Kael did not sleep much that night.
Not because he couldn't—
But because there was no reason to.
He lay still on his bed as darkness slowly faded into the pale light of dawn. His eyes were open, unfocused, yet fully aware.
The events of the previous night replayed clearly in his mind.
The blue interface.
The system.
The confirmation.
Even now—
When he focused—
It appeared.
[Host: Kael Veyrith][Age: 6]
[Strength: 5][Agility: 6][Endurance: 5][Perception: 7]
[??? : 1]
Unchanged.
But that wasn't important.
"…It's real."
That alone changed everything.
In a world where strength was defined by Aether—
He had none.
But now—
He had something else.
Something outside that system.
Kael slowly sat up.
"If Aether is their path…"
His gaze steadied.
"…then this is mine."
A soft knock interrupted the silence.
"Young Master Kael… it is time to wake up."
"I'm awake."
The door opened, and a maid stepped inside, moving with quiet efficiency. She pulled back the curtains, allowing the morning light to fill the room.
"You woke early again," she noted gently.
Kael didn't respond.
"You said Father called me?"
The maid nodded.
"Yes. His Grace, Duke Aric Veyrith, has requested your presence."
Kael paused slightly.
Aric Veyrith.
The name carried weight even within the estate.
Not just a noble—
But one of the strongest figures in the Velmora Kingdom.
Known as the "Iron Duke."
A man who had led border campaigns against the Ashen Lands and returned undefeated.
A commander whose decisions shaped battlefields.
A noble whose authority rivaled that of royalty in influence, if not title.
"…Understood."
Kael stood and moved toward the window as the maid prepared his clothes.
His body felt slightly sore.
Not painful.
Just strained.
From training.
"…So it works."
A quiet confirmation.
Once ready, Kael stepped into the corridor.
The Veyrith estate was already awake.
Servants moved in silence. Guards stood with unwavering discipline.
Everything reflected one truth—
Power lived here.
Kael walked through the halls until he reached the large doors of his father's chamber.
"Young Master."
"I was called."
The doors opened.
Kael stepped inside.
The room was vast but controlled. Shelves lined with documents, maps spread across tables, weapons displayed without decoration—everything spoke of function.
Behind the desk stood a man.
Tall.
Still.
Unshakable.
Duke Aric Veyrith.
Even without armor, his presence alone felt heavy.
Not oppressive—
But absolute.
"Sit," Aric said without looking up.
Kael obeyed.
Silence followed as Aric finished reviewing a document.
Only then did he look at Kael.
His eyes were sharp—calm, but capable of pressure without effort.
"I've received reports about your training."
"…Yes."
"You've been using the outer courtyard."
"Yes."
"For physical training."
"Yes."
A pause.
"…Why?"
Kael met his gaze.
"I want to get stronger."
Aric leaned back slightly.
"Strength in this world is defined by Aether," he said.
"You do not have it."
"I know."
"Then explain your reasoning."
Kael answered without hesitation.
"I can't use Aether. But my body still exists."
Silence.
Aric observed him more carefully now.
"So you intend to rely on physical ability alone?"
"Yes."
"That path has limits."
"I'm aware."
"Then why pursue it?"
Kael paused briefly.
Then answered—
"Because it's the only path I have."
The room fell silent.
"…And if that path leads nowhere?"
Kael's voice remained steady.
"Then I'll go as far as it allows."
No hesitation.
Aric studied him for several seconds.
Then—
"…Continue."
One word.
But enough.
Kael stood.
"I will."
"Dismissed."
Kael turned and left.
The doors closed behind him.
From the side of the room, a woman stepped forward.
Duchess Elena Veyrith.
Calm.
Graceful.
But not fragile.
Unlike Aric, her strength wasn't visible in presence—
But in control.
She came from the prestigious House Aerelyn, known for producing high-level Aether users and scholars.
"…You're letting him continue?" she asked softly.
Aric didn't look at her immediately.
"He has made his choice."
"He's six."
"And yet he understands his position."
She frowned slightly.
"He has no Aether."
"I am aware."
"Then why allow this?"
Aric finally met her gaze.
"Because stopping him achieves nothing."
His tone remained calm.
"If he chooses a path with limits… then he should learn where those limits are."
Elena remained silent for a moment.
"…You're harsh."
"No."
Aric's voice didn't change.
"I'm realistic."
Silence settled.
Meanwhile—
Kael walked through the corridor.
"…Continue."
That word repeated in his mind.
Not approval.
But acknowledgment.
"Brother!"
A bright voice broke through his thoughts.
Kael stopped.
A small figure ran toward him.
"Lyra," he said.
She slowed down in front of him, slightly out of breath.
Lyra Veyrith.
Eight years old.
Unlike Kael, she had already begun showing clear signs of Aether sensitivity.
Bright.
Energetic.
And far more expressive.
"You're finally out! I went to your room!" she said.
"Father called me."
Her eyes widened.
"Really? Did something happen?"
"No."
She studied his face carefully.
"…Are you sure?"
"…Yes."
She let out a small breath.
"That's good…"
Her voice softened.
Kael noticed.
"…You were worried?"
She looked away slightly.
"…A little."
Simple.
Honest.
"I heard the instructors yesterday," she said quietly.
"They said… you still can't use Aether."
Kael didn't deny it.
"…Yes."
She clenched her hands.
"They shouldn't say things like that."
"…It's not wrong."
"It doesn't matter."
Her answer came instantly.
Kael looked at her.
"…Why?"
She hesitated—
Then said—
"Because you're still my brother."
Silence.
She stepped closer.
"You always help me during training," she continued. "Even when I mess up, you explain it properly."
Her eyes met his.
"So even if you don't have Aether… it doesn't mean you're weak."
Kael stayed silent.
"…You're wrong," he said calmly.
"I am?"
"Yes."
Kael looked at his hand.
"I am weak. Right now."
She frowned.
"…Then get stronger."
Kael looked at her again.
"I will too," she added quickly. "So we can both improve."
"…Together?"
She nodded immediately.
"Yes."
Kael exhaled quietly.
"…Alright."
Her face lit up.
"Really?!"
"Yes."
She smiled brightly—
Then gently held his sleeve.
"Don't overdo it, okay?"
Her voice softened.
"You always push too much."
Kael looked at her hand briefly.
"…I'll be careful."
"Good."
She ran off.
Kael stood still for a moment.
"…It doesn't matter."
He repeated her words quietly.
Then turned—
And walked toward the training courtyard.
The system appeared again.
[Strength: 5][Endurance: 5]
"…Let's begin."
He stepped forward—
And started running.
This time—
Not just with a path.
But with something else—
A reason to keep going. 🔥