"Echoing Shades...
What an intriguing name. 'Shades,' is it? Echoing...
It certainly sounds like a nocturnal class. But which path does it follow? Could it belong to the Cursemancer path, or perhaps the Hexcraft path? Or maybe it aligns with the Requiem path?"
Such were the thoughts of all the people present, including Zephiron, as they grappled with this new name. Zephiron racked his brain, trying to remember all the ancient Jobclasses, but he couldn't find the answer. Naturally, neither could the others, leaving an air of confusion hanging over the gathering.
"Spectre of Echoing Shades—or Echoing Shades for short—comes under the category of the Requiem path, a necromancy class," Kael explained, his voice steady.
He noticed the puzzled expressions around him and understood their uncertainty. It was a name that carried weight, and the significance was not lost on him.
"It's an ascendant class," he continued, offering clarification with a calm assurance. "It's a combination of Osteomancy, Ectomancy, Marrowcraft, Noxomancy, Nihilancy, and various other arcane crafts."
As he shared his knowledge, Kael aimed to enlighten rather than impress. He could see the interest growing in their eyes, and he hoped that this understanding would foster a deeper appreciation for the complexities of magic.
"Though I'm still only beginning to comprehend the Noxomancy and Osteomancy aspects, they are strong enough to grant me a slight control over shadows and basic bone manipulation, respectively. This ability allows me to create skeletal soldiers and augment them—or myself—with shadows."
Kael continued, a hint of pride slipping into his voice as he reflected on his achievement. It was a well-known fact that the youngest classbearers usually awakened at the age of fourteen or even sixteen, yet here he stood, having awakened and begun his journey at least five years ahead of his peers.
This early onset filled him with a quiet satisfaction, a recognition of the hard work and determination he had poured into mastering his abilities. Each step he took on this path felt significant, not just for himself but as a testament to what could be achieved with dedication and focus.
"Hm, that information helps a lot, young master. Now I know what to teach you. As a mentor, understanding what to teach is more important than knowing how to teach," Zephiron replied, a satisfied look on his face.
"And I will arrange for a few of my pupils to instruct you on other subjects as well. After all, as the saying goes, while a student needs to learn a variety of subjects, one teacher should focus on just one."
"That matter will also be settled by this evening, my lord," Voss interjected. "I'll send out the invitations right away as soon as you provide the names."
"Alright, can I go explore the mansion now?"
"Master, you're just showing me all these boring things! I want to see the whole place!" Kael complained, reminding everyone that he was only ten—a restless boy whose patience was running thin at being kept from exploring the mansion on his own.
"Yes, yes, young master," Zephiron replied. "You really don't need to call me 'Master.' I only asked for it to atone for the missteps I've made."
A faint smile crossed his face. "I'd be happier if you just called me 'Old Zeff' or even 'Old man.'"
Hearing this Kael chuckled, nodding as he made a mental note. "Alright then, Old man it is!"
——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———
A few days later,
Droplets of rain cascaded down the spires of the manor, glistening in the sunlight like liquid gold. Through an expansive window, the scene revealed itself in all its splendor.
The bright sunlight intertwined with the gentle rain, creating a vibrant rainbow that arched gracefully across the sky. The harmonious blend of warm and cool temperatures conjured a moment that could be encapsulated in a single word—Utopia.
The scene naturally conveyed the essence of a well-deserved holiday, inducing even the most energetic individuals to succumb to an overwhelming urge for blissful slumber. Kael, too, found himself affected by this tranquility.
Exhausted from acclimating to the customs of the manor, navigating the complexities of its residents, and, most importantly, grasping the connections and influence of this esteemed hero, this old man, the ten-year-old boy felt the weight of his circumstances.
Forbidden from training in combat until the appropriate instructors arrived, Kael found little else to engage his interest in this world.
As he was lost in his own world, just then
Knock!! knock!!
Knock!! knock!!
"Come in."
Following a smooth door opening sound, a maid dressed in a sleek black uniform entered, holding a glittering cape that seemed to absorb the very light around it. Crafted from high-quality leather, though the cape looked clearly too large for Kael.
Returning to Kael,
As it appeared, long before the maid's arrival, Kael had already freshened up and awaited her. As he glanced at the cape in her hand, he quietly muttered an incantation, causing a small shadow to seep from his palm.
This shadow materialized in midair and deftly brought the cape to him.
All of this unfolded before the maidservant, who appeared remarkably nonchalant, as though such occurrences were part of her daily routine. In truth, she was captivated by a different spectacle: her young master.
Now adorned in his favorite black cape, Kael resembled the dark princes often portrayed in novels—devilishly handsome, with a sharp smile that was utterly addictive. Even at the age of ten, he exuded a charm that was impossible to resist.
"Young master Kael, Master Zephiron has requested that you meet him at the fifth exit of the main manor," the maid announced. "I heard Miss Caelora has been summoned by him to act as your mentor. You know she's the most skilled in weaponry arts among all his pupils."
"And it's also well-known that Miss Caelora recently had a breakthrough, reaching the Elemental Overlord rank—and she's barely a few centuries old! Truly, a prodigy."
On and on she went, this maid of his, who at the mention of the old man's pupil couldn't stop herself from flattering and boasting as if she were speaking of her own achievements, until her throat went dry.
After listing Miss Caelora's countless achievements, the maid finally realized she had been rambling on for minutes, much to her young master's irritation. Recognizing her mistake, she quickly panicked and stammered in a soft, shaky voice,
"Ah, that—young master, I... I'm sorry, I...!"
"Get out," Kael muttered, his usual emotionless yet magnetic tone conveying faint, unspoken forgiveness. Though his words were curt, it was clear he held no real anger toward her.
After carefully combing his hair into his usual style and ensuring it remained perfectly in place, Kael made his way out of his apartment, exuding an air of confidence as he walked toward the fifth exit of the main manor. His maid and a guardsman followed closely behind as he headed to his destination: The Epoch Grove