Valeford Training Grounds – Dawn
The sky burned with the colors of early morning as Caelan faced his new instructor.
She was tall, muscular, with graying silver hair tied in a rough braid. Her name was Serah Flint, a retired battlefield mage who once fought in three continental campaigns.
"You're the little prodigy, huh?" she said, crossing her arms. "Show me what you've got."
Caelan nodded calmly. He drew in mana and launched a basic spell:
"Solar Pulse!"
A radiant wave of light burst forth, blinding in brilliance. Serah blocked it with a hardened earth wall—and then grinned.
> "Not bad. But let's see how you move."
Their duel began. Serah launched boulders from her fists while Caelan danced around them, countering with Ignis Flare and short bursts of Aerial Step.
Despite his young age, his battle sense was sharp, and Serah soon called for a break.
"You've got instincts like a grown mercenary," she muttered. "I'll teach you everything I know."
Caelan smiled faintly.
> Another step forward.
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Later That Week – Northern Woods, Valeford Territory
On a scouting walk with Serah and two knights, Caelan's Appraisal skill pinged suddenly:
> [Ancient Mana Signature Detected]
Location: 34 meters northeast
Status: Hidden by illusion magic
He followed the pulse until a moss-covered stone archway emerged between the trees—hidden, old, and pulsing with latent magic.
Serah's eyes narrowed. "This isn't on any map."
"Should we go in?" Caelan asked.
The knights hesitated—but Serah nodded. "Stay close."
---
Inside the Ruin
The structure resembled a forgotten temple. Faded murals lined the walls—dragons, stars, and a silver crown etched into stone. At the center stood a circular platform, glowing faintly.
The moment Caelan stepped onto it, the air trembled.
A low growl echoed through the ruin.
From the shadows, a creature emerged—part lion, part stone, with runes carved across its body.
> [Guardian Construct – Level 20]
Condition: Aggressive
Element: Earth & Fire
Serah moved to protect him—but Caelan stepped forward, eyes glowing.
> "Let me try."
---
The Trial
He launched Aqua Veil to block the creature's first fire breath, then used Wind Step to dodge its charge. With a quick hand motion, he invoked his flare:
"Ignis Flare!"
The fire struck the stone beast, weakening the runes. The creature roared, swiping at him, but Caelan channeled everything into his blade.
> "I'll test my new strength... Draconic Lifeforce Engine: Burst Activation!"
His aura surged, body glowing faintly red-gold as his speed and power increased.
With one final strike, he leapt high and slammed his flaming blade into the construct's core—shattering it.
---
[System Notification]
> Trial Cleared: Forgotten Guardian of Flame
Hidden Relic Unlocked: Heart of the Ember Crown
Description: A fragment of ancient draconic flame. Can be absorbed to awaken special flame-related skill.
Do you wish to absorb now?
[Yes] [No]
---
Caelan selected [Yes].
The relic dissolved into him, flooding his veins with searing warmth.
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[New Skill Acquired]
> Crimson Dragonflame (A+)
Element: Fire
Description: Condensed draconic fire that pierces magical defenses and scales with the user's vitality.
Passive Effect: Fire spells gain a chance to burn through barriers.
---
Serah stared at him, wide-eyed. "...You just tamed dragon fire."
Caelan's body steamed with power, eyes glowing faintly red before fading to brown.
"I didn't tame it," he said calmly. "I inherited it."
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