The Bronze Vault.

The wind howled through the narrow streets of the lower district, carrying the scent of damp earth and flickering lantern smoke. The Solin household sat nestled between the crumbling stone buildings, its wooden door creaking with the weight of the night. Inside, the dim glow of a single oil lamp illuminated the modest home, casting long shadows against the walls.

Aeliana Solin stood near the worn wooden table, her hands gently kneading a small loaf of bread. Her auburn hair was pulled into a loose braid, strands falling over her tired but warm eyes. She glanced toward the lone window, watching the flickering lights of the wealthier districts in the distance.

"He's going to be ten, Thalion," she whispered, her voice barely carrying over the soft crackle of the fireplace. "Do you think... maybe this year will be different?"

Thalion Solin sat nearby, his arms resting on his knees. He was a man of quiet strength, his once-powerful frame now lean from years of hardship. His dark hair was streaked with gray, and the lines on his face told stories of struggle and perseverance. He exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand over his tired eyes.

"We can hope," he murmured. "But we have to prepare for the worst."

Aeliana frowned, her fingers pausing in their work. "You don't believe he'll get anything special, do you?"

Thalion hesitated before shaking his head. "He's our son. That means he'll get a Bronze Vault. That's how the world works."

Silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken worries. Aeliana swallowed, forcing a small smile. "No matter what, he'll still be our Varek."

A soft knock at the door interrupted them. The wooden frame groaned as it opened, revealing a small boy with dark hair and bright, eager eyes. Varek Solin.

He stepped inside, his face flushed with excitement. "It's almost time, right?"

Aeliana quickly wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to him, ruffling his hair. "Yes, sweetheart. Just a little longer."

Varek grinned, bouncing on his feet. "I heard some kids say that when they opened their Vaults, light shot out of their chest! Like a star!"

Thalion chuckled, his voice low but affectionate. "Not everyone gets that kind of reaction, son."

Varek pouted but then beamed again. "I don't care what color mine is! I just want to see it!"

Aeliana exchanged a glance with Thalion. Her heart ached with both pride and fear.

"Come on, then," Thalion said, standing up and placing a firm hand on Varek's shoulder. "It's time."

They led him to the center of the small room, where the flickering lamplight cast eerie patterns across the floor. Varek took a deep breath, his small fists clenched. He closed his eyes. The moment had arrived.

A deep hum filled the air, resonating from his chest. The room darkened, the firelight flickering as if responding to the unseen force. Then, from the center of his body, a glow erupted.

A warm, bronze light pulsed from within him, steady and strong. The air vibrated with energy, and the light cast soft golden hues against the walls.

Aeliana exhaled in relief, a gentle smile forming on her lips. "A Bronze Vault."

Thalion placed a hand on Varek's shoulder, his grip firm. "It may not be the strongest, but it's yours, son. And what you do with it matters more than anything."

Varek stared at the glow within him, his heart pounding with excitement. This was his power.

The bronze glow slowly faded, leaving behind a soft warmth in Varek's chest. He placed a hand over the spot where his Vault had awakened, feeling the faint pulse of energy beneath his skin. His heart pounded in his ears, not from fear, but from exhilaration. This was it. The moment he had been waiting for.

Aeliana knelt beside him, brushing his dark hair back. "How do you feel, sweetheart?"

Varek looked up at his mother, his bright eyes filled with wonder. "It feels… strange. But good."

Thalion gave a short nod, his expression unreadable. "The Vault's power will grow with time. You must learn to control it."

Varek grinned. "Does this mean I can start training?"

Thalion's lips pressed into a firm line. "Training takes patience. You have a long way to go before you can wield your power properly."

Aeliana shot her husband a look before turning back to Varek with a softer expression. "One step at a time, love. For now, just rest."

But rest was the last thing on Varek's mind. As he lay in his small bed that night, staring at the wooden ceiling above, his thoughts raced. He had a Bronze Vault. Not as rare or powerful as a Diamond or Gold, but it was his. And that meant he had a chance—a chance to change everything.

Outside, the wind howled through the narrow streets, rattling the shutters. The world beyond their small home was vast and full of dangers, but Varek didn't care. He had power now. He had a future.

He clenched his fists. No matter what it took, he would find a way to become stronger.

Because deep down, he knew—this was just the beginning.

Morning light filtered through the cracks in the wooden shutters, casting golden streaks across the small room. Varek stirred beneath his thin blanket, the events of the previous night still fresh in his mind. His fingers instinctively brushed against his chest, feeling the lingering warmth of his newly awakened Vault.

The scent of fresh bread and herbs filled the air, pulling him from his thoughts. He could hear his mother humming softly in the kitchen, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables accompanying her melody. The faint murmur of his father's voice followed, deep and steady as he spoke about the day's work.

Pushing off the blanket, Varek sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Today was different. Today, he wasn't just another boy in the slums—he was someone with power, no matter how small. And that meant everything.

Stepping into the main room, he found his mother setting the table. She smiled as she saw him. "Good morning, my little warrior."

"Morning, Mom," he said, taking his seat.

Thalion was already at the table, sharpening an old knife with careful, practiced movements. He glanced at Varek but said nothing. That was just how his father was—never one for unnecessary words. Still, Varek knew he was watching.

Aeliana placed a bowl of warm porridge in front of him, along with a piece of bread. "Eat up, love. You have a big day ahead."

Varek blinked. "I do?"

His mother chuckled. "You didn't think you'd awaken your Vault and just sit around, did you?"

A grin spread across his face. "Does that mean I get to train?"

Thalion set down his knife. "Finish your meal. Then we'll see what you're made of."

Excitement buzzed in Varek's veins as he grabbed his spoon. He didn't know what kind of training his father had in mind, but one thing was certain—he was ready.

The morning air was crisp as Varek stepped outside, his breath visible in the cool breeze. The streets of the slums were already alive with movement—merchants setting up stalls, children chasing each other through narrow alleys, and workers hauling supplies for the day's labor. But Varek's mind was on only one thing.

Thalion stood in the small clearing behind their home, arms crossed as he waited. "Show me what you can do," he said simply.

Varek took a deep breath, focusing on the energy within him. He closed his eyes and reached for the warmth of his Vault, feeling it pulse beneath his skin. Slowly, he raised his hand, expecting something—anything—to happen.

A flicker of energy sparked at his fingertips. It was weak, barely noticeable, but it was there.

Thalion watched with a neutral expression. "Again."

Gritting his teeth, Varek tried again. This time, the energy flared a little stronger, a faint glow surrounding his palm before vanishing.

His father nodded. "Not bad for a first attempt."

Varek's heart swelled with determination. He wasn't going to stop here. He had seen what the powerful could do—warriors with Vaults that could shake the earth, mages who could summon storms with a thought. He wasn't there yet, but he would be.

Days passed, and Varek trained relentlessly. Each morning, he would wake before dawn, his body sore from the previous day's efforts, yet his resolve never wavered. He pushed himself, determined to grasp the true power of his Vault.

Thalion observed his son's progress with quiet approval, offering few words but guiding him when necessary. "Control comes with time," he would say. "Rushing leads to failure."

Varek listened. He practiced. The flickers of energy in his palm grew steadier, stronger. What had once been faint and weak now carried weight, a force he could begin to shape.

One evening, after hours of training, he stood panting in the clearing, sweat dripping down his face. His hands trembled from exertion, but within them, the energy pulsed brighter than before. He grinned despite the exhaustion.

Thalion nodded. "Good. Again."

Night fell over the small home, stars blinking in the vast sky above. Varek sat outside, his hands resting on his knees, feeling the dull ache of exhaustion. Yet, despite the weariness settling into his bones, there was something else—excitement.

Aeliana stepped outside, a gentle smile on her face as she placed a warm bowl of soup beside him. "You're working hard," she said softly. "But don't forget to rest, Varek. Strength isn't just about pushing forward—it's also about knowing when to pause."

Varek looked up at his mother and nodded. He understood her words, but deep inside, he couldn't stop. Not yet.

The wind carried the scent of rain as the night stretched on, a distant rumble of thunder rolling across the sky. Varek remained seated, staring at the horizon, his mind restless despite his body's exhaustion. His Vault pulsed faintly, a constant reminder of the power within him, waiting to be understood.

Inside the house, Thalion sat by the dim fire, sharpening an old blade. His rough hands moved with practiced ease, the rhythmic scrape of metal on stone filling the quiet room. Aeliana watched him for a moment before speaking. "He's pushing himself too hard."

Thalion didn't look up. "He has to. If he stops now, he'll never catch up."

Aeliana sighed, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her dress. "He's still a child."

"A child who has to survive," Thalion countered. His voice was calm but firm. "The world won't wait for him to be ready."

Outside, Varek clenched his fists. He wasn't sure if he had overheard their conversation or if he simply knew what they were thinking. Either way, he understood.