The Solryn estate was a haven of peace, its gardens vibrant with life as Lucian sat quietly in his room. Ever since he first felt the flicker of awakening, he had been consumed by a mix of curiosity and determination. The sensation, though fleeting like a whisper, was undeniable—it marked the beginning of his extraordinary journey.
His mother's voice broke the quiet. "Luc, it's time for mental training!"
Lucian rose from his seat, brushing off his thoughts. The faint awakening had led to a new daily routine, one dominated by meditation sessions his mother personally guided. Most children his age would take at least two months to sense even a flicker of awakening, yet Luc had done so within five days. It wasn't just remarkable; it was unheard of.
At nearly six years old, Lucian's sights were already set on Astrenveil Academy, the pinnacle of learning for those with power and potential. Though he was nine years away from being eligible to enroll, he knew better than to let time slip by without preparation.
Stepping into the garden, he found his mother seated cross-legged on the grass. The morning light spilled through the trees, framing her in a golden glow. Her serene presence filled the space, a perfect contrast to her son's focused intensity.
"I'm here, Mother," Lucian said, settling into the space before her.
She smiled warmly and gestured for him to sit. "Good. Let's see how much you've grown before we begin today's training."
With a gentle hand on his forehead, she closed her eyes. A soft glow emanated from her palm, her energy brushing lightly against his as she assessed his progress. After a moment, she opened her eyes, her expression bright with pride.
"Luc, you're already halfway there. At this rate, you'll fully awaken in just four months. That's incredible!" she exclaimed. Her voice was full of pride, her smile radiant. "I knew you could do it—you're my son, after all."
Lucian shook his head, suppressing a small laugh. "Don't say it like that, Mother. You're the one acting like a child."
She laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, don't be foolish. You're the one who talks like a grown man!"
Their playful banter filled the garden with warmth before the session began.
---
After the Meditation Training
As the sun climbed higher, their training drew to a close. Lucian's focus had deepened over the past weeks, his ability to remain calm and centered improving significantly. Just as they finished, a familiar voice rang out across the garden.
"Luc! I've come to train you myself!"
Lucian turned to see his father approaching, his broad strides accompanied by an almost boyish grin. Despite his imposing stature, there was a lightness to his demeanor that made Luc smile.
His father clapped a hand on Lucian's shoulder, his eyes gleaming with pride. "You've been working hard, I see. Excellent. But now it's time for something more… hands-on."
Lucian couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, his thoughts drifting. Am I his son, or is he mine? he wondered silently, his father's enthusiasm almost childlike.
The next few days were a whirlwind of physical training, with Lucian's father personally overseeing his progress. Each session pushed him further, building his strength and resilience. Between meditation with his mother and physical training with his father, Lucian's routine became grueling but fulfilling.
---
Two Months Later
Time passed swiftly as Lucian poured himself into his training. Every day brought new challenges, and every challenge brought him closer to his goal. Then, one quiet afternoon, it happened.
Lucian sat alone in the training chamber, his breathing steady, his mind clear. And then, like a crack of thunder, it came.
A faint ring appeared under his chest—a shimmering manifestation of his awakening. Luc stared at his chest, wide-eyed, as disbelief gave way to awe.
"Luc…" His mother's voice broke the silence, filled with emotion as she stepped into the chamber. "You've awakened your ring!"
Moments later, his father joined them, his face breaking into a proud grin. "Not just any ring," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "You've been blessed with multiple elements. Luc, do you realize how rare this is?"
Lucian could only nod, the weight of their words settling over him. To possess multiple elements was more than a gift—it was a responsibility. His father wasted no time in finding a skilled instructor to guide Lucian in magic, and within days, Lucian was learning the fundamentals of spells and techniques. Magic creation came naturally to him, and his progress left both his instructor and parents astonished.
---
A Subtle Change
During this time, Lucian noticed something different about his mother. She seemed more tired than usual, her hand occasionally resting on her stomach as a soft smile graced her lips. At first, he thought nothing of it, too focused on his own training.
One evening, as the family gathered for dinner, his father shared the news.
"Luc," he began, his tone warm and full of pride, "you're going to be a big brother."
The words hung in the air for a moment before Lucian's eyes widened. "Mother… you're…?"
She nodded, her smile tender. "Yes, Luc. In a few months, you'll have a little sibling."
For a moment, Lucian was stunned. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face. "I… I'll be a big brother…"
His mother chuckled. "Yes, and I'm sure you'll be the best big brother anyone could ask for."
From that moment on, Lucian's training took on a new purpose. Not only did he strive to grow stronger for himself, but also for the family he held so dear—and for the sibling he would soon meet.