After ten minutes of trying to calm himself down, Kaijin started to examine his wings. They were dark black in color, with each wing boasting a wingspan of one meter. Looking outside, he noticed that it was still noon and decided to learn everything he could about his wings to surprise his parents. He first attempted to control his wings as a whole and then tried moving them separately. While it was challenging at first, Kaijin learned quickly, as if he simply had to think and his wings would respond. It was as if he had gained two more hands.
Despite being just six years old, Kaijin was certain that his wings weren't an ability, and he didn't believe they were a gift from the Supreme One either. He searched through books while flexing his wings, growing more comfortable with their movements. He learned how to use them to fly without flapping them like a bird; instead, he just had to think about flying, and his wings would carry him through the air effortlessly.
Ordinarily, individuals would need to utilize wind magic to lift themselves off the ground, but Kaijin's wings were special. They already seemed reinforced with wind magic, and they didn't even require his own mana to fly. Instead, they seemed to draw upon the mana present in nature. Despite examining numerous books and seeking information, Kaijin found nothing about wings like his own. So, he moved forward, embracing his newfound ability, and took to the skies.
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After sunset, Kaijin's parents finally arrived home.
"Welcome home," Kaijin said cheerfully.
"Were you waiting for us, son?" Jenny asked.
"Yup, and I also made dinner today," Kaijin replied.
"Oh, you're in a good mood today," Kenny commented.
"What do you mean, in a good mood? I'm always in a good mood," Kaijin defended himself.
"Nah, you're just boring, son. You never cry for toys or ask us to stay home like other kids. You don't have any friends, and you just stay home reading and training," Kenny said teasingly.
"Kenny!" Jenny scolded, hitting him on the shoulder.
As they sat down for dinner, Kaijin contemplated whether he should tell his parents about his wings. Ultimately, he decided to reveal his secret.
"Mom, Dad," Kaijin began, catching their attention.
"Yes?" they both replied simultaneously.
"I need to tell you something, or rather, show you something," Kaijin said, his voice filled with anticipation.
He stood up from the table and created some distance between himself and his parents. Then, with a whooshing sound, he opened his wings wide.
"I have wings," Kaijin announced proudly.
His parents glanced at each other, slightly taken aback but not entirely surprised.
"Well, you don't seem that amazed. Did you already know about this?" Kaijin asked, perplexed.
"Well, yes, son," Kenny admitted. "You see, when you were just born, those wings were already there. We consulted many doctors to see if you had any problems, and we even sought the advice of mages to determine if it was some sort of curse. But it was nothing, and since you were perfectly healthy, we didn't worry about it further."
Kaijin listened attentively, relieved to learn that his wings weren't a cause for concern.
"I still feel healthy, actually, so I don't think they pose any problems. And I also don't think they're a curse because they don't harm me in any way. They don't even use my own mana to fly," Kaijin explained.
"Well, then, it's a good thing, I guess. I was just worried because I thought they might be dangerous. After all, only dragons have two sets of wings," Jenny admitted.
"What do you mean by two sets? Do you mean two wings or four wings?" Kaijin asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Eh, I don't think you saw them properly. You actually have another pair of wings right below the larger ones, but they're smaller, so perhaps that's why you didn't notice them," Jenny explained.
"Oh, well, it's alright because I feel good," Kaijin said, relieved to have shared his secret with his parents.
Over the next four years, Kaijin began accompanying his father on hunts, sometimes joined by his father's friends as well. However, his parents decided to keep his wings a secret until he received his own Magic Bracelet, which would allow him to showcase his wings as part of his Ability. They conducted various experiments to ensure his wings were safe, and Kaijin's wings proved to be resilient. They never shed feathers, and his parents couldn't pluck them either. Only Kaijin himself had the ability to pluck a feather, and when he did, it became slightly stiffer, retaining its shine but becoming harder compared to when it was attached to his wings.
Kaijin's parents encouraged him to fly extensively, testing the limits of his wings. Remarkably, Kaijin never grew tired because his wings didn't rely on his own mana. Instead, they harnessed the abundant mana in nature. Kaijin even attempted to carry his parents while flying, but he discovered that the limit wasn't with his wings, but rather his own body's strength. His wings effortlessly supported his parents' weight, but his hands struggled to maintain a firm grip for an extended period.
And so, four years passed, and Kaijin turned ten. His wings had grown to a wingspan of 1.5 meters each, while the second pair remained smaller, measuring only half a meter. Kaijin diligently trained his body, preparing himself to fly while carrying weights. He practiced wearing weights all over his body, gradually increasing the difficulty over the four years. Now, the day had arrived for him to receive his Magic Bracelet, and he could finally reveal his wings to everyone.
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"Kai, hurry up! We don't want to be late," Jenny called out, her excitement palpable.
Kaijin made his way to the city's Mage Tower, accompanied by both of his parents. The Mage Tower was a simple structure made of bricks and stone, standing at a height of 100 meters. Though it lacked grandeur, it was spacious and bustling with people. As Kaijin entered with his parents, he was awestruck by the sheer number of individuals gathered there. The tower's interior was ten times larger than its exterior, featuring multiple floors crowded with children and their parents.
Suddenly, an archmage named Tirion descended from the upper floors, accompanied by his guards. The archmage, dressed in a dark blue robe, had remarkably smooth skin, though his long white beard and hair betrayed his age.
"Hello, dear children! My name is Archmage Tirion, and on this auspicious occasion, I congratulate you all for reaching the age when you receive your Magical Ability," Archmage Tirion addressed the gathering, his voice filled with mirth. "I know you must be excited, so I won't bore you with lengthy speeches. After all, I don't want you to hate me for delaying the moment you receive your gifts!"
Laughter echoed through the hall as the children eagerly awaited their turn. The archmage instructed everyone to come forward, with parents watching from the balcony above. He asked them to raise their dominant hands, the hands on which they wanted to wear their Magic Bracelets. Once the bracelets were in place, Archmage Tirion instructed the children to close their eyes and focus their mana into their dominant hand. The air in the room became charged with anticipation as the children followed his guidance, their minds and hearts filled with excitement.
Bracelets began to emerge from the tower's library, floating gracefully toward the outstretched hands. One by one, the bracelets encircled the children's wrists, forming a connection with their essence. Once the process was complete, Archmage Tirion signaled for the children to open their eyes.
Gasps of wonder and awe filled the hall as the children beheld their newly adorned wrists, each with a unique Magic Bracelet. Archmage Tirion explained that, although the bracelets appeared identical, they were currently empty, awaiting a vital component to activate them—blood.
"You must cut your hand slightly and let a drop of your blood fall onto the bracelet," Archmage Tirion instructed. "This bond between your blood and the bracelet will awaken your Magical Ability, bringing it to life."
With nervous excitement, the children followed the archmage's guidance, assisted by their parents when needed. The room was filled with tiny gasps and winces as each child pricked their palm, allowing a drop of blood to merge with their bracelet. As the blood made contact, the bracelets ignited with a radiant glow, shimmering in a multitude of colors, each unique to the individual.
Kaijin watched in anticipation as his turn approached. His heart raced with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. When the moment finally arrived, he carefully sliced his palm with his mother's dagger, his eyes widening as a single drop of blood fell onto the bracelet. A surge of warmth coursed through his arm, and the bracelet erupted in a dazzling display of light and mana.
But something unexpected occurred.
As the light subsided, Kaijin's wings, previously dark black, were now enveloped in the purest shade of white. A hushed silence fell over the room as everyone's gaze turned to Kaijin. Whispers filled the air, filled with astonishment and admiration.
Archmage Tirion stepped forward, his eyes shimmering with intrigue. "A rare and extraordinary sight, indeed," he murmured. "White wings are said to be a sign of purity, grace, and exceptional potential."
Kaijin's parents beamed with pride, their faces awash with joy and wonder. They had suspected their son was special, and now it was confirmed.
"Congratulations, Kaijin," Archmage Tirion said, his voice filled with admiration. "Your wings signify a destiny filled with greatness. Cherish this gift and use it to bring honor to your name."
Kaijin nodded, his heart swelling with determination. He was ready to embark on a path that would allow him to fully embrace his abilities and discover his true potential.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months as Kaijin delved deeper into his Magical Ability. With the guidance of his parents and the support of his newfound friends from the Mage Tower, he honed his skills and explored the vast possibilities his wings offered.
Kaijin discovered that his wings granted him not only the ability to fly effortlessly but also enhanced agility and speed. He soared through the skies, his white wings gliding gracefully with each movement. He maneuvered with precision, using his wings as shields, creating gusts of wind to deflect attacks, and delivering swift strikes with the grace of a seasoned warrior.
As his abilities flourished, Kaijin's reputation spread throughout the Soul Kingdom. People marveled at his unique talents and admired his unwavering determination. They saw him as a symbol of hope and inspiration—a testament to the extraordinary potential residing within each person.
In time, Kaijin's journey led him to join the ranks of the kingdom's most elite warriors. With his wings as his greatest asset, he became a formidable force on the battlefield, embodying the spirit of a true warrior.
But Kaijin's aspirations extended beyond personal glory. He sought to create a world where everyone could embrace their abilities and strive for greatness. He advocated for unity, understanding, and the belief that one's wings did not define them but rather served as a reminder of their unique potential.
As the years passed, Kaijin's wings continued to grow and evolve, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration for generations to come. His name became synonymous with courage, honor, and the boundless possibilities that awaited those who dared to dream.
And so, Kaijin soared through the skies, his white wings shimmering in the sunlight, as he embarked on a lifelong quest to leave a lasting legacy—an enduring testament to the power that lay within the hearts and wings of all.