The Thornwood Estate
The Thornwood estate stood atop a gentle hill, its turrets and spires reaching for the sky. Lord Cedric Thornwood, a seasoned aura swordsmaster, had defended these lands for generations. His blade, infused with the power of his sixth intermediate stage aura, had fended off bandits, rogue mages, and even the occasional dragon. But today, his thoughts were not on battles but on his family.
Lord Cedric Thornwood was more than a nobleman; he was a protector. His people revered him for his unwavering commitment to their well-being. Whether it was negotiating trade agreements or settling disputes, he did so with a sense of duty that transcended titles. His silver hair, once jet black, now bore the marks of countless battles. Yet, his eyes still held a spark of determination.
Lady Elara Thornwood, on the other hand, possessed a different kind of power. A rare soul attribute mage, she could manipulate the very essence of life. Her magic was delicate, like a spider weaving its web. But illness had taken its toll on her. She spent her days in the garden, tending to the roses that bloomed even in winter. Her kindness extended beyond their family—she healed wounded animals and whispered secrets to the ancient oaks.
Lysandra's Secret
And then there was Lysandra Thornwood, Eamon's younger sister. Her destiny hung in the balance as she awaited her magic test. The air buzzed with anticipation—the test that would reveal her affinity, her purpose. Would she inherit her mother's soul magic or her father's swordsmanship? Or perhaps something entirely unexpected?
Eamon watched his sister from the shadows. He was a normal boy, or so everyone believed. But there was a secret locked within him—a dormant personality that never surfaced. It was a mystery, an enigma. His friends and family accepted him as he was, but the noble children sneered. They measured worth in sword strokes and spellcasting, and Eamon fell short.
Yet, Eamon had a plan. He sought knowledge beyond the obvious. Sir Percival, the head butler, taught him noble etiquette—the art of diplomacy and grace. Sir Denial, the knight captain, drilled him in combat techniques. And then there was Selena, the magic teacher, who knew not only spells but also the empire's history and geography. Eamon absorbed it all—the politics, the law, the farming techniques, the culinary arts, and survival skills.
The Coming of Age
As Eamon's sixteenth birthday approached, the estate buzzed with preparations. The coming-of-age ceremony loomed—a rite of passage for every noble. Eamon would step into adulthood, and his hidden self would emerge. Would it be a mage's spark or a warrior's fire? Or perhaps something entirely new?
The Thornwood family gathered in the grand hall. Lord Cedric, leaning on his sword, watched with pride. Lady Elara, her hands trembling, whispered blessings. Lysandra, her eyes wide, clutched a pendant—a family heirloom that pulsed with magic.
And Eamon? He stood at the center, torn between two worlds. His first personality—the unremarkable boy—felt the weight of tradition. But deep within, the mystery stirred. Destiny beckoned, and Eamon wondered which path he would tread.
To be continued...