A young boy, no older than twelve, sits quietly beside a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to him, though with an air of maturity that sets them apart. His short black hair falls messily over his forehead, and his green eyes—once bright—now seem clouded with fatigue, his gaze fixed on the ever-changing landscape outside the window. His clothes, a classic suit that feels a little too formal for his age, seem to weigh him down, mirroring the exhaustion etched across his face.
The woman beside him is dressed in a flowing red gown, her elegance undeniable. Her eyes, the same shade of green, hold a depth of wisdom that contrasts with the boy's childlike weariness. Though they share the same features, the subtle differences between them are impossible to ignore: her poise, the maturity in her expression, the way she moves with a quiet authority. If anyone were to glance at them now, they would never guess they were mother and son.
"Kail, how did you like today's festivities?"
"Meh… same thing, different year. Only the people change. Why do they keep circling me, shoving their cards and compliments in my face? What's their problem?"
"Dear, you're a talent—an exceptional one. Only one in a million could compare to you."
"If you say so," Kail replied, rolling his eyes. "But let's not forget Astrel. The constitution he was born with is even rarer."
"True, but you have superior ether arteries. In terms of potential, you're both remarkable. Speaking of talent, can you explain why I received such unpleasant news about you skipping training yesterday?"
"...Already? I thought I had at least a few days before you found out. I haven't even managed to get over my last blunder yet."
"Don't try to charm me. You know how much I love and respect you, but that's why I expect you to keep a simple promise—at least one week of consistent training."
"Oh, fantastic…" Kail muttered under his breath. "Guess I'm not getting out of this one."
Just then, a rumble grew in intensity, shaking the car. Kail peered out the window, noticing they were in a mountainous area. Focusing up the slope, he saw stones and boulders tumbling down toward them.
"Mom! There's a landslide!"
"Yes?" His mother's voice stayed calm. "Odd for this time of year. But don't worry—we're protected by the mana barrier. Nothing serious should happen."
"If you say so…"
But as they braced themselves, the crashing intensified, stones pummeling against the barrier. His mother's face grew tense as the shaking grew stronger and the sounds of impact grew louder.
Then, a sickening crunch echoed around them.
"GET DOWN!" she shouted, a second barrier forming instantly.
In the next instant, a massive, jagged boulder tore through the roof, crashing against his mother's barrier. But it was too much. In an instant, Kail felt his mother's hand pushing him aside. Then, pain—sharp, unyielding pain. He screamed as the world blurred, the agony overwhelming.
When Kail opened his eyes, a steady drip echoed in the silence.
He lifted his left hand to his face, catching sight of his arm—or rather, the stump where his right arm had once been. Confused and dazed, he tried to stand, only to realize his right leg was also gone.
"No… no… NO!" he choked out, gripping at the empty space. "Where the hell… where are my limbs?!"
He tried to scream, but only a weak, strangled sound came out as tears started streaming down his face.
A nurse entered, and he instinctively tried to wipe his face with his right hand, stopping only when he remembered it was gone. Slowly, he used his left hand, desperate to regain some semblance of control.
"How are you feeling? Any pain?" the nurse asked, her voice gentle but professional.
"Fine," Kail muttered flatly, his words laced with bitterness. He knew she was just doing her job, and there was no point in taking it out on her.
She nodded. "Your family is here. I'll let them know you're awake."
She left, and for a moment, he sat in silence, his mind swirling. Mom… she's fine, right? There's no way I'd lose everything in one day. The Cindercrest Clan would never let anything happen to her.
The door opened again, and Urif Cindercrest 190cm man with muscles that can be seen even in a classic suit with black buzz cut hair but with some shades of red due to the enormous concentration of his mana and red eyes. Even if he doesn't look older than 40 in reality, this year he turned 67. The clan head stepped in, his presence filling the room. Kail looked up, feeling like he was watching from outside his own body. He tried to speak, but his voice was barely more than a whisper.
"Where's my mother?"
Urif's face was impassive, unreadable. "She didn't survive."
For a moment, Kail just stared, his mind blank. He tried to process the words, but they felt like jagged stones scraping against his heart. A hollow feeling settled over him, and he swallowed hard, finally managing a response.
"Thank you. Could I… have some time alone, please?"
"Of course," Urif replied, his expression still unreadable. "But know this: we have a ManaDomein Master on-site. You won't be able to act recklessly."
"Understood."
One breath at a time, he told himself, just breathe.
He lay there for 24 hours, lost in a fog of grief and numbness, until finally, he felt ready to listen.
Later, Rebeca, Urif's secretary, entered. Her voice was soft but brisk, as if she wanted to get through the news with minimal pain. Despite her hardened exterior, shaped by years of training and discipline, there was a warmth in her blue eyes when she glanced at the boy. Her brown hair, pulled back neatly, framed her face with the precision of someone used to both structure and care.
"Good morning, Kail. How are you?"
"Acceptable," he replied, his tone detached. "Could you explain… what happened?"
"Of course," Rebeca said, sitting down. "On April 22, 3104, a landslide occurred near the Cindercrest route. The mana barrier weakened, likely due to a flaw, and while most passengers survived, the barrier around your car failed. Lady Elyndra didn't make it."
Kail's eyes stung, but he forced himself to stay composed.
"Mom said earthquakes weren't typical this time of year. Do we know what caused it?"
"Investigations are still underway, but we believe it was natural. It will take time to confirm."
He nodded stiffly, then asked, "And Dad?"
"Dom Renar was on Marked Island, in a territorial battle with the Therianthropes when it happened."
"Thank you, Rebeca."
Rebeca gave a small, respectful bow as she rose. Just before she left, she turned back, her face softening a little. "Happy birthday, Kail… even if it's a little late."
He stared after her, hollow and bitter. Happy birthday, Kail. The universe's gift: two amputated limbs and a mother ripped away in an instant. Not even in my nightmares was it ever this cruel.
"Thank you, Rebeca," he murmured numbly, though the words tasted like ash.