The morning sun spilled across the courtyard, glinting off the polished blades of Kaelen's recruits.
He walked among them, observing each movement, each flicker of aura
Every disciple carried potential—some obvious, some hidden.
Kaelen stopped in front of a young boy, barely twelve, whose aura was faint but uneven.
"Focus your energy," Kaelen instructed, his voice calm. "A sword is more than steel. It is an extension of your spirit.
Only when you synchronize your aura will you wield true power."
The boy's hands shook slightly, sweat dripping down his forehead. He nodded, determined.
Kaelen stepped back, his eyes scanning the group. That was when the status window pulsed again.
[STATUS WINDOW ALERT: New Talent Detected – Potential: Rare Heavenly Prodigy]
His eyes flicked to a girl with long chestnut hair, quietly practicing her stance near the fountain.
Her aura was steady, bright… and somehow different.
"She's exceptional," Kaelen murmured. "I must recruit her before anyone else notices."
He approached her, bowing slightly.
"I am Kaelen," he said. "I can help you cultivate your aura and enhance your abilities. If you follow me, your potential will surpass anything you could imagine."
The girl's eyes widened. "You… you saw me? My aura?"
Kaelen nodded. "I can see talent when it appears. And yours is rare."
[RECRUITMENT SUCCESSFUL: Name: Elara – Talent: Aura Mastery]
Elara's expression shifted from surprise to determination.
"I… I will follow you," she said, bowing respectfully.
Kaelen smiled faintly. Another piece of his growing legacy had been placed.
The morning continued with training drills. Kaelen instructed them carefully, correcting their movements, encouraging their growth.
Each time someone improved, the status window would flicker.
[REWARD UNLOCKED: Aura Enhancement Pill x1 – To be used by Elara]
The disciples gasped, eyes wide at the sudden reward. Kaelen simply smiled. Motivation is as important as training.
By afternoon, the courtyard had transformed into a whirlwind of activity: swords flashing, aura shimmering, and laughter echoing against the walls.
Kaelen paused for a moment, watching.
This is only the beginning. One day, these children will surpass even the most powerful nobles and swordsmen. And every step we take now… builds the foundation of a family and legacy that no one can ignore.