The once playful air had shifted. The moment Theo's feet touched the ground, his friends stared at him like he was a different person. Without wasting a second, they rushed back toward the village, dragging Theo along with them.
Bursts of excited voices echoed through the narrow lanes of Okharia.
"We saw it with our own eyes!"
"A light exploded out of Theo!"
"He didn't even fall — he just floated!"
Inside their small home, Theo's mother turned sharply from the kitchen, while his father, who had just returned from the fields, dropped his tools at the door.
"What?" his mother gasped. "Theo… awakened?"
"You kids must be mistaken," his father said, trying to steady his voice. "He's just five. Awakening doesn't happen this early."
But the children spoke over each other, animated and sincere. "He was falling and then—whoosh—there was this light and then wind and then he just floated down!"
Theo stood quietly, his smile innocent as ever, still processing what had happened.
His mother knelt beside him. "Did… did they hurt you?" she asked gently, brushing his cheek.
Theo giggled. "No, Mama! I was flying! It was so much fun!"
His father's face, however, was still and serious. He turned toward his wife, deep in his thoughts.
"This… doesn't sound like a coincidence. The description… light bursting out, wind force, no injury after falling… It's consistent with an early awakening." He looked toward Theo, who had now run inside to grab his wooden sword. "But for someone so young…"
His wife looked at him, her voice trembling. "Isn't this… dangerous?"
He nodded slowly, jaw clenched. "A five-year-old awakening mana… that only happens once in generations. If word gets out—"
He didn't need to finish the thought. She understood. The world wasn't kind to gifted children. Especially ones born in humble villages.
"Alright," he said firmly. "Theo, back to your room now."
"Okay, Papa!" Theo chimed, skipping away as if nothing had changed.
As soon as his door closed, the house fell into silence.
His mother whispered, "We can't just let this be. We need help… guidance."
"I know," his father replied, rubbing his forehead. "If this is truly an awakening, we can't ignore it. But pushing him down a mage's path will throw him into a world of danger."
"But ruining that kind of potential is also—"
"I know," he repeated, louder this time. "That's why I think… we should take him to Master Krom. He's the only one who can assess this properly. And he's the only one I trust."
Above them, hidden within the shadows of the room, Kael watched intently.
So, the humans are planning to involve a "Master"? Hmph. Might complicate things… but this could also be useful. Depending on this Krom, he might even help me fast-forward my plans.
He floated quietly above the candlelight, arms crossed. Let's see what this so-called master has to say. This brat might be more than just a vessel after all.
Inside the small, dimly lit room, Theo sat cross-legged on his bed, still bubbling with excitement. Kael hovered lazily near the ceiling, arms folded and expression unreadable.
"C-Congratulations for… awakening, Theo," Kael said with effort, the words almost physically painful to speak.
"Thank you, Kael!" Theo beamed, eyes sparkling like little suns.
Kael flinched. That damned word again. "Thank you." It hit him like a dagger dipped in holy water.
Why does that word feel like someone's stabbing me in the ribs every time he says it? Ugh… endure, Kael. Endure. This is for the greater goal. Once I get my body back, I'm sending this whole world into a volcano.
Theo tilted his head. "But, Kael… I don't really understand. What is awakening? Am I… a superhuman now?"
Kael floated down, crossing his legs mid-air with a smug smirk. "Yeah, you could say that. You're kind of a superhuman now. You've awakened your mana core, kid. That means you can do lots of… cool things."
Theo's eyes widened with glee. "Cool things!? Like flying?"
"Sure. And more," Kael said, his grin widening. "Like revenge. Hurting those who hurt you. One day, people may try to harm your friends… even your mama and papa. But with your powers, you can destroy them before they even blink."
Theo's smile faltered for a moment. "Destroy… them?"
Kael leaned in, voice smooth like poison in honey. "Yes. Crush them. Make them regret even looking at you. That's the point of power, Theo. You use it before someone uses it on you."
Theo blinked. "But… why would people hurt others?" His tone was soft, puzzled—like a child asking why the sky isn't green.
Kael paused. That answer should've been easy for him.
"…Because it's fun," he replied with a shrug. "You should try it sometime. Hurting people… it's liberating."
Theo tilted his head again. "But… I don't want to hurt anyone. That doesn't sound fun. Maybe… maybe it sounds sad."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Sad? You're not supposed to feel sad, Theo. You're supposed to feel powerful."
"But when I'm playing with my friends or helping Mama, that feels powerful too," Theo said, fiddling with his blanket. "I like when people laugh. It makes my chest warm."
Kael stared at him. For a moment, the air was still.
What the hell is this kid talking about? he thought. Warm chest? Laughing? Chest warmth doesn't burn enemies alive! This is not how darkness is born!
Kael floated back up to the ceiling and groaned internally. This… this is worse than a million years of torture. How am I going to corrupt a literal cinnamon roll? I need a new plan. Fast.
Theo yawned and tucked himself in. "Goodnight, Kael."
"Y-yeah… whatever. Sleep tight, don't burn the house down with your… happiness."
Theo giggled and shut his eyes.
Kael leaned against the wall, exhausted.
This is worse than being crushed under a mountain of judgmental angels. Ugh. Crying on the inside. Day two of being this kid's imaginary… ugh, friend.
He glanced down at the peacefully sleeping and let out a heavy Sigh.