Time flowed on like a fleeting white colt, and in the blink of an eye, it was already the height of summer in the year X774.
In the gardens of Duke As's manor in Crocus, a silver-haired boy was meticulously practicing his sword swings.
Set upon his forehead was a faint blue crescent mark. His features were strikingly handsome; though still a youth, he already carried both noble elegance and heroic spirit.
This boy was none other than the young lord of the ducal household—Arlen Viviamilio. At only thirteen years old, he already stood close to 1.7 meters tall. His fair skin contrasted with his black training attire, which accentuated his upright and well-built figure.
"9997… 9998… 9999… 10000!"
After ten thousand swings, Arlen smoothly sheathed his blade.
The Tang-style sword was named Alaya-vijñāna, a divine weapon that had mysteriously appeared at his side when he turned ten.
The blade was an icy blue overall, with a deep azure hilt. Its edge gleamed with a cold silver light, while both the blade and scabbard were engraved with intricate and elegant cloud patterns and runes, radiating a powerful spiritual aura.
From the age of two, two spheres of light had appeared in Arlen's mind: one azure, one multicolored. The blue sphere was this very blade, Alaya-vijñāna, said to be a gift from a distant Earth; the multicolored sphere originated from the will of the Inuyasha world, containing the supreme sword techniques of two great dog demons—practical, deadly, and immensely powerful.
Alaya-vijñāna was not only peerlessly sharp and indestructible, but could also change its attributes according to its wielder's will. Most heaven-defying of all, it possessed a miraculous power of revival—anyone dead for less than seven days could be brought back to life through this blade. Such power was likely beyond even the gods of this world, including Ankhseram.
Blessed with such extraordinary fortune, and raised with boundless love by the duke and duchess, Arlen had been the center of attention since childhood.
Duke As and Lady Alice doted on him endlessly, granting nearly every request. Had he not been so young, the title of duke might have already been passed to him.
Yet Arlen never indulged in that pampering. Instead, he was exceptionally disciplined and hardworking. Whether in magic training, academic study, or swordsmanship, he never once slacked off.
Coupled with his extraordinary talent—grasping everything at a glance—he was the envy of countless others.
In their free time, the duke and duchess took great joy in boasting about their outstanding son to friends and relatives.
"Your Highness Arlen, His Grace and Her Ladyship are waiting for you in the drawing room."
The elderly steward Robert approached with a respectful bow.
Arlen accepted a towel from a maid, wiping the sweat from his forehead and cheeks, and smiled gently. "Understood. Thank you, Grandpa Robert. Please inform Father and Mother that I'll come after I wash up."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Robert bowed and withdrew. Carrying Alaya-vijñāna, Arlen returned to his room, washed off the sweat, changed into a blue-and-white noble outfit, and walked steadily toward the drawing room.
Along the way, every servant he passed greeted him with respect. Arlen responded to each with a calm nod. Though of noble status, he showed not the slightest arrogance, treating everyone with humility and earning the affection of the entire household.
Passing through the corridor, Arlen entered the drawing room.
Seated on the sofa were a man and a woman. The man, with neatly combed black hair and a composed, handsome face, was reading documents—it was Duke As.
The woman exuded gentle nobility. Her silver hair was elegantly styled, adorned with tassel ornaments. Her features were exquisite, her skin radiant. Blue gemstone earrings swayed lightly, and her retro red qipao accentuated her graceful figure and dignified yet warm temperament. She was Lady Alice.
"Father, Mother. Haven't you been busy with family business and state affairs lately? What brings you back so suddenly?" Arlen greeted softly as he stepped forward.
The moment they saw him, their faces lit up with warm, affectionate smiles.
"Come here, let Mother have a good look at you." Alice stood and pulled Arlen closer, examining him carefully. "Have you gotten thinner again? Have you been eating properly?"
"Not at all, Mother! I haven't missed a single meal. I've just gained muscle from training—look." Arlen quickly rolled up his sleeve, revealing his well-defined arm, afraid she might worry.
Duke As chuckled and interjected, "Alright, Alice. You know our son—he's a little foodie. Between training and thinking about food all day, how could he possibly starve?"
"Sit down, Mother." Arlen guided her back to her seat and sat opposite them. "By the way, Father, is there something important that brought you back?"
"Listen to him—so talkative."
Alice shot her husband a glance, then poured a cup of tea for her son before taking a sip of her own.
Setting down his teacup, Duke As looked at Arlen. "You're planning to go to Fairy Tail, aren't you? Your mother and I thought… we may not see you for quite some time after you leave, so of course we had to come back and spend time with you. No matter how important state affairs are, they can't compare to our son."
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother." Warmth filled Arlen's heart.
Alice sighed softly, her voice tinged with reluctance. "Arlen, have you truly decided to go to Fairy Tail? It's so far from home…"
"Yes, Mother. From the moment I first encountered magic, I had already made up my mind. I really like Fairy Tail." Arlen set down his teacup, his gaze steady and resolute.
Though reluctant, Alice did not stop him. Both she and her husband knew that Fairy Tail was the place their son had long dreamed of.
In her eyes, Fairy Tail was a very special guild—its members were exceptionally capable and reliable, yet also infamous as "experts in destruction."
In times of crisis, Fairy Tail was the safest place. In times of peace, however, it was the most nerve-wracking. Even so, the guild's free-spirited atmosphere and deep bonds far surpassed any other.
Duke As pushed a key, a slip of paper, and several suitcases toward Arlen. "Take these."
"What are these?" Arlen asked, puzzled.
"Ever since you decided to join Fairy Tail, I had someone prepare a villa for you in Magnolia. You've always had a mind of your own—once you decide something, no one can stop you. This is the key, and the address is on that paper. The cases contain 20 million J. Use it as you like. If you run out, just ask your mother or me."
Arlen accepted them without hesitation. He wasn't running away from home—his family's support and his future earnings from guild jobs did not conflict.
With a light motion of his left hand, a crimson magic circle appeared beneath his feet, storing the key, address, and money into his spatial magic.
"When do you plan to leave?" Duke As asked.
"Tomorrow," Arlen replied after a brief thought.
He knew his father was busy with state affairs and his mother managed the family business—he didn't want to delay them any longer.
As and Alice exchanged a glance, unsurprised. They had specifically set aside their work to return and see their son off.
"Good!" Alice suddenly stood up, her eyes blazing with enthusiasm, clenching her fist with vigor. "Then today, your mother will personally cook! Let's have a proper family reunion dinner!"
Arlen and As exchanged a look, both quietly shaking their heads in unison, thinking the same thing:
Where did this sudden burst of fiery spirit come from?