"Romeo, I've said it a hundred times whenever you come over! No, Lily is far too young for this! Let the poor girl have her peaceful childhood, for goodness' sake!"

"But her situation is exceptional, can't you see that?"

"I don't want to see it. I want my daughter by my side, safe and happy. Can't YOU see that?"

"But... The young lady possesses something extraordinary, something we need to nurture. Haven't you forgotten that she awakened before she even turned four? The news from that discovery rippled through the entire Flow community when one of the Scanners identified her!"

"She may have awakened, but I don't see her as some kind of Flow prodigy! To me, she's my daughter, and I refuse to subject her to pain at such a tender age!"

"And we, as Flow practitioners, see her as something beyond an ordinary toddler! I know you can't feel it, but her aura and Flow levels are unprecedented, almost overwhelming! She's a potential threat if we're being honest..."

"YOU DARE LABEL HER A THREAT?!?!!?"

…

…

The air in the living room hung heavy, thick with unspoken accusations. My breath hitched in my throat, and a cold sweat prickled my palms. This wasn't just tension; it was a pressure building towards a storm. Shouting, usually reserved for the occasional cartoon brawl, echoed off the walls, stripping away the familiar warmth of our home. This fight was different. It reeked of a deeper betrayal, a hurt that festered beyond raised voices. Mom's voice, usually a soothing melody, now ripped through the air like a rusty knife. Uncle Romeo, his face etched with a fury I'd never seen before, mirrored her intensity. Dad, caught in the crossfire, seemed to shrink into the worn leather of his armchair, his gaze darting nervously between them like a trapped animal.

Unease gnawed at me like a hungry rat. Where were the movie nights filled with Romeo's infectious laughter and Dad's corny jokes? Where were the whispered secrets and playful arguments that used to bind our families together? Five days. It had been five days of slammed doors and a suffocating silence that spoke volumes more than any scream. What had sparked this sudden discord? Money? Work? A shiver, cold as a winter wind, snaked down my spine. A sneaking suspicion, unsettling yet strangely thrilling, wormed its way into my mind. It all had something to do with me, didn't it? With the test Romeo had put me through just a few days ago. A mischievous grin, laced with a hint of apprehension, tugged at my lips. Looks like things were about to get interesting. The once peaceful equilibrium of our family was teetering, and I, it seemed, held the weight that could tip the scales.

After Romeo finished his tests, he proposed to my parents that I should be under his care to further develop my Flow abilities. In hindsight, his suggestion was not surprising; in fact, it was the logical course of action. Even I felt overwhelmed by the untapped potential within me, eager to explore and understand my capabilities. If I were in Romeo's position, I would have made the same proposal. However, my parents, especially my mother, understandably reacted with concern and reluctance. As a toddler, nearing my fourth birthday, it was natural for them to be protective and hesitant about letting me venture outside our home.

I was deeply grateful for my parents' love and protectiveness. Their refusal to let me leave was a testament to how much they cared for me, wanting to shield me from any potential harm. This level of care was something I had yearned for in my past life as Ash Wyvern. Being a slave’s offspring, I had known only shadows and deprivation, lacking the warmth of comfortable beds and nourishing meals. These hardships had shaped my earlier path as an assassin.

Now, with the wisdom of a 30-year-old mind, I understood the importance of following my uncle's guidance. It was a decision rooted in care and concern for my well-being, despite the initial resistance from my parents.

Let me clarify my perspective. Given my unusually early awakening, I became a more vulnerable target for potential kidnappers, didn't I? This heightened the concern of my dear parents, keeping them on edge and prompting them to meticulously plan every aspect of my life to prevent any mishaps. To be honest, this sense of constant vigilance made me feel quite helpless. I didn't want to live in perpetual fear of the outside world.

However, having someone strong and knowledgeable by my side, such as Romeo or other skilled Flow practitioners, would benefit everyone involved. I would receive protection wherever I went, along with the opportunity to learn how to harness and control my burgeoning powers. By mastering the Flow within me, I could transition from needing protection to becoming a protector, ensuring the safety of my parents and myself.

While this path might deprive me of a conventional childhood, it seemed like the most logical and responsible course of action, given the circumstances, wouldn't you agree?

The plan was crystal clear in my head – convince my parents to let me go with Uncle Romeo. But voicing it? That was a whole other battle. How, as a four-year-old toddler, could I possibly explain my grand quest? Melting hearts with cuteness, my current superpower, wouldn't be enough for this one. I needed a strategy, a cunning approach that only a genius like me could devise.

Thankfully, Uncle Romeo, bless his strategic mind, understood the need for a tactical retreat. After their epic clash with Mom, he vanished from our doorstep, giving everyone some much-needed breathing room. Perfect! Now I had time to weave my own magic, to convince my parents that this little adventurer belonged by Romeo's side.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Days blurred into weeks, and my fourth birthday arrived. Unlike the previous celebrations filled with friends and laughter, this one was a quiet affair. Just me, Alphonse, and Maria huddled around a brightly decorated cake.

"Happy birthday to you!" they sang, voices warm and loving. I forced a smile, appreciating the effort. Sweet, yes, but let's be honest, singing that cutesy song to a former assassin and a potential Flow prodigy felt a tad...demeaning. Maybe I could subtly suggest a more age-appropriate birthday anthem next year? Something that reflected the greatness that resided within this tiny body, you know?

Chocolate cake, my absolute favorite, disappeared in a flurry of licks and crumbs. Gifts! The best part of any birthday. I scrambled off the chair, landing on my knees in front of the brightly wrapped packages. Pink, a bit too frilly for my taste, adorned the first one. But the inside was what mattered, right?

With eager hands, I tore through the paper, revealing a beautiful emerald cloak. Golden threads shimmered like sunlight caught in leaves, and a cozy hood promised warmth. But something felt…off. My fingers tingled as I ran them over the fabric, a strange energy thrumming beneath the surface.

"Like it, sweetheart?" Mom knelt beside me, her smile strained around the edges. She gently lifted the cloak and draped it over my shoulders. "It was my choice."

I frowned, clutching the fabric. "There's so much Flow in it! Clothes shouldn't have this much, right?"

Mom's nod was hesitant. "You're right, this cloak is special. It has a protective spell, one that hides your Flow. Uncle Romeo mentioned how your…aura…might attract unwanted attention. This will keep you safe. Or at least safer…"

A genuine grin stretched across my face. Forget strategy, this cloak was awesome! Before I could even think twice, I was launching myself at Mom, throwing my tiny arms around her neck. "Thanks, Mom!" I exclaimed, squeezing tight. Her surprised gasp soon turned into a warm embrace – mission accomplished!

Pulling back, I scanned the remaining gifts. Time to tackle Dad's offering. Unlike Mom's frilly pink, his box was a cool, masculine green. Perfect. Size didn't matter, it was what was inside that counted! With eager hands, I ripped off the paper, revealing a treasure trove of three shimmering bracelets. Each one pulsed with an otherworldly blue light, captivating me instantly.

"One for each of us," Dad announced, already reaching for one and slipping it onto his wrist. Mom and I exchanged bewildered glances. What exactly were these things?

Dad, ever the explainer, launched into a detailed description. "These bracelets are linked," he said, his voice calm and reassuring, a stark contrast to Mom's worried expression. "Whenever you use too much Flow, the blue light in the bracelets Mom and I wear will intensify. The same goes for us – if we encounter a strong external Flow, yours will glow brighter."

An "aha!" moment dawned. These were like little Flow alarms! A brilliant idea, if I did say so myself. Now, no matter the distance, we'd all be aware of each other's Flow levels. That way, even when we weren't together, I wouldn't have to worry about them…and maybe they wouldn't have to worry about me quite so much either.

Dad's hand squeezed my shoulder reassuringly. "Last but not least, a gift from Uncle Romeo," he said with a knowing smile, nudging the final dark blue box towards me. "Go on, open it up!"

"No need to tell me twice, Dad!" I bounced, eager to see what surprise awaited me from my favorite uncle. Inside the box, nestled in soft velvet, lay two things. The first was a letter, tied with a familiar crimson ribbon – definitely Romeo's handiwork. But the second object left me completely bewildered.

It was a handle… No, a hilt… Not a doorknob handle, mind you, but something more substantial, crafted from a sleek, cool black metal I didn't recognize. My fingers traced the smooth curves, searching for a hidden button or mechanism. Was it some kind of weapon? A high-tech gadget? Disappointment flickered across my chest. No lightsaber blade popped out when I gripped it tighter. Just… a hilt.

Well, this was certainly a mystery. But mysteries were my specialty, weren't they? I could puzzle it out later. Right now, I had a more pressing matter at hand – showing off my impressive reading skills!

"Mind if I read the letter aloud?" I declared, puffing out my chest with pride. Both Mom and Dad exchanged amused glances before nodding their consent. "Alright then," I announced, a mischievous glint in my eyes. Let's see what Romeo had to say:

"To my dearest Young lady! Happy 4th birthday! Time flies faster than even my most agile Flow technique, can you believe it? I'm gutted I couldn't be there to celebrate in person. Academy duties, you know the drill. But consider this letter and a special gift a (slightly burnt) birthday cake apology!

Remember that time we experimented with Flow transfer and exchange? You blew my mind, Young lady! Sure, your Flow was a wild mustang back then, but the way you handled it… pure amazement! I have a feeling you're going to be a Flow prodigy, the kind that makes parents, uncles, and everyone in between burst with pride.

Speaking of that feeling… buckle up, because I have a hunch you're curious about that hilt I sent. It's something special, a symbol of the incredible potential I see in you. It's called the Morphblade, a one-of-a-kind! I asked them to create it, especially for you, and I’m fully aware that you’re the only one who would be able to use it properly. Once infused with Flow, it can transform into any weapon your heart desires – a fierce sword, a trusty hatchet, a sneaky dagger, even a fancy polearm for those who like a little extra reach!

Now, I know what you're thinking: 'Uncle Romeo, isn't this a little… sharp for a four-year-old?' (Don't worry, I haven't gone soft in the head at the Academy!) But you're a brilliant spark, Young lady, way ahead of your time. This is a little nudge towards the amazing journey that awaits you. Remember what your parents mentioned? About attending Chasles Academy…”

"Remember what your parents mentioned? About attending Chasles Academy..."

Hmm…

“Remember what your parents mentioned? About attending Chasles Academy…”

Yup, there was no way I read that wrong! The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. I reread the line, a frown creasing my forehead. Had I imagined it? No, there it was, black and white. Uncle Romeo mentioned the Academy. But... I thought Mom and Dad were against it?

Confused, I lifted my head, meeting their gazes. Their smiles weren't the usual playful ones. These smiles were different, filled with a warmth and hope that made my chest tighten. Was this... pride?

Before I could voice my question, Mom spoke. "You didn't misread it, Lily," she said, her voice soft yet firm. Her hand reached out, gently ruffling my hair. She met Dad's eyes for a fleeting moment, a silent conversation passing between them.

"We talked," Dad continued, his voice low and rumbling. "A lot. We argued, we debated, and finally... we came to a decision." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Lina," he said, using my more formal name, "if you want to go to Chasles Academy, we won't stop you. The choice is yours, sweetheart, but..." He trailed off, a smile playing on his lips.

Mom finished the sentence, her voice overflowing with emotion. "But know, you at least have our blessing."