Morning sunlight shone over the palace towers.
Arin stood outside Lady Maris's tower with Lyra.
The tower was tall and surrounded by magical barriers.
Runes floated faintly in the air.
Even standing nearby made Lyra nervous.
"Don't be afraid," Arin said softly.
"You belong here."
Lyra nodded.
"I'll do my best."
They entered.
Inside, the air was warm and filled with mana.
Books floated.
Crystals glowed.
Magical circles covered the floor.
Lady Maris waited near a large desk.
"You're punctual," she said.
"Good."
She looked at Lyra.
"Sit."
Lyra obeyed and sat in the center of a magic circle.
Maris raised her hand.
Mana poured out like a river.
"Close your eyes," she ordered.
"Feel your core."
Lyra followed.
Her breathing slowed.
Her aura began to tremble.
Arin watched from the side.
His heart was tight.
He knew this was important.
Suddenly, the room shook.
Blue light burst outward.
Lyra cried out.
Then fell silent.
Arin stepped forward.
"Is she—"
"She's fine," Maris replied.
"She's awakening properly."
Minutes passed.
The light faded.
Lyra opened her eyes.
They shimmered faintly with blue glow.
"I… feel different," she whispered.
The system activated.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Talent Awakening Detected]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Arcane Resonance – Enhanced]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Team Member Growth Boost +25%]
Arin focused.
New information appeared.
[ STR: 7 | MAG: 75 | SPD: 18 | END: 15 | INT: 42 | CHA: 25
Talent: Arcane Resonance (Advanced)
Growth: Extremely High ]
"She jumped that much…" Arin thought.
"A real genius."
Lady Maris nodded in satisfaction.
"She'll surpass me someday."
Lyra stood and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Master."
Maris glanced at Arin.
"Protect her."
"I will," he replied without hesitation.
Outside the tower, Lyra walked beside him.
Her steps were lighter.
Her aura calmer.
"Arin," she said softly.
"I won't disappoint you."
He smiled.
"I know."
Meanwhile, Rynor and Jaren trained alone.
Rynor practiced against multiple wooden dummies.
His sword flashed like light.
Jaren carried massive stones on his back.
His muscles trembled but didn't fail.
The system observed.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Subordinate Growth Detected]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Leader Feedback Bonus +5%]
That evening, Arin gathered them.
"We're moving to advanced training," he said.
"No more easy days."
Rynor's eyes burned.
"Yes!"
Jaren cracked his knuckles.
"Bring it on."
Lyra nodded firmly.
That night, Arin felt warmth in his body.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Team Milestone Reached]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Host Reward – END +1 | Tactical Awareness +1]
[PLAYER PROFILE – ARIN ELDORIA
STR: 6
MAG: 5
SPD: 6
END: 6
INT: 8
CHA: 7
Growth Potential: SSS
System Authority: Level 1
]
Arin looked at his reflection.
Still weak.
Still small.
But now…
He had real talents beside him.
And enemies ahead.
The game had truly begun.