The night had grown late, yet Uncle Dorian's mind was still in turmoil. He stood by the large window, staring out at the star-filled night sky, a glass of red wine in his hand. His gaze was distant, as if it pierced through the vast heavens, while his thoughts were trapped in memories of the past.
With a deep, somber voice, Dorian spoke without taking his eyes off the stars.
Dorian: "What do you think... about Mira and Eleric's child?"
From the deep shadows in the corner of the room, Randel emerged quietly, like a silhouette taking form. His movements were soundless, reflecting his skill as an assassin. In a brief, efficient manner, Randel reported what had just transpired in Izzan's chamber.
Randel: "He already knows that I, along with the other servants, are assassins. His instincts are sharp, like his father's."
Upon hearing this, Dorian chuckled softly, but the laugh was filled with mixed emotions. There was pride, but also a deep sadness lingering beneath his tone.
Dorian: "Look at that, Mira... your son is a wolf, just like Eleric. His fate is written in his blood, just as his father's was."
He took a sip of his wine and continued, his voice now quieter, almost as if he was speaking to himself.
Dorian: "How could you leave him without a word, just as you left this kingdom with him..."
Randel, observing Dorian's shifting mood, stood respectfully. He, too, recognized the immense potential within Izzan. With unwavering dedication, he made an offer.
Randel: "If you allow it, I would be honored to train Izzan. The boy has extraordinary potential. With the right guidance, he could surpass all of us."
But Dorian shook his head, gently yet firmly declining the offer. His love and hopes for Izzan were vast, but he felt that the time was not yet right.
Dorian: "Not yet, Randel. Izzan isn't ready. He needs to learn the etiquette of nobility first, to understand the wider world before plunging into rigorous training. We don't even know his true potential yet. Whether he'll be a mage, or a knight like his father. There are still a few years left before he can train his mana or aura."
What Dorian didn't realize was that Izzan was already on the brink of becoming a Dual-Star, a rare class where one could master both magic and aura simultaneously—blending the strength of a mage and a knight within one body. Izzan himself had already reached One-Star Mage, and soon he would also become a One-Star Knight. This combination would make him both dangerous and unpredictable.
However, Dorian remained unaware of this fact, and for now, he chose to wait until the right time.
Shifting the topic, Dorian's voice turned more serious, filled with determination.
Dorian: "For now, there's something more urgent. Gather twenty of our elite, Randel. Your primary mission is to find the one who killed my sister."
Randel nodded, his eyes filled with understanding and loyalty.
Randel: "It will be done, Sir."
With that, Randel vanished into the shadows once more, ready to carry out his new mission. Dorian returned his gaze to the sky, his heart filled with resolve to protect his nephew and avenge his sister's death.