The years passed quickly for Leonhardt Eisenhart. For as long as he could remember, he had been in the forge alongside his father, Garet, learning the art of blacksmithing. It was not just a job for his family; it was a legacy, a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
By the age of six, he already knew how to shape small metal objects. By the time he was seven, he had forged his first sword. Though the blade was rough and the hilt poorly balanced, the feeling of creating something with his own hands filled him with pride. His father, laughing heartily, ruffled his hair and said:
—"Not bad for an apprentice! But you still have a lot to learn, kid."
Leonhardt admired his father. He was a strong man, respected throughout the kingdom for his skill with metal. But on the day he turned seven, his father received a summons from the king.
—"It's a special commission, son,"—Garet said, kneeling before him.—"It may take some time, but when I return, I want to see how much you've improved."
—"How long will you be gone?"—Leonhardt asked, feeling a void in his chest.
—"I don't know exactly. But take good care of your mother and keep practicing."
And with those words, his father left.
A Secret in the Mansion
The days grew longer without his father. Although his mother, Selene, cared for him with love, Leonhardt felt that something was missing. But everything changed one night when, while exploring the mansion, he found a hidden door behind an old bookshelf in the study room.
When his mother saw him inspecting the door, she sighed and crossed her arms.
—"I knew you would find it sooner or later,"—she said with a smile.
—"What is this place?"—Leonhardt asked, intrigued.
—"It is our family's library. It contains knowledge from past generations about blacksmithing, history, and magic."—His mother's gaze turned nostalgic.—"Only a few members of the family have ever explored it."
Leonhardt felt his heart pound.
—"Can I go in?"
His mother observed him for a moment, then nodded.
—"Yes, but be careful with what you read. Not all knowledge is safe."
When he pushed the door open, he was met with an immense, dust-covered library. Shelves stretched to the ceiling, lined with hundreds of perfectly arranged books with beautifully embossed covers.
He had never imagined his family possessed so many books, especially since they were blacksmiths. After all, they had always taught him that metal was studied by sight and touch, not words.
The Discovery of Magic
Leonhardt spent entire days exploring the library. He uncovered stories about the kingdom, its wars, its heroes, and its villains. He read about elves, demons, dwarves, and dragons. He learned about dungeons and hidden treasures.
But what caught his attention the most were the books on magic. He knew magic existed, but he had never seen anyone in his family use it. However, everything changed when he found a black, dust-covered book with golden letters that read:
"The Legacy of the Supreme Sorcerer"
The moment he opened it, a strange sensation coursed through his body. As he read the first few pages, his vision blurred, and a series of messages appeared in his mind:
[You have acquired the basic skill: Fire Magic]
[You have acquired the basic skill: Water Magic]
[You have acquired the basic skill: Earth Magic]
Leonhardt gasped. He had learned magic just by reading!
He continued devouring the book, absorbing knowledge about the principles of magic, how to channel mana, and how the great mages of the past had shaped the world with their power.
When he finally closed the book, his body trembled with excitement.
—"So… I'm a mage too?"
It was a path he had never imagined.
And so, without realizing it, Leonhardt Eisenhart had taken his first step toward a destiny that would change the world.