Late at night, after planning every step of his exam process with extreme care, Kael quietly approached his papa’s office. The castle was calm; the corridors, barely lit by torches, felt longer than usual, and each step of the boy echoed with a mix of nervousness and determination.

  When he reached the door, he took a deep breath before knocking.

  —Come in… —a voice was heard from inside—. Oh… what is it, Kael? Do you need something? —Garbard asked when he saw him enter.

  Kael hesitated for a second, clenching his fists tightly.

  —Papa… I need to ask you for something important… very, very important —he said urgently.

  Garbard smiled slightly and, naturally, lifted his grandson onto his legs before looking at him closely.

  —Tell me, boy. What is it that is so important?

  —Tomorrow my parents are arriving… —Kael began—. Could you organize an emergency meeting with them and Aunt Freya?

  Garbard raised an eyebrow, surprised by the boy’s serious tone.

  —That sounds quite formal —he commented—. Why do you need a private meeting with them?

  Kael lowered his gaze for a moment before answering.

  —There is something I want to do… it has a medium level of danger… but if it works, I think it would create a huge impact on the world of magic. That’s why I want to ask for their approval before trying it.

  Garbard stayed thoughtful for a few seconds, watching him closely.

  —You know your parents are quite sensitive when it comes to dangerous tests —he finally said—. You will need a strong argument to convince them. If there is risk involved, it won’t be easy. Tell me… what is this test about?

  Kael shook his head quickly.

  —I can’t say… it has to be a surprise —he admitted—. A surprise that excites me a lot… but also scares me.

  —And why does it scare you? —Garbard asked calmly.

  Kael swallowed.

  —If it turns out to be effective, it would create a lot of impact. And if it becomes known outside… I think it would be even more shocking than the fact that a child can use magic since he was a baby.

  Those words made Garbard tense slightly. They were not empty words, nor something a normal child would say. Even so, he reflected only for a moment before responding.

  —The only way it would truly impact me in a negative way —he said in a firm voice— would be if you turned into a powerful being who wants to harm innocent people. Tell me, Kael… do you want to do something like that?

  —No! —he answered immediately—. I want to help. And if I pass this test, I will be closer to being able to do that.

  Garbard sighed softly.

  —Since you started crawling, you have become a boy very convinced of your ideas and goals —he said—. This past year you have shown discipline and perseverance. I will talk to them tomorrow to organize the meeting. From there on, it will depend on you whether you manage to convince them. But remember something very important: power brings responsibilities and benefits… but it also attracts envy and resentment. Never forget that.

  —Yes, papa! —Kael replied enthusiastically.

  With that, Kael returned to his room and went to bed, although sleep was slow to come. His mind kept replaying what was about to happen.

  .

  ..

  …

  The next day, with the arrival of the young lords, the proper welcome was held. They had spent a month out in the field, solving problems in several villages near the city, and the atmosphere was filled with both exhaustion and relief.

  Caria moved through the main hall almost running, looking for her son to recover all the kisses and hugs she could not give him during that month of absence. Tana, in the same way, did not fall behind. Kael barely had time to prepare himself before being caught by both of them, letting himself be “devoured” without resistance.

  Later, as night fell, the meeting began. In the room were the two main maids, the three guardians, the three heroes, and the great lord, all waiting expectantly for the young master’s request.

  —dad told me you wanted to make an important request —Laret said—, and that you needed all of us to be here.

  Kael nodded seriously.

  —Yes, dad. There is something I must do… but, as I promised, whenever I want to do something important, I must ask you first.

  Caria and Laret exchanged a tense look before fixing their eyes on their son.

  —Alright… —Caria finally said—. What exactly is it that you want to request?

  —There are two tests I need to perform —Kael replied—, and they are of medium danger level…

  Kael’s words fell heavily in the room.

  Caria and Laret tensed immediately; their expressions hardened almost at the same time. Even so, understanding the seriousness with which their son was approaching the matter, they decided to listen.

  —What is this test about…? —Caria asked, frowning.

  —It is related to the last test where I failed —Kael replied—, but it has a different approach. The approach I am trying to improve…

  Laret slowly shook his head.

  —I am still not convinced —he said—. If it is something that needs improvement, you have plenty of time. Freya still has half a year left here before retiring… and many more years for you to keep improving on your own.

  —That’s right —Caria supported him—. There is no need for you to pressure yourself. You can keep improving at your own pace.

  Kael clenched his teeth. His small body tensed.

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  —And I… mom… dad… —he said, his voice a bit firmer—. This test is very important. It will reveal relevant results, not just for me, but for the world.

  Freya stepped forward, her expression severe.

  —Kael, you have made incredible progress lately —she said—. I understand your urgency, but putting yourself in danger is not the path.

  Kael took a deep breath. His posture changed: he straightened up, and his gaze became more rigid and serious. He looked at each of those present before speaking.

  —I understand your concern and how you feel —he said calmly—, but the woman who spoke to me told me that I had to awaken my unique ability.

  The impact was immediate.

  A heavy silence took over the room.

  —What do you mean by “the woman who spoke to you”? —Freya asked, her tone colder than usual.

  Everyone was now looking at him with sharp, almost oppressive attention.

  —A few months ago, while I was sleeping… —Kael explained—, I heard a voice in my head. It told me that I had to perfect the synthesis ability, since it would be vital for progress. “Overcome the test, destroy the laws of nature, and take the next step.”

  Those present tried to keep their composure, but the tension was obvious.

  —So that voice told you to perform this test to unlock your unique ability… —Freya said—. A unique ability is not simply given. It is something that is trained and perfected. It is not received as a simple blessing, Kael… perhaps with so many classes your mind became overloaded with too much information.

  —That’s right —Caria added with concern—. You are still a child. It must have been a stress episode. You are pushing yourself too hard.

  // -- nothing to do, it’s nine against one, you’re lost… -- //

  Kael took a step forward.

  —Please, I ask for just one opportunity —he exclaimed—. If you see that I am pushing myself too hard, stop me and I will set everything aside. I will no longer practice my own magic and will limit myself only to my basic studies.

  Then, bowing before everyone, he made one last desperate act to achieve his goal.

  The room fell into complete silence.

  —Even though everyone is against it… —Garbard finally said— I see the decision and conviction of someone who firmly believes in his ideas. I do not have the final decision, but in my opinion, based on what has been presented, I would give him an opportunity.

  Redda nodded slightly.

  —The young master is very disciplined and helpful toward others —she said—. He learned from his mistakes and tries to improve thanks to your support.

  —He is already almost on par with my soldiers during morning training —Ken added—. He has not missed a single day. He has made great progress.

  —Despite not having skill with the sword —Enta continued—, he looked for other alternatives. We learned together how to use many weapons and basic styles. Without a doubt, he learns from his weaknesses and mistakes to keep improving.

  Tana shook her head softly.

  —If improving means he has to suffer through premature tests… then that is not the path.

  Holley crossed his arms.

  —Advancing slowly is wise. There is no need to push yourself if there is no real necessity. We are not at war… and much less have we needed children to fight.

  Laret was firm.

  —I was very clear from the beginning. I will not allow my son to suffer, and I will not change my mind.

  —Just like your father —Caria said, her voice breaking—. You are my everything, my life. I cannot allow you to subject yourself to unjustified pressure. You can grow quickly at your own pace. You are already a prodigy in magic… when you are an adult, you can do all the tests you want.

  Most had already given their opinion. The atmosphere was stuck, at a dead end.

  Only Freya remained.

  All eyes turned to her, waiting for her decision.

  —You have undoubtedly shown an exemplary level of discipline and effort —she finally said—. But that alone also does not give me a reason to accept this proposal. However… there is one thing that could change my decision. Tell me, dwarf… what do you plan to prove with this exam you want to do?

  Kael took a deep breath. His expression was unbreakable.

  —I plan to prove that I can destroy the natural law of magic.

  .

  .

  .

  .

  Everyone was left stunned.

  No one understood what Kael meant by those words, but the mere statement carried enormous weight. It was not an empty phrase nor a childish exaggeration; the conviction in his voice made it clear that he was serious.

  —That is why I say this is a crucial moment for magic and for me… —Kael continued—. But I will not break my promise. If you tell me no… —he swallowed— I will resign myself. I will never again ask for a request of this kind. But if you approve it, I promise that if I fail, I will never do something like this again and will limit myself only to my basic training.

  Silence fell over the room once more.

  Four votes in favor, four against, and one neutral.

  No one spoke for more than a minute. The air felt heavy, almost impossible to breathe, until Caria looked at Laret with an expression full of confusion and anguish.

  Laret took her hand firmly.

  —The final word is ours —he said—. Both options are valid… but if this goes wrong, it will be the last time something like this happens.

  —I… —Caria hesitated—. I do not want you to get hurt…

  Her body shrank slightly and she began to sob. Kael approached them with short but steady steps. He looked up, firm and at the same time gentle.

  —You have no idea how happy and fortunate I feel to have you as my parents —he said—. I would not change you for anything. I do not want power or fame… I am not interested in fighting or competing. I only want to help and make this place a better place, because you taught me to be a good person. So, if you do not want to accept… I will understand.

  Caria immediately knelt down and hugged him tightly.

  —Promise me that if you feel any discomfort, you will stop —she said through tears.

  Kael looked at her with a serious and calm expression. He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  —Yes, mom.

  With the final approval granted, Kael moved to the center of the office. Everyone watched him in silence, expectant.

  The boy adopted a firm stance. He extended both hands forward, almost together, and began to concentrate magic in his body and in the space between his palms.

  At first, nothing happened.

  Then, little by little, the magic began to become physical, tangible. The air vibrated slightly and, when a drop of sweat ran down his forehead, he managed to transform it.

  Between his hands, a small amount of water appeared.

  Everyone was shocked.

  —That can’t be… —Freya exclaimed—. Did he generate elemental magic?

  No one could understand what was happening. Before them was a three-year-old child who was not only using magic, but also manipulating elemental magic.

  —Uff… uff… —Kael panted—. Oxygen… and hydrogen… the main components of water…

  Kael took position again. This time, he extended his hands almost together, but vertically.

  He took a deep breath and began to gather magic once more. There was now more determination on his face. When he was almost at his limit, at the very last moment, a small flame ignited between his hands.

  A sepulchral silence filled the room.

  The magical laws of nature had been brutally destroyed.

  Kael stopped his magic and fell to his knees on the floor, breathing heavily.

  Caria and Tana rushed to him immediately, full of concern, still in shock from the demonstration.

  —With only three years… —Garbard murmured— he can use magic better than an apprentice mage… and he executed the invocation of two completely opposite elements.

  —Water, to be generated, needs two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen —Kael explained, still catching his breath—. And fire only needs a good accumulation of oxygen particles and to agitate them with enough force to ignite them and form a flame.

  Laret slowly shook his head, still stunned.

  —This is an unprecedented discovery… —he said—. It completely changes our perspective.

  While everyone tried to process what had happened and return to reality, Kael’s body began to glow.

  —Kael! —Caria shouted—. What’s happening? Do you feel unwell?

  A soft, warm light emerged from his body and entered directly into his chest. A faint voice echoed in the room.

  // -- requirements fulfilled, administering reward -- //

  // -- unique ability dimensional cube acquired -- //

  Kael stopped glowing and opened his eyes suddenly.

  —I did it! —he exclaimed—. My first step is complete!

  —He wasn’t lying about the voice… —Ken murmured.

  —Kael, do you feel strange? —Caria asked, still shaken—. What was that?

  Freya, her face serious, remained silent while everyone attended to the boy.

  —It is clear that what just happened here stays here —she finally said—. If the world finds out about this, even a war could begin.

  Everyone regained their composure, finally understanding the magnitude of what had occurred.

  —Son… —Laret said—. That voice we heard… is it the same one that spoke to you about the test?

  —Yes —Kael replied—. In the dream, it showed me what I could do with my new ability and how I should use it.

  —We will see that tomorrow —Freya intervened—. Right now, you do not have the strength to keep using magic.

  —Freya is right —Caria said—. I want you to go to your room and sleep. Tana, take him. We will discuss this matter now.

  —Yes, my lady —Tana replied.

  Tana took Kael in her arms and carried him away.

  And so, Kael was taken to his room to rest, while the discussion about the results began. Two great unknowns had been revealed in this test and, beyond the incredible results, the questions raised by the situation were the greatest concern for everyone.