Adonis sat on the bench just outside the Guild Master's office, his black cloak clinging to him from the heat, mask flickering weakly on and off with each pulse of unstable mana. His fingers were curled tightly together, knuckles white.
Inside that room was Evan Cloud — a former S-rank adventurer. Not just powerful… but nearly untouchable. Only three S-ranks in the entire kingdom of Veldoria, and this man was one of them.
"What kind of monster even reaches that level? Every S-rank is at least King-class… some even higher. And I—I'm just a Knight-class…"
His thoughts spiraled until Miranda, leaning against the nearby wall, gave a soft laugh.
"You're sweating like you're about to fight a dragon," she teased, her tone casual but warm. "Relax. The Guild Master isn't some shady noble. He's honest. Fair, too. If you just tell the truth, he'll appreciate it."
Adonis gave her a grateful nod. "Thanks…"
He didn't expect kindness from someone working so close to power.
Miranda smiled faintly. "And just so you know — while special magic is rare, it's not unheard of. Healers use special magic too. But yours… it feels different. New, even. That's what has everyone curious."
Before he could ask more, a man dressed like a noble's butler approached and bowed lightly. "The Guild Master will see you now."
Adonis swallowed and stood, legs stiff. He pulled up his hood, adjusted his flickering mask one last time, and stepped into the office.
The office wasn't extravagant like he expected — only a simple room filled with books, weapons, and maps of old territories. A large sword rested on the wall behind the desk, and behind it sat a man with greying hair, a sharp mustache, and a calm but piercing gaze.
"You must be Adonis," the man said, voice steady, eyes practically scanning his soul. "Let's see... skeletal age — 14, knight-class mana core, and magic formation I've never seen before. Hm…"
Adonis froze mid-step. How the hell does he know my age?
The Guild Master laughed heartily. "You've got a good expression. Relax, I have my ways. It's not like I ran a background check on you — it's just a little appraisal technique."
Adonis barely nodded.
"You're a good seedling," Evan added, stroking his mustache. "If my granddaughter were closer to your age, I might've engaged you both already."
Adonis nearly choked. "P-Pardon?"
"Ha! I'm joking, I'm joking," Evan chuckled. "Though now that I think about it… you've already met her, haven't you? My little whirlwind, Elora."
Bomb. Dropped.
Adonis's heart stopped. "Elora… is your granddaughter?"
Evan nodded. "Yup. And judging by your face, she definitely didn't tell you."
"She definitely didn't." Adonis resisted the urge to slam his head into the nearest wall. "She tricked me from the start…"
"Well, she's got my blood," Evan laughed. "Clever girl. But don't hold it against her too much. She's always been a bit… mischievous."
Adonis sighed, trying to regain control. "Ya a bit" he sneered inwardly "So… why did you really call me here?" he asked
Evan's smile faded into a more thoughtful expression.
"At first, I just wanted to see what kind of boy my granddaughter decided to team up with. But after seeing your magic, I remembered something… something from over two hundred years ago."
Adonis's eyes widened. "You… know someone else who used this magic?"
"I didn't see him myself," Evan said slowly. "But I heard stories. Whispers. Of a man who wielded swords made from mana — blades that shone like stars, cutting through spells, monsters, and even concepts."
That word — concepts — made Adonis's heart skip a beat.
"But it was long ago," Evan continued. "I'm not certain. I need to confirm a few things from the archives. Until then, let's keep this quiet."
Adonis nodded slowly. "So… you're saying someone had this element before?"
"Maybe. Maybe not." Evan leaned forward, eyes serious now. "What you need to understand, Adonis, is that special magic isn't about bloodlines or elements alone. It's about the human spirit. Sometimes, when soul, will, emotion, and intent align… something new is born."
Adonis clenched his fists. "So if all coincidences put together with personality only then special magic could be born but even then its not 100% possibility, luck is also involved."
"You're still young. Don't rush toward your destiny. The stronger you grow, the more attention you'll attract. Trust few. Watch your back. And protect what matters."
"…Understood."
Evan leaned back and smiled again. "Good. I'll do what I can to silence the rumors — for now. Keep your head down, keep growing… and keep her safe."
"Who?"
"Elora," Evan said with a wink. "You're in a party with her, aren't you? That means I've given you responsibility."
Adonis groaned. "Great… more trouble."