"Haarrgh!" I clash swords with my father. The sound of wood on wood echoes through the air as we exchange blow for blow.
His eyes are fixed on me, waiting for my next move.
I swing my sword with all my might. The wooden blade bites through the air with a soft whoosh.
My father parries the attack effortlessly, his movements fluid and practiced. He shifts his weight onto his back foot, his sword arm extending in a smooth, controlled motion.
I strike again, and again. My confidence grows with each passing moment.
Thud. Thud. The clash of our swords rings out. I feel my heart race.
The excitement builds, pushing me to jump, feet leaving the ground. With a grunt, I strike down with my wooden sword.
My father raises his sword in time to meet mine.
The blades clash, the force of the impact rattling my arm. I crouch down, gasping for breath, my chest heaving.
"Okay, that's enough for now, my little warrior is exhausted," my mother says, her voice warm as she approaches us.
My father nods, lowering his sword. He turns to me, smiling broadly.
"You sure learn things quickly, don't you, Aries?" He scoops me up in his arms and lifts me high into the air, spinning me in a circle.
I grin, though inside, I think, I didn't even land a blow on him…
Just a few days after I turned five, something incredible happened. A surge of magic. My mana arcane—something I'd barely understood until then—was under my control. I could feel it, flowing through my veins like wildfire.
By the serene lake near our home, I stood, eyes closed, concentrating. The water reflected the sky's bright blue, calm and still.
A hum filled the air, a soft vibration deep in my chest.
I raise my hands, and suddenly, a brilliant white shield erupts from my fingertips. It shimmers and ripples, patterns forming, like gentle waves breaking against the shore.
The light dances, painting the landscape in an ethereal glow.
My shield pulses with energy, each movement of my hands making it shimmer. With every punch, it reacts, the surface vibrating like a living thing. It sings softly, like crystal glass, the sound echoing across the lake.
I smile, excitement surging through me. Yeah, I can feel it. It's growing stronger.
As the days passed, I honed my magic, but there was a discovery that excited me just as much. I realized my mana wasn't limitless. It drained me. When I used it to the fullest, I felt like I'd run a marathon, my muscles aching, my body heavy, and my mind cloudy.
But something remarkable happened each time. The next use of my magic felt easier. I had more mana, more control. My body was adapting, pushing its limits.
A thrill ran through me.
I approached a sturdy tree. It stood strong, its trunk unyielding.
Focusing, I unleashed my mana with a shout. "HAAAA!"
My fist connected with the tree with a burst of energy, and the trunk shuddered under the impact. A small glowing indentation appeared where my fist had struck.
I withdrew my hand, breathing heavily, a grin spreading across my face. My mana's stronger now.
But... something was missing. I couldn't quite figure it out. Why can't I discover my elemental nature? I thought, frustration nagging at me.
There was a feeling deep inside, something waiting to be unlocked.
I sighed and looked up at the sky. I guess I just have to be patient.
As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in orange, I turned back toward home. Mother will be worried, I thought.
The soft lapping of the water against the shore played a soothing melody as I walked back along the lake's edge. That's when I saw him.
An elderly man sat by the shore, fishing. His presence was commanding—he stood tall, a cowboy-style cap on his head. His scarf, singed and frayed from flames, trailed behind him like a cloak in the wind.
His hair, teal as the sea, matched his piercing brown eyes. They sparkled with warmth, yet there was something else—a hint of steel.
He noticed me immediately.
A gust of wind erupted from his hand, rippling the water's surface. Fish flew out of the lake in a sudden, sharp crack.
I couldn't believe my eyes.
"Wow, that's cool, Gramps! How did you do that?" I exclaimed, stepping forward, fascinated.
The old man turned to me, his gaze sharp. I froze, a shiver running down my spine.
"Sorry, old man," I stammered, stepping back.
He laughed, a deep, hearty chuckle. "My bad, my bad! Sorry for scaring you, kid." His smile was kind, and the tension in my shoulders eased.
"What's your name, young one?" he asked.
"I'm Aries, Aries Valemont," I replied, the unease fading.
"Aries Valemont, eh?" He nodded thoughtfully. "Well, listen up. What you saw was wind magic—one of the elements I possess."
I blinked, my curiosity piqued.
"There are four basic elements—fire, water, wind, and earth," he continued. "Some people only have one. But others, like me, have two." He studied me intently. "Wind and water, in my case."
"Wait, people can have two elements?" I asked, surprised.
The old man chuckled, patting me on the head. "Not quite, Aries. Those with only one are called Solebinders." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "Those with two are called Arcynates."
"Arcynates?" I whispered, the word feeling strange on my lips.
He nodded, his gaze heavy with meaning. "Being an Arcynate isn't just about having two elements. It's about balance. Mastering both."
I felt a wave of realization sweep over me. The pieces were starting to come together.
The old man's eyes seemed to study me more closely. "He sure looks like him," he thought to himself, the look in his eyes sharpening.
A flicker of recognition. Something deeper.