The Valemont estate's private library stretched three stories high, its walls lined with centuries of accumulated knowledge. Ancient texts on combat techniques shared space with modern tactical analyses, family histories, and classified intelligence reports. At the massive mahogany desk that had served five generations of Valemonts, Caspian studied a leather-bound volume documenting his family's enhanced abilities.
"The first recorded manifestation was in Prince Henry Valemont," his mother noted from where she stood examining a tactical display. "Though the chronicles suggest the potential existed even before then."
Caspian's enhanced vision processed the ancient text with perfect clarity, analyzing ink patterns and paper composition even as he absorbed the content. "The abilities appear to strengthen with each generation."
"Yes," Carrie turned from the display, her movements precise and measured. "But never to this degree. Your father's theory is that each generation's training and genetic refinement has been building toward a threshold."
The tactical display showed recordings of his morning training session. Even at normal speed, the mathematical precision of his movements was evident. His enhanced vision had mapped every possible attack vector, calculating optimal responses before the threats fully manifested.
"The family's combat abilities have always exceeded normal human limits," Carrie continued, studying her son with professional detachment. "Enhanced strength, speed, durability - all products of the Valemont Chromosome. But your ocular enhancement represents something new."
Caspian closed the ancient text carefully. "The golden patterns. They weren't mentioned in any previous manifestation."
"No." His mother's tone held the careful neutrality he recognized from her intelligence briefings. "The ability to see and calculate combat variables to this degree is unprecedented. Even your father's enhanced capabilities never manifested visual indicators."
The library's hidden door opened silently, admitting Tobias Valemont. He carried a sealed case bearing the Valemont crest. "The morning's analysis is complete," he announced, placing the case on the desk. "The enhancement appears to be comprehensive rather than limited to combat applications."
The case opened to reveal medical scans and performance metrics. Caspian studied them with his enhanced vision, the golden patterns in his eyes spinning as they processed the data.
"Neural activity exceeding normal parameters by 300%," he noted. "Muscle response time enhanced by similar margins. Visual processing capabilities..." He paused, recalculating. "Beyond current measurement standards."
"Indeed." Tobias's voice held careful precision. "The question becomes how to properly channel such capabilities. The Valemont legacy demands more than mere power. It requires perfect control."
Carrie moved to the tactical display, adjusting parameters. "We'll need to modify your training regimen accordingly. Standard protocols won't be sufficient."
"The private dojo has been recalibrated," Tobias added. "Walter will begin advanced forms tonight. Your mother will handle strategic applications, while I focus on technical integration."
Caspian absorbed the information with measured consideration. The weight of centuries of Valemont achievement pressed against him, demanding excellence beyond even enhanced human limits.
"The family archives," he said, gesturing to the ancient text, "mention something called 'The Phantom Fade.'"
"An advanced technique," his father confirmed. "Traditionally requiring decades to master. Though given your enhanced capabilities..." He left the implication hanging.
"We'll begin that training when you've mastered the basics," Carrie stated firmly. "Power without control-"
"Is merely potential without direction," Caspian finished. The family motto felt different now, weighted with new understanding.
Tobias studied his son with analytical precision. "Your training resumes in one hour. I suggest you use the time to review the technical specifications. Perfect execution requires perfect preparation."
The library fell silent save for the soft hum of the tactical display. Caspian turned back to the family archives, his enhanced vision processing centuries of accumulated knowledge as he prepared for the next phase of his evolution.