The sun was high, casting golden rays across the village of Hage. For most, it was a peaceful day—warmth, chores, and the buzz of life.
But for Kael, peace was rarely uninterrupted.
---
Midday – Outside the Village Market
Kael walked alongside Asta and Yuno, arms full of baskets after a supply run. Asta was complaining about carrying flour, while Yuno was—as usual—silent. Kael laughed quietly at their antics.
"Honestly, Asta, you yell more than you lift," Kael teased.
"I am lifting—my voice!" Asta grinned.
As they passed the village square, a scuffle caught Kael's eye. A noble carriage had stopped at the edge of the market. Two cloaked boys—clearly minor nobles—were shouting at an older vendor whose fruit cart had been bumped.
"Filthy peasant! Watch where you push that rotten cart of yours!"
"I-I'm sorry," the old man stammered. "The wheel slipped. I didn't mean—"
One of the nobles shoved him to the ground. The other raised his foot to stomp the vendor's basket of fruit.
> "Enough."
Kael moved before anyone could react.
He appeared between the noble and the basket, arm outstretched. His crimson eyes locked onto the boy's.
"Step back."
The noble sneered. "And who are you? A dirty orphan threatening a noble?"
Kael didn't flinch.
"I'm someone who'll break your leg if you hurt him again."
---
Silence fell.
Asta froze. Yuno's eyes sharpened. The villagers gasped.
The noble's magic flared—weak wind manipulation. He pushed his hand forward, wind howling.
Kael raised his own. Without chanting, without a grimoire—he created a shield of air, then compressed it into a focused burst.
> WHAM!
The noble was sent flying backward, crashing into the side of his own carriage. His companion backed away in fear.
Kael turned to the old man, offering his hand.
"Are you hurt?"
"N-No, lad… Thank you. Thank you…"
Kael helped him to his feet and gently picked up the spilled apples, placing them back into the basket.
> [System Notification: Side Quest Complete – "Defend the Innocent"]
– Reward: +1 Morality Trait, +20 System EXP, +5 Public Influence (Hage)
– Bonus Trait Unlocked: "Moral Instinct" (Temporarily boosts strength when protecting others)
---
Later That Evening
The incident spread fast. Whispers filled the orphanage.
"Did you hear? Kael took on nobles—without a grimoire!"
"They say he used wind like a real knight…"
"But he didn't hurt them badly. Just enough to stop them."
Sister Lily found Kael sitting beneath the chapel bell, staring at the horizon.
"You didn't have to involve yourself," she said softly.
"I couldn't walk past it," he replied. "I won't watch someone suffer just because they're weaker."
She sat beside him. "Your strength… it's growing faster than anyone else's. But Kael, be careful. People fear what they don't understand."
He gave her a small smile. "Then I'll make sure they understand through kindness first. And fists… only if they don't listen."
---
Nightfall – Forest Training Grounds
Kael stood with Lyra beside him. "Let's push the 'Moral Instinct' trait."
"You're going to recreate the scenario?" she asked.
"No… I'm going to anchor my magic to intent. Make my power respond to what I protect, not just how."
He closed his eyes. The wind around him responded—not wild, not destructive—but vigilant. As if guarding him.
> [Trait Enhanced: Moral Instinct → Guardian's Edge]
– Effect: Attack Power +25% when protecting allies or innocents
– Bonus: Wind-based skills gain reduced mana cost during defense
– New Passive: "Clenched Heart" (Increases control under emotional duress)
---
Elsewhere – Clover Capital
A Magic Knight captain reviewed reports from outer towns.
"Hage again… reports of an orphan with strange spellcasting. Crimson eyes. Wind manipulation."
The captain closed the folder. "He's not even gotten his grimoire yet… and he's already shaking the edges of this kingdom."
He stood and looked out the window.
"Interesting."
---
Back in Hage – Kael's Room
Kael laid awake, staring at the ceiling. His body was tired—but his heart was heavy.
Not from fear. Not from anger.
But from a promise.
> "If I have the power to stop suffering… I will. Even if I bleed for it."
The crimson in his eyes pulsed faintly in the dark.