[After a few years]
"Look over there. Do you know who he is?"
"No, Head Maid. It's my first day working here. Is he related to the lord?"
"Yes, indeed. That's the lord's only son, young master Ashan. I've never seen a child as remarkable and well-mannered as him. Do you know when children typically start talking?"
"Isn't it around two years old? Am I right?"
"That's correct. But Ashan started speaking fluently before he turned two, and by the time he was three, he'd already mastered our alphabet."
"What? That's incredible! A child that young? Are you sure?"
"Haha, I had the same reaction when Lady Maria told me. But I confirmed it myself. His handwriting is precise—flawless, even. No mistakes at all."
"Handwriting, too? He must be a genius."
"He is. Our lord and Lady Maria are truly blessed. I only hope he grows into a kind and noble man."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In the lush garden of the third lord's estate stood a majestic oak tree, towering over its peers. Its presence felt almost divine, like the guardian of the garden. Beneath its sprawling branches, Ashan sat cross-legged in quiet meditation. His robe, a vibrant blend of red and blue, accentuated his striking features.
To the untrained eye, nothing appeared unusual. But in reality, his aura blanketed the tree like a living, shifting mist. Its colors transitioned seamlessly—red to yellow, yellow to orange, and back to red.
After a moment, Ashan's eyes fluttered open. A serene smile graced his lips.
"Ah… Finally, I did it. The aura circle is complete. It's thanks to this tree, blessed by nature itself."
He placed a hand on the massive trunk, his expression filled with reverence. In this world, the mastery of mana and aura required intricate techniques to create pathways within the body—paths that determined the traits of one's aura.
Such techniques, often closely guarded secrets, were passed down through noble families. Yet Ashan had developed his own unique methods, propelling him to an advanced stage before reaching adulthood.
He had discovered, quite by accident, that meditating near a tree strengthened and refined his aura's flow. Over time, he shaped his techniques around this natural synergy, using the essence of the oak tree to amplify his power.
"Today's my parents' wedding anniversary. There will likely be a grand celebration. Other lords will attend too. It will be a perfect opportunity to observe them."
A loud neigh echoed across the grounds, drawing Ashan's attention toward the stables. A magnificent black horse stood there, its sleek coat shimmering under the sunlight. It scanned the garden before its gaze locked onto Ashan. With a delighted whinny, the horse galloped toward him, its mane flowing like a banner in the wind.
The sight was almost ethereal, as if the creature had descended from the heavens. When it reached him, the horse nuzzled against Ashan's shoulder affectionately.
Ashan chuckled, stroking its neck. "Hey, Noah. Did you miss me that much? You were only gone for two days for your health checkup. You're not a baby anymore."
Noah lowered his body and looked back at Ashan expectantly.
"Oh, you want to take me for a ride? Alright, let's see how fast you've become."
With a swift motion, Ashan mounted the horse. Noah sprang forward, racing toward the mansion. The wind rushed past, carrying Ashan's laughter as he admired the horse's speed and agility.
As they rode, Ashan reflected on the unique connection he shared with animals—a bond forged through countless lifetimes. Over his reincarnation cycles, he had been born as countless animals: predator, prey, and everything in between. Each life brought him closer to understanding the natural world and stripped him of malice. Without knowing, it changed him physically.
It started with animals. When Ashan was a lion, even deer approached him without fear, grazing peacefully in his presence. When he was born as a rabbit, a lioness carried him into her den, treating him as one of her cubs. On another occasion, an injured bird rested on his shoulder without hesitation.
These experiences culminated in an extraordinary realization: he had been removed from the food chain entirely. Even when he was born as a carnivore, he couldn't bring himself to harm other animals. Over time, his very presence seemed to exude comfort and trust, drawing creatures to him naturally.
When Ashan first met Noah, the horse had been wild with fear, expecting harm from its new surroundings. But the moment Ashan stepped closer, Noah calmed. He had peered into the horse's emotions and promised safety—a promise Noah seemed to understand on a deeper level.
Now, as they stopped at the mansion's grand entrance, Noah tossed his head proudly.
"Wow, you're faster than ever," Ashan praised, patting the horse's neck. "At this rate, you'll be the fastest in no time."
Noah neighed, almost as if agreeing, and Ashan couldn't help but smile.
Ashan entered the mansion to find his parents busy arranging the dining hall. The room was vast, with a main table large enough to seat at least seventy guests.
Ashan glanced at Leone and Maria as they moved about the room, their faces glowing with joy and anticipation. Their excitement was infectious, yet it stirred a quiet thought within him.
"Look at them. They're so full of life, so genuinely happy. Moments like this… I had them too, in my past lives. Some were filled with warmth, love, and laughter."
He paused, his expression softening, a faint blush rising to his cheeks.
"well… let's just say they're better left in the past."
He shook his head lightly, banishing the stray memories.
No. That's all behind me now. This life is what matters.
"Son, come here," his father, Leone, called out, holding Ashan's hand.
"What do you think of the preparations? Are they to your liking?"
"They look wonderful, Father. Who will be attending today?"
"Haha, curious as always," Leone chuckled. "Let me see… Count the units on the main table. How many do you see?"
"Five," Ashan replied after a moment.
"Exactly. Those are for the five other lords and their families. The other seats are for local nobles."
"And there's a special guest as well," Leone added, his eyes gleaming.
"Who is it, Father?"
"Do you know Archmage Solomon?"
"No, Father. But Mother told me that an archmage is a mage with ten mana circles."
"Yes, son, that's true, but it's not the whole story," Leone said with a warm smile. "Holding the title of Archmage signifies unparalleled knowledge and mastery of magic. It's a position few ever reach, which is why it's held in such high regard."
He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "Most people respect Archmages because of their immense power, but that's not the true reason they deserve admiration. Their lives are spent in relentless study and tireless research, often sacrificing personal joys and comforts to advance the magical arts for future generations. That level of dedication—that willingness to sacrifice for the greater good—is why they truly deserve our respect."
Ashan listened intently, his father's words resonating deeply.
As expected from my father. He's noble to the core, a man who sees beyond the surface.
Ashan smiled to himself.
And he's absolutely right. That is the reason Archmages are revered. I know it better than anyone.
"Archmage Solomon is ranked seventh in the Archmage Council and serves as the personal doctor to the King of Dragoria. I hear he has a fondness for children. You'll likely get a chance to speak with him."
Ashan nodded, a smile playing on his lips.
"Son, we should prepare now. The guests will be arriving soon," Maria, his mother, said as she approached, embracing him warmly. Her joy was evident, her excitement infectious.
"Yes, Mother," Ashan replied, ready to step into the role expected of him on this momentous day.
An Archmage… This will be interesting.
To be continued...