Training

Ark finally reached the guild building, its stone walls glowing orange under the late afternoon sun. His small hands clutched the little book case he had received earlier from the strange old man. As he walked, his mind swirled with tension.

‘If I tell Father about these magic books, he'll probably take them away…’Ark bit his lip. He looked down at the Book case again. Suddenly, with a faint shimmer, the suitcase shrank in his hands until it was no bigger than a wallet. Ark shocked, his eyes sparkling. "W-wow! This book case is not normal at all..." His shock quickly shifted to excitement. Carefully, he slipped it into his pocket, patting it like a secret treasure.

When he pushed open the guild's doors, he immediately spotted his father, Karl, and Uncle Joseph standing in the hallway. They were deep in conversation, Karl's expression serious, Joseph's voice energetic as usual.

Then Ark goes to her father side. 

Karl noticed him. A warm smile softened his face. "Hmm, my boy is back. Tell me, Ark-what did you experience in the town?”

Ark hesitated, remembering the horrifying sight of the slave district-the starving beast human children, the cruel glares of merchants, the hopeless eyes that still lingered in his mind. ‘If I tell Father about the slave market, he'll just worry. He already looked tense today... better not.’

So instead, he forced a smile. "I... I played with some kids and helped an old man carry his bag.”

Karl's eyes softened with pride. He placed a hand on Ark's head, ruffling his hair. "Good. Helping people in need is far more important than showing off strength. I'm proud of you.”

Ark hid the small glimmer of guilt in his heart by lowering his eyes.

The three of them stepped out of the guild together. The air outside was cooler now, carrying the faint scent of roasted food from nearby stalls. As they walked, Joseph stretched his arms with a groan. "Well, my friend, it's time for me to get back to my duty. A boring job, guarding spoiled nobles."

Karl chuckled. "Duty is still duty, Joseph. Stay safe."

 Then Joseph waved at Ark. "Grow strong, boy! Next time I see you, I want to hear about your first real adventure.”

"Okay, Uncle Joseph!" Ark smiled in response. 

Joseph turned and vanished into the busy street, leaving father and son alone. Karl let out a deep breath, then looked down at Ark with a mischievous glint. "Now then, how about a little shopping before we head home? If we don't, your mother might scold me for returning empty-handed. And you, my boy, will be blamed along with me."

Ark laughed. "Then let's buy everything!"

Together, they wandered through the market. They stopped by a clothing shop, where Karl carefully chose new dresses and shawls for Rose. Ark tried to help, though he often pointed at colorful children's clothes that made Karl shake his head with a smile. Afterward, they purchased sacks of rice, bundles of vegetables, dried meat, and fresh bread from various stalls. The shopkeepers greeted Karl warmly, clearly familiar with the man's reputation. 

The sky had already started to turn orange and red by the time their hands were full. After calling for a carriage cart and loading their belongings in the back Karl and Ark got into it.

The cart rattled down the road toward the village. Karl leaned back against the wooden seat, his broad shoulders finally relaxing. Ark, exhausted from the day's excitement, lay across his father's lap. His small head rested on Karl's thighs, his breathing slow and gentle.

In his sleep, Ark murmured softly, "I'll learn all magic... and become a great mage..."

Karl blinked, not fully catching the words, but he smiled nonetheless. He brushed his son's messy hair aside, watching the boy's peaceful face as the cart rolled onward.

The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in gold. Father and son traveled homewards.

The sun had already set behind the hills, leaving the night sky covered with stars when the cart finally came into the village.

At home, Rose was cooking dinner in the kitchen as the smell of cooking stew blended with the soft buzz of the fire. when she heard a knock at the door. She went to answer it, wiping her hands on her apron.

When the door opened, Rose's eyes widened in delight. Standing there were Karl and Ark, both struggling with arms full of groceries and bundles. "Oh my, look at you two! So many things-you've brought half the market home!”

Karl smiled awkwardly while Ark smiled proudly. They carried everything inside, filling the small house with bags of food and clothes. Rose clapped her hands together, smiling. "Both father and son, go wash up. Dinner will be ready soon."

After a refreshing bath, Karl and Ark sat down at the dinner table. The family gathered, the warm lamplight reflecting on their faces. Rose placed the dishes on the table, then looked at her son. "So, Ark, tell me-how was your day in the city?"

Ark's eyes lit up with excitement. "It was amazing, Mother! I explored the town, met new people, and it was so much fun!" His voice was full of youthful energy, his hands waving as he spoke.

Rose laughed softly at his excitement. "That makes me glad. But-what about your test? How did it go?”

Karl coughed suddenly, covering his mouth to buy time. "Ah... yes. The guild leader said Ark has the potential to become... an elite-class mage in the future." His words were steady, but his eyes flickered, carefully avoiding the truth.

Rose's lips curved into a relieved smile. "That's wonderful news.”

Dinner passed quickly with laughter and light conversation. Soon, Ark pushed back his chair and stretched. "Mother, I'm so tired. I'll go to bed now."

Rose brushed his hair gently. "Goodnight, Ark. Sleep well.”

He hurried to his room, slipping under the blankets. Yet, instead of sleeping, he activated a small enhancement spell, sharpening his senses. From his bed, he listened carefully to his parents' voices in the ground room.

Karl's tone was serious. "His result... It was the black orb. That means he has no limit to his mana. But if he pushes too far, he could lose his life."

Rose gasped softly, worried about lacing her words. "What do we do, Karl? This is dangerous."

"We hide the truth," Karl replied firmly. "As long as Ark doesn't know, he won't be reckless enough to try."

Ark lay in silence, eyes wide, then slowly smiled. ‘Unlimited mana... that's me.’ A yawn escaped his lips. As his eyelids grew heavy, he whispered to himself, "Tomorrow...  Let's see what I learn in a magic book.” 

Ark's room had a small wooden window through which the first rays of dawn spilled. He stretched firmly and blinked awake. It was a practice day .

He quickly splashed water on his face, barely drying his hair before racing toward the door.

"Breakfast is ready!" Rose called from the kitchen, setting a warm plate on the table.

"I'll eat later, Mom!" Ark shouted, his hand already reaching for the latch.

But before he could escape, Rose caught him by the ear with a firm pinch. "My boy, first you eat. No running off on an empty stomach!”

"All right, Mom! "I'm going to eat!" Ark stuffed himself at the table, eating soup and bread in an instant. He smiled lightly. "Thanks, Mom!”

Then he ran out the door before Rose could object once more.

The village was still quiet. Birds chirped, dew clung to the grass, and mist floated over the fields. Ark ran until he reached the wide open grassland outside the village-a place no one usually visited at this hour.

He pulled the small, curious suitcase from his pocket. The enchantment shrank it to a toy's size, but in his hands it expanded into its true form. He carefully opened it, revealing three mysterious books: one red, one blue, and one black.

Today... let's try the blue one." Ark muttered to himself, pulling it free. The pages shimmered faintly, written in symbols that somehow felt both foreign and familiar.

He stood tall, focused his breathing, and pressed his palms together. "Calm. Concentrate.”

Closing his eyes, he imagined energy flowing through him, gathering at his fingertips. A faint buzzing filled his ears. Slowly, tiny sparks danced over his hand-harmless, flickering light.

"Yes! It's working!" he whispered, eyes wide with wonder. But the spark faded in seconds, leaving only a tingling in his skin. He slumped. "I need more focus…” He should practice in the evening.

That day, Rose noticed his absence. When he returned, sweaty and dusty, she folded her arms. "Ark, why are you so late?"

Ark gave his most innocent smile. "I was... exploring the forest. Because I like animals, Mom!"

Her expression softened. "My little boy loves animals, hm? But you must be careful. Some creatures out there aren't friendly."

"Yes, Mom. I'll be safe." He bowed his head, hiding the truth.

And so began Ark's double life. Each morning and evening, when no one was watching, he returned to the grasslands for training.

One month passed. The sparks from the blue book grew into steady bolts of lightning that snapped across his palm. The sound startled him at first, but his control improved with each attempt.

Four months later, he braved the red book. Fire. At first, it was only warmth in his fingers. Then, a tiny ember flickered into life, bright and trembling. Weeks of practice turned it into a dancing flame, hot enough to scorch the earth beneath his hand.

Time flew by. Days became weeks, weeks became months. Sweat, failure, and determination became Ark's routine.

Two years passed in secret training.

Now ten years old, Ark stood in the same grassland where he had begun. The morning wind carried his hair, his eyes burning with resolve. Sparks, flames, water, and stone-all four answered his call, dancing around him in harmony.

A smile tugged at his lips. "This is only the beginning.”