Chapter 2: Smelting

In the gentle hush of the nursery, Amara cradled Darius, her silver hair falling over her shoulders, bathed in the soft moonlight that trickled in through the window. Her eyes glowed with warmth as she looked down at her son, her aura manifesting as a beautiful ripple of water, enveloping them both in its comforting shimmer.

"Darius, my little one," she whispered, her voice a gentle melody that soothed his infantile curiosity. As Darius looked at his mother, her aura ignited a sense of wonder in him. The water energy was entirely different from the spiritual qi he knew in his previous life. 

 Noticing Darius had quieted down, Amara moved gracefully to a nearby chair, holding him tenderly. As Amara eased into the rocking chair, she softly murmured a spell, her voice melodious as she whispered, "Eleria."

At her whispered incantation, an iridescent aura flickered around the chosen book. It detached itself from the shelf and began its aerial dance, whirling and pirouetting in the air, the silver hues of Amara's magic manifesting around it like a waterfall of stars. 

Seated on her lap, Darius' wide eyes followed the book's movement, brimming with a mixture of fascination and the first sparkles of analytical curiosity. 

Finally, with a graceful twirl, the book came to rest gently in Amara's open hands, the aura of her magic fading as she completed the spell.

With a comforting smile towards Darius, she said, "This one is a favourite among children your age, my little wolf. 'The Little Mage and the Guardian Knight.'"

As she began to read aloud, the air of a magical world filled the room, her voice casting a bit of expectation into a captivating bedtime story.

"Once upon a time," Amara began with a smile, "there lived a young boy named Eron in the vibrant world of Gaia."

"Eron was a curious boy, always full of questions about the mystical power that pulsated through their world, called Mana. One day, a shimmering Mana Beast appeared before him. Instead of running away in fear, Eron reached out his hand, and the creature was tamed. It was at that moment he discovered he was not just an ordinary boy, but a mage!"

"Filled with excitement and a little fear, Eron traveled to the Mage Towers, the grandest place in all of Gaia. There, he hoped to learn how to harness the Arcane Energy to its fullest."

"In the Mage Towers, Eron met a friend, a girl named Lila. Lila was a Manaforged Knight apprentice. Despite their different paths, they became the best of friends, supporting each other in their magical journey."

"Life in the Mage Towers was not all about studying and learning magic, though. Gaia was a world full of wonder, but also danger. Monsters lurked in the shadows, threatening the peaceful lives of humans."

"One fateful night, a horde of beasts attacked the human city. Eron and Lila, armed with their newfound magical abilities, stood at the forefront, ready to defend their home."

"With a brave heart, Eron summoned his Mana Beast, while Lila called upon her combat mana. Together, they fought off the monsters, saving the city from destruction. Their bravery and friendship were a beacon of hope, reminding everyone in Gaia that even in times of darkness, there was always a light."

"And so, Eron and Lila became the heroes of their time, using their magic and might to protect their home. Their story became a beacon of hope, inspiring all of Gaia's children to dream big, learn magic, and protect their world."

As the story came to an end, Amara noticed Darius growing heavy in her arms. His eyes were fighting to stay open, his baby body demanding rest, despite his soul's eagerness to learn more.

Closing the book with a soft whisper, Amara set it down on the nearby table. She glanced at the book's cover one last time, the tale of the young mage and the guardian knight still alive in her mind. Looking down at Darius, her heart filled with excitement and anticipation for his future. She saw in him the boundless potential for greatness, just like the heroes in the story. Her gaze lingered on his curious eyes, his unwavering fascination an indication of the bright intellect within him. The world of Gaia held many wonders and she couldn't wait for the day when Darius would start his own journey of discovery.

Gently, Amara lowered Darius into his crib, her touch soft and loving. She watched as his small, bright eyes fought to stay open, but the gentle lull of sleep was irresistible. 

"Goodnight, my little wolf," she cooed softly, her voice a soothing melody against the night's silence.

In the gentle embrace of his crib, Darius found himself drifting. "I want to learn more. Stupid baby body." he thought, humor lacing his disappointment. But as his mind drifted into slumber, a newfound hope, named mana, glowed in his heart.

----

The quietude of the Valdene estate in the evening was nothing short of magical. Darius Valdene, barely 4 years old, had spent the past three years meticulously deciphering the written language of Gaia. The infantile curiosity that initially spurred him was now replaced with a single-minded obsession; he was on an unswerving path towards arcane cultivation. 

The arcane books of Gaia were different; they pulsed with a dormant energy, humming softly to those attuned. To the inexperienced eye, they were mere stories. To Darius, they were the key to a world brimming with the promise of power. His former life as Xue Feng, a revered cultivator, had armed him with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a zeal to regain the formidable strength he once possessed. 

Over the years, he had secretively devoured every piece of written text he could get his hands on, whether it was an account of the annual harvest in the estate's ledgers, the logistical descriptions of Fang Root Forest, or even his parents' personal journals. The latter brought him closer to them, revealed their deepest aspirations and fears. He found his mother's accounts particularly intriguing; her notes on magic spells were invaluable to him. 

In the faint glow of the solitary candle, young Darius held his mother's journal with a gentleness that belied his age. Each stroke of ink that unfolded her life felt like a sacred scripture to him. His lips curled up in an amused smirk that was more Xue Feng than Darius. "Amara…mother," he murmured to the silent room, his voice echoing not just respect, but a teasing familiarity.

"Your entries are like a puzzle," he thought, tracing the elegant letters of the 'Arcane Ascension System'. "A system of cultivation, right? So simple yet intricate." he murmured, his voice reflecting admiration intertwined with a subtle challenge. 

His mother's personality was etched in every word she wrote – her dedication, her perseverance, her unyielding love for her family. Her journey made him admire her not only as a mage, but as a formidable woman. "You're quite the force to reckon with, mother. But remember, I'll soon be catching up," he said, a cheeky smile playing on his lips.

Closing Amara's journal, he reached out for the next one – Jarek Valdene's. His fingers brushed against the embossed wolf, a symbol of his father's power. The scent of parchment, mixed with the metallic tinge of steel and the zesty hint of lightning, filled his senses.

His father's entries were starkly different, concise and straightforward, much like the man himself. Yet, the weight of wisdom they carried was undeniable. As he poured over his father's notes on the 'Manaforged Knight System', Darius felt an increasing appreciation for his father's strength and tenacity.

Stumbling upon an entry detailing his father's battles, Darius's eyes lit up with a complex mix of awe and ambition. "Impressive," he noted, his voice steady yet filled with resolve. "I wonder how it feels to wear the spectral armor... one day," he declared softly to the empty room.

Understanding the protective nature his father embodied, Darius felt a surge of both comfort and challenge. Reading about his father's aspirations for him, Darius's youthful face hardened with determination as he read a certain passage. "Surpass you? I intend to, Jarek, and then some," he declared boldly.

Setting aside the journal, Darius gazed into the future, the twinkling ambition in his eyes reflected in the candle's wavering flame. He may have been just four, but his resolve was set in stone. A day would come when he would walk alongside his parents, as an equal, a force to be reckoned with. For now, though, he had a journey to embark on, a path that would lead him towards the realm of arcane knowledge, power, and respect. One day, he would make these dreams a reality.

One evening, Darius found himself completely engrossed in 'Flora Arcana: A Study of the Mana Resources within the Fang Root Forest.' His small fingers traced the arcane text as his keen eyes absorbed the information. So captivated was he that he failed to hear the soft creak of the door opening.

Standing in the doorway was his father, Jarek Valdene, known in the arcane world as the Blue Wolf. Jarek stared at his son, his sharp gaze filled with surprise and a tinge of awe. His eyes flickered from Darius to the book in front of him, disbelief creeping into his stern features.

"Darius...?" Jarek started, his voice barely above a whisper, as though afraid he might shatter the surreal scene unfolding before him.

Hearing his father's voice, Darius finally noticed his presence. He froze, eyes wide as he looked up from his book. Yet, the stern reprimand he anticipated didn't come. His father merely stood there, his gaze intense yet warm.

With a sudden movement, Jarek closed the distance between them. He swept his son into his arms, lifting him up high. "I'm... impressed, Darius," he confessed, a rare smile gracing his rugged features. He chuckled lightly, the sound filled with both pride and disbelief.

Once back on his feet, Darius looked up at his father, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. As Jarek's gaze landed on the open journals — his and Amara's — he gave Darius a knowing look. "And what's this, Darius?" he questioned, his tone light yet intrigued.

Feigning innocence, Darius replied, "I want to be a mage... or maybe a knight, like you and mom." His eyes sparkled with anticipation and a touch of craftiness, making his proclamation all the more convincing.

A burst of laughter escaped Jarek, his heart swelling with pride. "Is that so, Darius?" he said, ruffling his son's silver-streaked hair. "Well then, it's high time you learned about your parents and your lineage."

Hefting Darius onto his shoulder, Jarek strode out of the room, his laughter echoing through the silent halls. Their destination? The room where Amara awaited. For tonight, Darius would learn of the legacy he was destined to uphold, a legacy of strength, wisdom, and the arcane.