Morning light spilled over the quiet town, brushing the cobbled streets in soft gold.
Kaelen stood in the courtyard, his eyes scanning the horizon. The wind carried faint murmurs—sounds of life, of training, of talent awakening.
He had decided. It was time to expand his circle. One prodigy was not enough. To create a legacy, he needed more.
A soft rustle behind him drew his
attention. Lian bowed deeply, a faint aura shimmering around him.
"Master," the boy said, voice steady. "Are we… recruiting today?"
Kaelen nodded. "Yes. Talent exists everywhere. Some are hidden, some are obvious. But all of it… can be nurtured."
The courtyard doors creaked as people began to arrive. Some were young, barely more than children. Some were older, seasoned fighters. Their auras were faint, flickering, but Kaelen's window glowed for each of them.
[Talent Recognized: 5 New Candidates – Potential: Variable]
He smiled faintly. Five new seeds for the garden.
The first candidate stepped forward—a girl with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. Her aura was chaotic but potent.
"I am… Sera," she said.
Her voice was calm, almost regal. "I seek guidance… if you have the strength to offer it."
Kaelen's lips curved into a faint smile. "Strength is only the beginning.
Discipline, guidance, and patience—that is what I can offer. And you… will decide how far you wish to go."
Sera's eyes sparkled.
"I will follow."
Next came a boy, lean and wiry, with a mischievous grin. His aura flickered playfully, refusing to stay steady.
"You're different," Kaelen noted. "Untrained, untamed… but there is potential. And potential is what I nurture."
The boy chuckled. "Good! I like someone who believes in me."
One by one, the new recruits introduced themselves.
Each aura, each personality, each spark of talent… Kaelen's heart raced.
This was the first true step in creating a family of prodigies.
He guided them through simple drills first. Swinging swords, controlling aura, aligning energy. Each movement was precise, each correction deliberate.
The sun climbed higher, glinting off the blades and illuminating the courtyard.
Kaelen paused for a moment, letting the scene sink in.
Five new disciples… five new lives intertwined with mine.
And one day… they will carry forward what I begin today.
By afternoon, Kaelen allowed the recruits a short rest.
They gathered near the fountain, laughter and chatter filling the air.
Lady Mirelle appeared suddenly, carrying herbs for recuperation. Her eyes fell on Kaelen, sparkling with amusement.
"You've become a magnet for talent," she teased. "I hope I still get your attention, or am I just another distraction?"
Kaelen chuckled softly. "You're far from a distraction. You're… an essential part of this journey."
Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she looked pleased.
The recruits returned from their rest, eager and curious. Kaelen began the next lesson—a test of aura control and strategy, weaving swords, aura, and tactics together.
Hours passed. Sweat dripped, energy flowed, sparks danced in the air. Each child improved visibly, their aura strengthening under Kaelen's guidance.
As evening approached, Kaelen finally stepped back, letting the recruits collapse onto the grass, exhausted but exhilarated.
He looked at them, and then at Lady Mirelle.
This is only the beginning, he thought. Five today… hundreds tomorrow… and a family that will shake kingdoms one day.
And beneath the warm glow of the setting sun, Kaelen felt a thrill he had never known on Earth—the thrill of creating, nurturing, and building a heavenly legacy.