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The teacher leaned forward, his voice dropping. "Magic is come from outside influences-like elements, spirits, and the world. But aura..." He put a magic on his own hand. "Aura is inside."
Nathan gazed at him, his thoughts whirling. He knew of aura before, but people never discussed it in depth.
Sir Vad went on. "Few are born with the potential to use aura, and fewer still master its use. Aura or Arcane ability is not easily be found-but it is granted. And maybe they were born by the legends"
Nathan's mouth seems to fell, as though he wished to speak, but he couldn't articulate anything.
"Legends?" Nathan asked.
"Legends are meant to be the mythical or strongest heroes from the past centuries and granted with arcane abilities." Sir Vad replied.
Then, Sir Vad's eyes flickered down, just for a brief moment, before returning to Nathan's face.
Nathan didn't notice it at first, but something was glowing faintly against his chest, beneath his shirt.
Sir Vad's expression shifted ever so slightly-shock, realization, and something else.
But he said nothing about it.
Instead, he stepped back, straightening his posture. "Now," he said. "Let's see if you're ready to understand what it means to wield aura."
Nathan breathed in deeply, bracing himself. "Okay..... I'm ready."
He had no idea what came next.
But he knew, deep within, that this would alter everything.
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Continue
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The cool breeze drifted through the air, causing the trees around the realm to flicker. Nathan closed his eyes, trying to focus. He had to dig deep, search within himself for that feeling he had earlier-the sensation of power when he struck the boulder.
But in reality... his mind was blank.
Sir Vad raised a brow, observing him in silence before finally asking, "What exactly are you doing?"
Nathan hesitated. Then, after a moment, he opened his eyes and rubbed the back of his head. "Um... thinking?"
Sir Vad exhaled sharply, almost laughing at his response.
"You don't think aura into existence, Nathan. You feel it." He crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly. "Let me ask you something-do you know why magic is found, but aura is granted?"
Nathan furrowed his brows. "Because... magic can be studied?"
Sir Vad nodded. "Exactly. Magic is a craft, a skill that can be learned through discipline and study. But aura is different. Aura is not something you master through books or incantations-it is a force that is drawn from the very core of your being."
His voice turned serious. "Most people rely on spells because they are external tools, something they can control with knowledge. But aura... aura is the manifestation of a warrior's spirit. It is the rawest form of power."
Nathan felt a strange energy stir within him.
Sir Vad continued. "There are three known kinds of Arcane Abilities: Aura, Essence, and Nexus. These three abilities can be turn into synergies, when harnessed properly and have the potential to elevate a warrior beyond even the greatest warrior's. If one were to combine all three into perfect harmony, they could unlock what is known as the Ultimate Five Forms."
Nathan furrowed his brows, still trying to process everything. "Sir, before we continue... you mentioned aura, essence, and nexus. What exactly are they?"
Sir Vad nodded, as if expecting the question. He raised a hand and conjured a faint glow around his fingers. "Aura, Essence, and Nexus are the three fundamental forces that shape all arcane warriors."
He pointed at the light surrounding his fingers. "Aura is the energy within. It comes from your own soul, your emotions, and your will. It is personal, unique to each person, and it cannot be taken from you."
Nathan nodded, absorbing the explanation. "And essence?"
Sir Vad waved his hand, dispersing the glow. "Essence is the energy that flows through the world-through nature, through elements, through the very air you breathe. It is external. For example, mages manipulate essence to cast spells, but warriors with arcane synergy can tap into it in their own way."
Nathan's mind raced. "So, essence is what fuels magic?"
Sir Vad smirked. "Not....exactly. But magic users rely solely on essence. They borrow power from the world. However, Arcane warriors forge their power from within."
Nathan crossed his arms. "And Nexus?"
For the first time, Sir Vad's expression darkened slightly. He hesitated before answering. "Nexus is... something far beyond the reach of ordinary beings. It is the purest connection between aura and essence, a bridge between internal strength and external forces. It is said that those who master the Nexus can wield power beyond comprehension."
Nathan's breath caught in his throat. "So... if someone were to combine all three-Aura, Essence, and Nexus..."
Sir Vad gave a knowing smile. "Then they would hold the key to the ultimate five forms."
Nathan's eyes widened. "The Ultimate Five Forms? What are they?"
Sir Vad's expression darkened slightly. He shook his head. "I cannot tell you that."
Nathan frowned. "Why not?"
"Because they are hidden." Sir Vad's voice was unwavering. "No one knows their true nature. Even if I could tell you, it would mean nothing if you have not yet discovered the path to understand them yourself."
Nathan clenched his fists.
"But..." Sir Vad said, his voice softening just slightly, "if you continue to grow... if you continue to fight for your own truth, then one day, you may discover them for yourself."
He then placed a firm hand on Nathan's shoulder. "Remember, Nathan. A fighter should never rush toward power. Instead, they must learn to discover something new in every step they take."
Nathan looked up at him, absorbing those words.
A lesson he would not forget.
And as the torches flickered, casting long grey clouds covering the top hill, the faint glow against Nathan's chest-hidden beneath his shirt-pulsed ever so slightly.
Unknown to him...
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Nathan closed his eyes, attempting to calm his mind rather than filling himself with questions. His chest slowly moved up and down as he attempted to focus his mind. But seconds passed-and suddenly, the realization hit him like a spark. It was already nighttime.
"Oh no..." he whispered to himself, looking around at the twilight meadow. "If I come back late, I will be scolded for sure."
He spun swiftly towards Vad. "Um... Sir? I really need to go home now. My parents might be looking for me anytime."
Vad smiled and stood up from the seat. "Of course. You won't have to concern yourself with time. I will open a portal, which goes you directly to your home."
He raised his hand, concentrating on Nathan's memories. With Nathan's mind as a compass, Vad summoned a swirling green energy into the air. A shining portal materialized with a gentle hum, revealing Nathan's peaceful home view behind it.
"Is this where you live?" Vad asked.
Nathan's eyes gleamed. "Yes, Sir! That's my house!"
"Then go on. See you next time, kid."
Nathan dashed toward the gateway. "I will! Thank you, Sir!" he shouted over his shoulder, waving back.
"Later," Vad smiled, waving goodbye as the boy vanished in the light.
The darkness filled the earth gently. The full moon shone brightly overhead, giving off soft silver light across the open meadow. Fireflies flashed and floated like a shining stars across the field, following Nathan as he crossed the veil of the meadow. The green portal shimmered and slowly fade into the air.
He climbed in through the open window, dropping silently into the storage room-a space with wooden equipment, horse cart accessories, and the aroma of dust and oil. He walked softly towards the dining area, not wanting to make too much attention.
But before he could move through the hall, a voice he recognized called out to him.
"Nathan....?"
His mother, Rhea, emerged out of the halls, holding something in her hand. The letter-the one he had written that morning.
"Oh, I'm so relieved that you came back early," she said, a catch of emotion and relief in her voice. "I thought... I thought you weren't ever coming back."
She raised the letter and came towards him, her eyes warm but heavy with the weight of a mother's love.
Nathan bowed his head a little. "Mother, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry. I just wanted to know what is outside the castle walls. I wanted to learn something new."
Rhea's eyes glimmered, but she did not scold him. Instead, she embraced him tightly.
"I'm just relieved you're safe," she whispered. "Please, don't sneak off like that again. You are everything to me. You're still a 9 years old child and it's dangerous outside. Understood?"
"I promise, Mother. I'm here now... and I'm not going anywhere without your permission." Nathan replied as he raised his face towards his mother.
She smiled and hugged back just enough to meet his eyes.
"Come on, your father's waiting. Let's eat."
"Yes, Mother."
Nathan followed her, but peeked around the doorway first. His father, Nalon, was already seated at the table, eating quietly, glancing occasionally at the door with a worried expression.
Nathan took a breath and stepped forward.
"Father, good evening," he said with a smile.
Nalon looked up immediately. His tense expression melted into one of relief. "Nathan... you're home. Come, sit here. Let's eat."
Nathan sat down beside him. The table was filled with a simple dinner: baked root vegetables, roasted meat, and a bowl of fresh salad. As they began to eat, the warmth of home filled Nathan's heart.
Rhea observed them on the sidelines, smiling softly at the peaceful sight of father and son eating side by side. But underneath the smile, something stirred within her mind-a feeling of worried she hurried to suppress.
"Mom, are you going to eat? Or not?" Nathan said, crunching a bit of salad.
"Oh! Yes, dear," she answered, snapping herself out of her thoughts. She sat down beside them at the table and had a small nibble of the salad.
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That evening, later on, Nathan was on the top balcony, looking upwards towards the stars in the sky. The night breeze was cool and peaceful, with a fragrance of faraway flowers rustling through the air. Grass below glimmered under moonlight, and the trees swayed gently to the rhythm of the wind.
Nathan's eyes reflects the sky as he smiled to himself silently. There was something enchanted in this sky-something he couldn't put into words. Something in his chest, warm and comforting.
Light footsteps came behind him.
Rhea emerged onto the balcony and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh, it's you, Mother," Nathan smiled, leaning gently into her hand.
"Yes, dear," she smiled back to him warmly. Her eyes looked upward along beside him. "It's beautiful this evening, right?"
Nathan agreed. "It does seem different. As if. the stars are keeping an eye."
"They always do," Rhea's voice dropped almost to a whisper.
"Mother," Nathan questioned, "what shapes the stars make out. They seem like forms.
"Those are," Rhea smiled. "They're called constellations. Collections of stars that take the shapes of-like animals, people, and symbols. They're sparkly drawings in the night sky, only stories from thousands of years ago."
"Ohhh. That's great. What's that one over there on the right?" Nathan asked, waving his arm with excitement.
Rhea smiled quietly. "That one is the Aurora's Crown."
Nathan raise a brow, concerning. "What's that?"
"A constellation that's supposed to be a shining crown of light. It's supposed to lead people to wisdom and make them choose the right path in life." Rhea explain it with a soft smile.
"That's awesome..." Nathan whispered.
"And over there," Rhea went on, pointing to the left, "that's Dragon's Claw. A cluster of pointed, jagged stars that resemble a claw. It represents strength, fearlessness... and sometimes, protection of a warrior."
She curled her hand into a claw and playfully tickled Nathan's side.
"Mom!" Nathan laughed, giggling as he pulled away.
Then his eyes fell on a brilliant configuration in the middle of the sky. His face became one of wonder.
"Whoa... that one! The really bright one in the middle. What's that?"
Rhea glanced at it and smiled warmly. "That's the Amorella constellation."
"It's beautiful..." Nathan gazed as his eyes reflects the stars.
"Yes, it is," Rhea whispered. "It looks like a heart, doesn't it?"
Nathan nodded.
"It only shows up once a decade," she said. "Right around the Starlight Festival. They say it's like the stars embracing the world."
"That's... wow. It is special." Nathan replied.
Rhea's eyes grew soft. "This is my third time seeing it. And I'm so glad you're seeing it now too."
Nathan looked at her. "Is there a story about it?"
"There is, my mother tells me when i was a little girl" she said softly. "Would you like to hear it?"
"I would love to." Nathan's voiced was filled with excitement.
She breathed, her voice sweet and ethereal.
"Long long ago, in a distant galaxy named Elyria, there was a lovely and kind god of star named Amorella. She twinkled more than any other, not due to her strength or magic-but because of her soul. Amorella adored all stars and planets surrounding her. She wished to spread happiness and peace to all the worlds in the heavens."
"Once, she used her light to trace a heart in the sky-a constellation so peacefully and loving that all creatures who gazed at it felt reassured. It was adopted as a symbol of love, harmony, and hope."
Nathan's eyes grew wide as he listened.
"Since then," Rhea went on, "when the Amorella appears, it's said to spread happiness and prosperity to anyone who catches sight of it."
"Wow. amazing, Mother. So I'm lucky to see it?"
"Yes, Nathan. You're very lucky. Just like the way I'm lucky to have you," she said, sweeping a strand of hair at his forehead.
He grinned and snuggled into her.
"Thanks for telling me that story, Mother. I loved it so much."
"I'll always tell you stories, my dear," Rhea whispered, "because I'll always be here with you."
As the mother and son stood there, beneath the bright night sky, the Amorella constellation blazed down on them-a symbol of love illuminating the world from above.
The soft wind brushes Nathan's cheeks as he continued to gaze above at the stars, his mother's warmth remaining on his shoulder. The Amorella constellation shone even more faintly now, fading slowly behind the soft clouds as if withdrawing from the skies once more.
"Mom." Nathan whispered after a pause.
"Yes, dear?" She sounded concerned.
"I have one question.....Um, do you think, those stars are watching us? Like, really watching?"
Rhea's lips compressed into a contemplative smile. "I believe they are. Possibly not the way we see things, but their way of showing us something we've yet to understand. Stars were present long before we are, and they will be present long after we're gone. They carry the hopes of every person who ever gazed up at them."
Nathan's eyes snapped upwards again. "So. if I wished with those stars, would they hear me?"
Rhea knelt down beside him, her voice was soft and sincere. "Only if it is in the heart."
Nathan closed his eyes, his hand lightly pressed over his chest. He did not speak the wish-though deep inside himself, he wished for strength... the strength to protect his family, to learn the truth of the world beyond the castle walls... and never to forget the warmth of evenings like this.
Rhea quietly watched him, sensing the change in her son. He was still young-but tonight, something had changed in him. A motivation or quiet courage.
"You've grown, Nathan," she said gently.
He looked at her. "Really?"
"Yes," she nodded, brushing his bangs aside. "You don't realize it yet, but your heart is beginning to learn things that only time can teach. It's something that all warriors carry in their soul before they ever lay hands on a sword."
Nathan shook his head. "Warriors...?"
Rhea smiled as if she recalled something far away. "There are all kinds of warriors, Nathan. Some fight with swords. Others with choices. But the most real ones? They protect those they care about... even if nobody knows they're doing it."
The wind picked up a bit, and the leaves rustled in the distance. Nathan remained silent, looking out beyond the balcony railing.
"I think I want to be like that," he said. "Someone who can keep you safe. Someone who's strong. but gentle, too."
Rhea smiled. "Then hold that wish in your heart. And when the time is right-you'll know."
The two stayed there for a little longer, side by side under the starry night. The moment was quiet, yet complete. Complete with unspoken love, aspirations just beginning, and destiny slowly awakening from them.
Finally, Rhea got up. "Okay, young starwatcher. Time for sleep."
Nathan stretched and opened his mouth wide in a yawn. "Okay, Mom..."
They went back inside, the hard royal tiles floor under their feet. Nathan turned to glance at his mother as he went into his room.
"Mother?"
"Yes?" Rhea glanced at his son.
"I'm really glad you told me about those stars."
"I'm really glad you listened too, dear" she replied.
She closed the door quietly behind him.
As Nathan lay in the bed, staring up at the ceiling, his mind wandered-not just through the stars, but back to Vad, the meadow, the portal... and the strange feeling in his chest that all of this was not a dream.
Somewhere, out there in the unexplored world, something waited for him.
He didn't know when.
He didn't know what.
But something in him knew-he tonight was only the beginning.
And as his eyes slowly closed, the last thing he looked at from the window was the Amorella-still glowing softly-like a promise of the stars.
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Morning rises
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The golden morning sun streamed in through the stone royal window, softly caressing the walls and floor of Nathan's peaceful room. Outside, birds sang soft whispers into the air, and the aroma of green grass and thin smoke from the chimneys nearby wafted in with the wind.
Nathan slowly opened his eyes.
He didn't stir at first. He simply lay there, allowing the peacefulness of the morning to come up. His mind flashed back to last night-his mother's soft voice, the radiant Amorella in the sky, the tale she spoke. and the wish he made in his heart.
It still felt true. Like something had shifted.
He sat up on his bed and massaged his eyes. The room was still somewhat cold, but the sun made it warm. He could hear the quiet noises of the castle beginning its day-hooves clapping in the stables, the muted conversation of the guards changing their watch, and the groan of wooden carts being rolled at the gates.
He rose and slowly went to the window. The sky was blue and clear, and the trees swayed softly in the breeze. The fields outside the castle walls seemed serene, with a few birds soaring above them.
Nathan rested his arms on the windowsill and stared outside. His heart felt calm, but also a little excited. Like something was calling him, even though he didn't know what it was yet.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Nathan?" It was his mother.
"I'm awake," he answered.
Rhea opened the door slowly and poked in with a friendly smile. "Good. Your father and I are downstairs. Eat before your food goes cold."
"Okay, I'm coming," Nathan replied, smiling back.
The door shut once more, and Nathan glanced out one final time. He didn't know why, but today marked the beginning of something big.
Something little was shifting within him-like gentle but powerful.
The aroma of warm bread, roasted meat, and fresh vegetables wafted through the air as Nathan entered the dining room. His mother, Rhea, had a smile on her face from across the table, already enjoying a cup of tea. His father, King Nalon, sat at the head of the table, silently reading a letter as he ate little bites of food.
"Good morning," Nathan said, sitting down opposite them.
"Morning, dear," Rhea said with a warm smile.
"Morning too, son, come and take a breakfast here." Nalon added, glancing up with a calm but serious look.
Nathan began eating, enjoying the food but thinking about something else. After a few bites, he put down his fork.
"You're up early today," Nalon said calmly, watching Nathan as he buttered his bread.
"I guess I couldn't sleep much," Nathan replied, not raising his eyes. "The stars were really pretty last night. Right Mom?"
Rhea smiled "Mhm, of course. It's beautiful than think."
Nalon didn't immediately reply. He just took a sip of his drink and looked at his son with subdued interest.
"Mother, Father..." he said softly.
Both parents turned to him.
"I want to ask something important," Nathan went on.
Rhea leaned forward. "Go ahead, dear."
Nathan breathed in. "May I... return to study with Sir Vad?"
Nalon's eyebrow shot up. "Vad?" he said, surprised.
Nathan slowly raised his eyes at the hesitation. "Father. is there something wrong?"
Nalon put down his cup, then leaned forward slightly. "I saw a light last night. An odd light, shining close to the forest beyond the castle walls." His voice was not angry, but there was a touch of curiosity-something more.
Nathan pause for a moment. Then he said cautiously, "You saw it?"
Nalon furrowed his brow. "Yes. I was on the west balcony. I know that section of land well. It wasn't natural."
Nathan's lips closed. He had no idea what to say at first, but then he dipped his head a bit. "That was. Vad's portal."
Nalon's eyes furrowed. "Vad? You mean the man out of the ancient tower?"
Nathan nodded. "He. he assisted me last night. We merely talked, that's all."
"And how long have you known him?" Nalon ask.
"Just yesterday," Nathan replied hastily. "I didn't even know who he was until I met him accidentally. He was teaching all children in the Atlon village. But he didn't harm me. He was nice. And. he explained things to me that I wanted to know."
Nalon leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "You already have a teacher, Nathan. A good one-Master Ronan, trained by the Sacred Academy itself. Why do you wish to learn from someone like Vad?"
Nathan stared down at his plate, looking for the right words. Then he looked up, his voice soft but truthful.
"Because. Vad teaches you things that feel true. Not merely lessons about books or history. He questions about my heart, my mind. about who I wish to be. He listens. I don't mean to disrespect Master Ronan, but. sometimes I feel I'm being taught things that don't serve to help me know myself. Vad speaks of purpose. and I think I need that at the moment."
Rhea, previously silent, put her hand on Nalon's gently. "He's not lying. I talked to him last night. Something's happening with Nathan. He's questioning things-not just the world, but himself. We need to cultivate that development, not to stop it."
Nalon's gaze shifted between them, then his wife, then his son. He nodded slowly, though his face was still pensive.
"I see," he replied after a silence. "But beware, Nathan. Just because a person is speaking softly does not mean he does not harbor danger. Remain open in the heart-but with eyes even wider."
"I will, Father," Nathan vowed.
Nalon rose and gave his son one final glance-one containing both pride and silent concern. Then he stepped toward the window, gazing out into the forest where he had witnessed the odd green light.
Rhea turned to Nathan with a gentle spoke and smile. "You did well."
Nathan smiled bashfully. "Thanks, Mom."
"Now," she said, smoothing his bangs with her fingers, "if you're going to study with Vad, be sure you still assist with your lessons here as well. You're still a prince."
"Yes, Mother," Nathan said, nodding.
And with that, Nathan had completed his meal and went quietly to his room. Standing by his little table, considering what to take, there was a queer sensation that awakened within him. His eyes blinked with a pale light-cyan, glowing weakly like a concealed blue light.
He blinked, and the gentle light from his eyes disappeared, surprised, but not frightened. A warm glow throbbed from the medallion under his shirt, as if leading him.
Then, as if something had spoken the solution, a thought took shape in his young mind. He spread out his little chest on the bed, examining each item with caution.
A water skin, some dried bread tucked in a white cloth, his tattered notebook with a charcoal pencil lodged within it, and a folded cloak in the event of rain. But above all else-his wooden training sword. Carefully he picked it up from the corner of the room where it lay, its surface smoothed from years of practice. Tucking it in a cloth, he secured it to the side of his pack.
Even at the age of nine, it seemed like part of him knew precisely what he required. As if... he wasn't making this decision by himself. It was the medallion.
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