The moment the Tower Master laid his eyes on Scarlate, his breath stopped.
For a few seconds, he simply stared at her — unable to speak.
The air around her felt different… heavy… powerful.
Mana was flowing from her body like an endless ocean.
In his long life, he had never witnessed such overwhelming power.
His hands trembled slightly as he turned toward the king.
"Your Majesty… this child…" His voice lowered in disbelief. "She is a genius beyond genius. A being that is born only once in a thousand years."
King Gazel froze.
To hear those words from the Magic Tower Master himself — the greatest mage in the kingdom — was unbelievable. Pride, shock, and fear mixed in his heart.
Who exactly had his daughter been born as?
Soon, the Tower Master began her training.
He calmly raised his hand and formed a simple Fire Ball.
"Focus," he said.
Before his words had even fully settled in the air—
A blazing fireball appeared in Scarlate's small hand.
In less than a second.
The flames danced wildly, bright and pure.
The Tower Master's eyes widened.
Impossible…
He immediately demonstrated water magic.
Gentle, flowing, controlled.
But once again—
Scarlate copied it perfectly. Not just copied it… improved it.
Silence filled the training hall.
The Tower Master stared at her as if looking at a miracle… or perhaps a future storm that could shake the world.
After a moment, he spoke seriously.
"Scarlate… attack me with your most powerful magic."
She hesitated.
"Master… will you be alright?"
For the first time, concern appeared in her golden eyes.
He smiled faintly. "Do not hold back."
Scarlate took a deep breath.
Mana gathered around her like a raging tempest.
Fire ignited. Wind roared.
She combined them.
Flames spiraled violently within a storm of cutting wind — a destructive fusion spell.
With determination in her eyes, she released it.
The explosion shook the ground.
Dust filled the air.
When it cleared, the Tower Master stood unharmed — though his robe had slightly burned at the edges.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Your magic is extraordinary," he said softly. "But you still cannot defeat an 8th Circle Mage."
There was no mockery in his voice.
Only expectation.
From that day onward, Scarlate trained without rest.
Days turned into months.
Months turned into years.
She bled.
She fell.
She stood up again.
The Tower Master took her away for ten years — personally guiding her, pushing her beyond limits no child should endure.
And after ten long years…
The world would no longer see a princess.
It would witness a legend.