You Didn't Hear Anything

Taryn watched as Kallian and Aldric locked eyes, their gazes intense, almost challenging. The atmosphere in the room grew thick, the air heavy with unspoken tension. For a moment, Taryn wondered if he was about to witness some kind of confrontation. But then, suddenly, both men burst into laughter and embraced each other warmly.

Taryn blinked, caught off guard. He hadn't expected this. The shift from rivalry to camaraderie was so abrupt that it left him momentarily dumbfounded.

"Hahaha, Kallian, how are you, my friend?" Aldric said, clapping the mage on the back.

"Count Aldric," Kallian replied, his tone light but respectful. "It's nice to see you."

Aldric waved a hand dismissively. "Ahh, I said drop the 'Count.' Just Aldric. It's not like you didn't call me by my name during our adventuring days."

Kallian chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just making sure, Aldric. Sometimes people change over time."

Aldric laughed softly, as if recalling old memories. "True enough. Anyway, let me introduce you to my son, Taryn."

Taryn stepped forward, his posture straight and his expression composed. "It's an honor to meet you, Magister Kallian," he said, his voice calm and measured.

Kallian raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Well, he certainly has the air of a noble," he said, glancing at Aldric with a sly smile. "Unlike a certain someone I know."

Aldric feigned embarrassment, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I was surprised too. He takes after Seraphina a bit too much."

As if on cue, Seraphine appeared behind Aldric, her presence commanding yet graceful. "Oh, and what is it about me?" she asked, her tone playful but with an edge that made Aldric stiffen slightly.

Kallian immediately bowed, his demeanor shifting to one of respect. "Lady Seraphine," he greeted, his voice smooth and polite.

Taryn watched the exchange closely, his mind working to piece together the dynamics at play. His parents and Kallian clearly shared a history, one that went beyond mere acquaintances. 

Kallian leaned back on the plush sofa, his staff resting against his shoulder, the crystal orb catching the light from the chandelier above. "It still feels like yesterday when we defeated the black dragon Verdano," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "The flames, the chaos, the roar of that beast shaking the earth. I can still smell the sulfur in the air."

Aldric chuckled, his deep voice filling the room. "Ten years, and it still feels like yesterday. We were just common adventurers back then, though we held the rank of Orichalcum-tier. Verdano's rampage through the capital brought everyone together—adventurers, knights, soldiers. Even the nobles couldn't ignore it. And then there was us." He smirked, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Though, let's be honest, I'm the one who dealt the final blow to that overgrown lizard."

Kallian raised an eyebrow, a sly smile playing on his lips. "You're still the same old Raging Brute, aren't you?"

Seraphine, who had been quietly listening, let out a soft laugh. "Yes, he's still my lovely Raging Brute."

Aldric's face flushed, and he looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "That's the one name I wish they'd let die."

The room erupted in laughter, the tension easing as the old friends reminisced. Taryn, sitting quietly on the edge of the sofa, observed them closely. He had heard snippets of their adventures before, but never in such detail. The way they spoke—the camaraderie, the teasing—painted a picture of a past filled with danger and triumph. It was a side of his father he hadn't seen before.

But as the laughter died down, the atmosphere shifted. Aldric's expression grew serious, and he turned to Kallian. "Anyway, the reason I called you here is to test my son's aptitude for magic."

Kallian nodded, his sharp eyes settling on Taryn. "Of course. Let's begin."

Kallian stood, his staff in hand, and gestured for Taryn to follow him to the center of the room. A small table had been set up, its surface covered with intricate runes and a glowing crystal orb. Taryn climbed onto the chair, his small feet dangling above the floor, and watched as Kallian prepared the spell.

"This test will determine your mana capacity and affinity," Kallian explained, his voice calm but authoritative. "It's a simple process, but it requires focus. Are you ready, young lord?"

Taryn nodded, his face a mask of calm curiosity. Inside, however, his mind was racing. This is it. The moment that could define my future. I need to control the narrative.

Kallian placed a hand on Taryn's forehead, his fingers cool against the boy's skin. The mage began to chant, his voice low and rhythmic. A soft glow enveloped Taryn's body, the light pulsing in time with Kallian's words.

For a moment, there was silence. Then Kallian's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the flow of mana. "Hmm," he murmured, his tone thoughtful. "His mana capacity is... modest. And his affinity appears to be fire. A single element."

Aldric and Seraphine exchanged glances. Aldric's expression was one of quiet pride, while Seraphine's was tinged with relief. "Fire is a strong element," Aldric said, his voice steady. "Even with modest mana, he can still make something of himself."

Taryn kept his face neutral, but inwardly, he was relieved. Good. They bought it.

Kallian straightened, his gaze lingering on Taryn for a moment longer. "Now, we'll open his status. This will reveal his innate talents and potential. Only the individual can see their full status, but I can sense the general outline of their abilities."

The mage placed Taryn's hands on the crystal orb, his chant growing louder. The orb glowed brightly, and a faint aura enveloped Taryn. A status screen appeared, visible only to him.

Taryn's Status (Visible Only to Him):

Name: Taryn von Harrow

Age: 4

Mana Capacity: Exceptional

Affinity: All Elements

Talent: Creation (Ager Creare)

Potential: ???

Taryn's eyes narrowed as he read the screen. Creation Magic... that's incredibly rare. And dangerous. If they find out, they'll either try to control me or eliminate me. I need to keep this hidden.

Kallian's voice broke through his thoughts. "What do you see, young lord?"

Taryn hesitated for a moment, then put on a neutral expression. "It says I have an affinity for fire and a low mana capacity. That's all."

Kallian nodded, though his eyes lingered on Taryn for a moment longer. "Fire is a strong element, and even with modest mana, you can still become a capable mage with proper training."

Aldric stepped forward, his hand resting on Taryn's shoulder. "Well, fire magic is nothing to scoff at. With proper training, you could still become a formidable mage."

Seraphine smiled softly, though her eyes held a hint of concern. "Or perhaps he could follow in your footsteps, Aldric. A knight with a touch of fire magic could be a powerful combination."

Kallian inclined his head. "Indeed. Fire magic can enhance physical combat, making it a valuable asset for a knight."

Taryn listened quietly, his mind already working through the implications. If they think I'm only good for fire magic, they won't push me to study at the Magic Tower. I can focus on training as a knight instead—while secretly developing my real abilities.

After the tests, the mood in the room was a mix of relief and mild disappointment. Aldric and Seraphine were glad Taryn had some magical potential, but they were also realistic about his limitations.

"Well," Aldric said, his voice firm, "fire magic is a start. But if you're serious about becoming a knight, we'll need to begin your training soon."

Taryn nodded, his expression determined. "I'd like that, Father."

Seraphine knelt beside him, her hand brushing his cheek. "You'll make us proud, Taryn. No matter what path you choose."

Kallian, meanwhile, remained silent, his gaze thoughtful. He watched Taryn closely, as if trying to decipher something hidden beneath the boy's calm exterior. "If you ever change your mind about magic, young lord, know that the path of a mage is always open to you."

Taryn met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "Thank you, Magister. I'll keep that in mind."

Taryn lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day replayed in his mind, each detail analyzed and filed away. Fire magic. Low mana capacity. That's the story they'll believe. But the truth... the truth is far more dangerous.

He glanced at his small hands, flexing his fingers as if testing their strength. Creation Magic. Ager Creare. If I can master it, I'll have a weapon no one expects. But for now, I need to play the part. A knight with a touch of fire magic. That's who they'll see. That's who I'll be.

Outside, the moon cast a pale light over the manor grounds. Somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted, its call echoing through the night. Taryn closed his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Let them think I'm ordinary. Let them underestimate me. When the time comes, they'll see the truth. And by then, it'll be too late.