The massive gates of the Imperial Palace slowly opened.
For most people in the Valtherion Empire, passing through those gates was the greatest honor imaginable.
For Leon Aurelion, it felt like stepping into the unknown.
Beside him walked his new guardian.
Aether — the Sword of Void.
The two moved quietly through the palace courtyard, drawing curious looks from knights and servants alike.
Word had already spread across the capital.
The forgotten prince had gained a guardian.
And not just any guardian.
He had gained one of the Twelve Elemental Swords.
Just before they reached the palace gates, a familiar voice called out.
"Leaving already?"
Leon turned.
Walking toward them was Crown Prince Draven Aurelion.
His crimson cloak fluttered behind him as he approached, his expression full of excitement.
"You really surprised everyone today, Leon."
Leon bowed slightly.
"Your Highness."
Draven waved his hand dismissively.
"Drop the formalities."
He looked at Aether with a grin.
"I didn't think you'd accept anyone."
Aether responded calmly.
"I did not think so either."
Draven laughed loudly.
"That makes it even better!"
Then he turned to Leon.
"You've got guts choosing him."
"Most people are terrified of the Void Sword."
Leon glanced at his guardian.
"Should I be?"
Draven's grin widened.
"Yes."
The Crown Prince stepped closer to Leon.
His voice lowered slightly.
"You know something?"
Leon looked up.
Draven crossed his arms.
"In this palace, most people think you're weak."
"They think you'll disappear quietly."
"But I don't."
Leon blinked.
Draven leaned down slightly, his eyes burning with excitement.
"If you're going to be my brother…"
"Then become strong enough to fight me one day."
The Crown Prince straightened.
"I'm looking forward to it."
Then he turned and walked away without another word.
Leon watched him go.
"He's… different from what I expected."
Aether nodded.
"The Crown Prince lives for battle."
"He respects strength above all else."
Leon looked down at his hands.
"I'm not strong."
Aether replied immediately.
"Not yet."
The two finally passed through the palace gates and entered the streets of the capital.
The city was enormous.
Towering stone buildings lined the roads, while merchants sold magical artifacts, enchanted weapons, and rare materials gathered from across the empire.
Knights of the Imperial Police Force patrolled the streets, their armor gleaming under the sunlight.
Everywhere Leon looked, he saw strength.
Powerful warriors.
Experienced mages.
Veterans of countless battles.
He suddenly felt very small.
Aether suddenly stopped walking.
Leon almost bumped into him.
"What is it?"
Aether looked around the busy street.
"Your first lesson."
Leon blinked.
"Here?"
"Yes."
Aether pointed toward the people around them.
"What do you see?"
Leon looked around.
"Merchants… soldiers… adventurers."
Aether shook his head.
"Look deeper."
Leon focused harder.
He began noticing details.
A man selling weapons had scars across his hands.
A woman walking past carried a staff radiating faint mana.
A group of mercenaries wore armor damaged by recent battles.
Leon slowly realized something.
"These people…"
"They're all warriors."
Aether nodded.
"This is the capital of the most powerful empire on the continent."
"Even ordinary citizens here are stronger than most soldiers from other nations."
Leon swallowed.
"Then how can I ever catch up?"
Aether looked directly at him.
"By surviving."
They reached the city gates as the sun began to set.
Beyond the walls stretched endless wilderness.
Mountains.
Forests.
Dangerous lands where monsters and criminals gathered.
Leon hesitated slightly.
"This is where we're training?"
Aether nodded.
"Yes."
Leon took a deep breath.
Then stepped forward.
Behind them, the golden towers of the capital slowly faded into the distance.
Ahead of them waited the harsh frontier of the empire.
Aether spoke calmly as they began walking down the mountain road.
"Prince Leon."
"Yes?"
"From tomorrow onward…"
"You will train until your body breaks."
"You will fight enemies stronger than you."
"And you will face death many times."
Leon clenched his fists.
"Understood."
Aether glanced at him.
"If you survive…"
"You will become strong."
Far above the capital, standing on the tallest tower of the palace, one figure continued to observe.
Caelus Aurelion.
The ancient founder watched Leon disappear beyond the city gates.
His eyes glowed faintly with ancient power.
"Go, child."
"Grow."
Because deep inside Leon's bloodline…
The First Sovereign could feel it stirring.
An ability that had not appeared in the empire for centuries.
A power that might one day rival the greatest warriors alive.
And somewhere in the distant wilderness…
The forgotten prince's real journey was about to begin.