Chapter 3:
15th August, Year 13500 — Aetherion Calendar
Elyndor Empire, Capital City — Count Valerian's Estate, also known as the City of Hope.
The city buzzed with joy, laughter echoing through its marble streets and golden spires. After years of silence and sorrow, a genuine smile returned to the face of Count Alaric Valerian. The people of the city rejoiced alongside their lord, for on this auspicious day, a miracle had taken place — the Count's youngest and only son was born.
For years, this city had stood as the last barrier protecting the Elyndor Empire from the horrors of the Dark Forest, earning the name "City of Hope." But today, its hope was not just in its towering walls — it was in the cry of a newborn child.
When Rudra opened his eyes, he realized something extraordinary — he was no longer a soldier fallen in war but a newborn infant, reborn in a new world. Standing before him was a breathtakingly beautiful woman with long black hair and shimmering golden eyes. Her smile, gentle and divine, felt like the warmth of heaven itself.
"Welcome, my child, to the world of Aetherion," she whispered.
Rudra instinctively knew — this woman was his new mother.
Moments later, a tall man with black hair and sharp black eyes approached. A regal beard framed his noble face, and strength radiated from his calm presence.
"Arthur. Arthur Valerian," he said, smiling proudly. The woman smiled too, her golden eyes softening with love.
One Year Later…
Now known as Arthur Valerian, Rudra had begun to walk and even speak fragments of the Aetherioni language. From the age of one month, he had struggled to move his limbs, crawl, and stand. Now, though still unsteady, he could walk short distances and communicate in broken speech.
The people around him called him a genius — a prodigious child — but Arthur knew better. In this magical world, many children like him existed. Being above average wasn't enough. Still, he understood this world now — Aetherion — and that he had been reborn as the youngest son of the mighty Count Valerian.
His father, Count Alaric Valerian, was a renowned noble. His mother, Rubina Valerian, was as graceful as she was intelligent. He had three elder sisters: the eldest, Elyra,was studying at the prestigious Erinoguard Academy. The second daughter selene was also enrolled there, while the youngest sister Lyria was training to enter it soon.
Many nobles had visited in the past year just to see him, and from their respect and awe, Arthur realized — his family wasn't just noble, they were powerful and influential.
One day, in his room, Arthur was reading a book about Elyndor's ancient history when his mother entered.
"Arthur, you're reading again?" she asked with a knowing smile.
"Yes, Mother," he replied politely.
She sighed, then smiled wider. "You really are gifted, my son. Since you can now walk and talk, your father has arranged for a special tutor — someone who will help you begin your training to awaken your mana circuit."
Arthur's heart skipped. Mana. He had read about it.
In this world, mana was everything — the invisible life force present in all living and non-living things. Those who could channel mana could perform incredible feats — casting spells, enhancing their bodies, and wielding powers beyond imagination.
But to use mana, one had to awaken their mana circuit — a network of points within the body where mana flowed. The process of opening these circuits wasn't easy. But the first Emperor of Elyndor had created a universal method that anyone could use to awaken.
Those who successfully opened their circuits were known as the Awakened.
There were nine stages of mana circuit awakening. Each stage granted new powers, separating the Awakened from normal people. Once all nine circuits were open, a person would undergo an evolution, transforming into something far greater.
Arthur looked at his mother with determination. "I'm ready."
She led him to the training hall where a tall, rugged man stood. He had a long beard, a sharp gaze, and the presence of a battle-hardened warrior.
"Hello, Arthur. My name is Alex Reacher," he said in a deep, commanding voice.
Arthur bowed slightly. "Hello, Teacher. I'm Arthur."
"I will train you in swordsmanship and help you open your mana circuits," Alex said firmly.
Arthur's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'm ready for your teachings!"
Alex nodded, pleased by the boy's spirit. "For the next five years, we will focus on strengthening your body and preparing it to handle mana."
"Why can't we start with mana now?" Arthur asked curiously.
"Because," Alex replied, "without a strong foundation, mana can destroy you from the inside. It is power, but uncontrolled power is poison."
Arthur nodded slowly. "Alright…"
Alex chuckled. "Don't be disheartened. If you build your body strong, you'll be able to control even greater power later on."
Arthur took a deep breath. "I understand."
And just like that, ten years passed.
Under Alex's harsh but wise training, Arthur's body grew strong. Day by day, his knowledge of mana, swordsmanship, and the world of Aetherion expanded. He wasn't just a noble's son anymore.
He was a boy with a past, a warrior's soul, and a destiny far greater than anyone could imagine.