A few days had passed since Jason left for the academy. Mina was gone too—her vacation year over.
Apparently, after three years of study at the academy, students could either continue or take a one-year break to work. Mina had used hers to tutor me. Now her break was done, and she'd returned.
Which meant: No supervision.
The maids still hovered in their own ways—Nina made sure I woke up, Pico forced me to eat every vegetable on the plate, and Cina refused to leave my room until I fell asleep—but outside that? Freedom.
And freedom meant one thing.
Training.
The training hall was empty that morning, sunlight spilling across the scarred wooden floor. Perfect. No guards, no nosy staff, no lectures about "proper posture while casting."
"Alright," I muttered, stretching. "Back to the grind."
I started with laps. By the second round, my lungs were burning.
"Huff… Why is this body so weak?"
Still, I kept going—mostly because collapsing before even starting magic training would've been humiliating.
Pushups next.
"One… two—ow!"
My arms gave out. I glared at the ceiling. "Three. Pathetic."
After water and a short break, I sat cross-legged on the floor. "Fine. Let's move to the fun part."
I closed my eyes, guiding mana into my palm. Slowly, a faint glow appeared—a weak, shimmering sphere. It hovered there for a few seconds before—
Pop.
Gone.
"Progress!" I grinned. Repetition followed: summon, pop, summon, pop. By the fifth try, sweat dripped down my neck, and my head throbbed.
"Okay… break time." I flopped backward, staring up at the high beams.
A glowing menu appeared at my call.
Status Menu
Name: Lucian Vanheart
Age: 5
Level: 10 (100/1000 EXP)
Title: ???
Stat
HP: 420/420
MP: 200/240
STR: 3
AGL: 3
Mind: 5
Attribute: Fire Magic
Skills: ???
Spell: Fireball [10 MP]
Unallocated Points: 5
My grin widened. "Plenty of mana left. Time to burn some dummies."
I conjured a fireball and hurled it. It struck one dummy square in the chest. The next grazed its shoulder, and the last fizzled against the barrier.
"One hit, three grazes, one miss… getting better."
I fired again. And again. Accuracy improved—but exhaustion crept in faster. Sweat glued my shirt to my back.
That's where Mina used to stop me. But she wasn't here now.
I checked my MP. "Hundred left. Perfect."
"Let's try rapid casting."
Fireball. Fireball. Fireball.
Each one drained me faster. My head spun, vision blurring, until the tenth weakly sputtered out. My knees buckled, and darkness swallowed me.
When I woke, my whole body felt like lead. Then—
Ding!
A glowing message appeared.
Congratulations! You have learned a new skill: [Rapid Casting].
I blinked, then burst out laughing. "Yes! Finally, progress!"
Months of grinding had paid off. I slumped back against the floor, still grinning. "Note to self: collapse more often."
Then reality hit. "...But maybe don't tell Father or Mother. They'll just assign me a personal guard again."
Still, the pride didn't fade. I'd done it—on my own.
A few moments later, Father summoned me to his office. Which could only mean one thing.
Did Father find out I've been training alone again?
By the time I reached the door, my stomach was a tangled knot. Maybe it's not about that, I told myself. Maybe he just wants to... meet me? Yeah, right.
I knocked softly and entered.
Father sat behind his desk, composed as always. Across from him sat a stranger—a man in black trimmed with crimson. His hair was dark, perfectly swept, and his sharp red eyes followed me like a hawk.
"You called for me, Father?"
"Yes, Lucian." His tone was calm but carried that weight that always made me sweat. "Meet Kael Veritas."
The man rose, smiling politely. "It's an honor. So you're the boy who touched mana unaided. Remarkable."
"T-thank you, sir."
He chuckled. "No need for titles. Kael will do it."
I nodded awkwardly. "Right… Kael, sir."
His gaze sharpened, and I got the strange feeling he could see through me.
Father's voice cut in. "From today onwards, he will be your tutor."
My heart skipped. "My… tutor?"
Kael inclined his head slightly. "I look forward to shaping your potential."
Father added, "He is one of the Six Magic Knights of our district."
My eyes widened. A Magic Knight? I looked at Kael again—he didn't look like a mage. More like one of those dangerous people who smiles right before killing you.
Then came the next blow.
"You will live with him for a time," Father said.
"Wait—what?"
"Training under him requires focus. Staying at his estate will ensure that."
Kael's smile didn't waver. "You'll be well cared for, Lucian."
I swallowed. "Understood."
"Good. You leave tomorrow."
I bowed and turned to go, feeling his gaze follow me the whole way out. It wasn't hostile, exactly—just… too intent. Like a scientist watching his newest experiment.
Still, beneath the unease, excitement flickered. A Magic Knight—one of six in the entire district—was going to train me. That was the kind of chance people prayed for.
And if he lived in a mansion, how bad could it be? I imagined marble halls, massive libraries, maybe even a garden fountain where I could train in peace. Yeah. This could work.
The next morning came too soon. My bag was small, but my stomach felt heavier than it should.
Mother fussed until the very last moment—straightening my collar, brushing imaginary dust from my shoulders. "Don't skip meals. Rest properly. Promise me."
"I promise," I said, smiling weakly.
Father stood beside her, arms folded. "Kael is strict. Learn well."
The carriage door closed, and the wheels began to roll. I leaned out the window to wave. Mother smiled, but her eyes shimmered. Father only raised a hand once, then turned away.
The mansion faded from view behind the trees.
Inside the mansion, Risa turned to Alaric, her voice low. "Was it necessary to send him away so soon?"
Alaric's jaw tightened. "After the report from Gustav, we had no choice."
Risa's eyes clouded with worry. "Then… let us hope this ends quickly."
Alaric did not answer. His gaze remained fixed on the road.