The morning sky above Alderheim Valley was unusually clear.
A soft golden light stretched across the fields as the sun slowly rose over the eastern hills. Dew clung to the wheat stalks, sparkling like tiny crystals scattered across the farmland.
It was a peaceful morning.
But inside the Alderheim estate, the atmosphere was filled with quiet anticipation.
Because today marked an important day.
Today…
Takemi turned ten years old.
And in the Kingdom of Valtheria, the age of ten was when noble children eligible for magical training were sent to the Royal Magic Academy.
Takemi stood in front of the mirror in his room, adjusting the collar of his academy travel uniform.
The uniform was simple but elegant.
A dark navy coat trimmed with silver lining.
A white shirt beneath it.
Black trousers designed for travel.
A small crest embroidered on the chest represented the symbol of House Alderheim — a silver oak tree.
Takemi looked at himself for a moment.
He was taller now.
His shoulders had broadened slightly.
His dark hair was messy as usual, refusing to stay neatly combed.
His eyes, however, carried a quiet confidence.
"Ten already…" he muttered.
It felt strange.
Part of him still remembered the stadium lights from his previous life.
But now…
This world had truly become his home.
A knock sounded on the door.
"Young master," Cedric's calm voice came from the other side.
"It is time."
Takemi grabbed the small travel bag resting on his bed.
Inside were a few changes of clothing, some books Cedric insisted he bring, and several iron throwing balls he had secretly packed.
Just in case.
He opened the door.
Cedric stood there in his usual immaculate suit, posture perfectly straight as always.
"Good morning, young master."
Takemi smiled.
"Morning, Cedric."
The old butler studied him carefully.
"…You look ready."
Takemi shrugged.
"I think so."
Cedric gestured down the hallway.
"Your parents are waiting."
The Alderheim dining room was quiet when Takemi entered.
His mother sat at the table with a soft expression on her face, while Lord Harland stood by the window overlooking the courtyard.
Outside, a carriage waited near the gates.
Takemi's mother stood and approached him.
For a moment she simply looked at him.
Then she gently adjusted his collar.
"You've grown so much…"
Takemi scratched his head awkwardly.
"Mom, I'm only going to school."
"Yes," she said softly.
"But it's far away."
The Royal Magic Academy was located in the capital city of Solmire, nearly five days' travel from Alderheim.
For a mother who had watched her son grow up in the quiet valley, that distance felt enormous.
Lord Harland turned from the window.
His expression was serious but proud.
"Takemi."
Takemi straightened instinctively.
"Yes, father."
Harland stepped closer.
"When you arrive at the academy, remember this."
"You carry the name of House Alderheim."
Takemi nodded.
"Yes."
Harland crossed his arms.
"But more importantly…"
He paused.
"You represent the people who live on our land."
Takemi blinked slightly.
The farmers.
The hunters.
The villagers who worked the fields.
Harland continued.
"A noble's duty is not simply to hold power."
"It is to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Takemi remembered the moment from his previous life.
The truck.
The child.
Saving someone without hesitation.
He nodded firmly.
"I understand."
Harland studied him for a moment.
Then smiled.
"Good."
The family sat together for one last breakfast before departure.
Fresh bread.
Eggs.
Honey.
Steaming vegetable stew.
Takemi ate quietly for a while before asking a question.
"Father… how big is the Royal Magic Academy?"
Harland chuckled.
"Large enough to be its own city."
Takemi nearly choked on his bread.
"Seriously?"
Cedric answered calmly from beside the table.
"The academy has existed for over three hundred years."
"It trains not only magicians, but also scholars, strategists, and noble leaders."
Takemi leaned forward.
"So everyone there can use magic?"
Cedric shook his head.
"Not everyone."
"Some students specialize in swordsmanship."
"Others study magical engineering, crafting artifacts and enchanted tools."
Takemi's curiosity grew.
"What about summoning magic?"
Harland frowned slightly.
"That field is… controversial."
Cedric nodded.
"Summoning magic involves calling creatures from other realms."
"While many summoned creatures are harmless familiars…"
He paused.
"History records several disasters caused by reckless summoners."
Takemi remembered Cedric's earlier warning.
Demons.
He decided not to ask further.
For now.
The carriage waited outside the manor gates.
Several villagers had gathered to see Takemi off.
The blacksmith waved proudly.
The farmer who often delivered wheat to the manor bowed respectfully.
Takemi hadn't realized so many people cared.
A young boy from the village shouted:
"Bring back stories from the capital!"
Takemi laughed.
"I'll try!"
His mother hugged him tightly.
"Write letters."
"I will."
Lord Harland placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Make us proud."
Takemi nodded.
Then he stepped into the carriage.
Cedric climbed in across from him.
The driver snapped the reins.
The carriage began moving down the dirt road leading away from Alderheim.
Takemi watched the valley slowly shrink behind them.
The orchards.
The fields.
The quiet life he had grown up in.
His second home.
"…I'll come back someday," he murmured.
Cedric heard him.
"You will."
"But when you return…"
"You will be stronger."
Takemi looked ahead.
Beyond the distant hills.
Beyond the horizon.
The road to the capital awaited.
And somewhere in that distant city…
A boy named Rauk was about to enter the academy as well.
Two future rivals.
Two future legends.
Walking unknowingly toward the same destination.