Two years had passed since that day in the city.
Aito Greymont was now seven years old. His black hair had grown down to his waist, and his golden eyes shone with a curiosity that neither the palace books nor the nightly stories could satisfy.
Every evening, Aito trained in swordsmanship with Zekin and Calithia, but he also openly practiced his magic: he controlled his mana and connected more deeply with his natural element, Wind. They were no longer small whirlwinds—now he could generate gusts that sliced training trees in half, raised local dust storms that blinded guards, or deflected multiple arrows in mid-flight. His power was so great that Zekin had to reinforce the training field with magical barriers to prevent damage to the palace. Everyone in the family knew Aito was a prodigy, a talent that surpassed even high-ranking nobles.Every night he listened to tales of legendary mages. But it was no longer enough.On a sunny morning, Aito stood before the queen and king with an unusual determination for a child his age."Father, Mother," he said firmly. "I want to leave the palace. I want to travel and see the real world."The queen paled slightly.
"Travel? Aito, you're only seven... The world beyond these walls is dangerous."The king frowned, crossing his arms.
"It's too soon, son. You've seen the city once, but a long journey... there are beasts, bandits, unstable regions. It's no place for a child, no matter how talented you are in swordsmanship and magic."Aito did not back down.
"I know. But if I never leave, I'll never learn anything real. The stories speak of heroes who started young. I want to be like them."The queen looked at the king with concern.
"Husband... he's right about his curiosity, but alone? What if something happens to him?"Calithia, listening from the door, rushed in with shining eyes.
"I'm going with him! I won't let my little brother travel alone!"The king shook his head.
"No, Calithia. You neither. You're older, but this is not a game. Aito must learn to fend for himself if he insists so much."Calithia pouted, crossing her arms.
"That's not fair! I'm his big sister—I have to protect him!"The king sighed thoughtfully.
"Wait... Zekin, didn't you mention some time ago wanting to explore distant lands? Taking Lilia to see the world beyond the kingdom. Why not take this opportunity? Accompany Aito as his escort and mentor. That way he travels, and you fulfill your wish."Zekin, who was in the room holding Lilia's hand, nodded with a smile.
"Your Majesty, it would be an honor. Lilia and I have talked about it. I will watch over young Aito closely and teach him along the way, both swordsmanship and magic."Lilia, about Aito's age, looked at him with a shy smile.
"I want... to go with Aito."The queen hesitated but saw the logic.
"If Zekin goes... then yes. But discreetly. No one must know Aito's identity."Calithia protested louder.
"And me no?! That's not fair! I want to go with my little brother!"The queen hugged her.
"Sweetie, your father is right. This time it will be only Aito... with Zekin and Lilia."Aito looked at Calithia with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry, sister. But I promise to return stronger."Calithia looked at him with teary eyes, a mix of anger and worry.
"Idiot... you'd better return in one piece, or I won't forgive you ever."And so, with reluctant royal permission—and an older sister who did not stop protesting until the last moment—Aito Greymont's first journey beyond the palace walls began.This time accompanied by Zekin and little Lilia, whose presence would mark the beginning of something unexpected.What awaited him was a world full of wonders... and dangers that not even the stories had told.Days later, the group set off at dawn. Aito wore a simple cloak to hide his identity, a reinforced wooden sword, and a small bag with provisions. Zekin walked ahead, vigilant, while Lilia walked beside Aito, curious about everything.The first days were calm: wooded paths, small villages where they bought food. Aito didn't stop asking about local magic, beasts, or ancient ruins.One afternoon, while camping by a river, Aito practiced his wind magic. A powerful gust lifted water from the river, forming a whirlpool that sparkled under the sun.Lilia's eyes widened.
"Amazing... Aito, you're so strong."Aito smiled shyly.
"Thank you, Lilia. You'll learn too."Zekin watched from afar, proud but alert.
"This child... his power grows too fast."But peace did not last. On the evening of the fifth day, a roar shook the forest. A giant horned wolf emerged from the trees, red eyes fixed on them—a ferocious beast that even experienced knights avoided.Zekin drew his sword.
"Aito, Lilia, stay back. I'll handle it."But Aito stepped forward, wind mana swirling around him.
"Master... let me try."The beast charged.And so, the first true danger of the journey began...