Samuel looked up, surprised to see a balding middle-aged man hovering in the sky above him. The man displayed a badge, prompting Samuel to follow him. As they traveled, Samuel used awakened magic, subtly weaving Kanji characters that caught the mage's attention, hinting at Samuel's unusual abilities.
Arriving at the Marchioness's estate, Samuel encountered another boy, Lith, who shared a striking similarity in mana flow. Despite their differences in appearance—Lith with his below-average looks and Samuel with his blonde hair and distinct aura—they both recognized each other as Awakened.
Solus, an aide to Lith in form of ring , examined Samuel's mana core and confirmed their suspicions—they both possessed identical mana cores, a rare and significant revelation.
After the customary bows, the Marchioness revealed the reason for their summons—an urgent matter involving her daughter, grievously wounded by a poison that defied conventional healing magic. Samuel, using his Sharingan, analyzed the wound and concluded that the poison disrupted light-element spells, complicating any attempt at a cure.
Lith paused, studying Samuel with newfound interest. Samuel admitted he lacked the knowledge to heal such a wound, prompting Lith to step forward with a resolve to adapt his spells for a potential solution.
Reluctantly accepting their roles, the Marchioness directed Lith to immediately begin his search for a cure, while instructing Samuel to remain discreet within the castle walls to prevent rumors from spreading.
As they parted ways, both boys understood that their paths had crossed for a reason, setting the stage for future encounters that would test their abilities and forge an unexpected bond in the face of adversity.
As Samuel pondered Lith's demeanor and his striking resemblance to a young Sasuke consumed by revenge, he couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu. The depth of maturity in Lith's eyes mirrored the hardened resolve he once saw in his brother's gaze—a wounded beast driven by a thirst for vengeance.
Amidst his contemplation, Samuel sensed another faint mana fluctuation from Lith, initially misconstrued as malevolent. Yet, upon closer observation, it revealed a profound sense of care and concern, akin to shielding oneself from unseen threats—a trait that intrigued Samuel, reminiscent of tales about cursed objects and their dual natures.
Meanwhile, Lith conversed with Solus, sharing his suspicions about Samuel. They speculated on Samuel's origins, questioning whether he hailed from a powerful lineage or possessed significant resources and support, considering his unique abilities and composed demeanor at such a young age.
As the threads of fate intertwined, Samuel and Lith embarked on separate paths within the Marchioness's estate, each burdened with their own thoughts and uncertainties, unaware of the bonds silently forming between them and the challenges awaiting their shared journey ahead.