[Three years later]
Westre had co a long way in the past few years.
With the Viscount’s guidance and the townsfolk’s steady support, the Baron had managed to build everything the town needed, including a solid road linking Atinberg to Westre.
Thanks to that, and the careful restoration of many local shops, people from all over began to visit. So ca from nearby towns, others from faraway nations, all drawn by Westre’s quiet charm.
The town’s specialty was simple: handmade accessories and freshly baked bread. They weren’t the kind of things you’d call grand or luxurious, but there was sothing warm and honest about them. Each item told a story, and paired with the region’s deep historical roots, Westre quickly beca a place many dread of seeing at least once.
Nestled between monster-infested woods and the lands of demons, the town stood like a stubborn little miracle. A place of peace, surrounded by chaos. It was only natural that curiosity would pull visitors in.
Tourism changed everything. The inco soared, especially in spring, when the air turned gentle and young leaves swayed on branches. People loved spending their days wandering through the forest just outside the town, now marked as a protected zone under the watch of the Baron’s soldiers.
In just seven months, revenue had doubled, and life for the locals had gotten much better. The broken hos were fixed. The old shops now looked neat and welcoming. It wasn’t just about change—it was about pride. They wanted to show visitors that Westre had a heart.
’Hmm~ they’ve added a lot of new books,’ thought a boy as he stood by the shelf.
He had short black hair and stood at about 5’9, quite tall for his age. His shoulders were broad, his fra strong, and his hands rough and worn.
Anyone could guess it: this boy worked hard, either in the fields or on the battlefield. In truth, Arthur did both. To him, there was no better training than a day of honest farming. It kept his body sharp and his mind clear, so he helped out regularly.
"This one’ll do..." he murmured, pulling out a book on sorcery.
With a soft smile, he made his way to the table, already dreaming of reading it over a warm cup of tea.
The condition of the library has improved a lot. Another floor was built by renovating the whole establishnt. The system of beverage serving was introduced, which was taken from Atinberg. And now there were four receptionists who could be seen at the counter.
Arthur found himself a seat on the first floor, adjacent to one where several young girls were sitting.
Pulling the chair, he kept reading the book, which began with ’Magic is art, and I am blind...’
Whether he was intentionally ignoring them or didn’t hear them, Arthur remained focused on the books despite the comnts and giggles from the table next to him.
In the past few years, Arthur has been able to connect with magic better. He could now cast several spells of different rankings. And his affinity with Terra spirits has elevated too. However, since he had to visit the forest to train with them, his efficiency isn’t going up with as much pace.
For now, his stats looked like this:
[Na: Arthur Stronghart]
[Age: 13]
[Bloodline Abilities: None]
[Str: 64/100]
[Spd: 72/100]
[End: 59/100]
[Mana Core: Beginner]
[Spiritual Tongue: 51.2%]
[Spirit Proficiency:
Water Spirits: 68.7%
Terra Spirits: 12.2%]
[Spells:
Water—> Water Orb, Great Fall, Water Needles, Water Prison, Water Serpent, Rainfall, Water Dragon.
Earth—> Mud Pillar, Mud Bomb]
...
He wouldn’t say he didn’t progress, but considering how long it has been since he was blessed, he was slightly disappointed in himself.
There were two years before everything would be set into motion.
Lily had warned him: once the Hero of Light and the Child of Destiny—his brother—were in the sa academy, sothing from the other side would stir. It was only a matter of ti.
This was just the calm before the storm.
"Hello, ladies," a familiar voice chid in, drawing excited waves from the girls at the neighboring table.
The library warden shot him a glare, but it was half-hearted. She was used to his antics by now—shouting at him, threatening to throw him out, then letting him stay anyway.
Kevin plopped down beside Arthur and snatched the book from his hands. "Your big brother is about to take the hardest exam of his life, and you’re in here reading? Not even a cheer of support?"
Kevin was sixteen, though he would be pretending to be fifteen for the academy’s records. He’d spent the past year preparing—sharpening his knowledge, his technique, everything. It was a sacrifice, but a calculated one.
In just a few hours, he’d leave for Obsidian Spire, the prestigious academy nestled in the northeast, close to the capital.
Arthur sighed and leaned back, "What’s there to cheer you for? You’re already prepared, aren’t you?"
He wasn’t just saying that to be kind. Arthur had seen the late nights, the bruised knuckles, the torn pages of study notes. He had watched Kevin push himself relentlessly, especially in academics. After all, the Spire tested its candidates on three fronts: intelligence, combat skill, and magic.
Truth be told, Arthur had wanted Kevin to apply last year. Every student got three chances. But Kevin refused. He waited, and for a while, Arthur didn’t understand why.
Now he did.
If Kevin had joined earlier, he would’ve graduated before Eric and the others ever arrived. He wouldn’t have been there to help when it mattered most. So yes—Arthur believed this choice wasn’t just about strategy. It was a decision shaped by sothing greater. Maybe even fate.
"Well," Arthur said, standing from his chair, "have you packed everything?"
Kevin humd, "Yeah... Mom’s making lunch. She told to drag you back."
Arthur slid the book back into its shelf. As he turned, Kevin’s voice softened.
"Hey, Art... do you think I’ll pass?"
Arthur blinked at him, then gave his brother a look of genuine disbelief. "If you don’t pass, then they must be expecting a god-child to knock on their door."
Kevin let out a quiet chuckle. "Yeah... but, I’m not that good, you know?"
Arthur placed a firm hand on his brother’s shoulder. "Listen, Kevin. You’ll never win a battle if you doubt your own strength."
Kevin nodded slowly. "You’re right. I’ve trained for this day." He clenched his fist. "I can’t afford to ss up."
Arthur smiled. "Then go and make sure you don’t."
********
A/N:- There would be another ti skip after ten or so Chapters. Thank you for giving my novel a chance.
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