The chariot rumbled down the marble-paved royal road, golden banners flapping in the wind. Caelen sat beside Lyra in silence, his silver hair swaying with the breeze. His mismatched eyes—green and blue—reflected the sprawling city that slowly gave way to grandeur.
In the distance, the palace emerged like a god's fortress carved into reality. Towers stretched toward the heavens, made of crystal-white stone laced with veins of glowing blue mana. Floating runes circled its highest spires like orbiting stars. Walls made of shimmering silver glinted under the sun, guarded by statues that moved ever so slightly, as if alive. A waterfall of light cascaded from the main gate, mana flowing like liquid across its runes.
Caelen leaned out the window, his eyes narrowing.
"The kingdom of Valeriandria," he muttered to himself, breathing in the rich, clean air. "Ruled by the King... and his daughter, Lyra Flameborne."
He smiled faintly. "This brings back memories."
"Caelen?" Lyra's soft voice snapped him from his thoughts.
He sat back just as the carriage halted at the grand obsidian gate. Two massive statues, carved in the image of flame-winged lions, loomed above them. Their eyes flared red.
BOOM. The gates swung open slowly, groaning like the earth itself had moved.
A royal guard ran toward them, bowing low as he extended a hand to Lyra. She took it gracefully, her golden hair glowing under the sun. She stepped down in elegance.
Caelen slipped down from the other side, quiet as a shadow, brushing invisible dust from his coat.
Together, they walked toward the palace, their silhouettes framed against the glowing entrance.
Inside the grand hall, armored knights and nobles knelt on one knee. The air turned heavier. Magic hummed through the marble, resonating like a heartbeat. The throne hall was vast—larger than most arenas—with obsidian pillars and floating torches illuminating arcane runes.
At the center, atop a staircase of black stone, sat Lord Arcturus Flameborne, the King.
The obsidian throne pulsed with dormant power, runes etched along its surface. The king's golden crown shimmered with living runes, his crimson cloak flowing like molten fire over pitch-black armor. His gaze alone made the air tense.
Behind him, a massive painting hung on the wall—two young girls, Lyra and another, smiling side by side.
Lyra rushed forward, her boots clicking softly. She leaned in and kissed the king's cheek.
"Father, we've brought the new Hero."
Lord Arcturus nodded, eyes shifting to Caelen. "Welcome to the royal palace."
Caelen bowed. "Thank you, my lord."
With a snap of his fingers, the chamber doors opened again. A priest in white and blue robes walked in, holding a glowing crystal the size of a melon. Its light pulsed gently.
The priest bowed. "This is a Class Affinity Crystal. Please place your hand on it to reveal your hero class."
Caelen stepped forward, unconcerned. "As expected."
He placed his hand on the crystal. Mana surged—wind howled around the room as the crystal began to glow fiercely.
VWOOOM.
The priest pulled back slightly, shielding his eyes.
The king leaned forward. "What's the result?"
The priest gasped. "He's... a Healer."
A moment of silence.
Lyra blinked, clearly startled.
The king grinned. "Excellent. A healer is exactly what we need. We've lacked one since Elian died in the siege."
Caelen smirked inwardly.
Is that what they told you? he thought.
He looked at Lyra. "Miss Lyra, it's bad to lie. Especially to your father."
The king rose slightly. "From this moment, you are crowned the Recovery Hero."
Caelen bowed. "It's an honor. I will fulfill my duties without fail."
"One week from now," the king said, "you will heal a warrior. Our kingdom's greatest swordswoman. Her arm was torn off fighting the higher ogres. We need her back in the field."
"Understood."
Lyra smiled. "For now, rest. If you need anything, just ask."
Caelen nodded. "Thanks, my lady."
He turned to the king, eye narrowing.
Now then... let's see how powerful you really are.
His left eye glowed—green light swirling like a vortex.
[Oculus Veritas – Activated]
[Scanning Target...]
[Analyzing Mana Signature...]
A golden wave exploded outward from the king.
BOOOOOM.
Caelen stumbled back a step. His vision blurred.
A system panel shot open:
---
[System Alert]
Target's Authority Level exceeds current scan capacity.
Identity: [Redacted]
Power Rating: [Error]
Class: [Unknown]
Level: ???
> Target possesses superior magical resistance, bloodline protection, or system shielding.
> Oculus Veritas is too weak to penetrate this target's veil.
Upgrade Required: Eye Level II or Essence Link with a Rank-A or higher individual.
---
Caelen's eye dimmed.
"Tch... so there are limits."
He felt eyes on him. The king's gaze—sharp, precise—landed on him for a breath.
Caelen froze. Sweat traced his jaw.
Then the king looked away.
He noticed.
Caelen exhaled slowly.
"Alright... noted. Not someone I can peek at just yet."
Lyra tugged at his sleeve. "Come. I'll show you your quarters."
He bowed once more and followed.
They reached a grand door lined with silver vines and red roses.
"This is your room," Lyra said, pushing it open.
The inside glowed with soft mana lights. Velvet carpets, silk bedding, shelves of old tomes, and a window that looked over the capital.
Caelen sat on the bed.
"Do you like it?" she asked.
He smiled. "Yes."
"Then rest well. You must be tired."
She left, closing the door gently.
Caelen's smile vanished. His expression turned cold.
He stared out the window. "This place... fake smiles. Hollow words."
His mind echoed with the king's words.
"Strongest swordswoman… ripped arm... I'll need regenerative healing. But first..." He stood. "Time to build tolerance."
He slipped out of his room like a shadow. The palace corridors held no secrets to him.
He reached a hidden grove near the alchemy gardens. Rows of glowing mushrooms and drug-bearing plants shimmered under starlight.
He knelt. Uncorked a violet vial. The air stank of poison and magic.
He drank.
Agony.
His veins screamed. Mana twisted inside him. His pupils dilated. His breathing hitched—but he didn't fall.
He embraced it.
His eyes flared—green and blue light piercing the dark.
---
[System Notification]
You have ingested Class-C Toxic Compound: Duskmire Mycoweed (Laced).
> Current Resistance Level: [Intermediate]
Neural Resistance Increased
Toxin Tolerance Increased
Hallucinogen Adaptation Progress: 64%
"Through pain comes preparation. Keep going."
New Trait Unlocked: [Minor Poison Immunity]
Certain low-grade poisons and drugs now have reduced or nullified effect.
---
Caelen exhaled a stream of white mist.
He smiled through the pain. "One day… none of this will faze me."
His legend had just begun.