The rain continued falling over the Veyr Territory for three entire days.Dark clouds still covered the sky while the smell of blood lingered heavily across the ruined streets. Burned buildings released smoke into the cold air, and broken walls surrounded parts of the city where monsters had forced their way inside during the attack.Although the battle had finally ended—Fear remained.Workers silently carried corpses through the muddy streets while knights guarded the damaged gates day and night. The once proud Veyr Territory no longer looked like the domain of a powerful noble clan.It looked like a battlefield.And everywhere people gathered—Whispers spread quietly.“The child born beneath the black storm…”“They say monsters came because of him.”“A cursed child…”Rumors traveled faster than truth.Servants whispered nervously whenever Kael’s name was mentioned. Some even made signs of protection whenever passing near the western wing of the castle where Lady Evelyne stayed with

The training grounds of the Veyr Clan had never been this crowded before.Servants, knights, instructors, and even several clan elders gathered around the massive arena beneath the bright morning sky. Excited voices echoed throughout the manor while young clan members pushed through the crowd just to witness the spectacle happening at the center field.“An elemental affinity at only five years old…”“As expected of Leon Veyr.”“The younger generation finally has a true genius.”At the center of the arena stood a silver-haired boy surrounded by streams of swirling wind.Leon Veyr.Despite his young age, Leon already carried himself with confidence far beyond ordinary children. Mana flowed naturally around his body while sharp currents of wind circled his feet like obedient spirits responding to his command.The instructors watching nearby could barely hide their excitement.One of them stepped forward proudly.“Young Master Leon has awakened Wind Affinity,” the instructor announced lou

The Veyr Territory became lively once again several days later.Colorful banners decorated the streets while merchants filled the marketplace with laughter and music. Knights patrolled proudly through the city as noble families from nearby regions arrived one after another in luxurious carriages.The Festival of Awakening had begun.It was one of the most important traditions within the northern territories. Every year, young children showing talent in mana arts would demonstrate their abilities before nobles, instructors, and influential guests.For the Veyr Clan—This year’s festival belonged entirely to Leon.“The young genius of the Veyr Clan…”“They say he awakened Wind Affinity at only five years old.”“A terrifying talent.”Excited whispers spread everywhere throughout the territory while servants prepared the grand arena near the center plaza. Even outsiders had begun hearing rumors about Leon’s extraordinary abilities.Meanwhile—Very different rumors followed Kael’s name.“T

The atmosphere inside the western garden remained tense long after Leon arrived.A cold breeze passed quietly beneath the tree while cracked earth surrounded Kael like evidence of something unnatural. Although Seraph had concealed the remaining traces of dark energy, the destruction still looked impossible for ordinary children to cause.Leon’s silver eyes lingered briefly on the damaged ground before shifting toward Kael again.“You caused this?” he asked calmly.Kael instinctively stiffened.Before he could answer—Seraph stepped forward first.“I was testing his physical endurance,” the old mage said smoothly. “The ground shattered from mana pressure during the training.”Leon frowned slightly.“Mana pressure?”The silver-haired boy glanced toward Kael once more.Everyone within the clan knew Kael possessed no mana.Even Leon knew that better than anyone.Seraph calmly met Leon’s gaze without hesitation.“Not every form of training requires mana.”For several moments, Leon remained

The western wing of the Veyr Manor became silent after that night.Not ordinary silence.The kind filled with fear.Servants no longer entered the area unless directly ordered to do so. Even the guards stationed nearby kept their distance whenever possible, whispering nervously among themselves while glancing toward Kael’s chamber like something monstrous might emerge at any moment.Rumors spread throughout the clan faster than wildfire.Some claimed black shadows exploded from Kael’s room.Others swore they heard inhuman whispers echoing through the halls during the storm.And though nobody knew the full truth—Everyone understood one thing.The cursed child had become dangerous.Inside his room, Kael sat quietly beside the broken window while staring toward the gray morning sky.Rainwater still dripped from the damaged ceiling while cold wind entered through the cracks left behind by the previous night’s incident. The shattered walls had already been repaired partially by earth mage