A soft narrator's voice echoed through the silence, as though recounting an ancient legend."In the far eastern lands lies the Kingdom of Astralis… a realm of magic, sword arts, and endless mysteries."
The view drifted over the great capital of Astralis. First came the royal castle, its white stone towers piercing the sky with dignified grace. Then the scene passed over bustling marketplaces, alive with merchants, travelers, and the comforting smell of fresh bread. Rows of neatly arranged homes sat safely within the protection of the kingdom's massive outer walls.
But the journey did not end there.
The view glided beyond the capital, crossing dense jungles and wild forests touched by morning mist. After a long, sweeping motion, it came to rest upon a peaceful stretch of land—calm, bright, and securely guarded.
This was the domain protected by Count Aelric Thalor Valcrest.
The scenery slowly approached one of the mansion's upper windows. Behind that glass, on a large soft bed, a young boy—only twelve years old—slept quietly. His silvery-white hair glowed faintly in the morning light, giving him an almost ethereal presence.
His name was Kael Valcrest, the count's second son.
Kael's eyelashes trembled as the warm sunlight brushed against his cheeks. He blinked awake.
"…Morning already?" he murmured, rubbing his eyes gently.
Still half-drowsy, he turned toward the window. Outside, in the private training yard, his older brother—two years his senior—was practicing swordsmanship with intense focus. Each swing unleashed a sharp burst of wind magic, the rushing air striking the training targets and making them shudder violently.
Kael watched in quiet awe.
"…Brother is incredible," he whispered, unable to hide the mix of admiration and envy in his voice.
Just then—Click.
The door opened softly. A warm, gentle voice drifted into the room.
"Kael, you're awake."
Standing in the doorway was a beautiful woman, her long hair shimmering softly, her smile filled with warmth—his mother. Beside her stood a maid holding a set of freshly prepared clothes.
Kael immediately sat up."Good morning, Mother."
Her smile brightened."Good morning, my sweet boy. Breakfast is ready downstairs. Come once you're dressed."
The maid bowed politely."We shall assist you, young master."
Kael offered her a small, polite smile."Thank you, Miss Mira. I'll be in your care."
The maid's cheeks warmed slightly at the boy's gentle tone."Of course, young master."
Kael entered the dining hall, wearing fresh clothes. Morning sunlight poured in through the high windows, and a gentle smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
His father, Aelric, sat at the head of the table reading a scroll. His mother, Elara, put dishes in order and smiled softly. His older brother, Lucian, was sitting comfortably with a cup of tea in his hand, while Kael's younger sister, Lyria, was sitting next to him, swinging her legs happily. Asta quietly sat down beside her.
The moment he sat down, Lyria turned to him with a bright smile."Good morning, Brother!" she said cheerfully and suddenly wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug.
Kael froze, heat rushing to his face."L-Lyria… it's morning, don't surprise me like that…" he muttered, face red.
Elara giggled behind her hand."Honestly, Kael, let her be. She adores you."
Lucian looked at him, putting down his cup with a small smile."Kael, I'm going to head out to the royal capital today."
Kael looked up in surprise."Already? You're leaving today?"
Lucian nodded."Mm. And when you turn fourteen, you'll be able to enroll too. If you keep working hard, you might even join the academy."
Elara let out a warm sigh."Both my sons are growing up so fast…"
Lyria squeezed Kael tightly in her hug."Then I'll cheer for both my big brothers!"
Kael smiled softly, and the morning suddenly felt a little warmer.
Aelric folded his scroll, looking at Kael with a serious, yet warm expression."Kael," he said, "be ready. The day for your baptism has come. In ten days, we will baptize you."
Kael nodded quickly."Yes, Father."
A small smile tugged on his lips as he muttered quietly to himself, almost under his breath, I should go to the library… read about the baptism, about magic, and our history… I need to prepare.
Elara smiled softly as she saw his thoughtful expression."Kael, finish your breakfast first. Then you can go to the library."
Kael froze for a moment, before suddenly embracing his mother in a quick, surprised hug.
Lyria burst out laughing, Lucian smirked, and even Aelric chuckled a little. Warm laughter echoed across the hall and teased Kael lightly. Blushing but still smiling, Kael sat back down and focused on finishing his meal.
Breakfast finished, Kael quietly pushed back his chair and stood up. His mind was already drifting elsewhere."Today… I need to learn everything I can about the baptism, about magic, about history… But where do I even start?"
Lost in thought, he walked down the long hallway toward the grand library of the manor. He placed his hand on the tall wooden door and gently pushed it open.
Creak—
The familiar smell of old parchment and ink washed over him. Rows upon rows of bookshelves towered like silent giants. Without wasting a moment, Kael began pulling out book after book—history, magic theory, legends—and carried them to a table.
He sat down, took a deep breath, and opened the first one: Chronicles of the Astralies Kingdom.
The book spoke of the First King, an adventurer who rose from nothing, possessing all six types of magic aptitude along with unmatched master swordsman skill. The gods themselves had granted him the title "Hero." He united scattered lands, defeated armies of monsters, and built the now-glorious Astralies Kingdom.
Kael read with shining eyes."Six types of magic… and a hero acknowledged by the gods. But after him, no one else ever awakened all six."
He flipped the pages eagerly. Many people had gained the title of "Hero" in history, but none possessed the King's legendary combination.
Suddenly, Kael whispered to himself, half-excited, half-worried:"What kind of magic will I get…?"
His curiosity blazing, he grabbed another book—Divine Blessings and Aptitudes. It listed the six elemental magics: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Dark, and Light. Alongside were descriptions of combat blessings like swordsmanship, spearmanship, archery, and many more.
Hours turned into days as Kael buried himself in countless books, learning everything from magic theory to ancient myths.