Two years had passed since Kael had opened his eyes in this new world. Two long years spent playing the role of an infant… or rather, pretending. He had learned to smile, to babble, to fall without whining too much. Well—almost.
Magic was everywhere here, like a scent in the air. And though trapped in a fragile body, his mind—sharpened by his past life as a king—could sense every subtle pulse of mana surrounding him. His sister, Elaia, was almost saturated with it. A true prodigy.
"Look, Mama!" she called, spinning three pebbles in a neat little vortex of wind.
"Amazing," their mother whispered, her eyes glowing with pride.
Sitting under a tree with silvery-blue leaves, Kael's mother was the embodiment of gentle beauty. Her long brown hair fell in soft waves down a delicate oval face, framed by warm hazel eyes and a serene expression. Her voice felt like a balm, and her patience was nearly divine.
His father, in contrast, was built like a mountain—tanned skin, arms forged by years of work. He was a man of few words, but every word carried weight. He looked at Kael with quiet respect and unwavering care.
Kael had finally learned to walk. Or… "learned" might be generous. Let's just say he no longer toppled over every two steps. That morning, after yet another impromptu chase with Elaia, he stumbled into a shallow puddle glistening with morning dew.
And there—he saw himself for the first time.
His reflection trembled in the water but remained clear.
Two large steel-grey eyes stared back—curious, intelligent, far too aware for a child. A messy crown of jet-black hair framed his face. His features were sharp for a toddler… almost noble.
"So… this is what I look like now."
"A cross between a lost noble and a curious stray cat."
He sighed internally, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "Shame I'm still stuck in this tiny puppet of a body."
Elaia, on the other hand, practically radiated mana. It was no surprise when a sealed letter had arrived weeks ago, bearing the royal insignia: Ezperian Academy had invited her to join.
Ezperian… The most prestigious academy in all of Aeloria. Thousands of students trained there in the arcane arts, though only a select few ever reached the upper echelons. The school stood high atop the Crystal Highlands, a place between sky and stone, revered by scholars and feared by rivals.
At its helm stood Headmistress Aemiria Vaelthorn, also known as The Clear-Eyed Radiance. A woman with shimmering white hair and translucent violet eyes, she was said to spot talent in children before they could even walk. Rumors claimed her gaze could pierce through lies, and her magic bent the world without breaking its rules.
"They want me to study at the Academy!" Elaia had shouted with delight.
"It's a rare opportunity," their father had answered with solemn pride.
Kael, munching on an apple from the sidelines, said nothing.
"Of course… She draws the world's gaze. And me? Still trying not to drool when I talk."
He wasn't jealous—only driven. He wanted to understand. This world, this magic they called Æzrath, the connection between life and the elemental forces. He wanted to feel it, bend it, master it—as he once bent kingdoms to his will.
But for now, he was just a small boy falling into puddles