Time moved forward, and Leon's mind remained sharp, always seeking ways to accelerate his growth. His body, while still fragile, was steadily adapting to mana. However, progress alone wasn't enough—he needed something more.
He needed power.
And to achieve that, he had to awaken his elemental affinity.
---
The first step was exposure. If the environment around him contained a rich source of mana, then perhaps his body could adapt to it naturally. And the most accessible source was right in front of him—his mother.
Seraphina Aeternis was not just a duchess but a powerful mage. Though Leon had yet to see her cast a spell, he could sense it—the natural warmth of mana that surrounded her, like a gentle flame.
Fire.
Leon recalled the list of mana refinement sources. Elemental Affinity Awakening could be triggered by prolonged exposure to a specific type of mana. And if his mother's mana was predominantly fire-based…
Then he had a path forward.
But how to expose himself? He couldn't simply ask her, nor could he actively manipulate mana yet. However, if she used magic in his presence, perhaps some of that elemental energy would be absorbed naturally.
A plan formed in his mind.
---
Leon turned his golden eyes toward his mother and let out a small sound—one of curiosity.
Seraphina, sitting beside his crib, immediately responded, a soft smile gracing her lips.
"Oh? What is it, my love?"
Leon's tiny hands reached out, grasping toward the flickering candle on the nearby table. His eyes locked onto the small flame, his expression one of innocent fascination.
Seraphina followed his gaze and let out a gentle chuckle.
"The fire caught your attention, little one?"
She reached toward the candle, her fingers barely grazing the wick. A faint pulse of mana flickered in the air, and suddenly, the small flame danced, shifting in color from orange to blue.
Leon's instincts roared to life.
The mana in the air changed—warmer, purer. He focused inward, sensing the subtle flow of fire-elemental energy radiating from his mother's fingertips.
This is it. This is what I need.
Seraphina twirled her fingers, making the flame flicker in mesmerizing patterns. She had simply meant to entertain her son, unaware that this small display was feeding his awakening.
Leon remained still, absorbing as much of the lingering mana as possible. The warmth seeped into his body, merging with the passive flow of energy within him.
[Eon: Elemental Exposure Detected. Adapting Mana Circulation…]
A faint heat spread through his core, not unpleasant but noticeable. It was different from before—his mana was shifting, aligning ever so slightly with fire.
It wasn't a full awakening, but it was a start.
Seraphina smiled at his captivated expression. "Do you like fire, my little Leon?"
Leon blinked, then reached out again.
Seraphina laughed. "So curious already… Perhaps you'll take after me in more ways than one."
She waved her hand, and the flame expanded before flickering out. The warmth in the air dissipated, but the effect lingered within Leon's body.
He could feel it.
The first embers had been lit.
---
Far beyond the nursery, in the darkened corridors of the estate, silent figures moved.
Unseen. Unheard. Watching.
"The mother is growing suspicious," one whispered.
"Not unexpected. She was always sharp."
"What of the child?"
A pause. Then a slow, measured response.
"…He is adapting faster than predicted."
Silence followed, tense and heavy. Then, a final command.
"Continue observing. Do not interfere—yet."
The shadows flickered, then vanished into the night.
And elsewhere, oblivious to the unseen eyes upon him, Leon slept, his dreams tinged with fire.