After the horrific events in the Death Forest, the fire burning within Keyzier's blue eyes refused to fade. The next morning, as the first light of dawn touched the rooftops of Noive Village, Keyzier stood tall before his grandfather and his parents.
"Grandfather, Father, Mother... please teach me swordsmanship and magic right now," he pleaded, his voice carrying a maturity far beyond his years.
Keyown, his father, let out a long sigh while sharpening his wooden axe. "No, Keyzier. You know the rules. Ten is the minimum age. Your body is not yet ready to contain a large mana load, and your muscles are too soft to hold steel."
Keyzier did not give up. He no longer whined like a child asking for a toy; instead, he stood like a soldier requesting orders. Yet, the refusal remained firm.
For an entire month, Keyzier did something that moved the hearts of every villager. Every day, he would go to the village hall or his grandfather's house, stand there for hours, and ask for the same thing. He often cried out of frustration—not from sadness, but because he felt time was slipping away while he remained weak.
The people of Noive Village, usually strictly disciplined regarding tradition, began to feel for him. They saw a boy haunted by the guilt of letting his best friend get hurt. After a meeting at the village hall, a unanimous decision was finally reached.
"Very well, Keyzier." said Keywiln, the village head, before all the residents. "Given your extraordinary determination, we will grant you an exception. Your training begins tomorrow."
Keyzier prostrated in gratitude. Tears of joy fell onto the soil of Noive. "Thank you... I will not let you down!"
Training began with the foundation of all power: sensing natural energy. Under the guidance of Sarah and Keyown, Keyzier was asked to meditate in the middle of the wheat fields. He had to feel the flow of mana within his blood and the vibrations in the open air.
"Usually, a mage needs three weeks to a month just to realize the existence of mana." Sarah whispered to her husband.
However, in just two hours, Keyzier opened his eyes. His ash-white hair fluttered slightly even though there was no wind.
"Mother, Father... I can feel it. It's a clear blue color inside my chest, and there are colorful sparks dancing all around me!" Keyzier said softly.
Keyown and Sarah looked at each other, their faces pale with shock. "Two hours? That's impossible!" Keyown muttered. "It seems our son is not just talented... he is a genius blessed by nature."
From that day on, the difficulty of Keyzier's training was increased drastically. He devoured all magic theories from basic to advanced levels at a terrifying speed. Most remarkably, Keyzier was found to have an affinity for eight elements simultaneously: Wind, Fire, Water, Earth, Light, Darkness, Lightning, and the rarest of all—White Element.
White Element is a highly complex non-elemental magic covering healing, alchemy, telekinesis, and space-time manipulation. Keyzier learned to use Inventory from his grandfather in a very short time—a feat that usually requires years of practice for high-level mages.
Not satisfied with that, Keyzier approached his grandfather at night. "Grandfather, teach me assassin techniques. I want to move without a sound, disappear into the shadows, and be undetectable like you were when you surprised those adventurers."
Keywiln laughed with pride. "Why do you want to be an assassin?"
"So I can eliminate threats before they even realize I'm there. I want to be cool like you, Grandpa!"
His grandfather happily passed down Noive's forbidden techniques to his grandson. Keyzier also did not hesitate to ask other villagers for help in learning healing magic. In just one day, he could perfectly close mid-sized gashes. News of the "Miracle Boy of Noive" spread throughout the village.
News of Keyzier's genius reached Donovan's ears. The red-haired boy felt challenged. He stared at the scar on his back through the mirror—a wound that served as an eternal reminder of his weakness.
"I cannot be left behind. If he is a genius mage, then I must become the protector of that genius mage!" Donovan resolved.
Donovan began training diligently with his father in swordsmanship and with his mother in magic. Unlike Keyzier, who was a genius in elemental magic, Donovan focused more on physical strengthening and stamina. Every morning, the villagers would see the red-haired figure running fifty laps around the village while swinging a heavy wooden sword.
Donovan's stamina grew rapidly. His strength was pure, honest, and fueled by hard work. The two of them grew like two suns competing to light up Noive Village.
Time passed like an autumn breeze carrying dry leaves. Four years had gone by since that promise was made.
The year is 331 of the Royal Calendar. Noive Village remains as peaceful as ever, but those two little boys have now transformed into gallant young men. Keyzier, with his ash-white hair grown slightly longer and his blue eyes sharp yet gentle, has grown into a very handsome youth with a sturdy, athletic build. Beside him, Donovan is equally striking; his fiery red hair matches his muscular physique and dark purple eyes full of alertness.
Keyzier is no longer alone. He is often seen carrying a very cute three-year-old girl. Keyzaria Almon, his younger sister, is the new jewel of the Almon family.
That afternoon, by the village river, Donovan stared at the horizon. "Key, I think it's time we leave this village. The city of Antrows is waiting for us."
Keyzier lowered Keyzaria from his arms and let her play in the grass. "Yes. Our preparations are complete. We leave tomorrow morning."
"Alright!" Donovan smirked, drawing his practice sword. "Since it's still early, let's spar!"
Keyzier rolled his eyes. "Ehh??? What do you mean, Novan? Do we have to fight in front of my sister?"
"It's not fighting, dummy! It's training! T-R-A-I-N-I-N-G! Training!" Donovan spelled out mockingly.
Keyzier's face turned red with annoyance. "Stupid Novan! Do you think I'm a toddler that you have to spell it out like that, huh? I know what training means!"
"Well, I thought you were so busy learning magic that you forgot basic reading and counting." Donovan teased again.
"What did you say?! Of course I learn reading and math! Do you think I'm just a brainless sword and magic maniac in your eyes, huh?"
"Could be!"
"NOVAAAAAANNNNN....!!!" Keyzier yelled as he lunged at his best friend.
The clashing of wooden swords and small magic explosions accompanied their laughter that afternoon. Although they erupted at each other, it was their way of showing affection as true friends.
The next morning, the gate of Noive Village was crowded with residents wishing to see off their two best sons. The atmosphere was emotional. Sarah hugged Keyzier tightly, while Keyown gave him a sturdy traveling cloak.
"Take care of yourselves! Remember, great power demands great responsibility. Always prioritize your lives above any mission!" Keyown advised in a deep voice.
"Yes, Father! I promise to look after myself, and I will definitely protect Novan too!" Keyzier replied firmly.
Keywiln, the grandfather, gave them an ancient map scroll, far more detailed than a standard one. "Whenever you feel tired or want to return, come home. Noive Village will always be the place you can come back to."
Little Keyzaria clutched the hem of her brother's cloak sadly, as if to say, "Big brother, don't go..."
Keyzier knelt, kissing his sister's forehead. "Ria, stay healthy and grow big, okay? Don't make such a sad face. We will definitely meet again when you've grown up."
After Keyzier stored all his belongings into his Inventory and Donovan stored his in a Magic Bag, they both waved for the last time. They stepped away from the protection of Noive Village, through the morning mist toward the path near the Death Forest—the place that had once nearly taken their lives, but would now witness their first steps toward their destiny as the greatest adventurer of the world.
"Ready for an adventure, Novan?"
Donovan grinned widely at his best friend. "Always ready, Key. Always ready."