Why is the Eclipthar Barrier protecting the capital city?"
Sam whispered, confused, as he read from one of his father's old books.
It spoke of the Eight Drogans — mighty beings, all known for their power
Some legends say that six of them dwell on the Six Moons, each guarding a realm of magic and balance.
The other two?
They are said to wander the world, their purpose unknown… their steps unpredictable.
**************
Whatever the reason behind it, Sam knew one thing—
He would have to uncover the truth someday.
Because "A hidden threat is far more dangerous than one that shows its face"
And if this unknown force was connected to the Eclipthar
it might one day endanger his family.
And that…
He could never allow it.
***********
While Sam sat quietly, wondering what the future might hold…
Somewhere far away—
Inside a grand office carved from ancient white marble,
a man in a white and blue uniform rushed through the hall,
his face is pale and dripping with sweat,
as if he had just seen a ghost.
He reached a large door at the end of the corridor,
paused, and wiped his face with a napkin, then tuck it
Then—two knocks.
A moment of silence.
A deep, commanding voice answered from inside:
"Enter."
The man slowly opened the door and stepped in.
He stood straight, trying to compose himself.
"Sir…" he said, his voice slightly trembling.
"The detection magic array... it just picked up something on the capital's barrier."
********
The commander's voice was calm—unnervingly calm.
"What's the full report?"
The soldier stood stiff, voice trembling despite his effort to stay composed.
"At exactly 12:40 PM, sir... someone crossed the capital barrier."
He took a shaky breath.
"The intruder's face… was burning—covered in black flames. And his clothes... completely black as well. No insignia. No armor. Just darkness."
He paused, eyes flicking toward the floor.
"It didn't look like a man, sir. More like a shadow wearing fire."
The Commander remained calm.
Then he said,
"Prepare a report on all the travelers who passed through the city's main gate this month—and keep an eye on them."
The soldier nodded.
The Commander continued,
"You may dismiss."
The soldier saluted, turned around, and left.
Once the soldier was gone, the Commander muttered to himself,
"Only the royal family, the duke's households, high-ranking nobles, and senior army officers know about the second barrier.
No one can enter it without the King's permission.
The only possibility... is that someone who passed the first barrier is already inside the city."
*******
In the evening, after completing their shopping, Sam's grandmother and mother returned home with his siblings.
Both his mother and grandmother carried the sleeping children in their arms.
Behind them, three servants followed, each holding bags in both hands
As they stepped through the house entrance, the soft glow of lanterns welcomed them inside, casting warm light across the room.
Sam's mother and grandmother gently laid the sleeping children onto the couch, covering them with soft, light blankets. The little ones stirred slightly but remained lost in peaceful dreams.
One of the servants carefully set down the shopping bags, while another began unpacking folded clothes and boxes of sweets, the air filling with a faint sugary aroma.
Sam's mother exchanged a tired, heartfelt smile with her mother.
"It was a long day," she said softly, "but everything went smoothly."
The grandmother looked at her, eyes moist with emotion.
"For me," she whispered, "this has been the best day in the last twenty years."
************
Unseen from the corner of the hallway, Sam stood quietly, just out of sight. He hadn't meant to listen in—but something about the warmth in his grandmother's voice held him there, still.
He peeked slightly around the doorway. His mother was now sitting beside his grandmother, their hands gently clasped together.
His grandmother smiled faintly as she looked at the children sleeping on the couch.
"For so many years, I only imagined moments like this. Holding my grandchildren... watching my daughter smile without sorrow."
Her voice trembled, but she didn't cry. "I thought I'd grow old with nothing but regret. But now… here we are."
Sam's mother nodded slowly, her voice thick.
"I used to think I'd never be able to come back. That I didn't deserve to. But you waited for me anyway."
From his hidden place, Sam felt his chest tighten. A deep warmth—mixed with a quiet sadness—filled his heart.
He had never seen this side of them. Never heard the weight in their words before.
He turned away quietly, not wanting to disturb the moment.
"I'll protect this peace," he thought. "Whatever it takes."
As night fell, the soft hum of the household settled into a calm rhythm. Sam's father and grandfather returned home, their footsteps echoing gently through the corridor.
Soon, the entire family gathered around the dinner table, the room aglow with lantern light and the quiet murmur of togetherness.
Servants moved gracefully between them, placing dish after dish onto the table—steaming rice, fragrant curries, roasted vegetables, and sweet rolls.
The rich aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, wrapping around the room like a warm embrace. Even the children, half-asleep moments ago, stirred with delight at the familiar scents.
Sam glanced around the table. His whole family—together, smiling, at peace.
For a moment, there were no threats, no shadows, no barriers—just the sound of gentle laughter, clinking dishes, and the comfort of the family.
After a few quiet moments at the dinner table, Sam looked up and asked,
"Grandpa, when is the Awakening Ceremony going to happen?"
His grandfather smiled, then glanced at Sam's father from the corner of his eye before turning back to Sam.
"It's been two days," he said. "At the ancient temple."
He leaned in slightly, his tone growing more serious—but still warm.
"In that temple, only those aged fifteen and above are allowed to enter. Each child will be given a separate room. In that room, you must focus completely on connecting with your inner self—to awaken your mana system and form your core."
He paused, placing a hand on Sam's shoulder.
"No matter what element you awaken… it is good. Do not panic. Every element has its own path."
Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, the grandfather glanced again at Sam's father and smiled widely.
Sam's father caught the look and frowned. Then he turned to Sam with a softer expression.
"Listen carefully, Sam," he said. "Whatever element responds within your body—accept it. Your only focus should be creating your mana system and core. Do not force yourself to shape your core using an element your body doesn't resonate with."
He added with a smirk, "And don't put too much pressure on yourself. Have confidence. Just… don't behave like your grandfather is like a scared little rat."
His grandfather slammed his hand on the table. "Who are you calling a scared rat!?"
"You. You rat. Your parents were rats. Your grandparents were rats. Even your great-grandparents were rats!" his grandfather shot back with mock seriousness.
Sam's grandmother and mother both exchanged a look of embarrassment before turning to their husbands with scolding eyes.
"Stop acting like children," Sam's grandmother said, trying not to smile. "Look at the kids—they're laughing at you!"
Sam's grandfather and father both turned toward the children.
Lana and Liya had their hands over their mouths, giggling uncontrollably.
Seeing them, Sam burst into laughter as well—and soon, the whole family was laughing together, the sound filling the house like music.
For that moment, there was no tension. No danger. Just love, laughter, and family.
*******
Later that night...
The house had quieted down. The laughter from dinner had faded, the younger children were fast asleep, and the lanterns burned low
Sam sat alone in his room, the soft breeze from the open window brushing against his face. Outside, the six
moons hung high, silver light spilling across the hills in the distance. Somewhere, an owl hooted softly.
On the floor before him lay a small folded cloth—inside it, a necklace his grandmother had given him just after dinner. A simple gif carved with an ancient rune.
"To calm the heart before the storm," she had said, kissing his forehead.
Sam held it tightly in his hand now, feeling its cool surface and strange warmth beneath.
******
---
Sam looked one last time at the necklace in his hand. The ancient rune carved into the stone shimmered faintly in the moonlight, as if alive.
With a steady breath, he slipped it over his head and let it rest against his chest.
It felt warm now—comforting.
He muttered to himself,
"Let's increase my mana capacity tonight."
Reaching to the side, he pulled open his storage bag. From within, he carefully took out several glowing mana cores—each one pulsing gently like a heartbeat. He placed them in a circular pattern on the floor, their soft light illuminating the room with hues of blue, green, and gold.
Then, with focused eyes, he whispered,
"[Activate: All Conversion.]"
"[Activate: All Mana Manipulation.]"
Immediately, the mana cores responded. Their light flared for a brief second before they began to dissolve—streaming wisps of pure mana flowing outward, drawn toward Sam-like rivers returning to a lake.
He closed his eyes, guiding the flow with calm precision, slowly feeding the mana into every part of his developing core.
He repeated the process again and again, each time more fluid than the last. He didn't rush. He didn't force.
Time passed unnoticed. Outside, the night deepened. The stars wheeled overhead. A hush filled the room, broken only by the quiet hum of mana.
Finally, near midnight, Sam opened his eyes and looked at the translucent screen floating before him—his status window.
His eyes widened.
Then, slowly, a broad smile spread across his face.