Solvian, 26th of Inariem, Year 578 of the Elythera Calendar.

  The dimness of the hidden chamber seemed to swallow everything whole, like a heavy shroud. The manaquartz lamps, set into the stone recesses, cast a faint bluish glow that pulsed gently with each current of mana flowing through the air. The atmosphere was cool, almost cold with that faint metallic scent characteristic of places steeped in arcane energy.

  At one end of the room, Seralya sat upright beside a modest table. Her silhouette, outlined against the blue light, looked like that of a patient, solemn statue; her fingers interlaced beneath her chin, eyes closed for moments at a time, as though listening with her very soul.

  In the center of the magic circle, Sora remained motionless with his legs crossed, hands resting lightly on his knees. His eyelids flickered ever so slightly as he breathed, steady and calm, while before him floated a sphere of mana, the size of a fist, glowing with a pure and stable blue light.

  That exercise, which he once practiced on his own, had become part of his new master’s study regimen. Seralya had told him, in her usual firm tone, that “it’s an effective discipline that must become second nature.” And he had accepted it without objection, even when she doubled the usual duration from two hours to four.

  At first, he had wanted to complain, four hours could feel like an eternity but his desire to learn magic outweighed any discomfort. Still, as he held the orb steady, a faint tingle of frustration crawled beneath his skin. It had been nearly two weeks since his lessons began, and Seralya hadn’t taught him a single new spell, nor any advanced theory, nor even practical control drills. All he did was breathe, feel the flow, and shape the sphere—again and again.

  The silence magnified every detail: the faint hum of the manaquartz, the rhythmic beat of his heart syncing with the current of mana, the soft crackle of his joints when he shifted posture. Sora inhaled deeply, feeling the charged air flow down from his nose to his abdomen. Endure. Just a little longer. This is progress too, he reminded himself.

  And so, he clung to his secret practices each afternoon, those experiments he never mentioned to his master, fearing she might forbid them. Out there, in that riverside clearing, he felt free to experiment, to make mistakes, to let mana explode without judgment. Here, everything was order, restraint, method.

  Yet his effort was not in vain. During that time, his Magical Perception had risen from level 5 to 8, and his Mana Manipulation from 4 to 7. It wasn’t just a number on the Soul Panel, he could feel it in every fiber of his being. The mana flowed faster, smoother, like a trained muscle that had learned to obey him. That progress alone was enough to silence the quiet complaints that sometimes stirred within.

  Seralya, eyes half-closed, watched him quietly from her seat. She could see the boy’s aura—steady, radiant, unwavering. Such stability was not normal for a pupil so young. There was something in the way Sora breathed, in how he sustained the orb, that reminded her more of an adept grown in discipline than of a seven-year-old child. Folding her arms beneath her chest, she tried to keep her face from betraying the unease growing inside her.

  Sora, for his part, could feel his teacher’s gaze on his back even without looking. She probably thinks I’m some kind of odd specimen, he thought, biting back a faint smile. But he kept going. If there was one thing two lifetimes had taught him, it was that discipline, though frustrating, always bore fruit sooner or later.

  Time stretched, dense and heavy, marked only by the pulse of mana and the gentle flicker of the lamps. Four hours felt like an ocean. His knees ached, his back began to complain, yet the sphere before him remained perfect, more stable even than during his private sessions in the forest. The chamber itself seemed to amplify him, as if it were breathing in rhythm with him.

  Finally, when Seralya gave a soft clap to signal the end of the session, Sora let the orb dissolve with a sigh. His hands trembled faintly, not from physical fatigue but from mental strain. He opened his eyes and noticed the bluish motes still dancing in the air, fading away little by little.

  Seralya said nothing at first. She simply watched him a few seconds longer before turning away to jot something down on the parchment laid across her desk.

  Finally… today’s practice is over, Sora thought, exhaling in relief. His chest felt heavy, his hands numb, a faint tingling running through his legs. The echo of Seralya’s calm voice pulled him back.

  “Good work, Sora. We’ll continue tomorrow. You’re free for the rest of the day,” she said in her usual tone: serene but distant, before heading toward the staircase.

  The boy nodded, watching her figure disappear into the chamber’s blue haze. Then he let himself fall backward, stretching his stiff legs until they cracked. Four hours in that position… not even in his past life had he stayed still that long. Two hours had been bearable but four bordered on torture.

  “Well… I guess it’s worth it. The teacher knows what she’s doing,” he muttered, resigned, as he stood and brushed the dust from his clothes.

  He closed the hidden door behind him, sliding the bookshelf back into place. He still couldn’t quite remember the precise order of the books to open it again, but at least he could close it on his own and that, somehow, gave him a small, childish satisfaction.

  The study was silent, broken only by the faint pulse of the mana clocks marking the passage of time with soft flashes of light. Sora stood there for a moment, watching sunlight filter through the tall windows and wondering what to do with the rest of the morning. The lessons always began at eight and ended at noon, so he still had a little over an hour before lunch.

  His body begged for rest, but his mind refused. He couldn’t stay still.

  So he walked to the library, picked one of his favorite volumes, one filled with engravings of ancient magical relics and settled into his favorite chair by the window.

  The pages crackled beneath his fingertips. The scent of old paper and dried ink filled the air. It was a smell he had come to love since awakening in this world, though deep down he couldn’t shake that faint pang of nostalgic for the scent of plastic, the dust of computers, or the cold metal of keyboards.

  I do miss all of that… but at least here, books still have things to teach me.

  He smiled softly, losing himself between lines and illustrations, letting the quiet of the house wrap around him. It had been a long time since that first day he woke in the goddess’s embrace, and though his life in Elythera was peaceful, his mind still belonged to someone who could never stop seeking more.

  Eventually, Sora left the study, his body still stiff from the long hours of meditation. The distant clatter of pots and dishes drifted in from the kitchen, Aeris was finishing the lunch preparations. When he turned toward the dining room, he found Seralya already seated at the table, her posture perfectly straight, serene as ever, sipping her tea in silence.

  The air felt heavy, different from before her arrival. It wasn’t open discomfort, but that subtle tension born when words become unnecessary.

  Sora greeted her with a polite bow and sat across from his teacher. Aeris, upon seeing him enter, smiled with her usual warmth, though even she seemed careful not to disturb the fragile quiet that had become routine.

  “Everything’s ready” Aeris said finally, setting the dishes down gently “I hope it’s to your liking.”

  No one answered right away. The only sounds were the bread breaking softly in Sora’s hands and the faint clink of Seralya’s spoon stirring her cup. It was an ordinary meal, yet for Sora it felt like another endurance test. Ever since the lessons had begun, Seralya spoke little outside the secret chamber, and when she did, her tone was so neutral he could never tell whether she was pleased or disappointed.

  They ate in silence. Sora tried not to look uneasy, but each minute stretched painfully long. Aeris, noticing, attempted to ease the tension with small talk about the weather and the latest bread delivery at the market, but her words met little response.

  When the plates were finally empty, she sighed softly and began to clear the table. That was when she caught a glimpse of Sora’s expression, the quiet frustration he tried to hide behind a faint smile. Without saying a word, she came closer, rested a gentle hand on his head, and affectionately ruffled his hair.

  “Come on, don’t make that face” Aeris said with a gentle smile “Not everything can be learned in a single day.”

  Sora looked up, surprised by the warmth in her tone. That simple touch was enough to draw a small, genuine smile from him.

  “I know, sister Aeris… I just… want to get better faster” he murmured.

  “And you will” she replied, raising an eyebrow playfully “But even geniuses need to rest sometimes.”

  Seralya finished her tea and stood without a word, bowing her head politely before heading toward her room. Sora followed her with his eyes, thoughtful, while Aeris returned to the kitchen.

  The house fell silent again. He could hear only the faint sound of dishes being washed in the sink.

  I guess there’s still a lot I have to learn… he thought, standing up. But I’m not going to sit around waiting.

  He stretched, releasing the long sigh he’d been holding since the first bite of lunch.

  “Sister Aeris, I’m going out for a walk” he said, trying to sound casual.

  Aeris barely looked up from the sink, but she gave him that familiar, warm smile she always did before he left.

  “Go ahead, but don’t wander too far. And no ‘crazy experiments,’ all right?” she warned, though she knew perfectly well that her words would likely be ignored.

  Sora grinned and nodded.

  “Promise.”

  He opened the door, and a wave of fresh air wrapped around him instantly. The Solvestra sunlight filtered through the leaves, painting the path in golden tones. For a moment, he felt the urge to run, to leave everything behind: the tension, the discomfort, the constant feeling of being watched by his own teacher but he restrained himself. Activating Polimorphis, he ensured his human form remained stable and walked calmly downhill toward his usual refuge.

  The murmur of water greeted him. That small riverside clearing had become part of his routine, almost a secret sanctuary. He crouched beside the rock he used as a target and carefully removed the scarf Nanami had given him. Folding it neatly, he placed it atop a nearby stone, as if it were a tiny good-luck charm.

  “Watch over the place for me, okay?” he whispered with a faint smile.

  The forest air was damp and fresh, carrying the scent of moss and earth. Sora inhaled deeply and stretched out his hands, feeling the tingle of mana coursing through his body. In a blink, an incandescent sphere flickered to life above his palm, steadier, livelier than ever.

  “Perfect… it’s almost coming naturally now” he murmured, watching the flames dance across his skin without burning.

  He aimed at his faithful rock blackened by countless explosions and released the spell.

  Vwoosh!

  The fireball shot forward in a clean arc, striking the same spot as always and leaving behind a thin trail of smoke.

  One after another, the small blazing spheres cut through the air of the clearing. Each shot echoed like a heartbeat, a rhythm of heat and discipline.

  It still doesn’t show up in the Soul Panel… but that’s fine.

  Sora clenched his fists, summoning another fireball.

  I’ll keep going until it does. I’m not giving up.

  The sound of the river and the crackle of fire blended in perfect harmony. For the first time in days, he felt free again.

  The Solvestra sunlight now filtered obliquely through the treetops, bathing the clearing in golden glimmers when suddenly, a faint shimmer flashed before his eyes.

  A message appeared in the air, glowing softly across the ethereal surface of the Soul Panel:

  “New spell acquired: [Fireball].”

  For a moment, he stood frozen, not even blinking.

  Then, his face lit up completely.

  “I did it!” he exclaimed, jumping in pure joy “I knew all that effort would pay off!”

  Excitement flooded through him. It was his first officially learned spell, one he’d mastered on his own, through trial, error… and sheer stubbornness.

  “Heh, finally” he murmured, staring at his still-smoking hands “Guess I’m not so hopeless after all.”

  The faint crackle of heat pulled him from his thoughts. Turning toward his target rock, he noticed its surface glowing a deep red, thin veins of molten light running across it like threads of lava.

  “…Oops”

  Sora took a step back, scratching the back of his head with an awkward smile.

  “Maybe I overdid it a little this time”

  The air shimmered around him from the heat, and the smell of scorched stone mingled with the freshness of the nearby stream.

  I guess that’s enough for today. I’d better stop before I turn this place to ashes.

  He let out a soft, boyish laugh. In truth, this was how he released everything bottled up inside the frustration, the tension, the constant restraint he felt under Seralya’s watch. Practicing magic his own way, without limits, was the one time of day when he truly felt free.

  Besides… he had always been fascinated by fire.

  Back then, I loved watching the flames… and now, I can create them with my own hands.

  For another fifteen minutes, he kept firing small blazing spheres fine-tuning his aim, controlling the mana pressure, perfecting every little detail. Finally, he lowered his hands with a satisfied smile.

  “Perfect. That’s enough for today” he said, watching the last wisp of smoke drift away into the air.

  He picked up his scarf carefully, gave it a light shake, and wrapped it around his neck, feeling its familiar softness. The wind brushed against his face, carrying the murmur of the river and the songs of birds returning to their nests.

  “Nap time” he murmured, glancing toward the hill where the White Crest Tree stood.

  With an unhurried step, Sora made his way through the trees toward that place that felt less like a refuge and more like a small piece of heaven.

  Once there, he let himself fall backward onto the soft grass beneath the great tree. The ground was warm from the Solvestra sun and smelled of damp earth and wildflowers. The White Crest Tree′s pale branches swayed gently in the breeze, dropping tiny leaves that fluttered down before settling on his chest.

  With his arms stretched out and the scarf still around his neck, Sora gazed at the pale blue sky framed by the white canopy. The wind tousled his hair as his thoughts began to wander.

  What am I doing wrong for Master Seralya to be so cold toward me?

  The thought pricked like a thorn.

  Does she suspect me? Maybe she takes her role as a scribe of the capital too seriously… maybe she sees me as some kind of threat to Selmyra’s dominion?

  He closed his eyes, letting that tightness in his chest dissolve with the fresh air. From above came the gentle chirping of birds nesting in the high branches, filling the quiet with life.

  Then, another thought arrived softer, but heavier in its own way.

  Nanami… why are you taking so long to come back? Since the teacher arrived, I barely have time to talk to my parents. I spend so many hours with her… I’m dying of boredom with no one to talk to. Your trip was supposed to last two weeks… it’s already been two days past that, and you’re still not here.

  He brought a hand to his face, covering his eyes to block out the sky. The branches of the White Crest Tree creaked gently above him, as if trying to lull him to sleep.

  I miss you… even though I shouldn’t feel this way. It’s just a short trip, after all…

  The wind kept blowing, carrying the scent of the nearby river. The murmur of the water, the rustle of the branches, and the warmth of the sun slowly melted his tension away. His thoughts grew slower, softer until, without realizing it, Sora’s breathing became deep and calm.

  A small white leaf drifted down and landed right on his forehead. He didn’t bother brushing it away.

  And there, beneath the White Crest Tree, with all those thoughts suspended in his mind, Sora slowly drifted off into his usual midday nap.

  While he slept in the shade, something tickled his nose. At first, he thought it was just the wind… but the sensation came again, more insistent this time, like a tiny insect determined to annoy him.

  “Mmm… stop it…” he mumbled sleepily, turning onto his side.

  The tickling didn’t stop. It grew worse, until finally Sora sat up abruptly with a groan.

  “Enough already!”

  That’s when he heard it soft laughter. Light, high-pitched, and barely contained, as if someone were trying to hold it in.

  He blinked, confused, and when his eyes finally focused, his heart skipped a beat.

  There she was: her hair tousled by the wind, a mischievous smile on her lips, and that familiar sparkle in her eyes.

  “…Nanami?”

  The surprise lasted only a heartbeat before joy overtook him.

  “Nanami!” he shouted, and without thinking, he threw himself into her arms.

  The move was so sudden that the girl froze for a moment, hands hovering awkwardly in the air, then her expression softened, and she laughed, returning the hug with a few playful pats on his back.

  “You missed me that much, Sora?” she teased “You’re such a little kid, you know that?”

  Sora pulled back slightly, his cheeks still flushed, but his smile was bright and genuine.

  “I really did miss you. These two weeks felt so long without you.”

  Nanami looked at him quietly for a moment. Her teasing smile softened, replaced by a curious glint. Something about Sora’s tone felt… different.

  “Long…?” she echoed, tilting her head “Did something happen while I was gone?”

  Sora didn’t answer right away. He lowered his gaze, brushing his fingers over one of the white leaves that had fallen between them.

  “Let’s just say… things changed a little at home.”

  Nanami frowned lightly, puzzled, but she nodded. She knew Sora well enough to wait he’d tell her when he was ready. For now, what mattered was that they were together again.

  The wind stirred gently through the branches, making the white leaves chime above their heads, while their laughter, light and familiar, filled that sacred place once more.

  After that question, Nanami kept her light smile.

  “What’s going on, Sora? I didn’t expect to find you napping here under the White Crest Tree all by yourself.”

  Sora sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes before bending down to pick up the scarf resting on the grass. He wrapped it carefully around his neck, as if that small act anchored him back to reality.

  “Well… after you left, my parents brought a teacher to train me in magic” he explained, brushing some dust from his clothes “She’s an old friend of theirs, she used to be my mother’s teacher. But… Master Seralya hasn’t really taught me anything these past two weeks. I feel like she doesn’t like me. Whenever I’m with her, it’s tense. We barely talk, and I really can’t stand the atmosphere around her.”

  Nanami tilted her head slightly, curiosity in her eyes as the wind played with her hair.

  “You’ve got a magic teacher now? That’s amazing!” she exclaimed, though her tone turned more thoughtful “But that sounds rough… haven’t you tried talking to her?”

  Sora sighed, glancing toward the Coliblanco’s trunk.

  “We only see each other during lessons… and when we do, she tells me to focus. She doesn’t answer if I talk to her. She barely says a word during meals either. I feel like I did something wrong, but I don’t even know what. And she doesn’t teach me anything new just keeps me meditating, even made it four hours long. Four hours sitting still! I haven’t learned anything in almost two weeks…”

  Nanami lowered her gaze for a moment, thinking, then replied gently:

  “I see, Sora… but if she’s your teacher, then she probably knows what she’s doing. Maybe she’s not teaching you magic, but patience.”

  She let out a soft laugh before adding,

  “If you feel like you’re not making progress, why not spend your time doing something else for a while? It’s not like you ever run out of ideas, right, Sora?”

  Her words washed over him like warm sunlight, easing some of the frustration that had been building inside.

  Sora remained silent, staring up at the white branches swaying above them. Nanami’s right… she always says the truth without even realizing it, he thought, a faint smile curving his lips. Then, lifting his head, he answered with renewed energy:

  “You’re right, Nanami!” he said, his eyes shining “I’ve been too focused on magic… but there are other things I can do. Thanks for clearing my head!”

  Nanami grinned proudly, placing her hands on her hips and puffing out her chest in mock triumph.

  “Of course I’m right” she said with playful confidence “Whenever you need a good idea, you know who to ask.”

  Sora let out a light laugh, scratching the back of his neck a little sheepishly at how smug she looked, but he couldn’t deny that seeing her like that lifted his spirits. Nanami always manages to ease the tension… even when she doesn’t try to.

  The wind swept gently through the clearing, causing a few petals from the White Crest Tree to drift down and land softly on their shoulders. It almost felt as if the tree itself was happy to see them together again. Sora glanced down at his scarf, the one she had given him and smiled.

  “So, Nanami…” he said in a calmer tone “Do you want to head back home, or stay here for a while? You could tell me about your trip…”

  Nanami looked up toward the sky peeking through the Coliblanco’s blossoms. The golden light of dusk gave her eyes a soft amber glow, while the breeze played gently with her hair.

  “Let’s stay here” she said softly “It’s been so long since we last came here together… it feels like forever.”

  Sora nodded slowly.

  “You’re right…” he murmured, leaning back against the trunk and releasing a long sigh.

  Nanami sat beside him not too close, but close enough that their shoulders brushed whenever the wind nudged them together. They stayed like that in silence, listening to the distant chirping of birds and the faint creaking of branches above. They didn’t need to say anything more; just being there, beneath their tree, made everything feel like it used to.

  The Solvestra breeze drifted lazily through the Coliblanco’s branches, making the white and pink blossoms sway above their heads. The sunlight filtered through the petals, wrapping the clearing in a golden calm. Sora and Nanami sat side by side on the grass; the air smelled faintly of flowers and the running river nearby.

  “So… how was the trip?” Sora asked with genuine curiosity, turning slightly toward her.

  Nanami, her gaze lost somewhere among the shimmering branches, smiled lightly.

  “It was fun. We saw so many different things along the road, and once we got to my aunt’s house, I played with my cousins and we walked all around Akala. Though… the last few days were kind of boring. But overall, it wasn’t bad.”

  Sora nodded, picturing every word.

  “That sounds nice… I wish I could go on a trip like that someday.”

  Nanami turned toward him, a mischievous glint lighting up her eyes as she tilted her head slightly, as if a plan had just formed in her mind.

  “Then how about this: someday, when we’re older, let’s travel all across Elythera together. What do you think of that idea, Sora?”

  For a moment, Sora went completely silent. Her words echoed inside him like a chime, something stirred deep within his chest, a strange mix of longing, hope, and something more profound… almost premonitory. He looked up at the sky through the white cret tree branches and felt that this simple, cheerful idea was somehow a promise of destiny.

  “Of course!” he blurted out suddenly, a wide, genuine smile spreading across his face “We could travel together to the capital, to Caelith! We could even enter the Academy of Mastery together!”

  He hadn’t planned to say that, but the words slipped out, carried by a wave of excitement he couldn’t hold back. When Nanami heard them, her eyes lit up as if she had just witnessed something magical. She raised her little finger in front of him, her expression bright and resolute.

  “It’s a promise!” she declared enthusiastically.

  Sora blinked, caught off guard by the sudden gesture. But then he laughed softly and, without hesitation, lifted his own pinky to hook it around hers.

  “I promise” he said, his voice firm yet warm, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.

  The wind blew again, scattering a few petals over them. Neither spoke, they simply looked up at the golden-tinted sky. Beneath the White Crest Tree, without even realizing it, they had sealed a promise that would one day change the course of their lives.

  The walk back home was filled with laughter, stories from Nanami’s trip, and those silly little arguments only the two of them could have. The afternoon slowly descended over Rulid, and Solvestra’s breeze grew cooler as the sky deepened into shades of amber and rose.

  When they reached the gate of Sora’s house, both stopped. The silence between them lasted only a heartbeat before Nanami suddenly snapped her fingers, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

  “Oh! That’s right, Sora!” she exclaimed, rummaging through her small travel bag until she pulled out a parcel wrapped in beige paper, tied neatly with a simple string “I almost forgot to give you what I brought from my trip!”

  Sora looked at her curiously as she held the little package out toward him with bright eyes.

  “They’re a souvenir from Akala” she said proudly “Vanilla and walnut cookies! I thought of you because I know how much you love them.”

  The gesture caught him completely off guard, and a faint blush crept onto his cheeks.

  “N-Nanami… thank you. Really. You didn’t have to.”

  “It’s no trouble” she replied sweetly “I promised I’d bring you something, didn’t I? Besides, I couldn’t come back empty-handed.”

  Sora accepted the package carefully, as if it were something delicate.

  “Then… thank you again. I’ll save them to eat later.”

  “You’d better enjoy them!” Nanami said, spinning playfully before starting to walk away “I have to go before my mom comes looking for me all over town, but I want to see you tomorrow, Sora!”

  “Got it!” he replied, raising his hand in farewell as he watched her head down the path.

  The wind gently tousled Sora’s hair while he stood there, watching Nanami disappear between Rulid’s streets. Then he looked down at the small parcel still in his hands and carefully unwrapped it. The sweet scent of vanilla and walnuts drifted up, blending with the warm air around him, bringing with it a familiar, comforting warmth. He took one of the cookies and bit into it slowly, closing his eyes.

  “It’s really good to see you again, Nanam” he murmured with a serene smile, letting the soft, sweet taste linger on his tongue, along with the quiet joy of their reunion.

  A month passed after Nanami’s return, and the days slid by with an almost hypnotic serenity.

  Sora’s mornings unfolded under the pale blue light of the manaquartz lamps in the hidden chamber, where Seralya observed him with her usual unreadable expression. Those four hours of silence had become part of his body, his breathing, his rhythm. At first they had felt endless, but over time he had surrendered to the monotony of mana’s flow, to that faint hum that now coursed naturally through every fiber of his being.

  The afternoons, however, were his little paradise. The moment he stepped past the garden gate, the air seemed to change: warm, alive, filled with the whisper of wind through the leaves. There, Nanami waited for him, her bright smile restoring the balance that meditation had worn down.

  Together they would walk to the stream, a spot already marked by the prints of their feet and the scorch marks on the rock that served as Sora’s practice target.

  With his usual focus, Sora stood before the river, conjuring small spheres of flame that danced in the air before bursting against the blackened stone. Each explosion filled the air with a quick, sharp crackle, and the reflected light shimmered in Nanami’s wide, amazed eyes. She watched him without blinking, fascinated. Sometimes her hands twitched, as if she wanted to try it herself, but she held back, not wanting to distract him or seem intrusive. Even so, that quiet spark of desire, to learn, to share in his world was beginning to stir within her.

  At the end of the day, they walked home together, talking about everything and nothing. Sometimes Nanami brought flowers she’d picked along the way or told stories she’d overheard at the market; other times, Sora rambled about strange theories on mana or the creatures of the forest. She didn’t always understand what he meant, but she listened with her head tilted and a smile on her face, enjoying every word.

  Back home, Aeris would greet them with tea and warm pastries, while the sunset poured amber light across the windows. It was a peaceful rhythm, repetitive, yet full of life.

  And though Sora didn’t know it yet, that tranquility he cherished so much was only the calm before a new awakening, one born not from mana… but from the quiet spark of curiosity beginning to burn within him.

  Dawn filtered through the window in a soft glow, tinting the edges of Sora’s small desk with gold. He had been sitting there for a while, chin resting on his crossed arms. In front of him lay a half-used sheet of parchment, covered with incomplete sketches, scribbles of circles, lines, and arrows that seemed to lead nowhere.

  For weeks, that idea had been haunting him. Ever since that talk with Nanami, a new kind of need had begun to grow inside him, something different from magic or training. He wanted to create. He wanted to feel that same spark he remembered from his past life, the thrill of imagining impossible inventions and dreaming of building things that could help others.

  The manaquartz lamps around the house had been the first spark of inspiration. Their steady glow and their ability to store energy fascinated him. He had spent days studying them, wondering how those stones could replace light bulbs, how their energy flowed without ever truly dying out. He had theories, ideas, even dreams… but one obstacle kept holding him back: he had nothing lasting to write them on.

  Pergalino, the rough, fibrous substitute they used at home crumbled too easily. It was fine for drawing, but useless for preserving thoughts. Real parchment, on the other hand, was a luxury reserved for scribes, nobles, and temples. Asking his parents to buy some just for his “experiments” felt wasteful.

  He frowned and muttered to himself, voice barely audible in the quiet of the room.

  “How could I make tracing paper? Maybe if I mix soft bark fibers… boil them until they soften… then press them flat into a sheet…” He paused, staring blankly as if trying to recall something that slipped further away the more he reached for it “Or was it with resin? Or… musk? No… where would I even get musk?”

  A tired sigh escaped him as he leaned back in his chair, watching the light sift through the curtains. Sometimes it frustrated him how blurry his memories of the other world had become as if each attempt to remember only pushed them deeper into fog.

  Still, he couldn’t let go of the idea.

  Paper was the first step.

  The first real invention that would mark his path in this world.

  As he pondered, a soft breeze brushed against his scarf, the one Nanami had given him and Sora held the fabric between his fingers, a faint smile touching his lips.

  “I guess I’ll have to start from scratch… like everything else in this life.”

  With that thought, he grabbed a piece of pergalino and began to write, even knowing the material wouldn’t last long.

  “Project One: Tracing Paper. Objective: make it resistant, flexible, and cheap.”

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  His handwriting was clumsy, but the fire burning in his eyes was anything but.

  Sora finally rose from his desk and left his room.

  The soft sound of his own footsteps filled the hallway as he descended the stairs. His hands were still stained with a bit of ink from the pergalino where he’d been jotting down ideas; he didn’t even bother to wipe them clean. His mind was moving far faster than his body could keep up.

  “Mmm… I’ve got the general idea” he murmured to himself, hopping down two steps at a time “But I’m going to need tools… and I don’t think Aeris will be happy if I ask to use the kitchen pots to boil wood fibers…”

  The image flashed through his head, and he let out a short laugh, picturing Aeris’s expression if she caught him stirring a pot full of bark pulp that smelled faintly of last night’s stew. No, that would definitely not end well.

  When he reached the bottom of the stairs, the familiar scent of freshly baked bread and dried herbs greeted him. Aeris was in the kitchen, her hair gathered into a loose braid, stirring something in a large copper pot. Steam filled the room with a gentle warmth.

  Sora leaned against the doorframe, watching her for a moment before speaking.

  “Sis Aeris” he said in that mischievous tone that always gave away his schemes “would you come with me to the village this afternoon?”

  Aeris didn’t even lift her eyes from the pot, but the tone in his voice already made her suspicious.

  “And what kind of mischief are you plotting this time, Sora?” she asked with a weary smile, stirring calmly.

  “No mischief, I promise” Sora stepped forward, placing both hands on the table “I just want to… try a little experiment. But I need some information first”

  Aeris glanced at him from the corner of her eye, one brow arched.

  “Information? What sort of experiment are we talking about?”

  “Well… I want to make something” he said with a shy smile, unsure whether it would sound too far-fetched “Something used for writing, but more durable and cheaper than parchment”

  Aeris blinked a few times, trying to picture what on Elythera he might be thinking of.

  “And what exactly would that be?”

  Sora crossed his arms, answering with the quiet confidence of someone who had already decided not to reveal all his secrets just yet.

  “I can’t explain it completely until I understand how to make it, but I need to find out which types of wood are softer or more fibrous. Maybe a carpenter or someone at the sawmill could help me figure that out”

  Aeris sighed, though a faint smile curved her lips.

  “Alright, alright. But only if you promise not to turn the carpenter’s workshop into a disaster again, like that time with the potions and berry juice.”

  Sora puffed out his cheeks in mock offense.

  “That was an accident! And it was months ago!”

  “Uh-huh, sure” Aeris turned off the fire, wiped her hands with a cloth, and faced him “Fine, I’ll go with you. But first, we’ll have lunch, and then we’ll head to the village”

  Sora’s eyes lit up instantly.

  “Deal!”

  While Aeris served the food, Sora sat with an expression of restrained excitement. He couldn’t help it, this was the first time in a long while that he felt a real spark, a tangible idea that didn’t rely solely on mana or magic.

  When they finished lunch, the warm scent of stew still lingered in the air. Aeris cleared the table with her usual grace, her movements soft and almost dance-like as she stacked the dishes and placed them neatly on the counter. Then, with a quiet sigh, she asked one of the servants to handle the washing.

  “I’ll be accompanying Sora to the village today” she announced in that calm yet decisive tone that left no room for objection.

  She went upstairs and returned a few minutes later, no longer in her house uniform, but dressed in a lighter, simple outfit in earthy tones. Her hair was tied in a loose braid that fell over her shoulder. Sora, for his part, had changed too; he wore his usual outing clothes, comfortable and clean and before stepping outside, he activated Polimorfis, taking on that more “normal” appearance he used in public.

  The sun of Solvesta bathed Rulid’s paths in golden light. The fields buzzed with the song of insects, and the distant rumble of wagon wheels rolled softly over the gravel roads. Sora walked beside Aeris, hands clasped behind his back, thoughtful but with that unmistakable spark of excitement gleaming in his eyes whenever a new idea took hold of him.

  It was Aeris who broke the silence first, her tone curious but gentle.

  “So, tell me, why are you so interested in making cheap paper, Sora?” she asked with a maternal smile “Are you planning to become an artisan when you grow up?”

  Sora turned toward her, his expression a mix of mischief and sincerity.

  “Not exactly, Aeris. It’s just… I want to invent things, lots of things. I have so many ideas, but nowhere to write them down. Parchment is expensive, and pergalino falls apart too quickly. I need something that lasts, something I can write on without it breaking or fading over time”

  Aeris watched him for a moment, her expression a blend of tenderness and quiet bewilderment. Sometimes, the boy spoke with a maturity far beyond his years, and though it intrigued her, she had long since learned that trying to fully understand Sora was like trying to catch the wind with her hands. So, with a gentle smile, she simply nodded and let the matter rest.

  The rest of the walk unfolded in peaceful rhythm, the soft crunch of their footsteps on the dirt path, the whisper of the breeze rustling through the leaves. Soon, the rooftops of the village appeared between the trees, and the hum of daily life grew clearer: the rhythmic clang of hammers from nearby workshops, the chatter of merchants in the square, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.

  Rulid’s streets were alive with sound and color. The smell of bread and resin mingled with the murmur of people bartering and the creak of wagon wheels over cobblestone. Aeris stopped for a moment, glanced at Sora, and gave him a playful wink.

  “Alright, we’re here, Sora. Where do you want to go first?”

  “I’d like to visit a workshop where they work with wood, someone who really knows what they’re doing” he replied “I don’t know which one would be best, so I’ll need your help with that, sis Aeris”

  Aeris nodded with calm assurance, clearly confident in her knowledge of the town.

  “I know a good place. It’s not far, near the village square. Come on, I’ll take you there.”

  She set off at an easy pace, and Sora followed close behind, dodging baskets of vegetables and stacked barrels as they went. From within, the town felt much larger than it ever did when viewed from a carriage window. Aeris seemed to know every shortcut and every face; greetings came at her from all directions. Sora, meanwhile, found the breadth of Rulid a little intimidating, he’d never been good with directions, not in this life or the last, so he was more than happy to let her lead.

  After a few turns through narrow streets, they stopped before a sturdy-looking workshop. Above the door hung a carved wooden sign depicting a chair, a hammer, and a pair of crossed planks.

  “This is it, Sora” Aeris announced with a satisfied nod “They’re some of the best woodworkers I know. Your parents have hired them before to make furniture for the house.”

  Sora nodded eagerly, and together they pushed the door open. A soft chime rang overhead as they stepped inside. The scent of fresh shavings and varnish filled the air; motes of dust shimmered in the shafts of light streaming from the high windows. From the back came the steady shrrk-shrrk of a plane gliding along the grain of wood.

  Behind the counter, a young woman wearing a white apron and simple clothes looked up, brushing aside a loose strand of hair tied with a ribbon.

  “Welcome to Orbran’s Workshop. How can I help you tod?”

  Her words trailed off the instant she recognized Aeris, and a bright smile lit up her face.

  “Oh! Miss Aeris, welcome! What a pleasure to see you here. How can I help you today?” she said warmly, though her curious gaze flickered toward Sora, clearly unsure who the young boy accompanying her was.

  The faint chime of the bell still echoed near the entrance when Aeris explained the purpose of their visit.

  “I came today with Sora, the son of Lord Alvaron and Lady Tsukari. He has an idea and needs to learn a bit about different types of wood. He might also need to have some tools made eventually. Would you be able to help us with that?”

  The young woman behind the counter, her kind face framed by hair tied back with a white ribbon widened her eyes in surprise at the name.

  “The son of the Eryndels…?” she murmured, before quickly bowing “It’s an honor to have you here, young master Sora. Please forgive me for not greeting you properly at once.”

  Sora waved a hand nervously, his voice polite but shy.

  “It’s fine, really. No need to be so formal. I just wanted to learn a little about wood. I have an idea in mind, but I don’t know much about it yet… Could you help me with that?”

  The young woman smiled lightly and nodded.

  “Of course, but you’d better speak with my father. I just manage the counter, he’s the one who handles the work. One moment, I’ll call him.”

  She disappeared through a wooden door leading deeper into the workshop, leaving behind the faint metallic clatter of tools and the scent of sawdust thick in the air. Aeris took advantage of the moment to glance at Sora with a small, teasing smile.

  “You’re being very serious today. You almost look like an adult.”

  “I want them to take me seriously if I’m going to invent something” he replied, crossing his arms with that mix of pride and bashful determination that always made her smile.

  Moments later, the door swung open again. A broad-shouldered man stepped through, clean-shaven, with a green bandana tied around his head and his hands still dusted with wood shavings.

  “Good afternoon” he greeted in a deep yet friendly voice “I’m Ornn Olbran, the craftsman here. How can I be of service to the Eryndel family today?”

  Sora took a small but confident step forward.

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Olbran. I came today because I need some information. I have a few ideas in mind and need to understand more about wood. Could you help me with that?”

  The man’s expression brightened, impressed by the boy’s composure.

  “Of course. My daughter already mentioned it when she came to fetch me. Luckily, I’m not too busy today. If you’d like, we can go to the back and talk more comfortably there.”

  The scent of resin grew stronger as Ornn opened the door leading into the main workshop. Sora and Aeris followed him inside, and immediately the sounds of hammers, saws, and the faint crackle of the forge surrounded them like stepping across a threshold into another world: the world of craftsmanship.

  The Orbran workshop smelled of fresh-cut wood, warm resin, and fine sawdust drifting lazily in the air. The steady tap-tap of a hammer in the back kept the rhythm of the place, while thin beams of sunlight streamed through gaps in the roof, casting bright streaks across the workbenches.

  Once inside, Sora stepped closer to the craftsman, his face focused, and began his line of questioning:

  “Alright, Mr. Olbran… what I’m looking for is a type of wood that’s soft, easy to strip of its bark, and fibrous, the fiber part is especially important. It should also contain resin inside. Which kinds of wood have those qualities?”

  The man crossed his arms thoughtfully and nodded slowly.

  “Hmm… let’s see. If you want something soft and fibrous, the first that comes to mind is lírvan wood. It’s light and easy to work with, though its resin content is low. If you need something richer in resin, try golden abrixa; it’s a bit tougher, but when heated, it releases a good amount of resin. And if you want fibers that are both pure and durable, you could try siltreo trunk. It’s got a pale grain and a fresh scent though it’s a bit harder to carve.”

  As Sora mentally noted each name, Orbran watched him with growing curiosity.

  “That’s a very specific question” he said at last “If you told me what you plan to do with those materials, I might be able to guide you better.”

  Sora lowered his gaze slightly, thinking carefully about how to answer without revealing too much.

  “Honestly, the idea is still… a bit vague” he admitted calmly “I’ll need to test those different woods first. From your description, I think I’ve seen some of those trees around Rulid, so I don’t think they’ll be hard to find.”

  “Of course” the craftsman replied with a friendly smile “They’re the ones we work with most in this area, precisely because they’re so common. Finding them won’t be a problem. If you’d like, I can give you a small sample of each. We’re not a sawmill, but we do process raw logs here, we prefer to handle them ourselves to keep the quality consistent. Besides, they’re not expensive woods, so it won’t cost you much.”

  Sora nodded eagerly, his eyes practically glowing at the offer.

  “Thank you very much, Mr. Olbran. I really appreciate your help and your knowledge”

  The craftsman chuckled softly, wiping his hands on a sawdust-stained cloth.

  “Well, I just hope I get to see whatever it is you’re trying to make. It’s not every day a kid walks in here asking such precise questions about wood.”

  Beside him, Aeris raised a hand with a resigned smile.

  “That’s just how Sora is, don’t worry, Mr. Orbran,” she said playfully “He’s used to asking questions that leave everyone staring at him in confusion.”

  Having gotten the information he wanted about the types of wood, Sora fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. Even with all that knowledge, he would still need tools and several of them would require iron forging. But there were others he could easily have made right there, in the carpenter’s workshop.

  “Alright, Mr. Olbran” he said at last, his tone decisive “I’ll also need to make some tools. Do you have somewhere I could draw my idea?”

  The craftsman lifted an eyebrow, intrigued.

  “Of course, I’ve got a small slate around here that I use to sketch designs while working… hold on, let me find it” he replied, rummaging through planks, molds, and scattered tools on a nearby table. The clatter of metal against wood echoed through the workshop for a few moments until the man finally pulled out an old chalkboard, its edges dusty and the piece of chalk worn almost to nothing.

  “Here you go, little inventor” the man joked, handing it over with a smile.

  Sora took it carefully in both hands, placed it on a workbench, and, without wasting a second, began to draw. His face took on that focused expression Aeris knew so well, the one he wore whenever an idea came alive in his mind. He traced firm lines, shaping a rectangular frame with a woven mesh in the center and fine, tight spacing between each strand. After a few quick adjustments, he turned the board toward the craftsman.

  “I need this tool” he said with quiet confidence “The threads in the middle have to be strong and resistant to wear. I might need three or four of these. I’ll also need some long-handled wooden ladles for stirring inside a large pot… and one more thing.”

  As he spoke, he began sketching another design beside the first: a pair of wooden tongs with a small metal piece at the hinge, made so they would spring open on their own once released.

  “And I need this tool as well” he continued, tapping the new drawing with the chalk “They have to be made of wood. I can’t request them in iron, if I submerge them in something hot, the metal would heat up and burn me. But if they’re made from a durable wood that doesn’t warp from heat, they’ll be much safer and easier to handle.”

  Olbran remained silent for several seconds, staring at the board. The faint squeak of chalk echoed as Sora added a final detail to the sketch. The man said nothing at first, he only squinted, rubbing his chin as if making sure he was seeing it right.

  Finally, he let out a soft laugh, half disbelieving and half impressed.

  “Well now… I wasn’t expecting something this detailed” he admitted “That’s not the kind of vague drawing I’d expect from a child. You clearly know exactly what you want.”

  Aeris, standing by the door of the workshop, crossed her arms with a resigned smile.

  “Believe me, Mr. Olbran, that’s perfectly normal when it comes to Sora” she said warmly “Once he gets something in his head, there’s no stopping him.”

  With his designs laid out, Sora lifted his gaze toward the craftsman.

  “So then, Mr. Olbran, do you think you can make what I need?” he asked, his tone firm but eyes gleaming with that spark of enthusiasm that always showed when something truly fascinated him.

  The man didn’t answer right away. He studied the drawings for a long moment, brow furrowed, thumb rubbing his chin. The faint dust of chalk drifted from the board to the floor, and the air of the workshop was thick with the familiar scent of resin, linseed oil, and freshly cut wood.

  “Hmm…” Olbran muttered thoughtfully “I’ve made similar tools for sifting flour, but this one…” he tapped the sketch of the mesh “would need a finer weave, something stronger. As for these tongs… that’s simple enough. I’ll just use well-cured angaren wood so it won’t warp from heat.”

  Aeris watched quietly from the side, her hands clasped, a soft smile on her face. It felt almost surreal, like watching two craftsmen discuss blueprints as equals, even though one of them barely reached the other’s waist.

  Finally, the man looked up and gave his answer.

  “Yes, it’s doable. I’ll need about a week to make the tools, maybe less if the carpentry work doesn’t pile up. Would you prefer to come pick them up, or should I have them delivered directly to the Eryndel estate when they’re ready?”

  “If you could send them along with the wood samples you mentioned earlier, that would be perfect” Sora replied decisively “As for payment… how much will it be?”

  Olbran took a moment to think, arms crossed, mentally adding up the costs.

  “For the tools and materials you asked for… let’s say twenty silver coins total”

  Sora nodded calmly, reaching into his vest to pull out a small leather pouch. The soft clink of coins filled the air as he opened it and, without hesitation, counted out the twenty pieces carefully, placing them neatly on the table.

  The craftsman looked at him, genuinely surprised; he hadn’t expected the boy to not only have such clear ideas but also to come fully prepared to pay in advance.

  “Well, young master Sora” he said with a half-disbelieving smile “you really are full of surprises.”

  Sora smiled shyly, though the quiet pride in his expression was unmistakable. He had taken the first real step toward his new project, and that small victory shone in his eyes.

  Aeris, standing beside him, looked at the boy with that familiar blend of pride and mild exasperation that always surfaced whenever he left her speechless. With a soft sigh and a laugh, she said:

  “And to think I came just to keep you company… and here you are, leaving me in the dust again, Sora”

  The boy gave her a mischievous grin, and in that instant surrounded by the scent of sawdust and the quiet hum of the workshop, the future inventor of Elythera had just set his first dream in motion.

  Once they stepped outside, the lively air of the village greeted them again: the distant hammering of blacksmiths, the cries of merchants calling their wares, and the warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the plaza.

  There was still time before sunset, and Sora, with that restless spark in his eyes, tugged gently at Aeris’s sleeve.

  “Big sister Aeris, can we go somewhere else?” he asked, his tone sweet but determined.

  She eyed him suspiciously, arms crossing over her chest.

  “And where do you want to go now, Sora?”

  The boy scratched his cheek with a nervous smile.

  “I’d like to stop by Master Garrik’s forge. I think he can help me get the tools I’m still missing for the paper project.”

  Aeris sighed in quiet resignation, though she couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. She knew that look all too well—the same spark that always lit his face when a new idea took hold.

  “Alright, Sora… we still have some time. Let’s go” she finally said, giving him a light pat on the head before setting off again.

  As soon as they entered the forge, a wave of heat wrapped around them, thick with smoke, iron, and the rhythmic clang of metal on metal. The scent of worked steel hung in the air, heavy and familiar. Behind the counter stood a boy of about ten or eleven, with soot on his cheeks and hair as dark as coal. His stance was upright, his leather apron nearly too big for him, a clear sign he was still an apprentice.

  At the sight of them, the boy straightened quickly, trying to compose himself, though his voice betrayed his nerves.

  “G-good afternoon, welcome to Master Garrik’s forge! H-how can I help you?”

  Sora answered kindly but with the easy confidence of someone already familiar with the place.

  “Good afternoon. Is Master Garrik here? I’d like to ask him a few things for a commission.”

  “Y-yes, right away!” the young apprentice stammered before scurrying off toward the back of the forge.

  While they waited, Sora turned to Aeris with a small smile.

  “He wasn’t here the last time I came… or at least he wasn’t the one minding the counter. Looks like Master Garrik has a new apprentice.”

  Aeris folded her arms, glancing around at the soot-stained walls and the heat shimmering in the air with mild discomfort.

  Mmm, I see… she replied curtly. The blacksmith’s reputation as a gruff man didn’t make her feel entirely comfortable there.

  A few minutes later, Garrik’s firm footsteps echoed from the back. His deep voice could be heard scolding the apprentice for his lack of skill. Finally, the blacksmith appeared in the doorway with his imposing presence—arms crossed and brow furrowed… though his expression immediately softened upon seeing Sora.

  ¨Well, if it isn’t young Eryndel¨ he said with a faint smile ¨It’s been a while, boy. What brings you to my forge this time?¨

  Sora returned the greeting with respect and enthusiasm.

  ¨Good afternoon, Master Garrik. I came because I need your help with something I’m making¨

  The spark in the blacksmith’s eyes gave him away, the flame of professional curiosity had been lit.

  Without hesitation, the blacksmith invited them to step further into the workshop. It wasn’t something he did for just anyone; such an invitation was usually reserved for special commissions or visitors he deemed worthy of his time. Sora and Aeris followed, while the young apprentice watched them from the counter with growing curiosity, trying to guess who that boy was who could earn his master’s full attention.

  The heat from the forge grew stronger the deeper they went inside. The air vibrated with the sound of hammering metal and the steady hiss of the bellows. Tools hung neatly from the smoke-darkened walls, each one gleaming faintly as if waiting to be called into service. Garrik, arms still crossed, turned toward them.

  ¨So then, lad¨ he said in his deep voice, a half-smile under his beard ¨how can I help you today? Haven’t seen you around here in quite some time¨

  Sora answered with respect and sincerity:

  ¨I don’t come to town very often on my own, Master Garrik… but I’d like to do it more often¨

  The blacksmith let out a hearty laugh.

  ¨Hahaha! That’s fine, boy. At least you come when there’s real work to be done. That I can respect¨ he replied, giving Sora a friendly pat on the shoulder ¨So then, tell me, what can I do for you?¨

  Sora drew in a breath, his excitement barely contained.

  ¨I’m working on a project, and I need some tools that only a blacksmith like you could make. Do you have something I could write or draw on to explain what I need?¨

  Garrik raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the child’s serious tone.

  ¨Of course, give me a moment¨ He turned around, rummaged through a pile of boards, and pulled out one still dusted with metallic powder ¨Here, use this. And here’s a piece of charcoal¨

  Sora took them carefully and leaned over a wooden crate. He drew firm lines, sketching a pair of parallel rollers connected by a crank and a small set of gears. When he finished, he turned the board toward Garrik.

  ¨This is the first idea of what I need¨ he explained ¨Two rollers joined together, leaving only a minimal gap between them. The crank will make them turn. It’s very important that the surface is smooth and doesn’t leave marks on whatever passes through¨

  Garrik rubbed his beard as he studied the drawing.

  ¨Mmm… looks a lot like a press for drying clothes, doesn’t it? But… why do you need the gap between them to be so narrow? And what’s with the polished surface, why such precision?¨

  Sora kept his gaze steady and answered without hesitation:

  ¨The material I’m going to flatten is very delicate. If the surface isn’t perfect, every imperfection in the metal would leave a mark. That’s why it needs to be completely smooth, and the rollers must align perfectly¨

  The blacksmith nodded slowly, clearly impressed by the boy’s confidence.

  ¨I see…¨ he said in a low voice, handing the board back ¨You’ve got something interesting in mind, that’s for sure¨

  Then Sora asked with quiet anticipation:

  ¨Is it possible to make it, Master Garrik?¨

  The blacksmith let out a short grunt, setting the board aside and crossing his arms.

  ¨Of course¨ he replied confidently ¨It’ll require precision, but that’s exactly the kind of work I enjoy, the ones that demand detail¨

  Sora nodded eagerly, already thinking about the next part.

  ¨Perfect. Then I’ll need two tools exactly like this one. But… one of them has to be able to work with heat, without leaving any residue on the material. Would that be possible?¨

  Garrik raised his eyebrows, more intrigued than concerned.

  ¨Two? And one for hot work?¨he muttered, curious ¨In that case, I can’t make it with plain iron¨

  ¨Yes¨ Sora replied calmly ¨the second one needs to withstand high temperatures without deforming. Is that a problem?¨

  The blacksmith let out a low, amused laugh.

  ¨Not at all! But it’ll take me some time. It’s not a difficult job, just a meticulous one¨ He scratched his beard thoughtfully, running through measurements and materials in his mind ¨The job’s doable, young master Sora¨ he concluded with a satisfied smile ¨Is that everything you need to order?¨

  Sora shook his head and spoke again:

  ¨I’ll also need a cylindrical cauldron, straight-sided, with its own lid… and a frame to place it over a fire¨

  Garrik let out a short laugh at that.

  ¨That won’t need to be forged from scratch¨ he said, pointing his thumb toward a shelf at the back of the forge ¨I’ve got pots with fire stands already finished, fresh from the heat. If you want, I’ll show them to you when we’re done here¨

  ¨Perfect¨ said Sora, visibly relieved.

  The blacksmith nodded, still intrigued by how precisely the boy spoke.

  ¨Tell me, do you have any specific material in mind for these tools?¨

  Sora met his gaze with quiet confidence.

  ¨I’ll leave that to your discretion, Master Garrik. I trust you’ll choose the materials best suited for the job¨

  For a moment, silence filled the forge, broken only by the crackle of the fire in the hearth. Garrik gave a sideways smile and nodded slowly, recognizing in that child a kind of determination he didn’t see often.

  ¨You have my word, Sora. I’ll make them with the same care I’d use for my own tools¨

  Sora spoke again, his tone steady as he tried to maintain the calm he’d practiced throughout the meeting.

  ¨Then, about the price… how much will it be? And could you send it to my family’s house, or will I need to come pick it up myself?¨

  Garrik crossed his arms, thinking for a few seconds before replying.

  ¨No need to come for it¨ he said in his deep voice, as the fire crackled behind him ¨I can have one of my assistants deliver it by handcart once it’s ready¨

  He paused, mentally doing the math.

  ¨And the price… hmm… considering the materials, the two tools, and the cauldron itself, that would be about a hundred and twenty silver coins. That’s with my guarantee that I’ll use the best materials for the job¨

  For an instant, Sora’s mind went blank. A hundred and twenty silver coins? he repeated to himself, feeling a chill run down his back. I don’t have that much even if I save every allowance for a whole year…

  Before he could utter a word, Aeris stepped in with her usual calm composure.

  ¨Perfect, then, Master Garrik. The Eryndel family account will cover the cost. I’ll make sure someone brings you the payment tomorrow¨

  Sora glanced at her in surprise but held his tongue. That composure of hers, the one she always carried so gracefully in town saved him from standing there open-mouthed.

  The blacksmith let out a small chuckle, waving a hand dismissively.

  ¨You can send the payment once you’ve received the order and checked that everything’s in proper condition¨ he said with a confident smile ¨I don’t like taking payment in advance. I prefer to let the work speak for itself¨

  ¨Perfect then, Master Garrik¨ Sora replied, bowing his head slightly ¨We appreciate your time¨

  The man nodded, satisfied, wiping the sweat from his neck with a soot-stained cloth.

  ¨No problem, lad. It’s always a pleasure to serve the Eryndel family. Besides, your commission is quite an interesting one¨ His smile widened, a spark of pride flickering in his eyes ¨I’ll get started right away¨

  The metallic rhythm of the hammer striking the anvil echoed shortly after they left the forge, like a promise forged in fire.

  Once outside, the evening air wrapped around them, carrying a faint scent of metal and coal that slowly faded beneath the distant hum of the town. They walked along the cobblestone road toward home until Sora, head lowered and hands tucked into his vest pockets, finally broke the silence.

  ¨Sister Aeris…¨ he murmured, avoiding her gaze ¨Was it really a good idea to have my parents cover the payment for the tools? I mean… it’s a lot of money¨

  Aeris glanced at him sideways and let out a soft laugh—the kind she always used to ease his worries.

  ¨This time, it’s fine, Sora¨Her voice was calm, full of confidence ¨What you’re trying to make isn’t one of your whims or mischiefs. It sounds consistent… even promising. I’m sure your parents will agree with my decision. Besides…¨ she added, her eyes glinting with a hint of pride ¨if you succeed, what you’re trying to create could become something truly valuable for our lands¨

  Aeris’s words echoed in Sora’s mind. Do I really want to monetize the paper? he thought, lowering his gaze to the ground. I just wanted a tool for my inventions… not something to sell.

  The sound of their footsteps on the stone was the only thing that filled the quiet until Sora finally looked up, his expression firm with newfound resolve.

  No… if I can use this to help my parents, then it’s worth it. They do so much for me… it’s time I give something back.

  ¨Alright then¨ he said at last, a sincere smile forming on his face ¨I’ll do my best to get the results I’m hoping for. You’re right, Aeris… this could really help my parents¨

  Aeris looked at him fondly, pausing for a moment to rest a hand on his head and gently ruffle his hair.

  ¨That’s better, little inventor¨ she said with a soft laugh ¨I’m sure you’ll make it happen¨

  The sun was beginning to set behind the hills as the two made their way home, the Solyesta breeze brushing their faces, and a new spark of hope lighting up in Sora’s heart.

  A few hours later, when the sun had already disappeared beyond the hills and the house glowed with the soft light of the manaquartz lamps, everyone was gathered in the dining room.

  The aroma of poultry stew and freshly cut herbs filled the air. The table, carefully set by Aeris, looked as it always did on peaceful family evenings: steaming plates, crystal cups, and the gentle hum of quiet conversation between spoonfuls.

  Sora ate in silence, his mind still tangled with thoughts of gears, fibers, and steam. But then Aeris, with that knowing look she wore whenever she was about to stir things up, gave him a light smile and said:

  ¨Sora, don’t you have something to tell your parents?¨

  Tsukari’s spoon paused halfway to her lips, and Alvaron looked up with curiosity.

  ¨Something to tell us?¨ the father asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Sora froze for a few seconds, completely caught off guard.

  ¨U-uhm… yes, Mother, Father…¨ he began, unsure of where to start ¨This afternoon I asked Aeris to come with me to the village so I could order some tools I need for something I want to create. My project…¨ he swallowed ¨is to make plant-based paper. No leather or animal materials, just plants¨

  Tsukari’s eyes widened slightly—surprised, yet intrigued. Alvaron intertwined his fingers over the table, listening attentively.

  Sora continued, his voice slightly unsteady:

  ¨I placed an order for some tools at the carpenter’s workshop, and those I was able to pay for myself. But at Master Garrik’s forge… the price was beyond what I could afford. So… I charged the payment to the family account¨

  His voice trailed off at the end of the sentence. He didn’t want to drag Aeris into it, but she intervened with a calm, decisive gesture.

  ¨That’s true¨ she said evenly ¨except for the last part¨

  All eyes turned toward her. Aeris straightened slightly in her chair, her calm presence carrying quiet authority.

  ¨I was the one who charged the payment to the family account, Lord Alvaron, Lady Tsukari¨ Her tone was firm but warm ¨And I did it because I believe Sora’s project has real potential. I saw the sketches he drew to explain the tools, and they weren’t childish fantasies. They had structure, logic, and precision. That’s why I thought it deserved support¨

  Tsukari and Alvaron exchanged a glance—a mix of surprise and pride. Then Alvaron spoke:

  ¨How much are we talking about, Aeris?¨

  ¨A hundred and twenty silver coins¨ she replied without hesitation.

  The father leaned back in his chair, thoughtful for a few seconds. The crackle of the fire in the hearth filled the brief silence. Finally, with a calm smile, he nodded.

  ¨Aeris, we’ve told you before. You have access to the family account for anything you deem necessary. We trust your judgment… and Sora’s potential. There’s no problem at all¨

  Tsukari smiled as well, resting her cheek in the palm of her hand.

  ¨I agree. If you believe it’s worth supporting, Aeris, then it must be more than just another whim. I’m excited to see what my son is scheming this time¨

  Sora let out the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Aeris relaxed her shoulders, smiling. The tension at the table melted away, replaced by that familiar warmth that always surrounded the Eryndel family.

  As the laughter around the table began to fade, the quiet scrape of a chair broke the calm. Seralya, who had remained silent throughout the meal, set down her utensils and dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

  Her expression was serene, but in the depths of her violet eyes lingered something harder to read, a quiet suspicion, a restrained calculation.

  ¨Thank you for the meal¨ she said politely ¨I’ll retire to my quarters¨

  She gave a slight bow to Tsukari and Alvaron before turning away, her robe whispering softly as she walked down the corridor. For a few moments, silence settled again over the table, until Tsukari, with a playful smile, broke it.

  ¨Well then, my dear son…¨ she said in that teasing tone of hers ¨how did you come up with such an idea?¨

  Still processing everything that had happened during dinner, Sora adjusted himself in his chair before replying naturally:

  ¨Well… I’ve been drawing on pergaline, and even though it’s fun, that material ends up tearing over time¨ His tone turned more thoughtful ¨And parchment is too expensive to use just for sketches. I thought there should be a way to make a kind of paper that’s durable and inexpensive¨

  Tsukari watched him with narrowed eyes, as if trying to see past his words. At last, she smiled gently.

  ¨I see. That does make sense, son¨

  Alvaron, who had been listening closely, leaned his arms on the table.

  ¨If you truly manage to make it work, Sora…¨ he said, pride coloring his voice ¨you’ll have created something unique in this world. Once you succeed, we’ll discuss what could be done with it. But first… I want to see it with my own eyes¨

  His father’s words felt more like a promise than a warning.

  Sora nodded with a sincere smile, both thrilled and comforted by their support.

  Not long after, the family finished dinner. The clinking of utensils came to an end, the manaquartz lamps flickered softly, and the air filled with that familiar peace that always lingered in the Eryndel home.

  Outside, the Aurelia wind stirred the distant branches of the White Crest Tree, a whisper of calm that marked the day’s end.

  And so, amid the silent suspicions of a teacher, the pride of two parents, and the unwavering resolve of a young boy… another quiet day came to an end in the house of the Eryndel family.

  ...

  Later that night, the Eryndel household rested under its usual calm.

  From the office on the second floor came the faint sound of Alvaron’s quill scratching across parchment as he reviewed the accounts with his habitual patience. In the study, Tsukari enjoyed the quiet, absorbed in an old book she had taken from the shelf, her face bathed in the gentle glow of a manaquartz lamp.

  The silence was broken by a soft knock at the door.

  Tsukari looked up just as Seralya entered, her serene expression shadowed by a faint trace of unease. The teacher closed the door behind her carefully and cleared her throat before speaking.

  ¨Tsukari... do you have a moment?¨

  The young mother nodded, noticing the tension in her old friend’s voice.

  ¨Of course, Seralya. Did something happen?¨

  Seralya hesitated for only a moment, as if weighing every word, before replying in a low, almost whispering tone:

  ¨I need to consult you about something... but I’d rather do it somewhere more private. Could we speak in the hidden chamber?¨

  Concern flickered across Tsukari’s face, but she closed her book calmly nonetheless.

  ¨Of course. It’s been a while since we’ve gone down there together¨ she said, standing up with a faint smile.

  With unhurried steps, the two women moved toward the bookshelf at the back of the study. Tsukari ran her fingers along the spines of the books in a precise sequence until a soft click echoed through the walls. The shelf slid aside with a sigh of stone and gears, revealing the entrance to the concealed chamber.

  The air inside was colder than usual, filled with the faint vibration of energy pulsing from the enchanted walls.

  Seralya followed a step behind, her gaze betraying quiet concern as she watched Tsukari move. The descent, though short, weighed heavily on her seeing Tsukari walk down those steps in her condition but the woman did it with natural grace, as if her pregnancy were not a burden but a mark of quiet strength.

  When they reached the bottom of the stairs, the silence of the place wrapped around them.

  Seralya took a deep breath, trying to steady the thoughts that had haunted her for days. Tonight, she had finally decided to face them.

  In the secret room, the air felt thick, tinted by the faint blue radiance of the manaquartz stones embedded in the walls.

  Without a word, Seralya moved one of the wooden chairs to the center and offered it to Tsukari with a polite gesture. Then she took another for herself and sat facing her, resting her trembling hands gently on her knees.

  ¨Thank you, Seralya¨ said Tsukari with a gentle smile, though her expression carried a trace of worry ¨What’s wrong? Don’t you feel comfortable in our home? Have we done something to make you uneasy? I’ve noticed you’ve seemed… distant these past few days¨

  Seralya quickly shook her head, raising her hands in denial.

  ¨Not at all! Your home is… incredibly comforting. The warmth here… it’s something I haven’t felt in centuries¨ She paused, lowering her gaze, her tone trembling slightly ¨It’s just that...¨

  ¨Just that?¨ Tsukari prompted softly, though her voice was heavy with concern.

  Seralya clasped her hands tightly on her lap, as if gathering courage. For a moment she hesitated, then finally spoke, her voice steady but grave:

  ¨For the past few days… actually, since the moment I arrived, there’s been something about Sora that unsettles me. I’m truly sorry, Tsukari, I don’t mean any disrespect, but… there’s something in him I can’t ignore¨

  She lifted her eyes, their silvery hue glinting with unease.

  ¨Sora seems like a good child, i don’t deny that, but his personality is far too mature for his age. And his learning ability is… unnatural. On the very first day of training, he showed me he could manifest mana without any incantation. And what’s even stranger...¨ she paused, measuring each word carefully ¨he managed to learn a spell entirely on his own. He conjured and fired a fireball without anyone ever teaching him how¨

  Tsukari leaned forward, her brow furrowed.

  ¨What...?¨ she whispered, disbelief lacing her tone.

  Seralya nodded slowly.

  ¨I only wanted to assess what he already knew… but what I saw far exceeded my expectations. And then… that happened¨

  ¨That?¨ Tsukari asked, her confusion deepening.

  Seralya took a deep breath.

  ¨When I tested him with the chromatic crystal, what I witnessed was madness. It didn’t show one or two colors… it displayed the entire spectrum, perfectly balanced at the center of the crystal. And on both ends, there was an equal resonance of the hues representing light and umbra magic¨

  She fell silent for a moment. When she spoke again, her voice was barely more than a whisper.

  ¨I’ve only seen that twice before, in all the centuries I’ve lived… but never in the way Sora manifested it¨

  The chamber went completely still.

  Tsukari’s eyes widened, her voice trembling between astonishment and worry.

  ¨Truly…? Sora… can do all that?¨

  Her voice trembled at the end of the sentence.

  ¨He had already shown me he could conjure a small flame when I taught him Polymorphis, but what you’re telling me now… is far beyond what I saw that day¨

  Seralya remained silent for a moment, her gaze lost in the bluish lights dancing across the walls. The faint flicker of the manaquartz lamps seemed to follow the rhythm of her breath. Finally, she spoke, her tone heavy with doubt.

  ¨Tsukari...¨ she began softly, then continued with greater resolve ¨I’ve seen many things in the capital. I’ve seen what the Conclave does… and through the centuries, I’ve seen what they’ve done to our kind¨

  Her eyes reflected exhaustion, guilt, and fear in equal measure.

  ¨Perhaps my suspicions are unfounded… and I truly hope they are¨ she continued, fingers tightening over her lap ¨but I need to see what lies within Sora’s heart. Please, don’t see him as a monster, Tsukari. Maybe this is just my paranoia after witnessing so many horrors… but what I wish is...¨ her voice faltered slightly ¨to ask your permission to use an artifact I still carry with me¨

  Tsukari remained silent, not interrupting. Seralya drew a slow breath before continuing:

  ¨You see… it’s an artifact that allows me to see the memories within a person’s soul. It was classified as forbidden by the Conclave, but… I kept the last one. I knew that if I left it in the hands of those who were supposed to destroy it, they wouldn’t. They would use it for vile purposes. So I chose to keep it myself, to make sure it never fell into the wrong hands¨

  Her fingers trembled faintly against her robe.

  ¨The artifact doesn’t cause pain, if anything, it feels like dreaming. It merely shows a person’s memories. But I didn’t want to use it without your consent, Tsukari. I’m truly sorry...¨ her voice weakened ¨I don’t want to think ill of Sora. And I don’t want you to, either¨

  For a moment, silence filled the room.

  The soft glow of the manaquartz surrounded Tsukari in a gentle halo. She took a deep breath, letting the surprise fade gradually from her expression. Then she lifted her gaze to meet Seralya’s, her voice carrying the warmth and quiet strength so characteristic of her.

  ¨Seralya...¨ she said softly yet firmly ¨I trust my son completely¨

  ¨All this time, even since he was within me, I have never felt any trace of darkness in his heart. Yes, it’s true, his abilities are far beyond what a child his age should possess, and his mind is too mature for his years… but I know there is no shadow within him¨

  She smiled gently and placed a hand over Seralya’s.

  ¨So if you believe it’s necessary to use that artifact to ease your doubts, I won’t stop you. I know you would never do anything that could harm him. I leave it in your hands, Seralya. And please...¨ her tone softened, almost maternal ¨lose that worried look. It hurts me to see you like this¨

  Tsukari’s words felt like a breath of fresh air.

  Seralya closed her eyes for a moment, her shoulders finally relaxing as the tension drained away in a long, quiet sigh.

  ¨Thank you, Tsukari...¨ she said sincerely ¨And I’m truly sorry for making you come down here at this hour, and for troubling you with my paranoia. I promise I won’t harm Sora in any way. Whatever I see... I’ll tell you¨

  Tsukari nodded with a gentle smile as she slowly rose to her feet.

  ¨It’s all right¨ she said softly ¨I trust you, Master¨

  Silence reclaimed the chamber as both women stood. The faint glow of the manaquartz flickered once more, as though the room itself had acknowledged the silent pact that without either of them realizing would one day shape Sora’s fate.