"I will be taking your son, Aries, with me for the adventure," Drake exclaimed, his voice booming through the room like thunder on a stormy night.
The warm glow of the lamp cast a golden hue over my parents' shocked faces. The air tightened with tension, like a bowstring pulled taut.
"What? Mr. Drake, are you serious?" my father asked, his voice laced with concern.
"He's just a kid. He doesn't even know about the outside world. How can he possibly handle an adventure? And magic... he's still so young. He wouldn't even know the basics."
Before he could finish, Drake raised a hand. His voice cut cleanly through the room—confident and unshakable.
"I have my reasons. When we first met, I sensed Aries' mana arcane flowing around him. It was unmistakable. He has already mastered his arcane flow."
The room fell silent.
Only the soft hum of the lamp and the quiet breathing of my family remained.
My father's face twisted in disbelief. "It can't be… Aries? What?"
My mother stared at my still body, resting peacefully on the couch. Her voice was barely a whisper. "He mastered his arcane? Really?"
My sister's eyes widened, her thoughts painted across her expression. How did he… at this age?
Drake nodded, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Yes, that's true. It's difficult to believe—even for me—but his magical signature is already refined. It rivals that of trained adepts."
My mother's face softened with pride. A gentle smile touched her lips. "He sure is my little warrior."
My father beamed. "That's our boy," he said, his voice heavy with pride.
They exchanged glances—one of those quiet, wordless moments between parents when love and awe collide.
My sister kept watching me, her eyes filled with awe. "You're a genius, Aries. I'm honestly jealous right now," she murmured to herself, smiling.
Drake stepped forward. "That's the reason I want to take him. I want to teach him—refine what's already there. With time, he could become a mage… or even a knight."
The soft lamp glow reflected off his eyes, revealing a rare intensity.
My father's smile faded into silence as he considered Drake's words.
My mother spoke next, her voice caught between pride and fear. "I agree he's gifted… but he's still a child. The world outside—it's not kind. What if he gets hurt? What if he sees things no child should see?"
Drake's expression softened. "That's exactly why I'm here, Miss Liora."
He took a breath. "I won't just train him—I'll guard him. Mentor him. He won't face the world alone. I'll make sure he learns how to survive, how to grow… how to wield what's inside him."
He paused, voice deepening. "Let me guide him. I believe he can become something far greater than even I was."
Drake stood tall. He bowed deeply, his silver hair catching the light. "Please. Entrust Aries to me. I will return him not just safe—but changed. Ready for the world."
My father's eyes met his. A long pause passed between them.
Then: "Raise your head, Mr. Drake."
Drake obeyed. Their eyes locked.
After a moment, my father gave a quiet nod. "I agree. You can take Aries. Train him."
My mother inhaled sharply. "But he's still so young…"
My father reached for her hand, comforting. "It's alright, honey. We have to trust him. Our Aries… he's ready."
She nodded slowly, still worried, but her eyes glimmered with faith.
My father turned back to Drake. "You have our permission."
Drake smiled warmly. "Thank you. We will depart… tomorrow."
————
I woke with a groan. A dull throb pulsed through my skull like a beating drum.
"Ow… that hurts."
Memories returned fast—Drake's hand, that sudden blow, the swirling mana—and I bolted up.
Where was he?
I stumbled downstairs.
My family was gathered in the living room. Their expressions were unreadable—part worry, part excitement.
And Drake was still there. Standing calm as ever.
My mother saw me first.
Her face lit up. "You're awake, my dear boy!" She rushed to me, arms wrapping around me before I could react.
"Mom?" I said, confused, still half-asleep and unsure why she was hugging me like I was going off to war.
I spotted the bags. The packed gear. Drake standing ready.
"Wait… what's going on?"
But before I could step back, my mother began to speak softly, her gaze misty.
"It feels like just yesterday you were born," she whispered. "Calling me 'Mama' in that tiny voice. And your Papa used to duel with you in the backyard…"
Her eyes glistened with memories.
"Mama…?" I blinked.
Then, suddenly, her eyes locked with mine.
"Aries… do you want to learn magic?"
I froze. Then smiled. "Yes!" I said, louder than intended.
My mother's hands trembled as she cupped my cheeks. "Go with him. He'll teach you everything."
My father stepped forward. "Be brave. You're going to do great things."
Then he lifted me up, laughing. "And hey, I'm still proud of you for mastering your arcane. I knew you had something special!"
"Wait—how did you know—?" I gasped.
Before I could finish, he spun me around.
"Stop, Papa!" I laughed.
He set me down gently, ruffling my hair. "Sorry. I got excited."
Then came another hug—warm and trembling.
"Be safe," my mother whispered. "Promise you'll come back."
"I promise, Mom."
We stayed like that, holding each other in the soft morning light.
At the door, my sister leaned on the frame, arms crossed, smirking.
"So, you're leaving, huh?"
I nodded. "Yeah. I'll be back soon."
She grinned wider. "Take your time. Get strong. Next time we meet—we duel. You game?"
" Yeah sure I will always be ready," I said, flashing a grin.
She gave me a mock salute. "Don't embarrass the family name."
My father gave my back a solid pat.
My mother hugged me once more, her eyes wet again.
And then—just like that—it was time.
I turned to Drake, heart racing.
"So… where to, old man?"
Drake smirked, his cloak fluttering.
"Our first stop is—."
He glanced to the distant horizon. "Forests that whisper secrets. Lakes that shine like stars. And a valley perfect for your training."
A wagon rolled to a stop nearby. The driver—a grizzled old man with a beard that reached his chest—eyed us with amusement.
"To Xylaris, please," Drake said.
The driver chuckled. "Hop in, lads. We'll be there by sundown."
As the wheels creaked forward and the wind brushed my cheeks, I looked back at the house one last time.
My family stood there—waving, smiling, holding back tears.
And I smiled too.
The journey had begun.