It had been a month since the incident.

Since then, Kenneth hadn't experienced any more visions or dreams involving the First King.

His long talk with Salem had brought some clarity, helping him confront the turmoil swirling in his mind. Salem's steady reassurance had eased his anxieties. Yet, despite the fleeting sense of peace, Kenneth couldn't shake the nagging feeling that this calm was fragile—like the stillness before a brewing storm.

He had reported everything he'd learned to Headmaster Nero and the rest of his group. His account included the woman named Lust, her unsettling actions, and the involvement of the enigmatic Nether Clan.

Nether Clan.

The name lingered in his thoughts like a shadow. The novel he'd read had mentioned a mysterious group wielding dark magic, but they were little more than a passing reference. They had supposedly emerged ten years ago, just as Bernard Fireon and other Elemental Guardians had taken up their roles.

It couldn't be a coincidence.

Kenneth couldn't ignore the connection. The Nether Clan must be behind the attack of the Tree of Life, he reasoned. But one question haunted him:

How did they manage to harm the Tree within the academy grounds?

The enchantments surrounding the academy were supposed to be impenetrable, powerful enough to repel even the strongest dark magic. For the Nether clan to bypass them…

A student? A professor?

The thought sent a chill down his spine. Every shadow seemed darker now, every casual conversation tinged with suspicion.

“Kenneth.”

The voice behind him pulled him from his thoughts. Turning, he saw Lucian approaching.

“Can we talk for a moment?” Lucian asked.

Kenneth nodded, curious.

Lucian stopped in front of him, hesitating briefly before speaking. “I haven't properly thanked you for saving my cousin,” he said. “Thank you.”

Kenneth shrugged, offering a small smile. “It's not a big deal.”

“Lucy wants to see you again,” Lucian continued. “I hope you wouldn't mind if I invited you over sometime.”

Kenneth nodded again, this time with a bit more warmth. “No problem with me.”

Lucian gave a faint smile in return before turning to leave.

As Kenneth watched Lucian away, something nagged at him. It was unusual—Lucian hadn't asked him a single question about the Light Magic he, or rather the First King, had used during the fight.

His thoughts drifted back to a conversation from a few days ago.

“And the woman… what happened to her?” Rika's voice was tense, her concern evident.

“She escaped with an accomplice,” Kenneth replied.

“By the way, how did the barrier break?” Ash asked, his brow furrowed as he turned to Kenneth.

Kenneth froze. He didn't know how to answer. The truth—about the First King breaking the barrier—wasn't something he could explain. But before the silence grew comfortable, Lucian stepped.

“I broke through it,” Lucian said. “I used my bloodline spell. It's specifically designed to counter dark magic barriers.”

Ash nodded, accepting the explanation without question.

Kenneth shook his head slightly, bringing himself back to the present. He was grateful for Lucian's quick thinking back then, for covering him when he had no explanation to give. But a question lingered his mind:

What will I say if he ever askes me about it?

The thought left Kenneth unsettled.

“Kenneth.”

The familiar voice made him turn. Standing a short distance away was Headmaster Nero.

“Come with me,” Nero said.

Kenneth nodded, falling into step behind him.

＊＊＊

Kenneth stood in the grand chamber, his gaze fixed on Headmaster Nero. This was the very place where he had first awakened his fire magic.

After the recent events, Nero had insisted that Kenneth begin training in bloodline spells—magic exclusive to the direct descendants of the Elemental families.

His thoughts drifted to the first time he had witnessed such a spell. During a practice match, Aine had effortlessly summoned Mistral Wings. The spell had given him and the others the ability to fly, the wings responding as if they were extensions of their bodies. The sheer elegance and complexity of it had left him in awe.

He had even read about it in the novel, where Air Guardian used the same spell to lead the quest to the northern territories. But seeing it in real life was a different experience altogether.

Still, one question nagged at him, refusing to let go.

“But… can I even learn a bloodline spell?” he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “I'm not from the Fireon bloodline.”

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Nero regarded him with calm intensity, his unwavering presence filling the room. “The Bloodline spells are tied to the Ultimate Fire within you,” he explained. “As long as you carry the Ultimate Fire, you are capable of learning them.”

Kenneth's doubts didn't completely fade, but Nero's assurance gave him some confidence. Bloodline spells weren't just advanced magic—they were a testament to his role as the current successor. Still, the responsibility felt enormous.

Nero's gaze softened slightly. “As the successor, it's imperative you master at least one of Fireon's bloodline spells. To help with this, I've invited someone from the Fireon family to guide you.”

Kenneth turned as the chamber doors opened, revealing a man in his late twenties. His features bore a faint resemblance of Bernard Fireon, yet his presence was distinct—easygoing, with a sharpness beneath the surface that hinted at unpredictability.

“I believe this is the first time you've met him since he recently returned from the Caltharion Empire,” Nero said. “This is Edmund Fireon.”

Kenneth blinked in surprise. Edmund Fireon. Bernard Fireon's younger brother. The name sparked faint recognition—he'd been a fleeting mention in the novel, a figure who had left Anterthon years ago.

To see him here, in the flesh, felt unexpected.

“Nice to meet you,” Kenneth said, inclining his head politely. “I'm Kenneth.”

Edmund gave him a once-over, his sharp eyes glinting with curiosity. “So, you're the kid they've been talking about,” he said with a faint grin. “The one who brought the fire back.”

Kenneth hesitated, unsure how to take the comment. “I… guess that's me,” he said.

Edmund tilted his head. “Let's see it then. Show me your fire magic.”

Kenneth brought his hands together and a flame flickered to life in his palms. Edmund leaned in slightly, studying the fire intently. His earlier grin faded into something sharper, more contemplative.

“Hmm, it's definitely fire magic,” he said, stepping back. He glanced at Nero with a quick nod before turning back to Kenneth, his grin returning, this time more mischievous. “Alright, here's the deal.”

Kenneth frowned. “What deal?”

Edmund grinned. “You're going to let me inherit your fire magic.”

Kenneth stared at him, completely caught off guard. “What?”

Edmund chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Relax, kid. I'm not asking for the Ultimate Fire itself. Just the fire magic.”

He waved a hand casually, as if the request were no big deal. “Without fire magic, I can't demonstrate the Bloodline spell properly. And since you're carrying the Ultimate Fire, this is the best way to make it work.”

Kenneth's mind raced. This would be the first time he'd share his magic, just like other Guardian's did with their vassals. The weight of the moment pressed on him.

Edmund leaned back slightly, his grin never faltering. “Besides, you're the future head of the Fireon family, aren't you? Might as well start learning how to pass the magic down. Think of me as your guinea pig.”

Kenneth hesitated, glancing towards Headmaster Nero for reassurance. The Headmaster gave him a calm, deliberate nod, confirming that this had already been discussed beforehand.

Kenneth let out a long sigh, his uncertainty lingering but his resolve setting. “Alright,” he said finally. “I'll do it.”

＊＊＊

Headmaster Nero led them into a vast, circular chamber surrounded by tall, ancient pillars. The air felt heavy with magic, and Kenneth couldn't help but glance around in awe. He hadn't known a place like this existed within the academy.

As they stepped further inside, a sense of deja vu washed over him. The space seemed eerily familiar. Then it hit him—this was the location from his recurring dream, the place he had often envisioned before he came to this world.

“This is one of the ceremony chambers for magic inheritance,” Nero explained, his voice echoing in the grand space. “It's used exclusively for this. You’ll conduct the ceremony here. I will serve as the witness.”

Kenneth nodded. Every inheritance ceremony required at least one witness, a tradition deeply rooted in the magic of Elemental families.

Nero outlined the steps of the ceremony. Kenneth listened carefully, though he already knew the process from the novel and his earlier experience with Salem's ceremony. Still, the weight of the moment wasn't lost on him.

When they were ready, Edmund knelt before Kenneth.

Kenneth took a deep breath and closed his eyes, reaching inward to access the Ultimate fire. Flams began to stir, flickering to life and swirling around him. The energy felt alive, a vibrant force responding to his will.

Opening his eyes, Kenneth placed a steady hand on Edmund's bowed head. The fire surrounding him surged, growing brighter and wilder.

“Edmund Fireon, you kneel before Ultimate Fire,” Kenneth said, his voice firm and clear. “Today, you seek not power for yourself, but the ability to protect and serve others—and this world.”

The flames danced and roared, moving as if they had a mind on their own. Tendrils of fire reached toward Edmund, wrapping around him before sinking into his body.

Edmund closed his eyes, his expression tightening as he felt the fire magic coursing through him. For the first time in ten years, he could feel the fire magic within him once more.

Kenneth continued, his voice unwavering. “By the will of the Ultimate Fire, you are one of its stewards. Rise, and use this gift wisely.”

As the final words echoed through the chamber, the flames dimmed and dissipated, leaving a lingering warmth in the air. Kenneth lowered his hand, stepping back as Edmund rose to his feet.

The ceremony was complete.

Kenneth let out a quiet breath of relief, but as he glanced at Edmund, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Edmund's expression was unreadable at first, but a flicker of confusion crossed his face.

Headmaster Nero approached them. “How does it feel, Edmund?”

Edmund frowned slightly, flexing his fingers as if testing the magic within his. “I can feel it,” he said slowly. “But… it's strange. This isn't Fireon's magic.”

Kenneth's brow furrowed in confusion. “Different? What do you mean?”

Without answering, Edmund raised his hand and muttered an incantation under his breath.

　Ignis sugrat et murus flammis saeviat invictus!

Four towering walls of fire erupted around them, blazing with intensity. Kenneth instinctively stepped back, but just as quickly as the flames appeared, they vanished.

Edmund looked at his hand thoughtfully. “It's strong. It can cast Fireon's bloodline spells,” he admitted. “But this… it doesn't feel like Fireon magic.”

Nero's eyes narrow slightly. “That's unusual. Bloodline spells typically differ for each Ultimate Element. Are you certain it isn't Fireon's magic?”

Edmund gave a firm nod. “I've carried our family's magic for years. I know its essence. This isn't it.”

Kenneth's confusion deepened. “Headmaster, Edmund, what does it mean?”

Nero sighed, his usual calm demeanor giving way to a hint of seriousness. “Kenneth, there's something you need to know. The real purpose of this ceremony wasn't just to teach you bloodline magic. It was also to verify the nature of your fire magic by passing it to someone with Fireon blood.”

Edmund nodded in agreement. “We wanted to see if your Ultimate Fire is truly Fireon's Ultimate Fire. As a potential head of the family, it's a question that needs answering. But now… it seems we were wrong.”

Kenneth froze, his mind racing. “Wrong? Then… what is it?”

Edmund crossed his arms, his expression contemplative. “The Ultimate Fire wasn't from Fireon's. Although, it's compatible with Fireon's bloodline spells, which is why I can use them.”

Kenneth stared at him, the weight of those words settling heavily on his shoulders.

Edmund glanced at Nero, “I don't know how I'm going to explain this to my sister-in-law. She’ll have questions, to say the least.”

Nero stroked his chin, his gaze thoughtful. “This would explain why no one from Fireon's vassals who inherited the fire magic has awakened since Kenneth's magic appeared. The Ultimate Fire you carried is unique, not tied to the traditional Fireon legacy.”

Kenneth's chest tightened. His fire, the power he thought was connected to the Fireon bloodline, wasn't what he had believed to be. It was something entirely different.

Something that belonged solely to him.