Kael stuffed the last bite of bread into his mouth, chewing quickly as he tried not to spill crumbs on his worn, oversized tunic. The early morning sun streamed through the small, high window of the orphanage dining hall, warming the modest wooden tables and the scent of fresh bread and porridge filling the air. Around him, the other children chatted excitedly, their voices bouncing off the stone walls. Kael's dark hair was messy, sticking out in little spikes from where he had tossed and turned in his sleep. His eyes—sharp, deep brown with a glint that sometimes made him seem older than he really was—darted around the room as he tried to finish quickly. Today was special. Today, the priest was coming. Today, their magical potential would finally begin to awaken.
He swallowed the last bite and licked the back of his hand, brushing crumbs away, then hurried to the back door. The orphanage backyard was a chaotic paradise. Small patches of grass, uneven stones, and a few old trees made the space look almost wild. Several children were running, climbing, and chasing one another, their laughter like tiny bells ringing in the morning air.
Kael's small, nimble frame darted through the crowd, his bare feet barely making a sound on the grass. He paused near the old oak tree that leaned just slightly, its branches thick and strong. From above, two familiar voices called down to him.
"Kael!"
He looked up and smiled. Two girls, perched on a branch like tiny birds, waved at him.
The first was **Anna**, a cheerful little whirlwind of energy. Her golden hair caught the sunlight, bouncing with every movement, and her green eyes sparkled with mischief and excitement. Her cheeks were always slightly rosy, as if she were perpetually running around in the sun, and her smile had a contagious warmth. She leaned forward, swinging her legs, almost as if she couldn't sit still for a single second.
Beside her was **Sophia**, quieter and more reserved. Her dark brown hair fell straight and smooth to her shoulders, framing her small, delicate face. Her big, chocolate-colored eyes often seemed to be observing everything, taking in details most people would miss. Sophia's soft voice rarely rose above a whisper, but when she spoke, her words carried a careful thoughtfulness that made others listen.
Anna leaned down a little, her arms wrapped around the branch. "Kael! Can you believe it? Today's the day! Our aptitude test! I'm so excited! I can't wait to finally—finally—see if we can use magic! Can you imagine, Kael? Maybe I'll be able to make flowers bloom wherever I walk, or make little sparks of light dance in the air! Oh, I hope I'm good! I *really* hope I'm good!"
Sophia shifted her weight on the branch and nodded shyly. "Yes… it's… exciting," she murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She didn't speak much, but the slight blush on her cheeks betrayed her own anticipation.
Kael grinned and stepped closer to the tree. "I can't wait either," he said, his small voice firm, but with an underlying tremor of eagerness. "I… I've always wanted to have magic. I want to adventure someday, see the world, and meet dragons, trolls, and—" He paused, imagining a dragon curling its massive wings above the clouds. "—and all kinds of creatures. I want to be strong… so I can find out where I came from. My parents… I want to find them someday."
Anna's eyes widened a little. "You'll do it, Kael! I just know it!" She bounced on the branch, her enthusiasm spilling over like sunlight. Sophia nodded quietly, offering a small, reassuring smile.
The three of them were laughing softly, caught up in dreams and wonder, when suddenly a harsh voice cut through the morning air.
"Why are you hanging out with *that freak*?"
Kael stiffened. He recognized the voice instantly. Mike. The boy had a permanent scowl and a way of walking like he owned the world, even though he was only a year older than Kael. Two other boys followed closely behind him, smirking like little shadows. Mike had been picking on Kael ever since he arrived at the orphanage.
Anna's cheeks flushed, and her legs kicked the branch as she leaned forward, glaring down at Mike. "Freak?" she snapped, her voice sharp. "Really, Mike? You're the one who should be worried about *yourself*! Look at your face! And your attitude! You're just jealous because Kael's… he's… he's way better than you!"
Sophia's soft voice rose in anger for the first time. "Kael is not a freak," she said firmly, sitting up straighter. Her eyes, usually shy, glimmered with courage. "You're the one who's wrong, Mike!"
Mike's face twisted with rage. His eyes flitted between Kael and Anna. Jealousy burned in him. He had always had a crush on Anna, and seeing her talking to Kael so openly, defending him… it stung. His fists clenched at his sides, and he spat on the ground.
"Better than me? Hah! He's just a runt. You think she cares about you?" he barked, his voice rough and sharp. "You're nothing!"
Kael felt a pang of fear, but it was fleeting. The warmth of his friends' support shielded him. Anna's stance was firm, her tiny frame quivering with indignation but unyielding. Sophia's quiet confidence steadied him.
Mike shook his head violently and stormed off, the two boys trailing behind him muttering insults and threats. "Loser," one of them hissed. "We'll see you later, runt."
Kael exhaled slowly, shoulders relaxing. He looked up at Anna and Sophia, his lips curling into a small smile. "It's… fine," he said softly, though a faint heat lingered in his chest from the confrontation.
Anna jumped down from the tree, her golden hair bouncing, and flung her arms around Kael in a brief, protective hug. "Don't worry, Kael! They're just stupid! You're amazing! And… don't let anyone tell you otherwise!"
Sophia climbed down after her, brushing grass from her dress and placing a gentle hand on Kael's shoulder. "Yes… you're strong. And you're my friend," she said quietly, her voice almost like a whisper, but Kael could feel the sincerity in it.
Kael's smile widened, brighter now. He felt a strange warmth in his chest, a mix of gratitude and determination. *I have to become stronger,* he thought. *Not just for me… but for them. For everyone who believes in me.*
The three of them walked together toward the small fountain at the center of the yard, their laughter returning, mingling with the morning breeze. Around them, the other children were still playing, unaware of the drama that had just unfolded. Kael didn't mind. He was too focused on the excitement ahead.
"Do you think the priest will really test us today?" Kael asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
Anna twirled a strand of her hair around her finger, her face thoughtful for a moment. "I think so! And maybe… maybe we'll see who's the best! I'm going to do my best!" She puffed out her chest proudly.
Sophia nodded silently. "We should… all try our best," she said softly, her eyes glimmering with anticipation.
Kael felt a rush of excitement flood his small body. Soon, the first step toward magic would begin. The unknown stretched out before him like a vast, open field, and his heart pounded with a strange mixture of fear and exhilaration.
He looked at Anna and Sophia, his two companions in this little world of the orphanage, and made a silent promise. *No matter what happens, I'll become strong. I'll unlock my powers. And one day… I'll find the answers about where I came from.*
The three friends sat by the fountain, the morning sunlight reflecting off the water, their laughter carrying dreams of magic and adventure. And somewhere deep inside, Kael felt it—a tiny spark, a whisper of something powerful, waiting patiently for him to awaken it.
The world was vast. The monsters were fierce. The gods, the dragons, and the mysteries of the land awaited him. But Kael… Kael was ready to take the first step.
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