Morning light slipped through the curtains, painting the room in soft shades of pale gold.
Kael stirred.
For a brief moment, he lay still, listening as the mansion slowly awakened—the distant footsteps of maids moving through the halls, the quiet clink of dishes being prepared, the gentle rustle of curtains caught by the morning breeze.
"…Morning already," he murmured.
He sat up and rubbed his eyes.
Hat floated beside the bed, already awake and quietly observing him.
"Good morning, Master. You slept well."
"I did," Kael replied, stretching. "I don't usually sleep that deeply."
Hat spun lazily in the air."It seems this place truly feels like home to you."
Kael glanced around the familiar room and allowed himself a faint smile.
After washing up and changing into the clothes neatly prepared by the servants, he slipped on his boots and nodded.
"Let's go. Breakfast should be ready."
Warm sunlight filled the corridor as Kael stepped outside. The mansion felt peaceful—almost unnaturally so.
Soon, he reached the dining hall.
The long table was already set.
Stain stood nearby, hands folded neatly behind his back.
"Good morning, Master Kael."
"Good morning," Kael replied.
Lilith was arranging the dishes. When she noticed him, she straightened and bowed quickly.
"G-Good morning, Master Kael."
"Good morning, Lilith," Kael said gently.
Her cheeks flushed before she hurried back to her work.
Kael took his seat. Hat hovered beside him, staring intensely at the food.
Breakfast was served—fresh bread, warm soup, fruit, and tea, steam curling softly into the air.
"This looks great," Kael said.
Hat nodded solemnly."I approve."
Kael chuckled and began eating.
Midway through the meal, he looked up.
"Stain, when will Father arrive?"
"They should reach the mansion soon, my lord."
"I see," Kael said. "Then inform them of this—I'll be leaving the capital for a while. I may not return tonight. I'll meet them directly at the castle."
"Understood," Stain replied.
After breakfast, Kael stepped outside. Cool air brushed against his face as he stretched lightly.
He glanced at Hat.
"So, where exactly are we going? And how long will it take?"
Hat sounded amused."What are you talking about? You can teleport."
Kael froze.
"…Teleport?"
"Yes," Hat said casually. "The First King could use it. With your abilities, you should be able to use it too—or better yet, create it."
Excitement flickered in Kael's eyes.
"…Then I'll try."
He raised his hand.
"Magic Creation—Teleportation."
A faint hum filled the air.
Kael blinked—then smiled.
"…It's done."
Hat laughed softly."Well then, Master. Shall we?"
"Be ready."
Kael activated the spell.
A massive magic circle bloomed beneath his feet, intricate runes glowing as light engulfed them—
—and the world vanished.
They reappeared within a forest.
Towering trees surrounded them. Ahead stood a dark cave, its entrance silent and foreboding.
"This is the place," Hat said quietly. "We should go inside."
Kael nodded."Let's go."
The moment they stepped in—
BOOM.
The ground shook.
From the shadows, a massive stone golem emerged, its body formed of solid rock, ancient runes glowing faintly across its chest.
Kael frowned.
"What the hell is this?"
"…Most likely a trap," Hat replied.
Kael smiled calmly."Doesn't matter."
He dashed forward.
"Fire Magic—Fireball."
Multiple blazing orbs slammed into the golem. Flames exploded—
—but when the smoke cleared, the creature stood unmoved.
Kael clicked his tongue.
"Tough."
He switched instantly.
"Water Magic—Water Bullets."
High-pressure streams struck the golem. Stone hissed and cracked as parts of its body softened, revealing a glowing crystal embedded in its chest.
Hat shouted,"That crystal—its core! Break it!"
"Got it."
Kael sprinted forward, kicked off the cave wall, and slashed.
Missed.
The golem swung wildly.
"Light Magic—Flash."
Blinding light filled the cave.
In that instant—
CRACK.
Kael's blade pierced the glowing core.
The golem froze.
Then shattered into countless fragments.
Hat laughed in relief."It worked!"
Kael exhaled and looked ahead.
Six crystal stones were embedded in the cave wall, arranged in a strange pattern.
"What's that?" he asked.
"A seal," Hat replied. "You can open it. Channel your magic."
Kael placed his hand on the wall.
The crystals glowed brighter—until the wall cracked and collapsed.
A hidden passage lay beyond.
They walked in silence.
Then Kael stopped.
"…Did you feel that?"
"Yes," Hat replied quietly.
They continued forward—
until sunlight poured in ahead.
Kael ran toward it.
What awaited him stole his breath.
A vast forest stretched endlessly before them, golden light filtering through emerald leaves. The air was warm, alive—yet unfamiliar.
"…What is this place?" Kael whispered.
"I don't know," Hat said. "I've never been here."
Kael's gaze sharpened.
"There."
In the distance stood a lone house, quiet among the trees.
"…That must be it."
They walked toward it.
The house was old yet dignified, as if it had existed longer than the world Kael knew.
Kael stopped before the door.
"…Hat, is this—"
The door opened by itself.
Kael stiffened.
From within, a calm yet overwhelming presence washed over him—ancient, familiar, and heavy with meaning.
A voice echoed softly through the air.
"So… another has finally arrived."