The Primordial Secret
A New Dawn
The sun rose over Aryavarta's capital, gilding the spires of the priest academy in gold. Nero stood at the gates, clutching the enrollment letter like a lifeline. Beside him, Ledger smirked, clearly enjoying the boy's wide-eyed awe.
"Welcome to your new life, kid," Ledger said, gesturing to the sprawling marble complex. "Try not to faint."
Nero's voice trembled. "Is this… mine?"
The "quarter" was a mansion—ivy-clad walls, stained-glass windows, and gardens bursting with iridescent blooms. Inside, his mother waited, her cheeks flushed with health, her tattered village robes replaced by silk.
"Mom!" Nero sprinted to her, nearly tripping over his own feet. "Look at this place! We'll never go hungry again!"
Luna Solek hugged him tightly, her smile bittersweet. If only Leo could see you now.
The Offer
Later, Ledger leaned against a pillar, watching Nero devour a platter of roasted pheasant. "The academy's easy," he said. "Three classes a day. Rest of the time? Do whatever."
Nero paused, a drumstick halfway to his mouth. "But… what do priests do?"
Ledger's gaze darkened. "Purify. Protect. Without them, the Abyss Nurturers would've swallowed this kingdom whole."
"Abyss… what?"
"Monsters that eat magic. And flesh. And hope." Ledger shrugged. "Don't worry. You'll learn."
Nero's eyes gleamed. "If I can help people… I'll do it."
Whispers in the Dark
That night, Luna cornered Ledger in the moonlit garden.
"We're from Primordial's," she whispered.
Ledger froze. The Primordial's —The clan erased from history, rumored to wield power rivaling the gods.
"Nero's abilities manifested too early," Luna continued. "His father died containing them. If Nero loses control…"
"He'll burn from the inside out," Ledger finished grimly.
Luna gripped his arm. "Swear you'll protect him. Even from himself."
Ledger nodded. Gods help us all.
The Only One
Before bed, Nero knelt by his window, clasping a pendant etched with a faceless figure.
"Hey, buddy," he murmured. "Thanks for today. Keep an eye on Mom, okay?"
In Aryavarta, most prayed to pantheons of gods. But Nero's faith was simpler—a bond with the nameless deity who'd forged the Seven Gates. No rituals, no temples. Just… friendship.
Somewhere, the universe hummed in reply.
Epilogue: Shadows Stir
Ledger scoured the royal archives by candlelight. Dusty tomes confirmed Luna's claims: the Primordial's had battled dark seekers—entities not seen in centuries.
Why now?
A sketch of Leo Almik stared back—a man wielding four elements at once, his eyes blazing like stars.
Nero's bloodline is a time bomb.
Outside, a crow cawed. Ledger's chakra flared, sensing a presence in the shadows.
Too late to turn back.