Chapter 3(edited)
15th August , Year 13500 — Aetherion Calendar
Northern Elydrion — Valerian County, City of Hope
Golden light bathed the horizon as six great towers rang with harmonic pulses — deep, magical notes that echoed like thunder wrapped in melody. The Golden Bells had spoken.
The last time they had rung was nearly two centuries ago — and even then, not with such force.
In the heart of the city stood the grand Valerian Estate, surrounded by glimmering mana-laced fields and enchanted lanterns that shimmered in the early dusk. Today, the city was alive not with fear of the Dark Forest that loomed beyond the borders, but with celebration.
A child had been born.
Inside the estate, the Countess Rubina Valerian held her newborn son, her golden eyes shining with warmth and curiosity. Her mana pulsed gently, instinctively calming the infant as her fingers brushed across his soft cheek.
The child's eyes were already open. And what eyes they were sharp, strangely focused, unclouded by the haze of infancy.
He did not cry.
Instead, he stared at her as if… studying her.
At that moment, the grand doors opened, and a tall man entered. Dressed in a black and silver noble coat embroidered with a silver falcon piercing a golden crown, Count Alaric Valerian approached without a word.
He gazed at the child in silence.
The baby did not flinch.
"Arthur," Alaric finally said, voice low but resolute. "Your name is Arthur Valerian."
The name rippled through the estate like a spell.
The heir of House Valerian had arrived.
.........
Three years had passed.
Rudra, in his past life, now known as Arthur Valerian, sat quietly in his room, reading a book about mana. His black hair fell over his forehead, and his golden eyes sparkled with concentration. His cheeks were puffed, giving him an adorably cute appearance.
In these three years, Arthur had learned much about the language of Aetherion, noble lineages, and magical history. Yet, despite his requests, he was never allowed to train. His father always denied his pleas with the same words.
"You are gifted, Arthur," his father would say. "But a blade tempered too soon breaks before it sharpens."
Arthur had accepted those words with a respectful nod, even though, deep down, he felt frustrated. He knew he could endure the hardships of training, but he couldn't bring himself to challenge his new father and mother, who loved him so much.
Suddenly, a soft knock echoed at the door.
"Come in," Arthur called calmly.
The door opened, and in walked his younger sister, Lyria Valerian. She had the same black hair and eyes as their father, though her mischievous grin gave her a different charm.
"Aww, my little brother, are you reading again?" Lyria teased.
"Yes, sister," Arthur replied, his voice calm and collected.
Lyria stepped closer and looked at the book in his hands. "So, what are you reading?"
"About mana circuits," Arthur said, not looking up from the pages.
"Mana circuits? Are you planning to open your circuits in secret, from Father?" Lyria said seriously. "I think I should tell him."
Arthur immediately snapped his attention to her. "No, no, wait! I'm not trying to open my mana circuits. Please don't tell Father."
Lyria burst into laughter at his reaction. "Hah, I'm just joking. I won't tell him."
Arthur stared at her, still not fully trusting her, despite her playful expression.
"You don't trust me?" Lyria asked, raising an eyebrow.
Arthur nodded, his expression serious. He didn't trust her at all, not when it came to this.
When he nodded, the way his cute little face scrunched up made Lyria's heart melt. She couldn't resist. She walked over and started kissing him on the cheeks like he was a teddy bear.
"Get away from me!" Arthur said irritably, pushing her away.
"No," Lyria giggled. "I'll stop when you kiss me on the cheek."
Arthur glared at her, frustrated. After a few moments, he sighed, leaned in, and kissed her on the cheek.
It wasn't the first time Lyria had tormented him like this. She loved teasing her little brother.
"Good boy," Lyria said, patting his head affectionately.
Arthur grumbled but didn't complain. "Now, why are you here?"
Lyria's expression shifted to one of excitement. "Oh, I almost forgot! I came to tell you something. I'll be going to the academy after your birthday celebration."
"Academy?" Arthur repeated, blinking in surprise.
"Yes! I've been enrolled in the most prestigious academy in the world, Erinoguard," Lyria said, her chest puffed up with pride.
Arthur's eyes gleamed with interest. "Oh, really?"
Lyria nodded eagerly. "Mm-hmm!"
Arthur had heard of Erinoguard — an academy run by a dragon lord as its head. His sisters had all studied there. His eldest sister, Elyra Valerian, who was now 23, was maintaining a family business in the capital. His second sister, Selene Valerian, 18 years old, was currently in her third year at the academy. Now, his youngest sister, Lyria, was going to join them.
Arthur's expression softened slightly as he thought about it. He couldn't help but feel a little sad.
"Oh, my little Arthur is sad because I'm leaving," Lyria teased, her voice full of affection.
Arthur quickly turned away, embarrassed. "Who said I'm sad?"
Lyria laughed. "You're embarrassed! It's okay, I'll miss you too."
Arthur didn't respond, though the slight flush on his cheeks said enough.
"Alright, alright, let's get ready for your birthday celebration," Lyria said, snapping her fingers.
"I can get ready by myself," Arthur replied, pushing her gently toward the door. "You can go now."
"Hey, at least let me bathe you!" she called as she was pushed out.
Arthur ignored her, continuing to push her out of his room, and once she was outside, he closed the door behind her. He sighed deeply.
"I want to grow faster… Can't they just reincarnate me as an adult? It's so difficult being a kid," he muttered, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He shook his head and started to prepare for the bath.
......…..
The grand halls of the Valerian Estate were alive with the sounds of music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Noble families from across Northern Elydrion had gathered to celebrate a special occasion: the third birthday of the youngest son of Count Alaric Valerian. The room was decorated with lavish banners, gold-dusted pillars, and elegant floral arrangements. A feast had been laid out, with the finest dishes served, and the finest wines flowing freely.
Suddenly, the sound of a knight's voice echoed through the hall as he made an announcement.
"Count Alaric Valerian, Lord of Valerian County, entering with his family! Pay your respects!"
Everyone in the hall stood up immediately, bowing their heads in respect. Even the nobles with higher standing than Count Valerian rose to acknowledge his presence.
Count Alaric entered with his wife, Rubina, walking with grace and authority. Following them were their children: the youngest, Arthur, with his black hair and golden eyes, and Lyria, his older sister, with her striking black hair and dark eyes. Together, they made their way to the high platform where the Count was expected to speak.
With a commanding presence, Count Alaric raised his glass, and the entire hall fell silent. He smiled as he looked over the crowd, then declared with pride, "Tonight is my son Arthur's birthday! Drink, eat, and enjoy as you wish!"
The guests raised their glasses, and with a single voice, they shouted, "Happy Birthday, Arthur!"
Arthur stood at the front of the hall, his golden eyes scanning the crowd. With all eyes on him, he stood tall for his age, showing no sign of hesitation. His voice rang out clearly, a calm, childish tone that reached every corner of the room. "Thank you, everyone," he said, his gratitude genuine and respectful.
The nobles in the hall couldn't help but be impressed. Despite his youth, Arthur's composure and the clarity of his voice gave the impression of a much older child. It was a moment that left a lasting impression on everyone present.
The celebration continued, with music and laughter filling the hall as people enjoyed the feast. Arthur mingled with the guests, though his thoughts were always on the one thing he longed for: the chance to begin his training.
As the evening drew to a close, and the festivities started to die down, Count Alaric summoned Arthur to his side. His voice was firm, but filled with warmth as he addressed his son.
"Arthur," Alaric began, "you've shown patience and wisdom beyond your years. It is time. On your third birthday, I'm granting you permission to officially begin your training."
Arthur's heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened in surprise and joy. The moment he had been waiting for had finally come. "Thank you, Father!" he exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement.
Alaric smiled and nodded. "I will assign you a teacher. Learn well."
Arthur's determination surged as he bowed deeply to his father. "I won't disappoint you, Father. I will train hard and make you proud."
Count Alaric placed a hand on his son's shoulder, his voice filled with encouragement. "I know you will, my son. This is just the beginning of your journey."
Arthur felt a wave of gratitude wash over him, his excitement now mixed with the responsibility that lay ahead. For the first time, he could feel his path beginning to unfold. The long wait was over. His training would begin, and with it, his journey in Aetherion would truly begin
...
The next morning, Arthur woke up early, his excitement bubbling over as he rushed through his morning routine. After washing up, he eagerly made his way to the dining hall for breakfast. His mother, Rubina, greeted him with a warm, knowing smile.
"You're excited today, aren't you?" she asked, her golden eyes twinkling with affection.
Arthur's face lit up as he nodded eagerly. "Yes, I'm going to start my training today!"
After breakfast, Rubina led him to the training hall. As they entered, a tall, rugged man stood before them. His long beard and sharp gaze marked him as a seasoned warrior, and the very air around him seemed to hum with strength. Arthur could feel the weight of his presence.
"Hello, Arthur," the man greeted in a deep, commanding voice. "My name is Alex Reacher."
Arthur bowed slightly, showing respect. "Hello, Teacher. I'm Arthur."
Rubina smiled warmly and nodded at Arthur. "I'll leave you two to get started. Good luck, my son."
With a final glance, Rubina stepped back and exited the training hall, leaving Arthur alone with Alex.
Alex studied Arthur for a moment before speaking. "Let's get started."
Tell me, Arthur. Do you know what a mana circuit is?"
Arthur nodded, his voice steady as he answered. "Yes, I know. A mana circuit is a pathway that channels mana within the body. By opening these circuits, one can control and harness the flow of mana. The circuits are divided into nine stages, and once all are opened, you can form a mana core and step into a different realm of power."
Alex's eyes widened slightly in impressed surprise. "You know about the mana circuits already. Impressive for someone your age."
Arthur smiled proudly but said nothing more, waiting for Alex's next instruction.
Alex grinned. "Alright then, let's get started. The first step in unlocking your mana circuits is to sense mana itself."
He paused, looking Arthur in the eye. "The most common and easiest technique to learn is the Elydrion Mana Circulation Technique. This technique will help you sense the mana around you and start opening your circuits."
Arthur nodded eagerly, ready to begin. Alex continued, "This technique involves focusing your mind and connecting with the flow of mana around you. Once you can sense it, you can start guiding it through your body, one circuit at a time."
Arthur took a deep breath, his focus sharpening as Alex's words sank in.
Alex demonstrated by placing his hand over his chest, closing his eyes, and taking a deep breath. "First, focus on your breath. Calm your mind and allow your senses to reach outward. Feel the mana in the air, the life force that flows around you. It's everywhere."
Arthur closed his eyes and mimicked Alex's actions. He focused on his breath, feeling the air fill his lungs. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, he began to feel a subtle warmth in the air around him. It was faint at first, but then it grew stronger, almost like the air was alive with energy.
He let his mind settle, his body still, and focused on the mana. The more he focused, the more vivid the sensation became, until it felt like the mana was pulling toward him, flowing into his body, like the world was feeding him power.
Alex noticed the change in the air around them. "You're doing it, Arthur. Keep focusing. Once you sense the mana, you can begin to open your first circuit."
As Arthur continued, something unexpected happened. His heartbeat began to quicken, and a powerful surge of mana flooded his body. His heart thumped in rhythm, but it wasn't just any heartbeat—it was as if his heart itself was a wellspring of mana. The flow of energy felt like a wave, vibrating through his veins. The mana started to draw inward, circling him, gathering in his body as if pulled by an invisible force.
Alex's eyes widened as the mana around Arthur began to swirl, pulling toward him with incredible force. He had never seen anything like it. "What… what is this?"
Arthur, still focused on his practice, didn't notice the overwhelming mana gathering around him. The entire room felt charged, as if the very air was thick with power.
Suddenly, Alex's expression shifted from surprise to awe. "This… this isn't normal," he muttered under his breath. He took a step back, his warrior instincts kicking in. The surge of power felt dangerous, but it wasn't out of control—it was like a hidden potential was awakening inside Arthur.
The mana swirled around him faster, and the air itself seemed to hum with energy, drawn irresistibly toward the young boy.
Alex stared, his thoughts racing. What a monster…
After a moment, Alex forced himself to speak, his voice steady but laced with awe. "Arthur, stop. That's enough for now."
Arthur blinked, breaking his concentration. As the mana slowly dissipated, the intense pressure in the air faded. His heart slowed, and the world around him seemed to return to normal.
Arthur blinked, breaking his concentration. As the mana slowly dissipated, the intense pressure in the air faded. His heart slowed, and the world around him seemed to return to normal.
Arthur opened his eyes, looking at Alex with a confused expression. "Did I do something wrong?"
Alex, still in shock, shook his head slowly. "No… nothing wrong."
Seeing Arthur's confusion, Alex cleared his throat. "Let's resume your training. But this time, take it slow. Focus on drawing mana from your surroundings, gently."
Arthur nodded, determined to follow Alex's advice. "Okay."
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the mana around him. For the next fifteen minutes, Arthur practiced circulating the mana through his body, following Alex's instructions to feel it more naturally and without rushing.
As he continued, a sensation started to build within him. His body felt lighter, more energized. And then, without warning, a warm surge of energy shot through him, like a burst of light flooding through his chest. He could feel the mana flow freely as his first circuit opened.
Arthur stopped for a moment, breathless but exhilarated. He opened his eyes, feeling a sense of accomplishment. There was something different within him, a strange power that hadn't been there before. It was as if his body had been reborn.
He looked up at Alex with wide eyes. "I did it! I opened my first circuit!"
Alex's eyes widened in disbelief. "You… you actually did it? Already?" He stared at Arthur for a moment before shaking his head, his voice filled with astonishment. "You're literally on a different level, Arthur."
Alex then smiled, impressed with the boy's progress. "Congratulations. But calm down a bit. Now, let's focus on your sword training."
Arthur, still buzzing with the energy from his newfound power, nodded enthusiastically. "Okay. I'm ready!"
Alex watched him closely, his expression turning serious. "Now, I'm going to attack you with this training sword. I want you to try and stop me. Block or deflect my strikes."
Arthur immediately gripped his own practice sword tightly, his senses still heightened from the mana awakening. He was ready. "Okay!"
Without hesitation, Alex charged forward with swift, controlled strikes. His movements were fluid and precise, but Arthur, despite his lack of formal training, was able to react quickly. He dodged and parried with surprising skill, his body flowing naturally into the right stances and motions.
Alex was taken aback by how easily Arthur handled his attacks. Even though the boy had just started his training, he moved with a fluidity and confidence that most apprentices took years to develop.
For the next hour, Alex threw a variety of moves and attacks at Arthur, each more complex than the last. But Arthur kept up, his movements sharp and controlled, reacting instinctively to each strike. Alex could see that while the boy was still raw, his potential was immense. Arthur's natural talent, likely from his past life, was showing through in ways Alex had never seen before.
Finally, after a series of rapid exchanges, Alex stepped back and lowered his sword. "Alright, that's enough for today."
Arthur lowered his sword, breathing heavily but with a satisfied grin on his face. "I did well, didn't I?"
Alex nodded, a proud glint in his eyes. "You did. But, your technique still has a lot of flaws. We'll work on refining them slowly."
Arthur nodded, determination clear in his eyes. "I'll improve, Teacher. I won't stop until I'm better."
Alex smiled, recognizing the same fire in Arthur that he had seen in many great warriors. "That's the spirit. We'll take it one step at a time."
...…
In the same way, 7 years passed. Arthur's training progressed steadily, each day bringing new challenges and milestones.