Sion stepped quietly through the familiar halls of the Presia Dukedom's estate. The serene surroundings offered a rare moment of calm amidst the storm of responsibilities he bore. As he approached a door slightly ajar, he could hear the soft mumbling of incantations being rehearsed. He smiled—he knew exactly who it was.
Inside, his younger sister Janet sat surrounded by open tomes, her brow furrowed as she diligently studied. The air shimmered faintly with mana as she practiced a simple spell of light manipulation.
When she noticed him, her eyes lit up. "Brother!" she cried, jumping to her feet and wrapping him in a tight embrace.
Sion chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Still trying to master the arcane from dusty pages, I see?"
"I'm preparing for the entrance exam to Veloria Arcanum Academy!" Janet beamed. "They say only the best get in!"
He nodded, genuinely impressed. "I see. But you know, magic isn't just about reading. It's a living force—felt, shaped, and experienced. Practical understanding is just as important."
Janet pouted. "No! Both are necessary. Knowledge and experience walk hand in hand."
Sion laughed lightly. "Alright then, let's combine both. Come with me to the training grounds. I'll teach you a few things that aren't in those books."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? You'll train me?"
"Of course. Let's go."
They walked together to the estate's open courtyard where the knights were undergoing drills. As they noticed Sion, they stopped and bowed deeply, showing great respect. Despite everything, Sion still felt a strange ache in his chest. The real Sion—the young noble heir—was gone. He was Allen now, wearing Sion's skin, wielding a power unknown to this world. But here, with Janet, he could still pretend to be a brother.
Janet stepped into the center of the field, preparing her spells. She recited incantations fluidly, conjuring a small flame and then a shield.
"Hmm… good, but… boring," Sion teased.
"Hey!" Janet frowned.
He raised a hand, gathering ambient mana from the air. "Watch carefully."
With a flick, he demonstrated a Pulse Wave, a basic yet versatile technique that used compressed mana to knock back foes or deflect magic.
"Magic isn't just about spells," he explained. "It's about control. Feel the flow of mana in your body, not just around you. Learn to absorb it through your core—like this."
He placed a hand on her back, channeling a faint stream of energy into her. Her eyes widened as she felt the mana coalesce within her.
"Try again," he said.
Janet repeated the pulse, and this time, it radiated with precision and strength.
"Whoa!" she gasped. "That felt amazing!"
"You've got potential," Sion smiled. "Just need the right guidance."
Meanwhile, at the royal palace, Queen Katherine sat in her office, fatigue shadowing her features as she reviewed several parchments. There was a knock at the door.
"Come in," she said without looking up.
The door opened and in stepped a familiar figure—her father, King Nathan, now retired.
"Father?" she blinked in surprise.
"How are you doing?" he asked softly.
She gave a weak smile. "Trying my best… it's a lot."
He nodded, sitting across from her. "I believe you will succeed. That's why I'm here—to talk about why I abdicated."
Katherine stiffened. "I've been wondering that. I never expected to be crowned. I… I didn't even want to be queen."
Nathan's expression was calm. "It wasn't just about your lineage. It was because of Sion Ragnar."
Her eyes widened.
"He's an anomaly—but the kind that turns tides. His strength rivals ancient monsters, and his intellect… let's say he's not from this world, is he?" Nathan said with a knowing smile,
"But you, Katherine… you are brilliant in your own right. Your strategic mind, your instincts, your leadership. You and Sion… you're the kingdom's strongest assets. Together, you are a force that can change everything."
He paused, his voice thick with emotion. "I was a failing king, leading this land toward ruin. But after meeting him, I found clarity. You've already taken bold steps—forming the Queen's Council, trusting Sara and Rebecca. I believe in your leadership."
Katherine's throat tightened. "Thank you, Father…"
Nathan stood. "Protect this kingdom. And don't leave his side. Sion Ragnar isn't just your fiancé. He's the pivot of a new era."
With that, he turned and walked out, leaving a silent but inspired queen behind.