Leon's golden eyes flickered as the lingering warmth of Seraphina's fire-elemental mana continued to pulse within him. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever felt—powerful yet gentle, like a spark yearning to become a wildfire.
But his instincts warned him that something was still missing.
Absorbing mana was one thing, but true control? That was another challenge entirely.
He needed to push further.
------
Reynard Aeternis stood in his study, his gaze locked onto the open scrolls before him. Reports from the noble factions, intelligence on border conflicts, and—most notably—the growing interest in his son.
It hadn't even been a year since Leon's birth, yet whispers were already spreading. The heir of House Aeternis was… different.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter," Reynard commanded.
The door creaked open, revealing Seraphina, cradling Leon in her arms.
Reynard's sharp gaze softened slightly at the sight of them, though his expression remained unreadable.
Seraphina stepped forward, her usual warmth laced with something else—concern. "Reynard, something happened."
His brow arched. "Elaborate."
She hesitated for only a moment before extending her free hand, summoning a small, controlled flame. "I did this earlier… and Leon reacted."
Reynard's eyes narrowed, immediately focusing on his son. "Reacted how?"
Seraphina exhaled, recalling the moment. "The flame flickered unnaturally, as if it was being pulled toward him. I've never seen anything like it."
Reynard was silent, but his mind was already piecing things together. An infant showing affinity was rare enough, but an infant drawing in mana from an external source?
That wasn't just rare. It was unheard of.
His golden eyes locked onto Leon's.
What are you trying to become, boy?
Reynard reached out, his palm glowing faintly with fire-elemental energy. Unlike before, this time he didn't simply test Leon—he pushed mana toward him.
It wasn't overwhelming, nor was it an attack. But it was controlled, dense, and potent. A proper test.
Leon's reaction was immediate.
[Eon: Fire Elemental Resonance Stabilizing…]
The warmth in his core flared, not as chaotic absorption but as controlled synchronization. He didn't just take in the mana—he matched its rhythm.
Reynard's eyes widened slightly.
He's learning to refine it already?
Seraphina noticed it too. "He's… stabilizing?"
Reynard let the mana dissipate and pulled back. He studied his son for a long moment before speaking. "This level of control at his age is unnatural."
A pause.
Then, a smirk.
"But it's not unwelcome."
Seraphina sighed, but there was a hint of amusement in her tone. "I should have expected that reaction from you."
Reynard chuckled. "If he is to bear the name Aeternis, he will not have the luxury of being ordinary." His gaze darkened slightly. "And given how quickly he's developing, others will notice soon enough."
Seraphina held Leon closer. "They already have."
Reynard nodded. He had no doubt that spies, opportunists, and potential enemies were already shifting their focus toward their son.
But that was fine.
If Leon truly held such potential… then he would need to be strong enough to protect himself.
And Reynard would ensure he had the means to do so.
------
Deep beneath the estate, in the hidden chamber where ancient records were kept, a figure stood in front of an old tome. Their cloak masked their features, but the gloved hand that turned the fragile pages was steady.
Fire…
The words on the parchment spoke of legends, of past prodigies who had walked a path similar to Leon's.
And how each had been either a blessing to the world…
Or a calamity.
The figure's voice was barely a whisper.
"…Let us see which he will become."
The shadows swallowed them whole.