Leon lay quietly in his crib, his golden eyes staring at the ceiling of his nursery. Though his infant body limited him, his mind was sharp, racing through the sensations he had felt earlier.
Fire-elemental resonance… synchronization… adaptation…
These weren't just passive developments. They were stepping stones to something greater.
But he still lacked true control.
Even as his body instinctively absorbed and harmonized with mana, he couldn't manipulate it yet. That meant he had to refine his synchronization and deepen his connection to fire until it was as natural as breathing.
I need more exposure.
His father and mother had given him the first steps. But now, it was up to him to walk the path forward.
------
Later that evening, as the soft glow of lanterns illuminated the Aeternis estate, Leon felt a shift in the air.
A presence.
Refined, controlled, but undeniably powerful.
Someone was approaching his room.
The door opened without a sound. A tall man with graying hair and deep crimson robes entered, his steps measured, his expression unreadable. His aura carried the unmistakable weight of experience.
Who…?
Leon's instincts screamed at him. This man was strong—perhaps even on par with Reynard.
Seraphina, who had been sitting beside the crib, looked up and smiled. "Father."
Leon's mind froze for a moment.
Father?
That meant—
The man's gaze softened as he looked at Seraphina. "It has been too long," he said, his voice deep yet composed. Then, his crimson eyes shifted to Leon.
Leon felt an invisible pressure settle over him. Not oppressive, but… scrutinizing.
A slow smirk formed on the man's lips. "So, this is the grandson I've been hearing about."
Seraphina chuckled. "You could have come sooner."
"Politics," the man said simply as if that explained everything. "But I couldn't ignore the rumors."
Leon processed the interaction quickly.
Seraphina's father. That meant he was a high-ranking noble—possibly even someone with authority rivaling Reynard. Given his control over his aura and the subtle heat radiating from him…
He's a fire-elemental user, too.
A direct bloodline connection to both Seraphina and himself.
The man reached out, his hand hovering just above Leon. A faint ember flickered between his fingers.
Leon's body reacted instantly.
[Eon: Fire Elemental Synchronization Accelerating…]
The ember pulsed, and Leon felt something shift within him.
The man's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "His affinity is stronger than I expected."
Seraphina nodded. "He's already absorbing mana from external sources."
The man studied Leon for another moment before withdrawing his hand. "That kind of ability… is dangerous if not controlled." He exhaled as if coming to a decision.
"Seraphina, I'll stay for a while."
Seraphina blinked in mild surprise. "You mean—?"
"I'll oversee his training." The man glanced at Leon again, amusement flickering in his gaze. "It would be a waste to let such talent go unchecked."
Leon processed the words carefully.
Training?
He wasn't about to refuse an opportunity like this.
Not when every ember brought him closer to wielding the fire within.
-----
Reynard stood outside the nursery, his arms crossed as he listened.
So, the old man had decided to get involved.
Not unexpected.
He knew that Seraphina's father was one of the most skilled fire mages of his generation—his knowledge of elemental manipulation rivaled even the royal mages.
If anyone could push Leon further, it was him.
Reynard smirked to himself.
Let's see just how far you can go, my son.