Long before Kael Valcrest understood what destiny meant, the Kingdom of Astralis was already moving toward him.
A soft narrator's voice echoed through the silence, as though recounting an ancient legend.
"In the far eastern lands lies the Kingdom of Astralis… a realm of magic, sword arts, and endless mysteries."
The view drifted over the great capital of Astralis. White stone towers pierced the sky with dignified grace, standing as symbols of power and history. Below them stretched bustling marketplaces, alive with merchants and travelers, the comforting scent of freshly baked bread filling the air. Rows of neatly arranged homes rested safely within the protection of the kingdom's massive outer walls.
But the journey did not end there.
The view glided beyond the capital, crossing dense jungles and wild forests veiled in morning mist. After a long sweep across the land, it came to rest upon a peaceful territory—calm, bright, and securely guarded.
This was the domain protected by Count Aelric Thalor Valcrest.
The scenery slowly approached one of the mansion's upper windows. Behind the glass, on a large, soft bed, a young boy slept quietly. His silvery-white hair shimmered faintly in the morning light, giving him an almost ethereal presence.
His name was Kael Valcrest, the count's second son.
Kael's eyelashes trembled as warm sunlight brushed against his cheeks. He blinked awake.
"…Morning already?" he murmured, rubbing his eyes gently.
Still half-drowsy, he turned toward the window. Outside, in the private training yard, his older brother—two years his senior—was practicing swordsmanship with intense focus. Each swing of his blade unleashed a sharp burst of wind magic, the rushing air striking the training targets and making them shudder violently.
Kael watched in quiet awe.
"…Brother is incredible," he whispered, unable to hide the mixture of admiration and envy in his voice.
Just then—
Click.
The door opened softly, and a warm, gentle voice drifted into the room.
"Kael, you're awake."
Standing in the doorway was a beautiful woman with long, softly shimmering hair and a smile filled with warmth—his mother. Beside her stood a maid holding a neatly folded set of fresh clothes.
Kael immediately sat up.
"Good morning, Mother."
Her smile brightened.
"Good morning, my sweet boy. Breakfast is ready downstairs. Come once you're dressed."
The maid bowed politely.
"We shall assist you, young master."
Kael offered her a small, polite smile.
"Thank you, Miss Mira. I'll be in your care."
The maid's cheeks warmed slightly at the boy's gentle tone.
"Of course, young master."
Kael entered the dining hall wearing fresh clothes. Morning sunlight poured through the high windows, and the gentle aroma of warm bread filled the air.
His father, Aelric, sat at the head of the table reading a scroll. His mother, Elara, arranged dishes with a soft smile. His older brother, Lucian, sat comfortably with a cup of tea in hand, while Kael's younger sister, Lyria, swung her legs cheerfully from her seat. Kael sat quietly beside her.
The moment Kael sat down, Lyria turned toward him with a bright grin.
"Good morning, Brother!" she exclaimed, suddenly wrapping her arms around him in a warm hug.
Kael froze, heat rushing to his face.
"L-Lyria… it's morning, don't surprise me like that…" he muttered, his face turning red.
Elara giggled behind her hand.
"Honestly, Kael, let her be. She adores you."
Lucian placed his cup down and looked at Kael with a small smile.
"Kael, I'm heading to the royal capital today."
Kael looked up in surprise.
"Already? You're leaving today?"
Lucian nodded.
"Mm. And when you turn fourteen, you'll be able to enroll as well. If you keep working hard, you might even join the academy."
Elara let out a warm sigh.
"Both my sons are growing up so fast…"
Lyria squeezed Kael even tighter.
"Then I'll cheer for both my big brothers!"
Kael smiled softly, the warmth of the morning settling in his chest.
Aelric folded his scroll and looked at Kael with a serious, yet gentle expression.
"Kael," he said, "be prepared. The day of your baptism has been decided. In ten days, you will undergo it."
Kael nodded immediately.
"Yes, Father."
A small smile tugged at his lips as he muttered quietly to himself.
I should go to the library… read about the baptism, about magic, and our history… I need to prepare.
Elara noticed his thoughtful expression and smiled.
"Finish your breakfast first, Kael. Then you may go to the library."
Kael froze for a moment before suddenly leaning forward and hugging his mother.
Lyria burst into laughter, Lucian smirked, and even Aelric let out a small chuckle. Warm laughter echoed through the hall, teasing Kael lightly. Blushing but smiling, he returned to his seat and focused on his meal.
After breakfast, Kael quietly pushed back his chair and stood up, his thoughts already elsewhere.
"Today… I need to learn everything I can about the baptism, about magic, about history… But where do I even start?"
Lost in thought, he walked down the long corridor toward the grand library of the manor. Placing his hand on the tall wooden doors, he gently pushed them open.
Creak—
The familiar scent of old parchment and ink washed over him. Towering bookshelves stretched endlessly, like silent guardians of knowledge.
Without hesitation, Kael began pulling books from the shelves—history, magic theory, ancient legends—and stacked them neatly on a table.
He sat down, took a deep breath, and opened the first book.
Chronicles of the Astralis Kingdom.
The pages spoke of the First King—an adventurer who rose from nothing, possessing all six types of magic aptitude along with unmatched mastery of the sword. The gods themselves had granted him the title of Hero. He united scattered lands, defeated countless monsters, and built the glorious kingdom that stood today.
Kael read with shining eyes.
"Six types of magic… and a hero acknowledged by the gods. But after him, no one ever awakened all six."
He flipped the pages eagerly. Many had gained the title of hero throughout history, yet none matched the First King's legendary combination.
Kael swallowed softly.
"What kind of magic will I get…?"
His curiosity blazing, he reached for another book—Divine Blessings and Aptitudes. It detailed the six elemental magics: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Dark, and Light, along with countless combat blessings such as swordsmanship, spearmanship, and archery.
Hours turned into days as Kael buried himself in ancient texts, absorbing knowledge meant for future nobles and heroes.
What he did not know was this—
the moment his curiosity awakened, something deep within Astralis took notice of him.