Kael

The golden rays of the sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Arthur's room. He lay motionless on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, a deep frown creasing his brows. The memories of yesterday clung to him like an unshakable shadow. With a weary sigh, he sat up, running a hand through his messy hair before dragging himself to the bathroom.

After a quick shower, he made his way downstairs. The scent of fresh bread and morning stew wafted through the air. As he stepped into the dining room, he saw Liana, Mira, and Luca setting the table. Liana balanced a tray of dishes with practiced ease. Without thinking, Arthur rushed forward to help.

"I've got it," he said, reaching for the tray.

Liana pulled back, her brows furrowed. "Arthur, you don't need to do this. You're a noble."

Arthur shook his head. "You're giving me shelter. This is the least I can do to help."

Liana hesitated, then, with a reluctant sigh, handed him the tray. As he placed it on the table, Mira and Luca greeted him with bright smiles.

"Good morning, Arthur!" Mira chirped.

Arthur forced a small smile. "Morning."

Luca's eyes narrowed slightly. He exchanged a glance with Mira, who whispered something to Liana. Liana simply nodded. "Don't worry about him. I'll handle it."

Breakfast was silent. Luca attempted a joke, but it fell flat. Disappointed, he focused on his food. Once they were done, Arthur quietly gathered his dishes and took them to the kitchen before retreating to his room. He sat on the bed, staring out the window at the river beyond the house. His mind was clouded with thoughts of failure.

A knock came at the door. Liana stepped inside and sat beside him.

"I know what happened," she said gently. "Elizabeth told me everything."

Arthur's fists clenched. "Then you know I'm a failure."

Liana cupped his chin, lifting his face to meet her gaze. "No one is a failure. Failure breeds growth. A true sword mage doesn't give up. You fall, you rise, and you move forward." She stood, her voice firm yet kind. "Leave the past behind, Arthur. Focus on the present and the future."

With that, she left. Arthur sat there, her words echoing in his mind. His grip tightened. "What am I doing, sulking like a child? I wasn't like this before." He exhaled sharply, determination hardening his expression. "There's still time before the exams. I'll train. I will get into Sage Academy."

Bolting out of his room, he rushed past Luca and Mira, who watched in shock.

"He's back," Luca murmured.

Mira turned to Liana. "What did you say to him?"

Liana smiled. "Exactly what he needed to hear."

Arthur sprinted out of the house, his heart pounding. The vast landscape stretched before him as he made his way into the forest. He stopped beneath a towering tree, rolling his shoulders.

"This should do," he muttered, setting his own exercise routine. Push-ups, sit-ups, squats—his muscles burned, but he pushed on. Grabbing a fallen branch, he swung it like a sword, practicing his form.

"HAH!" he shouted with each swing.

"Oi! Shut up! Can't a man research in peace?!"

Arthur froze. His eyes flicked up toward the tree. A man with shaggy brown hair and sharp yellow eyes sat on a thick branch, peering through a telescope. His face bore a mischievous grin, and his clothes were slightly disheveled.

Arthur followed the telescope's direction—and his jaw dropped. The man was watching a group of girls splashing in the river.

"You perverted old man!" Arthur shouted, shaking the tree violently.

"GWAH!" The man tumbled down, landing with a grunt. He quickly sat up, rubbing his head. "Who the hell are you calling old, brat?!"

Arthur jabbed a finger at him. "You were spying on those girls!"

"Spying?" The man scoffed, dusting off his pants. "This is research! I was merely appreciating God's most perfect creations."

"You're disgusting."

The man grinned. "Tch, kids these days have no taste."

Arthur scowled. "Perv."

The man's eye twitched. "What did you just say?"

Before Arthur could react, the man lunged at him. "Come here, you little brat!"

"Gah!" Arthur turned and bolted, the man hot on his heels. As he ran, his gaze caught something— a dark shape shifting behind the bushes. He skidded to a stop, eyes narrowing.

"Gotcha!" The man grabbed Arthur's collar, tugging on his ears. "Now apologize—"

Arthur flailed his hands. "Wait! Look—"

"Pfft, relax. That's just a shadow of a rock or somethi—" He turned, lifting the leaves.

A massive bear's face emerged from the foliage.

The man's face went pale. "Oh. Oh, sh—"

The bear roared. The man screamed. Arthur screamed. They both turned and sprinted.

"You idiot!" the man shouted. "Why didn't you warn me sooner?!"

"I TRIED!" Arthur yelled. "You didn't listen, you perverted old man!"

The bear roared again. "AAAHHH!" they screamed in unison, running like their lives depended on it.

"Run faster, brat!"

"Maybe if you weren't so old, we'd be faster!"

They burst through the trees, reaching a small cabin.

Arthur panted. "We—we can't just break in—"

"You moron, this is my house!"

Arthur heard the bear's heavy steps behind him and dove inside. The man slammed the door shut. They collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath. After a moment, the man peeked through the window.

"Coast is clear."

Arthur glared at him. "Who the hell are you?"

The man smirked. "More importantly, what were you doing out here?"

Arthur sat up. "I was training to become a sword mage."

The man snorted. "You? You don't even know how to hold a stick properly."

Arthur bristled. "Then let's fight, old man!"

The man grinned. "Fine. Time to teach you some manners."

They grabbed wooden sticks. Arthur attacked, but the man disarmed him instantly. Arthur fell to his knees, defeated.

But then—he bowed. "Please! Be my teacher!"

The man blinked. Then smirked. "Hah? I don't take students. Unless they're beautiful women."

"You perverted old man!"

"I'M THIRTY-SIX!" he barked.

Arthur clenched his fists. "I want to be a sword mage! And I won't give up!"

The man's eyes softened. He whispered, "Heh… could be useful."

With a grin, he extended his hand. "I'm Kael. What's your name, brat?"

Arthur stood tall. "Arthur."

Kael smirked. "Fine. Come tomorrow. Training starts then."

Arthur returned home, smiling. Liana saw him and smiled, too. That night, Arthur lay in bed, excited for what was to come.