The Hall of Guardians had never been so quiet.
Hundreds of eyes stared at the boy standing alone on the selection platform.
And at the man he had chosen.
Aether — The Sword of Void.
Among the legendary Twelve Elemental Swords of the Empire, Aether was the most mysterious.
He rarely appeared in public.
He almost never spoke.
And in the last twenty years…
He had refused every royal heir who attempted to select him.
Yet the forgotten prince had pointed directly at him without hesitation.
Now the entire hall waited for Leon's answer.
Aether's dark eyes remained fixed on the boy.
"Prince Leon Aurelion," he said calmly.
"Why did you choose me?"
The pressure in the room grew heavier.
Even seasoned warriors held their breath.
Because everyone knew the truth.
If Leon's answer displeased him…
The Void Sword would refuse immediately.
Leon stood still for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"Because you're the strongest."
The hall erupted into laughter.
Some nobles nearly fell out of their seats.
Even a few knights chuckled.
"The strongest?"
"He clearly doesn't know the generals are here."
"That boy must be blind."
Near the royal seats, Crown Prince Draven grinned widely.
"This just got interesting."
But Aether did not laugh.
His eyes remained cold and focused.
"Explain."
Leon continued calmly.
"I watched the warriors before I entered the hall."
"You were the only one whose presence I couldn't feel."
The laughter slowly died down.
Leon's voice remained steady.
"The generals radiate overwhelming power."
"The archmages have powerful mana."
"The knights have killing intent."
"But you…"
Leon met Aether's gaze directly.
"You feel like nothing."
The hall grew silent again.
Because what Leon had said…
Was not entirely wrong.
Aether leaned back slightly in his chair.
The faintest hint of interest appeared in his eyes.
Most people believed strength meant overwhelming power.
Massive mana.
Terrifying pressure.
But the true masters of combat often reached a different stage.
A stage where their presence became…
invisible.
To most people, Aether appeared ordinary.
But those with sharp instincts could feel something was strange.
Leon had noticed it immediately.
Aether spoke again.
"That is one reason."
"What is the second?"
Leon hesitated.
Then answered honestly.
"Because no one else would accept me."
The blunt honesty startled many of the nobles watching from above.
But Leon continued.
"If I chose one of the generals, they would refuse."
"If I chose a famous knight, they would refuse."
"So I chose the one person who doesn't seem to care about status."
The Void Sword studied him carefully.
The boy's voice carried no resentment.
No anger.
Just simple logic.
One of the Twelve Elemental Swords, a tall warrior with flame-red hair, suddenly laughed loudly.
"That kid's got guts!"
He leaned forward in his seat.
"But Void Sword, you've rejected every prince for decades."
"So what's the answer?"
The hall grew tense.
Because everyone knew the truth.
Aether rarely took disciples.
And when he did…
Those disciples often became monsters.
Hidden behind the balcony screen, the ancient founder of the empire continued watching.
Caelus Aurelion folded his arms thoughtfully.
The boy had chosen well.
Perhaps unknowingly.
But well.
Because among all the warriors in the hall…
Aether might truly be the most dangerous.
Finally, Aether stood.
The sound of his chair sliding back echoed across the chamber.
Every warrior straightened.
Because when the Void Sword moved…
People paid attention.
He walked slowly toward the platform.
Each step silent.
Each movement perfectly controlled.
Soon he stood directly in front of Leon.
The difference in height between them was almost comical.
Aether looked down at the boy.
"You have courage."
"You have observation skills."
"And you have honesty."
The hall held its breath.
Then Aether said the words no one expected.
"I accept."
The hall exploded with noise.
"What?!"
"He accepted?!"
"That's impossible!"
Several nobles nearly shouted in disbelief.
Even the Crown Prince Draven burst out laughing.
"HAHA! I knew something crazy would happen today!"
The Flame Sword whistled loudly.
"Well damn, Void Sword. Didn't see that coming."
The elderly court official quickly stepped forward.
"If both parties agree, the guardian oath shall now be performed."
Aether knelt on one knee before Leon.
The gesture shocked the entire hall.
Because although Leon was a prince…
A warrior of Aether's reputation kneeling was still unbelievable.
Aether spoke calmly.
"From this day forward…"
"I, Aether of the Twelve Elemental Swords…"
"Swear to guide, protect, and train Prince Leon Aurelion."
"Until the day he surpasses me."
Leon's eyes widened slightly.
But he quickly extended his hand.
"I accept."
The contract was sealed.
As the ceremony ended, the nobles slowly began whispering among themselves.
The forgotten prince now had a guardian.
And not just any guardian.
He had gained one of the most dangerous warriors in the empire.
High above the hall, **Caelus Aurelion smiled faintly.
"Interesting…"
Because deep within Leon's bloodline…
The founder could feel something awakening.
Something ancient.
Something powerful.
Something that even the royal family had never seen before.
And the boy who had once been ignored by the palace…
Had just taken his first step toward becoming something far greater.