In the luxurious mansion of Marquis Nafyr Yalareth, among soft carpets and white marble columns carved with ancient glyphs, a loud, clear, and strong cry echoed. It was the birth of the third son of the respected human general, hero of the wars against demons and defender of the kingdom of Akashy.

  —He is born… — whispered Nyellen, the mother, with tears in her eyes and a radiant smile. Her fair skin glowed under the light of the stained glass, and her long hair in soft pink tones seemed to dance in the spring breeze. Slim, gentle, and blessed by the gods Aendor and Loraelwen, she was revered as one of the main "high clerics" of the kingdom, which is a rarity even among top-level adventurers.

  The Marquis approached the bed with elegant steps, his deep blue eyes reflecting sunlight like the sea. His sky-blue hair shimmered while he observed the tiny creature wrapped in sheets. Despite his intimidating presence on the battlefield, there he seemed just a man fascinated by the miracle of life.

  — Hakuro... — he said, choosing the name with a restrained, almost reverent smile.

  The child was... different. The few strands of hair on his head were a soft lilac, almost magical, and his eyes — still swollen from birth — showed a vivid, unusual, hypnotic purple.

  A little further away, two pairs of curious eyes watched the newborn: Kyra, the eldest daughter, with a calm look in her magnificent blue eyes and her pink hair being twirled with her fingers to calm her nervousness, was blessed by the goddess Symeria; and Alek, the middle brother, with his vibrant red eyes and properly combed blue hair, displayed a mischievous air typical of his cunning personality, possessing the blessing of the god Velkar.

  Ten days had passed since the birth of that child, and it was on this tenth day, while a gentle breeze blew through the open windows of the mansion, that Hakuro's vivid purple eyes finally opened — but not like those of an ordinary child.

  "Where am I…?"

  Clear and calculated thoughts flowed through his mind, but his mouth couldn't keep up with them. Trapped inside a tiny and fragile body, Hakuro stared at the light-colored stone ceiling, carved with delicate runes. This was so different from the damp darkness of his old dwelling.

  "What... is this place? Who are these people? Why... can't I move properly?"

  Questions accumulated in his mind with growing anguish. His last memory was still vivid: the lonely echoes of a deep cave, the quietness of time passing in millennial cycles... and the sound of his own breath fading away, in peace. He had lived centuries — not as a human, but as something much older... and more powerful.

  Now, however, he was here. Embodied in a childish body, without strength, without a voice, and even more infuriating — unable to understand a single word of what the people around him were saying.

  "How is this possible?! For millennia I have accumulated knowledge — magical formulas that could reshape mountains, stories of civilizations that flourished and crumbled even before the birth of this world. Ancestral runes that I could trace with surgical precision, even now, with these tiny and weak hands. But here I am, unable to understand a single word of what these people around me are saying. The sound of their voices is like distant music, beautiful and incomprehensible. And this ignorance... this helplessness... is unbearable."

  But there was something intriguing. One word. One single word that everyone repeated every time they approached him:

  “Hakuro.”

  They said it often, with warm smiles, with tenderness in their eyes. Some sang it, others whispered it gently. But what was it? A spell? An invocation? A symbol of protection?

  "Wait... Are they referring to me?"

  Nothing made sense in this world — neither the sounds, nor the gestures, nor the atmosphere that emanated a completely different energy than what he was used to in his past life. But, as the days passed, something changed.

  The faces began to become familiar.

  And then, when he turned one year old in this new fragile and helpless body, a soft clarity enveloped him.

  "I have reincarnated…"

  The idea formed solidly. He didn’t know how or why — the memories of his own death were still blurry, like a forgotten dream upon waking. But his consciousness certainly wasn’t that of a child. It was something older, deeper, and… nostalgic.

  Even without understanding the language, he began to decipher small things from smells, gestures, and patterns.

  The woman with pink hair and fair skin, whose scent reminded him of wildflowers, was his mother. The way she held him, the way she smiled when she saw his face — everything about her conveyed love and affection.

  The two small creatures who constantly pulled his cheeks, squeezed his arms, and invented strange games must be his siblings. One was quieter, curious. The other… too noisy.

  "Terrible." — he thought whenever he saw the little fingers approaching his face.

  The tall man, with an imposing presence and blue hair, with a strong cologne smell and serious expression… this was definitely his father. Rarely did he pick him up, but when he did, Hakuro could feel the weight of his energy — calm, protective, but charged with authority.

  There was also the girl with a calm smile and gentle eyes. She was the one who bathed him, cradled him, and sang in an unknown language while putting him to sleep. Her sweet scent reminded him of morning dew.

  "She must be the maid responsible for me… maybe my wet nurse or something like that."

  Even in his new life, with fragmented memories of battles and loneliness, he found comfort in her presence. It was she who dressed him, fed him, told stories, and, when necessary, reprimanded him with a firm but never harsh look.

  By the time he turned two, Hakuro had almost fully mastered the local language. Perhaps it was fragments of ancestral knowledge echoing in his mind, or perhaps just a natural affinity for languages… whatever it was, the previously indistinct sounds now gained form and meaning. Words fit together, events made sense, though it still seemed impossible for him to pronounce them.

  But for Hakuro, understanding the world around him wasn’t enough. He needed to explore it.

  Over time, his clumsy movements gave way to firm steps — although still hesitant. He began walking through the corridors of the mansion, discovering long carpets, ornamental armors, portraits of serious ancestors, and hidden doors. Everything was an invitation to curiosity.

  But there was one place in particular that attracted him: the library.

  Arysa quickly noticed Hakuro’s fascination with books. She often found him there, sitting on the floor or trying to reach the lowest shelves. His eyes sparkled as they scanned the spines, searching for some pattern that made sense.

  — You really like this place, don’t you? — Arysa asked once, picking him up to prevent him from falling off an improvised ladder made of toys.

  Hakuro didn’t respond with words — after all, his speech was still limited — but his eyes said everything. They shone with an intensity Arysa had never seen in such a young child.

  Intrigued, she mentioned this to Lady Nyellen.

  — My lady… — Arysa began hesitantly, — Little Hakuro-sama... he seems fascinated by books. I find him there almost every day. He stands still for long minutes, just staring at the shelves, as if trying to... understand.

  Nyellen raised her eyes from the parchment in her hands and smiled gently.

  — In the library? — she asked, with an almost amused tone.

  — Yes, my lady. It’s as if he’s trying to... talk to the books somehow. I can’t explain it.

  Nyellen rose elegantly and, without saying anything more, headed toward the library.

  There, she found Hakuro sitting near a window, the golden rays of the sunset illuminating his lilac hair. He was completely absorbed, his eyes fixed on the rows of books, as if searching for some secret hidden between the dusty spines.

  She approached slowly.

  — Interesting… — she murmured to herself before crouching down and picking him up, carefully moving closer to the shelf. Her eyes followed Hakuro’s fascinated gaze, fixed on the dusty spines.

  Hakuro’s arms immediately extended, trying to reach one of the books. He kept trying insistently, even without success.

  Nyellen smiled. She picked up the volume the little one was trying to reach and placed it, along with Hakuro, on the library rug.

  She stepped back just enough to observe him.

  What she saw next was fascinating.

  Hakuro opened the book carefully, as if it were something sacred. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he flipped the pages with his tiny hands, going back and forth repeatedly. He didn’t read — at least, not yet — but he murmured low sounds, tried to form words, repeated syllables as if trying to extract meaning from those complex symbols.

  Nyellen remained silent for a few moments, then called Arysa.

  — I want you to read to him — she said, still without taking her eyes off her son.

  — My lady?

  — Read. Every day. At least an hour. Let him see the pages, let him hear your voice. I’ve noticed that while looking at the book, he makes sounds. This might help him speak... and I want to see how far this goes.

  Arysa hesitated for a moment, as if trying to find the right words.

  — My lady, — she began cautiously, — of course I will do as you command, but... forgive my boldness. He is only a child. Do you really believe he can learn something so advanced at this age?

  Nyellen smiled, but there was something enigmatic in her gaze.

  — Arysa, there is something special about him. I can’t explain it, but I can feel it. He is not like other children. If he wants to learn, we should not limit him. On the contrary, we should nurture this flame within him.

  Arysa, though surprised, nodded respectfully.

  And so she did.

  Day after day, Arysa sat next to Hakuro in the library and read, with a soft and measured voice, while he followed the pages with attentive eyes.

  As the months passed, Hakuro’s insatiable curiosity only grew. Now that he could walk steadily, he explored every corner of the Yalareth mansion with an almost obsessive determination. The mansion corridors were wide and illuminated by colorful stained glass windows, projecting vibrant patterns on the polished marble floor. The walls were decorated with ancient tapestries depicting epic battles and mystical landscapes. At times, Hakuro stopped in front of these works of art, his purple eyes shining with fascination. He didn’t fully understand the meaning of the images, but he felt a deep connection with them, as if they were echoing memories of another life. But it was in the library that he spent most of his time.

  Arysa continued reading to him every day, as Lady Nyellen had ordered. At first, they were simple stories — children's tales about heroes and magic. But gradually, she realized Hakuro was ready for something more challenging. That’s when she started bringing books with detailed illustrations about the history of Lumeareth, the races that inhabited the continent, and the political divisions between kingdoms.

  Kyra, the older sister, noticed this change during one of her visits to the library. She found Arysa sitting next to Hakuro, with a thick book about the Great Race War open on her lap. The little one was completely absorbed, his eyes shining as Arysa explained the events illustrated on the pages.

  — What is this? — asked Kyra, intrigued.

  Arysa looked up, surprised.

  — It’s a book about the history of Lumeareth. He asked to see it...

  Kyra frowned, confused.

  — He’s only three years old... Why does he need to understand this now?

  Hakuro, noticing his sister's presence, turned to her with an innocent smile.

  — I want to know everything! — he said, his voice still childish but with impressive conviction.

  Kyra hesitated for a moment but eventually approached. She took the book from Arysa’s hands and flipped through a few pages.

  — Do you know what you’re seeing here? — she asked, pointing to an illustration of human soldiers fighting elves.

  Hakuro nodded.

  — Humans and elves fighting... over land.

  Kyra widened her eyes.

  — How do you know that?

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  — The colors... the weapons... the faces, — he replied, pointing to details in the image. — It’s easy to understand.

  Kyra fell silent for a few moments, processing that response. Then, she decided to test him.

  — And what do you think happened after this war?

  Hakuro tilted his head, thoughtful.

  — The humans won... but not entirely. They made a deal. A treaty.

  Kyra felt a shiver run down her spine. That was not something a three-year-old should deduce so easily.

  — How do you know that? — she asked again, this time with a more serious tone.

  — It seems obvious — Hakuro said, shrugging.

  Kyra exchanged a worried glance with Arysa but said nothing more. Instead, she sat in a chair, placing the book on the table.

  — Come! I’ll read a little for you.

  With Hakuro close by, she helped the little one climb onto her lap and began explaining the chapters of the book in more detail. As she spoke about the ancient wars, treaties between kingdoms, and racial tensions that persisted to this day, Hakuro listened attentively, asking precise and sometimes unsettling questions.

  — Why didn’t the dwarves help the humans in that battle? — he asked at one point.

  Kyra blinked, surprised.

  — Because they were busy defending their own mountains.

  — But it would have been more advantageous for them to join the humans. — Hakuro insisted, with logic that seemed to belong to someone much older.

  Kyra couldn’t help but smile.

  — You really are amazing…— she murmured, feeling a pang of pride she couldn’t explain.

  Meanwhile, Alek observed everything from afar with a mix of curiosity and irritation. He didn’t understand why Hakuro received so much attention. To him, the youngest was just a strange baby, with lilac hair and purple eyes that seemed to see beyond the physical world.

  Once, while playing alone in the garden, Alek saw Hakuro under the shade of a tree, holding a piece of wood as if it were a sword.

  — What are you doing? — Alek asked, approaching cautiously.

  Hakuro looked at him and smiled.

  — Training.

  — Training for what?

  — To be strong. — he replied simply.

  Alek huffed impatiently, crossing his arms as he watched Hakuro hold that piece of wood as if it were a real weapon.

  — You’re just a baby, — he said disdainfully. — You can’t be strong. You don’t even know what you’re doing.

  Hakuro lowered the "sword," but his gaze remained fixed on his brother. There was something in those purple eyes that made Alek hesitate for a moment.

  — I know more than you imagine. — Hakuro responded, his voice calm but firm. — And I’m going to get stronger. Stronger than anyone has ever been.

  Alek felt a chill run down his spine. He didn’t know why, but those words sounded like a promise — or perhaps a threat. From then on, he avoided Hakuro whenever possible but couldn’t stop observing him from a distance, as if waiting for the moment when the youngest would finally reveal his true intentions.

  Months later, when Hakuro turned four, an incident occurred that would change everything.

  Hakuro was in his room, playing with some crystals Arysa had left on the table. By accident, he dropped two of them, and when they hit the floor, they created a small spark, starting a fire that began consuming a piece of the carpet. Hakuro watched the flames with fascination, feeling something awaken inside him.

  — Muereth… — he murmured, without thinking.

  The next instant, the flames grew, becoming an intense blaze.

  — AAHH! — Arysa screamed, turning toward the flames and running to put out the fire.

  The sound of the scream immediately drew Nafyr and Nyellen.

  — What happened here?! — the Marquis bellowed, confused, trying to make sense of the scene: Arysa panting, trying to extinguish the burning carpet on the floor, and Hakuro standing still, eyes wide... but fearless, silent, as if calculating what to say. But he said nothing. He remained firm, even in the face of tension.

  After ensuring no one was hurt, Arysa recounted what happened, her voice still trembling.

  Later, everyone was summoned to the noble hall of the mansion. The atmosphere was serious. The flames of the fireplace flickered on the stone walls, as if listening in silence.

  The Marquis stood before everyone.

  — From today onward, no one is to use magic in front of Hakuro! — he declared firmly.

  But why?! — Hakuro protested, his fist clenched in indignation.

  The stern look from Nafyr was enough to silence him.

  — You may continue studying, — he said, his voice softer now. — but under supervision. I’m not doing this to punish you, my son... but to protect you. You are special, Hakuro. Special enough. And that can be dangerous.

  He turned to Kyra.

  — Teach him only what won’t cause accidents. And Hakuro... — his eyes met his son’s, hard as steel — don’t use magic without first telling your mother, your sister, or Arysa. Never do this alone again.

  Hakuro lowered his eyes, but inside, the flame of magic had just been lit.

  And it wouldn’t be extinguished so easily.

  In the following months, Hakuro continued his studies under Kyra’s guidance. She had become his official mentor, teaching him about the laws of the kingdom, power systems, and especially about magic. For a four-year-old, he absorbed knowledge with impressive speed. However, whenever he tried to practice magic, he strictly followed his father’s instructions, always warning those nearby in advance.

  But there was something inside him that wasn’t content with limits. During the silent nights, while everyone slept, Hakuro thought about the sensation he’d experienced when provoking those flames. It was as if a part of him had finally awakened. His rational mind knew he needed to be careful, but his ancestral spirit yearned for freedom.

  Kyra noticed this growing tension. Once, while explaining the basic principles of mana manipulation, she paused and looked directly at him.

  — Hakuro, — she said, her voice soft but firm — you know why Dad and Mom are so worried, don’t you?

  He hesitated for a moment but then nodded.

  — Because I’m different. — he replied, his voice almost a whisper. — Because... I can do things other kids my age can’t.

  Kyra smiled, though there was a trace of sadness in her eyes.

  — Exactly. But that also means you need to be more careful. The world isn’t kind to those who are too different.

  Hakuro frowned, processing those words. He didn’t want to be seen as a threat, but he also didn’t want to hide who he truly was.

  Meanwhile, Alek seemed increasingly distant. He avoided Hakuro whenever possible, muttering insults like "abomination" when he thought no one was listening, but kept him under surveillance just in case. For Hakuro, this was unsettling. He didn’t understand why his brother treated him with such disdain.

  — Maybe he’s just afraid. — Arysa commented once when Hakuro asked her about it.

  — Afraid? Of me? — he asked, incredulous.

  Arysa nodded.

  — You’re… special, Hakuro. And sometimes, people are afraid of what they can’t understand.

  Those words stuck in Hakuro’s mind. He began observing Alek more closely, noticing how his brother seemed restless and nervous whenever they were in the same room. There was something more there, something beyond simple jealousy.

  Morning had barely dawned at the Yalareth mansion, but the garden already echoed with the sound of enchantments and the soft glow of mana being manipulated. Kyra, with her elegant posture and focused blue eyes, guided Hakuro through a series of magical exercises. The boy, with his messy lilac hair and determined purple eyes, followed his sister’s instructions with almost religious attention.

  — Visualize the energy, Hakuro! — Kyra said firmly. — Feel it flow through you, like a calm river, and try to direct it to the crystal.

  Hakuro concentrated with all his might. He could feel the mana, a warm and vibrant sensation pulsing inside him, just as in his past life. Slowly, he tried to direct that energy to the blue crystal he held in his hand. The crystal began to glow, emitting a soft and comforting light.

  Alek observed the scene from afar, hidden behind a marble column. The boredom of the morning and his instinct for self-preservation had led him to spy on what the two were doing. He never understood Hakuro’s fascination with magic, but he couldn’t deny that his brother’s dedication was impressive.

  — He really is an abomination. — Alek thought uncomfortably.

  — Very good, Hakuro! — Kyra exclaimed, smiling. — You’re progressing quickly.

  Hakuro opened a radiant smile, lighting up his face. He loved it when Kyra praised him. She was his mentor and also his older sister. He deeply admired her and wanted to learn everything she knew.

  — Now, let’s try something a bit more advanced. — Kyra said, picking up a bright red crystal. — This is a mana storage crystal and can hold a medium amount of mana. Try channeling the energy with more precision.

  Hakuro nodded, taking the crystal carefully. He concentrated even more than before. The energy inside the red crystal seemed to become more intense, more powerful. He could feel it pulsing in his hand, like a heartbeat.

  Suddenly, the light from the red crystal began to fluctuate, becoming unstable. Alek felt a shiver run down his spine, a premonition that something was about to go wrong.

  — Kyra, I think... — Hakuro began, but before he could finish his sentence, the crystal heated up in his hand, causing him to drop it just before the crystal exploded.

  The explosion emitted a strong red light, and magical energy erupted from the crystal, making Hakuro stagger backward. Kyra quickly raised a magical shield, protecting them from most of the explosion, but still, a good portion of the garden was engulfed in a brief wave of unstable energy.

  Alek watched, mouth agape, as the magical dust settled. Hakuro was strangely calm and appeared unharmed. Kyra, on the other hand, seemed a little shaken but relieved that no one had been seriously injured.

  — Hakuro! Are you okay? — Kyra asked, her voice still trembling.

  — I think so... — Hakuro replied, still a bit disoriented. — What happened?

  — You released too much energy at once. You need more control, Hakuro. Magic is powerful, but it can also be dangerous if not used carefully. — Kyra explained, sighing.

  Alek took the opportunity to leave his hiding spot and walk away unnoticed. But in his mind, the thought persisted: “This abomination will destroy the mansion before I inherit it.”

  — I tried to stop, Kyra, but it just didn’t work. — Disappointment was evident in Hakuro’s voice.

  — It’s alright, Hakuro. — Kyra said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. — Accidents happen. The important thing is that you’re okay and that you learned something from this.

  Over time, Hakuro also began exploring the mansion even more. He had fully mastered the language and could read the books that once seemed indecipherable. In the library, he found refuge, losing himself in stories about heroes, wars, and the mysteries of the gods. Each new discovery brought him closer to something greater, something he still couldn’t fully understand.

  One afternoon, while practicing in the garden, Hakuro decided to ask a question that had been haunting his mind for days.

  — Kyra, — he began hesitantly, but with curiosity shining in his purple eyes — why have you never taught me to use elemental spells?

  Kyra dispersed her magic, surprised by the unexpected question. She hesitated for a moment before responding, as if carefully choosing her words.

  — Elemental spells are... special, Hakuro. — she said finally — They can’t be used by just anyone. To access this type of magic, you need to undergo baptism and receive a blessing from one of the gods.

  Hakuro looked at her, confused.

  — Baptism? And what does that mean?

  Kyra sighed, stepping closer to her brother. She knew this conversation was inevitable sooner or later.

  — The baptism is a sacred ritual performed when a child turns five. It is during this ritual that the gods decide whether they will bless someone. If you are blessed, you receive a level of power that determines how strong your connection will be with the element associated with the god who chose you.

  Hakuro tilted his head, still intrigued.

  — So... I can only use elemental magic if a god blesses me?

  Kyra nodded.

  — Exactly. And even then, you’ll only be able to use spells related to the element of the god who granted you the blessing. For example, if you are blessed by Loraelwen, the Goddess of Nature, you can manipulate water and ice, but nothing beyond that.

  Hakuro remained silent for a moment, processing the information. He knew there was something different about him, something that went beyond normal limitations. But he also felt that he was still far from fully understanding the role he played in this world.

  — And if I’m not blessed? — he asked, his voice almost a whisper.

  Kyra smiled softly, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes.

  — Then you won’t have access to elemental spells. But that doesn’t mean you’re less capable. There are many types of magic that don’t depend on divine blessings. You’ve already demonstrated an impressive talent for manipulating pure mana, and that’s rare, Hakuro. Very rare.

  Hakuro lowered his eyes, thoughtful. He knew Kyra was trying to comfort him, but that explanation only increased his doubts.

  — Dad said you should only teach me things that can’t cause accidents. — he murmured, looking at her with a mix of frustration and curiosity. — Does that mean elemental spells are too dangerous for me?

  Kyra hesitated again, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.

  — Yes, Hakuro. Elemental spells are powerful and require absolute control. Even blessed individuals need years of training to use them safely. That’s why our father ordered me to focus only on simple spells for now. He’s trying to protect you, understand?

  Hakuro clenched his fists, feeling constrained by the imposed rules.

  — But I want to learn everything. — he said, his voice firm, almost defiant. — I don’t want to be treated as if I’m weak.

  Kyra placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, trying to calm him.

  — Hakuro, you’re already far ahead of any child your age. — Kyra said, her voice soft but firm. — What you’re doing here, what you’re learning... is extraordinary. But you need patience. Some things simply can’t be rushed.

  She paused, looking at him with a mixture of pride and concern.

  — Even with simple spells, look what happened during our last training session. That crystal explosion could have hurt you, or even other people. You have incredible talent, but you need to learn to control it before attempting something more advanced. Promise me you’ll be careful, alright?

  Hakuro didn’t respond immediately. He looked at the ground, lost in thought. He felt there was something inside him, something that went beyond the limitations everyone seemed to impose.

  — Yes. — He finally murmured.

  The next day, a question continued to echo in his mind: "Why was I sent to this world?" Hakuro repeated the question mentally, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He was sitting under the shade of a tree in the garden, watching the leaves dance in the wind. Everything around him seemed so simple, so natural. But inside him, there was a storm of unanswered questions.

  He knew he was different — his lilac hair, his purple eyes, his ability to understand things that other children his age could never comprehend. But what did that mean? Was being different a blessing or a curse? And why did he feel this constant need to learn, to discover more about the world?

  Lady Nyellen found him thus, immersed in deep thoughts. She sat beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

  — What’s wrong, my son? — she asked tenderly.

  Hakuro hesitated before answering.

  — Mommy… — he began, his voice hesitant, "why am I like this? Why am I different?

  Nyellen smiled, but there was a touch of melancholy in her eyes.

  — You are special, Hakuro. And sometimes, being special means carrying responsibilities that others don’t understand.

  Nyellen sighed, as if she had been expecting this question for a long time.

  — There are things in this world that not even the gods can explain. — she said, her voice calm and comforting. — But one thing is certain: you will be great, Hakuro. Something we cannot yet see clearly awaits you in the future. — At least, that’s what her intuition screamed.

  He frowned, confused.

  — Great... me?

  Nyellen smiled, a mysterious smile that seemed to carry centuries of wisdom.

  — That, my son, and you will discover at the right moment.

  These words left Hakuro with more questions than answers. But at the same time, they brought a sense of anticipation. And that night, as he gazed out the window of his room, Hakuro saw the starry sky shine with unusual intensity. It was as if the stars were trying to tell him something, sending messages he still couldn’t decipher.

  — Soon. — he thought, with a confident smile. "Soon I will understand everything.