Cosmo Year 927
Seven years after the Great Sacrifice.
The afternoon sun draped the Ever-Watch Orphanage in a deceptive gold. Alina Thorne sat on a weathered wooden bench, holding a cup of coffee and smiling at the children playing in the garden.
To any passerby, the scene was a picture of peace—a place where the sounds of laughter replaced the memories of war.
But Alina knew better. She knew that in this world, true happiness was fragile. It often felt like something that only existed in dreams, yet here it was, a temporary reality. Her gaze drifted to the far corner, where the shadows of an old oak tree stretched across the ground. There, sitting alone on the cool grass, was Stellian.
Even at seven, he had an energy that set him apart. His white hair, shot through with gold, shined even in the shade. His ruby-blue eyes were fixed on an adventure book. Because of his unique look, the other kids were often hesitant to talk to him.
"Stellian,"
Alina called, walking over. He was so absorbed he didn't hear her until the second time. He jumped slightly, standing to offer a polite bow.
"I apologize, Aunt Alina. I was lost in the story."
"Still reading that one?" she asked with a smile.
"It is a good story," Stellian said, his voice sounding more mature than a seven-year-old's should.
"No matter how many times I read it, it still gives me the same feeling."
Alina felt a twinge of worry at his seriousness. "Well, save some of that focus for tonight. Silas is coming. He's finally become the Chairman of the Magic Tower."
Stellian's face masked his true feelings with a look of fake amusement.
"The Chairman is coming? It is good he found time to visit after so many months."
"Don't be like that, Stellian," Alina said gently. She took his hand. "He wants to protect you . He is working hard for you its nit like he don't care "
"Now, come. I need your help inside. Dinner is ready!"
The dining hall was a chaotic symphony of clattering spoons and high-pitched voices. The smell of the meal filled the air.
"What's for dinner today?" Finn asked, his voice thick with hunger as a bit of drool escaped the corner of his mouth.
"Patience, Finn," Alina laughed. She brought the large pots from the kitchen, pouring a generous serving into every bowl.
Stellian sat in the center of the long table. Lily sat to his left, and Finn sat on the other side of her.
"Wow! Honey-Glazed Root Mash! It's my favorite!" Finn shouted, diving into his bowl.
"Eat slowly, Finn, or you'll make your stomach ache," Alina cautioned as she took her own seat.
The meal was a blur of energy. Finn finished his portion so quickly that he missed the chance for a second helping. He turned his eyes toward Lily's plate like a hungry wolf.
"Hey, Lily..." he whispered as she took a bite. "Can you share a little?"
"Absolutely not!" Lily replied, pulling her bowl away and trying to hide it with her arms.
Finn didn't give up. He reached over, trying to sneak a spoonful from her plate. The surrounding children burst into fits of laughter at the sight of the two bickering.
"Pfft... hahahaha!" A clear, genuine laugh broke through the noise. Alina froze for a second, watching Stellian. He was actually laughing. At that moment, he didn't look like a fallen prince or a stoic philosopher. He just looked like a boy.
"Here, Finn," Stellian said, sliding his own bowl over. "You can have mine. I've already had my fill."
"Are you sure?" Finn asked, his hand already reaching out.
"Yes, take it."
"Thank you!"
Alina watched the scene with a soft smile. Maybe he's just a kid after all, she thought.
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Late that night, the orphanage fell silent. Stellian's room was modest—a simple bed, a wooden table, and a small wardrobe. It wasn't grand, but it was enough to make the nights comfortable.
However, Stellian wasn't sleeping. He sat up in the dark until a soft knock echoed through the wood.
Knock. Knock.
"Stellian? Are you awake? May I come in?"
"Come in," Stellian replied.
The door opened, and Silas stepped inside. He looked tired but smiled the moment he saw the boy. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. Is he still mad at me? Silas wondered silently.
"Come on," Silas said aloud. "You're not even going to say hello?"
Stellian kept his eyes fixed on the wall. "Why do you even care?"
Silas reached out, wrapping a strong arm around the boy's shoulders.
"Come now, big boy. Don't be like that. You know how busy things have been. Managing the Magic Tower takes everything I have."
The wall of ice around Stellian finally cracked. He turned and hugged Silas back, his eyes welling with a few stray tears.
"I brought you something," Silas whispered, pulling a heavy book from inside his coat.
Stellian took it, his eyes widening as he read the title: The Basics of Mana Domains and Affinity Adaptation.
"Wow... can I really use magic after reading this?" Stellian asked, his curiosity finally sparking.
"Well, most people can't," Silas admitted with a small smirk. "But I'm giving it to you anyway. It's up to you to figure out what to do with it and how you will use it."
Stellian's eyes sparkled with a youthful, determined glow. "Thank you very much, Silas!"
Silas patted the boy's head, but after a moment, he stood up. His expression turned serious again. "I have to go now."
Stellian looked up, confused. "Wait, what? You just got here!"
Silas nodded regretfully. "I know. But I am neglecting my duties just by being here this long. I will come again when the timing is right."
Stellian looked down, the sadness returning, but he knew he couldn't hold Silas back. He was the Chairman; his life didn't belong to himself anymore.
"I understand," Stellian murmured.
"Go to sleep," Silas said, walking toward the door. He paused at the frame, looking back over his shoulder. "There's Someone special coming tomorrow. I think you'll want to be rested."
"Wait, who?"
Stellian called out, but the door had already clicked shut.
"You'll find out"
He was left alone in the dark, the heavy weight of the magic book resting in his lap.