Morning sunlight stretched across the training yard of the Valenhart estate.
The air carried the scent of fresh grass, and the quiet sounds of sparring knights echoed faintly from the far end of the courtyard.
Standing alone near the center of the yard, Hiro raised his hand slowly.
A small circle of light appeared before his palm.
"Fire Arrow."
The magic circle rotated softly, and a narrow streak of flame shot forward. It struck the wooden target several meters away, leaving behind a dark burn mark on its surface.
Hiro lowered his hand and exhaled quietly.
Although the spell had worked perfectly, he did not look particularly excited.
Instead, his gaze drifted upward toward the sky.
Level 7 already…
A faint translucent window appeared in front of him again.
[System Status]
Name: Hiro Albrecht Valenhart
Level: 7
Magic Attribute: Fire / Mana Control
Skills Learned:
• Fire Arrow
• Basic Mana Manipulation
• Minor Body Reinforcement
Even after three years, the appearance of the system still fascinated him.
In his previous life, things like this had only existed in games and fantasy stories.
Yet now it floated in front of him as naturally as the air he breathed.
Hiro closed the window with a small gesture.
This system… it's definitely not normal.
Whenever he practiced magic or trained physically, his level slowly increased.
But unlike normal mages, the system also guided him. It highlighted weaknesses, suggested improvements, and occasionally granted new skills when certain conditions were met.
It was almost like having an invisible teacher watching over him.
"Training again this early, Young Master?"
A cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.
Hiro turned around to see one of the mansion maids approaching the yard. She carried a tray with a glass of water and a folded towel.
Her name was Lina, one of the younger maids who had been assigned to watch over him.
"You're supposed to rest sometimes," she said, handing him the towel.
Hiro wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"I rested yesterday."
"You practiced for six hours yesterday," Lina replied with a small sigh.
Despite her words, her eyes softened slightly as she looked at him.
"You're still growing, you know. Children shouldn't push themselves so hard."
Hiro frowned slightly.
"I'm not that small anymore."
Lina stared at him for a moment before suddenly reaching forward and gently squeezing his cheeks.
"Yes you are."
Hiro immediately stepped back.
"Hey!"
She laughed quietly.
"You get so serious when you train. It's adorable."
"I'm not adorable."
"Oh, of course not," Lina said with a teasing smile. "You're a terrifying young master who destroys training dummies with fire magic."
Hiro sighed.
It had been three years, yet the maids of the mansion still treated him like some kind of toy.
Not that he truly disliked it.
Compared to the loneliness of his previous life, this environment felt… strangely warm.
Still, a quiet part of his mind never forgot the past.
The betrayal.
The humiliation.
The feeling of standing alone while everyone believed the lies.
Those memories had not disappeared.
They had simply become fuel.
Fuel that pushed him to grow stronger every single day.
"Fire Arrow again?"
A deep voice suddenly echoed across the yard.
Hiro turned toward the entrance.
His father, Lord Albrecht Valenhart, was standing there.
Tall and imposing, the nobleman carried the calm presence of a veteran warrior. His silver hair reflected the morning sunlight as he walked slowly toward the training field.
Hiro straightened his posture.
"Father."
Albrecht glanced at the burned target before nodding slightly.
"You've improved."
The praise was simple, but hearing it still filled Hiro with a small sense of pride.
"Your mana control has become much more stable," Albrecht continued. "Most children your age struggle to form even the simplest spells."
Hiro remained silent.
The system was the real reason behind his rapid progress.
But that was something he would never reveal.
Albrecht studied him for a moment before speaking again.
"In two years, you will be old enough to enter the Royal Academy."
Hiro's expression shifted slightly.
The Royal Academy.
He had heard about it several times already.
It was the most prestigious magical institution in the kingdom, where young nobles gathered to learn advanced magic and swordsmanship.
Future knights, scholars, and royal mages all passed through its halls.
"You will meet many talented individuals there," Albrecht continued calmly.
His eyes sharpened slightly.
"And many rivals."
Hiro nodded slowly.
"I understand."
Albrecht placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Strength is not only about power. It is also about discipline."
For a moment, father and son simply stood there in silence.
Then Albrecht turned and began walking back toward the mansion.
"Continue your training," he said without looking back.
"But do not forget to live as well."
Once he disappeared from sight, Lina leaned closer to Hiro.
"You see?" she whispered.
"Even Lord Albrecht thinks you train too much."
Hiro rolled his eyes.
"You're enjoying this too much."
"Maybe," Lina admitted cheerfully.
Hiro looked back at the destroyed training target.
The Royal Academy.
A place filled with powerful nobles, talented mages… and endless competition.
For most students, it would be an intimidating environment.
But for Hiro, it sounded like the perfect stage.
Slowly, the blue system window appeared again in front of his eyes.
[New Quest Available]
Objective:
Prepare for the Royal Academy.
Requirements:
Reach Level 12 before enrollment.
Reward:
Rare Skill Unlock.
A faint smile appeared on Hiro's face.
"Looks like things are about to get interesting."
Far away in the capital of the kingdom…
fate had already begun preparing new encounters.
Friends.
Rivals.
And enemies.
All waiting for the day when Hiro Albrecht Valenhart would finally step into the wider world.