall of Fireon left a power vacuum that the Ekaitz family had hoped to fill.

Zaros rose from his seat, pacing back and forth in front of the large window that overlooked their estate. “We were close, Raiden,” he continued, his voice lower but filled with cold calculation. “After Fireon’s downfall, we strengthened our alliances, expanded our reach. We were finally going to rise above those families tied to the First Emperor’s magic. But those accursed Ultimate Elements…” He trailed off, his frustration palpable.

The Ekaitz family, powerful as they were with Ultimate Lighting, still lacked the status that came from being one of the original elemental families—those who inherited their power directly from the First Emperor. They had always been on the edge of greatness but never fully recognized as equal to the families like Fireon or Maridian. Raiden’s father had long harbored ambitions of changing that.

Raiden finally spoke, trying to keep his voice even. “I don’t understand why a Fireon successor appeared now, after all these years. The crown prince even acknowledged him. It doesn’t make sense.”

Zaros turned sharply, his gaze narrowing. “The Crown Prince,” he spat, his voice laced with contempt. “Of course, he would acknowledge a Fireon. He has the bloodline of the First Emperor, after all. But we will not let that stand.”

Raiden swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. He had seen the look on the prince’s face when he spoke to Kenneth at the party. There was something… significant about it, something that made Raiden feel uneasy. But he pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on his father’s words.

Zaros stopped pacing and turned to his son, his eyes hard and calculating. “We need to watch this Kenneth. If he’s truly the Fireon successor, then he poses a threat to everything we’ve worked for.”

Raiden nodded. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

Zaros stepped closer to Raiden, his expression dark. “Do more than that. Find his weaknesses. We cannot let Fireon rise again. The Ekaitz family has waited long enough to take its place as one of the main families. You will ensure that happens.”

Raiden met his father’s gaze, his determination hardening. “I will.”

Zaros gave a grim smile, his hand resting on Raiden’s shoulder. “Good. If there’s one thing I’ve taught you, it’s that power is never given freely. It’s taken.”

Raiden nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts of how to dismantle Kenneth’s newfound position. He had always wanted to prove himself to his father, to show that he could lead the Ekaitz family to the prominence they deserved. And now, with Kenneth standing in the way, Raiden knew that his path to power had become much more complicated.

But he would find a way. He always did.