Arthur stood in the bathroom, his eyes closed, his posture straight.
Around him, three water orbs hovered steadily in the air, their shapes smooth and unwavering. Not a single drop spilled, a testant to the control he had gained over the past few days. Unlike before, he no longer broke into a sweat from the sheer pressure of the spirits' presence.
For days now, apart from so light training, this had been his sole focus—honing his spiritual arts, learning to command the spirits with greater precision.
He knew plenty of spells by now, all ford purely from his imagination. There was no need for a spell book; the spirits listened only to his intent. But for now, his proficiency was still growing, and Lily had helped him compile a list of the spells he could currently manage.
"Haah... how much have I progressed?" he muttered, opening his eyes. The water orbs collapsed over his head, drenching him in a cool shower.
A familiar blue screen flickered before him, displaying his stats.
[Na: Arthur Stronghart]
[Age: 7]
[Bloodline Abilities: None]
[Mana Core: Beginner]
[Spiritual Tongue: 4.1%]
[Spirit Proficiency: 2.5%]
[Spells: Water Orb, Great Fall]
His second spell—Great Fall—was a simple one, yet effective. It summoned a large amount of water and let it pour over a vast area, perfect for watering the farmland. His father had no reason to forbid him from using it since it wasn't dangerous, and it helped the villagers. Twice a day, he practiced it, steadily increasing his control.
But sothing still nagged at him.
'Tinker, tell ... am I improving with all spirits through this?' Arthur asked, drying himself off.
{For now, you're deepening your understanding of spirits as a whole,} Tinker responded. {But later, as you advance, you'll need to interact with individual spirits directly. That's the only way to cast more complex spells.}
Arthur raised an eyebrow. So his training was only the foundation. Later, he would need to build real connections with the spirits themselves.
Well, he'd figure that out when the ti ca.
Dressed and ready, he joined his family at the dining table.
Kevin was already eating, while his mother, Virelle, chatted with his father.
"Took you long enough, son," Aston said, ruffling Arthur's freshly combed hair.
Arthur, used to this playful greeting, didn't protest. Instead, he climbed into his chair. "I was just taking my ti getting ready for the day."
His mother soon placed a stack of warm pancakes on his plate. "Your father is leaving today for Atinberg. Do you want anything from there?"
Kevin had already asked for sweets, but Arthur had yet to make any requests. He paused, considering.
Then, he looked at his father. "I want permission to spend a few hours in the library. Until now, I've only been sneaking in without permission."
Aston glanced at Virelle, who simply shrugged. "Are you sure that's all you want?"
Arthur nodded. "Yes."
Aston studied his son for a mont. Arthur had changed—there was no denying that. But he wasn't forcing himself; this was sothing he truly wanted.
"Alright," Aston said. "You can go in the evening. Just be back before sunset."
Arthur smiled. That would be enough.
Breakfast continued, and before long, Aston prepared to leave.
He placed a firm hand on Kevin's shoulder. "I'm leaving the house in your hands. Protect them."
Kevin, unusually serious, gave a firm nod. "I will, Father."
Then, Aston turned to Arthur. "Don't push yourself too hard, alright? I'll ask your mother what you've been up to while I'm gone."
Arthur smirked. "I won't get caught."
Aston chuckled, shaking his head before turning to his wife.
Cupping her cheek, he said softly, "Take care, dear. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Virelle stepped forward and embraced him. "I should be telling you that."
They shared a brief kiss before Aston mounted his horse and rode off.
Arthur watched him go, a grin spreading across his face. Finally, he could go hunting today.
*****
Not so far away from the Baron's residence, a certain man was standing in a corner; hidden from plain sight.
He keenly watched as the Baron rode his horse and departed from his house. He silently began to follow the Baron from behind, keeping himself concealed expertly.
He continued to follow the Baron until he left the city before a grin extended his lips.
'Perfect~Now that the obstacle is out of the way...let this place burn~'
*******
By mid-noon, Arthur was ready to leave for the library. He had decided to go hunting at night—fewer guards ant fewer chances of being caught.
"Already? Do you want to pack so lunch?" Virelle asked, concerned. She knew her son's obsession with books, which ant he'd likely be gone until evening.
Arthur shook his head. "I'll co back if I get hungry. Bye, Mother."
She sighed but smiled, placing a hat on his head. "At least wear this. It's hot today."
He didn't bother arguing. His mother's concern was unwavering, and it was easier to just accept it.
Stepping outside, he squinted up at the bright sky.
It was the third month of the Cultivation Period, the best ti to plant staple crops. The year began with the Fall Period, followed by this one. Afterward ca the Monsoon Period, which Arthur despised, and finally, Winter.
As he walked, the town buzzed with activity. Farrs tilled their fields, and rchants haggled over goods. It was the perfect season to work.
When he reached the library, the receptionist smiled warmly. "Ah, hello, Art."
"Hello," he greeted back, heading straight for the history section.
He scanned the shelves, searching for anything about the great war that happened a thousand years ago. Surprisingly, most of the books covered that ti.
'So humanity hasn't faced a war of that scale since then...' That was a relief.
One book caught his eye. A black-covered to titled The Stain of Humanity.
Curious, he pulled it from the shelf and flipped it open.
On the first page was an illustration—a black-haired man bound in heavy chains.
Arthur's fingers tightened on the pages as he read the first Chapter's title.
Clarsen: The Unwanted Existence.
A slow smirk tugged at his lips.
"Ha... at least they wrote a book about ."
Settling into a chair, he began to read.
*******
A/N:- Thanks for reading.
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