The Years Passed Quickly for Leonhardt
Since he could remember, Leonhardt Eisenhart had been in the forge alongside his father, Garet, learning the art of blacksmithing. It wasn't 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, and by seven, he had forged his first sword. Although the blade was rough and the grip unbalanced, the feeling of having created something with his own hands filled him with pride. His father, with a hearty laugh, ruffled his hair and said:
—Not bad for an apprentice! But you still have a long way to go, 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 order, son, —Garet said, kneeling before him.— It might 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 departed.
A Secret in the Mansion
The days grew longer without his father. Although his mother, Selene, cared for him lovingly, Leonhardt felt like 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.
When his mother saw him inspecting the door, she sighed and crossed her arms.
—I knew you'd find it sooner or later, —she said with a smile.
—What is this place? —Leonhardt asked, intrigued.
—It's our family's library. It holds the knowledge of past generations—about blacksmithing, history, and magic. —His mother's gaze turned nostalgic.— Only a few members of the family have explored it.
Leonhardt felt his heart race.
—Can I go in?
His mother observed him for a moment and then nodded.
—Yes, but be careful with what you read. Not all knowledge is safe.
When he pushed open the door, he found himself in a vast, dust-covered library with towering bookshelves and hundreds of neatly arranged books with beautiful engravings.
He had never thought his family would have so many books, given that they were blacksmiths and had always taught him that metal was studied by sight and touch.
The Discovery of Magic
Leonhardt spent entire days exploring the library. He discovered 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 fascinated him most were the books on magic. He knew it existed, but he had never seen anyone in his family use it. However, everything changed when he found a dusty black-covered book with golden letters that read:
"The Legacy of the Supreme Sorcerer."
As soon as he opened it, a strange sensation coursed through his body. Upon reading the first 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, learning about the principles of magic, how mana was channeled, 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… am I also a mage?
It was a new path he had never imagined.
And without realizing it, Leonhardt Eisenhart had taken the first step toward a destiny that would change the world.
The Following Months
Leonhardt spent long hours in the library, devouring every book he could get his hands on. He learned about his kingdom's history, the different races that inhabited the world, the dangerous dungeon-filled lands, and the dragons—majestic beings of immense power.
Dungeons, places full of danger and treasure, particularly fascinated him. According to the books, they formed naturally and housed powerful beasts, but they also contained secrets of ancient magic. He also discovered the history of dragons, legendary creatures that ruled the skies and lands with unparalleled majesty.
One night during dinner, he decided to ask his mother a question that had been on his mind for some time.
—Mother… what would happen if I were a mage?
Elizabeth looked at him in surprise before chuckling softly.
—That would be impossible, son. Both your father and I come from a lineage of blacksmiths. There's no trace of magic in our blood. Besides, magic is a rare gift. Not everyone can use it.
Leonhardt felt a knot in his throat. He didn't want to reveal the truth, so he just smiled. If his parents believed he couldn't be a mage, he would have to be even more careful with his training.
Five Months of Training and Freya's Arrival
For the next six months, Leonhardt trained in secret, improving his magic abilities. He had to be cautious, practicing only at night in the nearby forest.
One evening, while he was deep in training, he felt someone watching him. He turned quickly but saw nothing. His fear dissipated when he noticed a figure approaching along the path.
It was his father, Sigmund, returning from a journey.
However, he wasn't alone.
Walking beside him was a girl with fox ears and a tail, with reddish hair and golden eyes. Her clothes were worn, and her expression was a mix of fear and distrust.
—Leonhardt, I want you to meet someone, —his father said seriously.— This is Freya.
The girl gave a small bow without lifting her gaze.
—Who is she? —Leonhardt asked, confused.
Garet sighed.
—She's a slave. Her family was captured by traders and sold on the black market. I managed to buy her freedom before someone worse got her.
Leonhardt clenched his fists. He had read about slavery in books, but seeing it in person was different. Freya kept her head down as if expecting to be punished at any moment.
—So now she'll live with us?
—Yes, and I want you to treat her well. She's not just a slave; she's a person.
Leonhardt looked at the girl. He felt sorry for her, but he didn't like that word: slave.
—Hello, Freya. You don't have to lower your head with me.
She looked at him in surprise as if she didn't understand his words.
—From now on, we'll be friends, —he said with a smile.
Freya didn't respond immediately, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like someone saw her as more than just property.
Five Months of Friendship
At first, Freya barely spoke, avoiding eye contact and keeping her distance. But little by little, things changed.
Trust: She became curious about blacksmithing and started watching Leonhardt work.Food: She was hesitant to eat at first, but Leonhardt encouraged her to eat freely.Training: She joined Leonhardt in sword training and showed surprising natural talent.A Stormy Night: She was terrified of thunderstorms, but Leonhardt comforted her, staying by her side.
With time, Freya opened up, and her cold, reserved nature changed into something more vibrant.
A Day in the City
On Leonhardt's tenth birthday, his father took them to the city.
Freya was amazed by the bustling streets. When she saw caramel apples, Leonhardt bought her one.
—It's delicious! —she exclaimed, her fox ears twitching in excitement.
Later, at a clothing shop, she nervously picked a dress.
—How do I look? —she asked.
—It suits you, —Leonhardt said.
But then, the shopkeeper handed her a maid outfit…
Leonhardt felt a chill.
—It's adorable, right? —the woman asked.
Freya tilted her head.
—What's different about this one?
Leonhardt covered his face.
—Nothing! Nothing at all!
—Then… I'll take it!
Leonhardt sighed. He had walked into a trap.
On the way home, Freya smiled.
—Thank you, Leonhardt, for treating me like a person.
Leonhardt blushed slightly.
—You don't have to thank me for that.
Freya hugged him before running off.
—She's… too energetic, —he muttered.
But he couldn't help but smile.
4o