As they returned to the Fireon estate, Kenneth and Salem were still buzzing with excitement from the day’s event. But their enthusiasm quickly gave way to tension as they explained what had happened to Fintan and Dr. Mir.

  “You’ve inherited magic?” Fintan asked, her brow furrowed, her gaze shifting sharply to Salem. “Did you go to the Cassia Family for the ceremony?”

  Kenneth shook his head. “No, we didn’t.”

  Fintan’s expression hardened. “And why not? The Cassia Family is the sole holder of the Ultimate Plant. There’s no other way to inherit it.”

  Kenneth hesitated, glancing at Salem before speaking. “Salem didn’t inherit the Cassia family’s Ultimate Plant. He inherited a new Ultimate Plant—one that’s entirely his own.”

  The room fell silent. Dr. Mir leaned forward, his expression a mix of disbelief and intrigue. “A new Ultimate Plant? That shouldn’t be possible. Explain.”

  Kenneth took a steadying breath. “The Tree of Life at Mageia Academy—it’s infused with Aether Magic. I realized it isn’t just a magical anchor or a symbol. It can create new elemental magic. When Salem connected with it, the tree responded, and it granted him the Ultimate Plant.”

  Dr. Mir sat back, the weight of the revelation settling on him. “If that’s true… it changes everything. The elemental families’ legacy has always relied on the original magic passed down by the royal family. A new Ultimate Element bypasses those bloodlines entirely.”

  Fintan’s expression darkened. “And with the royal family no longer possessing Aether Magic, they’ve lost their ability to pass on magic. If the Tree of Life can do what the royal family no longer can, it would destroy the balance of power.”

  Dr. Mir nodded gravely. “The Elemental families, especially those who’ve hoarded their magic for centuries, won’t accept this quietly. If they find out, it could incite chaos. The foundation of the kingdom depends on the exclusivity of these magics.”

  Fintan turned her sharp gaze to Kenneth and Salem. “This must remain a secret for now. Salem, you can’t use your magic openly—not yet.”

  Salem nodded quickly. “I won’t use my magic unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

  Fintan crossed her arms, her voice heavy with resignation. “You mortal kids, you never fail to surprise me,” she muttered, though her tone carried a note of reluctant admiration.

  ＊＊＊

  During the school holiday, Kenneth and Joash were invited as guest to Rika’s birthday party at the Maridian estate.

  The celebration was far from ordinary—Rika was not just a classmate but the successor to the Water Guardian and the future head of the Maridian family.

  The event was grand, with the members of the royal family and prominent figures from the other Elemental families in attendance.

  As they stepped into the entrance hall, Rika greeted them warmly. She wore a stunning formal blue dress accented with emerald accessories, her appearance a perfect balance of elegance and authority.

  “Oh! You two came together?” she said, her tone both surprised and pleased.

  Kenneth and Joash exchanged a quick glance, their unspoken understanding evident. Their complicated relationship wasn’t something they’d shared to others, and the question seemed to momentarily catch them off guard.

  “I, uh, happened to run into Joash on the way,” Kenneth said. “So I thought we might as well share the carriage.”

  Joash nodded, his usual composure slipping just slightly. “It was convenient.”

  “The head of Fireon sent this to you,” Kenneth added, gesturing toward Joash, who handed Rika a small, elegantly wrapped box.

  Rika’s smile faltered for a moment, her fingers brushing over the gift. “Thank you,” she said, her voice quieter. “It’s a shame I couldn’t formally invite the Fireon family. I hope you understand.”

  Kenneth nodded, sensing the weight of her words.

  The Fireon family’s current withdrawal from public life was well-known and the Maridian family likely had to tread carefully when curating the guest list for an event this high-profile.

  Kenneth himself had only received an invitation because of his personal connection to Rika as a classmate.

  “That’s why you need to hurry up and become the Head of Fireon,” Rika teased, her tone lighter now as she offered Kenneth a playful smile.

  Kenneth chuckled softly, but his gaze flicked to Joash, catching the subtle shift in his expression. Joash said nothing, keeping his focus on Rika.

  “Oh, I need to greet the other guests,” Rika said suddenly, glancing toward the bustling ballroom beyond the hall. “Everyone’s already inside. Make yourselves comfortable, and I’ll catch up with you both later.”

  Kenneth and Joash entered the grand hall, the room radiating an air of opulence. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over lavishly decorated tables brimming with exquisite food, while a live orchestra played a soft, enchanting melody in the background.

  The crowd was a mix of prominent figures and successors, their conversation buzzing with talk of alliances and political maneuvering.

  Kenneth’s eyes swept the room, spotting Raiden from the Ekaitz family, standing tall beside a commanding figure who was likely the head of the Lightning Wizards. Scattered throughout the hall were familiar faces—students from the academy, accompanied by their parents, mingling amidst the grandeur.

  As Kenneth and Joash wove through the crowd, they saw Aine and the rest of their friends gathered near one of the grand tables. Aine noticed them first, her bright smile lighting up as she waved them over.

  But as they made their way across the hall, heads turned, conversations hushed, and within moments, the whispers began.

  “That’s him—the Fireon successor.”

  “Fire magic, after all these years?”

  “Do you think he can really control it?”

  Kenneth felt their stares like a pressing on his shoulders, the air thick with curiosity and skepticism. He straightened his posture, determined not to show discomfort, but each step felt heavier.

  Beside him, Joash noticed the tension. With a small nod and a quick pat on Kenneth’s shoulder, he offered silent reassurance.

  They finally reached the group. Ash greeted them with a grin. “Finally! Thought you'd get lost” he teased lightly.

  “Got held up at the entrance,” Kenneth said, glancing at Joash, who gave a subtle shrug, wordlessly acknowledging the stares and whispers they’d endured.

  Aine leaned in slightly, her usual brightness dimmed by concern. “Don’t let them get to you,” she said in a low voice. “People will always talk. Just prove them wrong.”

  Kenneth nodded, her words grounding him.

  Wanting to shift the mood, Kenneth turned to Ash. “Are your parents here now?”

  Ash blinked at the sudden question but quickly recovered. “No, they’re still in the borders,” he replied. “Aine’s mom is here, though. I think she's with the head of the Maridian family. Probably discussing the Tree of Life incident.”

  Joash tilted his head. “What about Lucian and Elena? Haven’t seen them yet.”

  “They’re around,” Ash said, gesturing to the group near the far end of the room. “Lucian’s aunt had some matters to deal with, so he and Elena are representing the Luminel family tonight.”

  Kenneth followed Ash’s gaze, taking in the scene, taking in the bustling scene before him. Around the room, families exchanged conversations, their body language betraying subtle negotiations and alliances. It wasn’t just a birthday party—it was a carefully orchestrated gathering, a stage for political maneuvering.

  The thought made Kenneth’s chest tighten.

  Before he could dwell on it, a wave of movement swept through the room. The soft hum of chatter quieted as all eyes turned toward the entrance.

  Rika stepped into the grand hall, her poise unmistakably regal. Yet, it wasn't just her entrance that commanded attention.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Beside her walked a young man who excluded an undeniable air of authority. His steps were measured, his gaze sweeping across the room with quiet confidence. The crowd seemed to part instinctively as he passed, murmurs following in his wake.

  “Oh, the crown prince is here,” Lucian remarked casually, returning to the group with Elena after completing their formal greetings.

  Kenneth's gaze locked on the young man. So this is the Crown Prince, he thought, studying the way the prince acknowledged bows and murmured greetings with effortless grace. His presence radiated power, his every movement commanding attention without trying.

  As Kenneth observed him, a flicker of recognition passed through his mind. There was something strangely familiar about the prince—the sharp features, the confident demeanor.

  For a moment, Kenneth was reminded of King Hadrian from his vision, though the Crown Prince carried himself with a sharper edge, a difference in expression that set them apart.

  The Crown Prince and Rika moved through the crowd, pausing to exchange greetings with key figures before making their way toward Kenneth and his group.

  As they approached, the group instinctively straightened. “Your Highness,” they murmured, bowing slightly as a show of respect.

  The Crown Prince raised a hand, a warm smile easing the formal atmosphere. “Please, rise. We're all around the same age here—no need for formalities. Ash, Aine—just call me Ivan, like you used to when we were kids.”

  Ash grinned, the familiarity putting him at ease. “If you insist, Ivan.”

  Aine, however, hesitated, her smile polite but reserved. “Your highness, now that we've officially taken our roles as successors of the Elemental Guardians, it would be improper to address you so casually.”

  The Crown Prince's smile grew, a hint of teasing in his tone. “But you're still my fiance, Aine. Surely that gives you some leeway.”

  The group stilled, their gazes darting between the two. For Kenneth, Joash and Lucian, this was news—completely unexpected. Even Elena's usually calm expression shifted slightly in surprise.

  Only Ash and Rika seemed unfazed, their lack of reaction making it clear they'd known all along.

  Before the weight of the revelation could settle, Rika smoothly stepped in to keep the mood light. “Ivan, let me introduce you to Lucian, the successor of Luminel, and Elena, who serves their family.”

  Lucian inclined his head respectfully, his movements measured and composed. “It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

  “The pleasure is mine,” the Crown Prince replied. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting the new successor of the Light Guardian.”

  “Thank you, Your Highness”, Lucian replied.

  Rika then gestured towards Kenneth. “And this is Kenneth, the successor of Fireon.”

  The prince's gaze shifted to Kenneth, and for the moment, the air seemed to grow heavier. His expression softened, but there was a sharp intensity in his eyes, as though he were studying Kenneth.

  Kenneth stepped forward slightly and inclined his head in respect. “It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness.”

  “Fireon,” the prince murmured, words lingering in the air. His gaze didn't waver “You're the one summoned from the mortal world? The one who awakened the Ultimate Fire?”

  Kenneth felt the weight of the Crown Prince's scrutiny but met his gaze steadily, refusing to falter. “Yes, Your Highness.”

  Ivan’s expression softened slightly, though his eyes retained their sharpness. “I’ve heard much about you,” he said, his voice steady as he placed a hand on Kenneth’s shoulder. The gesture carried weight—a mix of reassurance and expectation. “I have high hopes for you.”

  Kenneth met the prince’s gaze, the warmth of his hand grounding him. He gave a firm nod, his voice calm but resolute. “I’ll do my best to meet those expectations, Your Highness.”

  The Crown Prince's attention shifted, his sharp eyes now falling on Joash. His brows furrowed slightly, as though a thought had surfaced from somewhere deep in his memory.

  After a moment, a faint smile played on his lips.

  Rika, sensing the growing tension, quickly stepped in. “This is Joash Barnett, from the Theory Division,” she said smoothly. “He's a member of our club.”

  Ivan's gaze lingered on Joash, “Joash,” he repeated, his tone contemplative. “You remind me of someone I once knew. A long time ago… before his family fell from grace.”

  Joash shifted at the comment, his composed demeanor faltering for a split second. Kenneth's eyes darted to Joash, his own unease mirrored in Joash's expression.

  Ivan paused, the intensity of his stare softening as he straightened. “I apologize if I've caused any discomfort,” he said with a polite smile. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Joash.”

  Joash recovered quickly, forcing a polite smile. “Likewise, Your Highness,” he said, his tone even but guarded.

  At that moment, a butler approached Rika, leaning in to whisper something. She nodded, then turned to the Crown Prince. “It seems my mother has completed her courtesies.”

  Ivan inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the information. “Thank you,” he said, preparing to take his leave. But as he turned, his gaze shifted back to Kenneth.

  “I haven't had a chance to visit the Fireon estate for a long time,” Ivan said casually. “It would be good to properly greet Aunt Fintan. I'll let you know when I plan to visit,” Ivan said.

  Kenneth straightened, meeting the prince's gaze. “I'll make sure to inform her, Your Highness”

  Ivan nodded slightly, a faint smile touching his lips. “Good. I'll look forward to it.”

  With that, the Crown Prince turned and allowed Rika to guide him toward her mother. Kenneth and Joash stood in silence, watching him leave, the weight of the encounter lingering in the air.

  ＊＊＊

  Some time later, Kenneth and Joash slipped away from the party under the guise of getting food, finding their way to a quiet balcony.

  The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the muffled hum of the party fading behind the heavy doors. They glanced around to ensure no one was nearby, then leaned against the stone railing.

  “That was close,” Joash muttered, exhaling deeply. “The Crown Prince almost had me slipping up back there.”

  Kenneth crossed his arms, his gaze distant. “He knows more than he's letting on. He recognized you, but he decided to keep it quiet. At least, for now.”

  Joash gave a bitter chuckle, though his voice was tinged with regret. “It's been a long time ago since I last saw him… and honestly, with everything that's happened, I don't think I deserve to serve him. Not like this.”

  Kenneth shook his head firmly, his tone resolute. “Don't say that. We'll rebuild Fireon together, and you'll take your rightful place as the head of the family. You're not an outsider—you're the future of Fireon.”

  Joash turned to him, his lips parting as if to argue, but Kenneth passed on, his voice talking on an intensity that caught Joash off guard. “I've been thinking about it a lot. I know how to help you reclaim your magic”

  Joash froze, his posture stiffening. “What?” he asked, his voice edged with disbelief. “What are you talking about?”

  Kenneth stepped closer, his voice unwavering. “The Tree of Life. We've already seen what it can do. It granted Salem's magic. If we try the same process, it can grant you the Ultimate Fire.”

  Kenneth's plan felt so clear in mind, so certain, as though the pieces had finally fallen into place. He believed it would work. But as the words left his mouth, Joash's reaction was far from what he expected.

  Joash's face tightened, “No,” Joash said sharply, his voice rising sharply. “No way,”

  Kenneth blinked, caught off guard by the intensity of Joash's reaction. “Why not? We've already seen it work. Salem’s—”

  “That's different!” Joash interrupted, his voice strained, his breathing shallow. He turned away, running a hand through his hair. “You don't get it, Kenneth. I can't… I can't accept it.”

  Kenneth's confidence faltered at Joash's reaction. “Why?” he asked, his voice tinged with confusion and hurt. “Why so against it?”

  Joash remained silent, his jaw tightening as he struggled to find the words. The weight of silence hung heavily between them, and for the first time, Kenneth felt a flicker of double creep into his resolve.

  Maybe he had overlooked something—something deeper that couldn't yet bring himself to say.

  ＊＊＊

  Raiden stood rigidly in his father’s study, his hands clasped behind his back, staring at the desk that separated them.

  Across from him, his father, Lord Zaros Ekaitz, head of the Ekaitz family, sat in silence, swirling the dark red wine in his glass. The faint clinking of the glass against his ring was the only sound in the room.

  Zaros was in a foul mood, the lines on his face deepening as he brooded. “I thought Fireon was finished,” Zaros muttered, his voice thick with irritation.

  He placed the wine glass down sharply on the desk. “We spent years building after their fall, Raiden. Years of careful moves, aligning ourselves to finally take their place among the main families. And now, what do I see at the party? A Fireon.”

  Raiden clenched his fists, feeling the tension in the room growing heavier. He had already sensed his father’s disappointment earlier, but hearing it now felt worse. His father had always been focused on expanding the Ekaitz family’s influence, particularly after the downfall of Fireon left a power vacuum that the Ekaitz family had hoped to fill.

  Zaros rose from his seat, pacing back and forth in front of the large window that overlooked their estate.

  “We were close, Raiden,” he continued, his voice lower but filled with cold calculation. “After Fireon’s downfall, we strengthened our alliances, expanded our reach. We were finally going to rise above those families tied to the First King's magic. But those accursed Ultimate Elements…” He trailed off, his frustration palpable.

  The Ekaitz family, powerful as they were with Ultimate Lighting, still lacked the status that came from being one of the original elemental families—those who inherited their power directly from the First King.

  They had always been on the edge of greatness but never fully recognized as equal to the families like Fireon or Maridian. Raiden’s father had long harbored ambitions of changing that.

  Raiden finally spoke, trying to keep his voice even. “I don’t understand why a Fireon successor appeared now, after all these years. The Crown Prince even acknowledged him. It doesn’t make sense.”

  Zaros turned sharply, his gaze narrowing. “The Crown Prince,” he spat, his voice laced with contempt. “Of course, he would acknowledge Fireon. He has the bloodline of the First King, after all. But we will not let that stand.”

  Raiden swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond.

  Zaros stopped pacing and turned to his son, his eyes hard and calculating. “We need to watch this Kenneth. If he’s truly the Fireon successor, then he poses a threat to everything we’ve worked for.”

  Raiden nodded. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

  Zaros stepped closer to Raiden, his expression dark. “Do more than that. Find his weaknesses. We cannot let Fireon rise again. The Ekaitz family has waited long enough to take its place as one of the main families. You will ensure that happens.”

  Raiden met his father’s gaze, his determination hardening. “I will.”

  Zaros gave a grim smile, his hand resting on Raiden’s shoulder. “Good. If there’s one thing I’ve taught you, it’s that power is never given freely. It’s taken.”

  Raiden nodded, his mind already racing with thoughts of how to dismantle Kenneth’s newfound position.

  He had always wanted to prove himself to his father, to show that he could lead the Ekaitz family to the prominence they deserved. And now, with Kenneth standing in the way, Raiden knew that his path to power had become much more complicated.

  But he would find a way. He always did.