Leon stood in the courtyard, his golden eyes locked onto his grandfather, who stood with an air of quiet authority. The heat from their previous training still lingered in the air, but today was different.
His grandfather crossed his arms. "Your control over fire has improved significantly, but true mastery requires refinement. It is time for your final test under my guidance."
Seraphina, standing at the balcony, felt a mixture of pride and concern. It had been nearly a month since her father had come to train Leon, and the progress he had made was astounding. But this final test... she knew it would push him beyond anything he had faced before.
Duke Reynard Aeternis, who had been occupied with noble duties, finally stood beside his wife, watching his son with keen eyes. "This will decide whether his training was truly worth it," he said in a measured tone.
Leon's heart pounded in his chest. He could feel it—the anticipation, the challenge, the unknown. But he wasn't afraid.
His grandfather extended his hand, and suddenly, the entire courtyard was engulfed in an inferno. Towering flames spiraled around Leon, but unlike before, there was no sense of chaos. These flames were controlled.
"Survive this."
That was all the warning he received before the fire moved.
It didn't simply attack. It tested him. Waves of heat forced him to move, tendrils of flame slithered toward him unpredictably, and searing bursts aimed at his vital spots forced him to react purely on instinct.
Leon didn't just dodge—he adapted. His enhanced mana sensory allowed him to feel the movement of the fire before it struck. His feet glided across the stone ground as if he were dancing with the flames themselves. He reached out, and instead of resisting, he called upon the fire.
And the fire obeyed.
The inferno bent to his will, shifting around him like an extension of his body. He was no longer just enduring or controlling—he was becoming one with it.
[Ding!]
[Fire Adaptation has reached Level 3!]
[New Skill Unlocked: Infernal Step – Allows the user to merge with fire momentarily, increasing speed and agility in battle.]
His grandfather's smirk deepened. "That's more like it."
The flames intensified, but Leon didn't falter.
Then, with a sudden burst of power, he thrust his hand forward. A focused stream of fire shot out, cutting through the flames like a spear. His grandfather barely tilted his head to dodge, his sharp eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Enough."
The flames vanished, dissipating into embers that floated around them like falling stars. Leon sat there, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from his brow. But he had done it.
"You have passed," his grandfather declared. "Your training under me is complete."
Seraphina released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Reynard nodded approvingly, his eyes filled with quiet pride.
Leon, however, wasn't done, feeling the power surging within him. He had grown, but he wasn't satisfied.
His journey was just beginning.
---
Far from the Aeternis Estate, in the depths of the Solaris Kingdom, Prince Alistair rode through the dense forests, his royal guard following closely behind.
The air was thick with tension. Reports had spoken of an unknown force growing in strength—one tied to a child of fire.
A child that, if left unchecked, could disrupt the balance of power.
Alistair's sharp blue eyes flickered as he recalled the Oracle's cryptic words:
"The spark that defies fate has been lit. He who holds the embers of the past shall reshape the world."
What did it mean? Who was this child?
"We'll find out soon enough," Alistair muttered under his breath.
His journey was leading him closer to the truth.
And to a meeting that would change everything.
---
Beyond the reach of the kingdom's watchful eyes, the cloaked figure who had been observing Leon for weeks finally made their move.
Standing on a secluded hill overlooking the Aeternis Estate, they watched as the last of Leon's training concluded. Their lips curled into a knowing smirk.
"He's ready."
With a flick of their wrist, they vanished into the night.
The pieces were falling into place.
And soon, the world would know the name—
Leon.
----------
Author note
I mistakenly wrote Aeternis Estate as inforno Estate in last three chapters and i corrected it in this chapter so please forgive me for any inconveniences you felt