Kapi Mountains (1)

"I want to go to the Kapi Mountains."

Father looked at me, eyes narrowing slightly. His usually stern yet calm gaze turned curious, a silent demand for explanation behind those deep, calculating eyes.

"And what for?" he asked, his tone even, though laced with interest.

"I read in a book that the mana flow there is exceptionally pure. I thought it might help with my training."

It wasn't entirely a lie. The mana concentration around the Kapi region was indeed known to be high. For someone with the Mana Veins skill, it would be the perfect environment to push the limits of mana capacity and manipulation.

My mother, seated nearby looked up sharply. Her brows furrowed in immediate disapproval.

"You're not going there," she said sternly. "That area is infested with feral beasts—and worse, lesser-ranked magical creatures. While you might be able to handle a feral beast or two, I'm not letting my seven-year-old son walk into a den of monsters."

I frowned. I expected this reaction.

"But Mother, I want to get stronger."

She folded her arms tightly across her chest. "You're just seven, Noel. What's the rush? You'll join the academy soon enough. There'll be plenty of time for training—and danger—when you're older. You're already far ahead of your peers."

I hesitated. I could see her concern wasn't born from doubt, but from fear. The same fear that most loving mothers carried—that their child might not return one day.

Still, I couldn't back down.

"I'm not strong enough yet," I said quietly, though my voice grew firmer with each word. "What I want to protect... what I want to become... can't be achieved with the strength I have now."

There was a long silence after that. My mother stared at me, a mixture of disbelief and something else—sadness?—behind her eyes. She didn't respond immediately.

Then, Father placed his hand over hers. "Let him go, Herta."

Her head turned toward him sharply. "Vistin—"

"It's alright," he said gently. "I can see the seriousness in his eyes. He's not just a boy chasing adventure. He's... focused. Whatever it is he's chasing, I want to support him. I won't be the kind of father who shackles his son's potential out of fear."

I looked up at him. Our eyes met—and he nodded.

"But," he continued, "you will be accompanied by our knights. I hope that's agreeable?"

"Of course," I replied immediately.

Layla, who had been quietly playing with her toy bunny by the side, looked up with a confused expression. Her round eyes darted between our serious faces.

"I'm going to be fine," I said gently, kneeling in front of her. "Our knights are very strong, and they'll be with me the whole time. I promise I'll be back before you finish that bunny's new dress."

She tilted her head and gave me a small giggle, reaching out to touch my cheek.

My mother sighed deeply. She walked toward me and knelt down to embrace me tightly.

"As your mother, I'll always worry. That won't change," she murmured. "But I suppose I can't always keep you wrapped in safety. Just… come back safe, alright?"

I nodded. "I will."

My father's voice brought us back to reality.

"When do you want to leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," I replied.

"I'll have the knights ready by sunrise."

---

The Next Morning

The golden light of dawn spilled across the horizon as I slung a backpack over my shoulder. Inside were simple travel essentials—dried rations, a mana potion and a few basic herbs. The path I planned to take couldn't be traveled by carriage. It would take at least two days on foot to reach the foot of the inner ridge of the Kapi Mountains, and from there, we'd ascend.

Waiting at the gates were my escorts—Sir John, Sir Ben, and Sir Leon. All three were well-trained Elite-Class knights of our family. Strong, reliable, and loyal to the core. They could fend off beasts and hold the line if things went south.

"Good morning, Young Master," Sir John greeted with a respectful bow.

"Morning," I replied with a small smile.

Behind me, my parents stood together, watching.

"Stay safe," my mother said, her voice trembling slightly.

Father placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, then turned to me.

"You know your limits. Don't overstep them, Noel. And listen to your guards."

I nodded.

Layla peeked around my mother's dress, waving her little hands enthusiastically. I smiled and waved back, feeling a strange tug in my chest. I was growing used to this life, this family. I was no longer just some extra in a forgotten game—these people cared for me.

And I'd protect them.

Turning toward the gates, I addressed the knights.

"Let's move out."

"As you wish, Young Master," they said in unison.

The gates opened, and we stepped beyond the safety of the estate.

---

The journey ahead was more than a simple training expedition. That item was waiting—buried beneath time. An ancient remnant of the past that, if I was right, would resonate with me in an unimaginable way.

But first, I'd have to survive the beasts of the mountain.

And perhaps—something even more dangerous that stirs in the dark.