Morning sunlight streamed through the grand windows of the Kerwin estate, casting long shadows across the polished marble floors. The faint hum of servants moving through the halls filled the air, but Lucian paid no mind to them. He sat alone in the vast library, flipping through the pages of an old tome on combat tactics.
He had read it before. Many times.
With a sigh, he closed the book and leaned back in his chair. This isn't enough. No matter how much knowledge he crammed into his mind, no amount of theory could replace real experience. If he wanted to grow, to truly become stronger, then he needed to step beyond the walls of this estate.
He needed to become a hunter.
A Father's Judgment
Baron Kerwin sat in his study, reading over documents when Lucian entered. His father barely looked up.
"You have something to say?"
Lucian took a breath. "I want to become a hunter."
That got his father's attention. The baron set his papers aside, his sharp gaze locking onto Lucian. Measuring. Calculating.
"No."
Lucian expected that. "I won't be reckless. I've trained hard, and my abilities far surpass most mages my age. If I spend the next two years as a hunter, I'll be stronger before I enter Astrenveil Academy. More prepared."
His father leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "You believe strength is enough?" His tone was calm but firm. "Experience is valuable, yes. But the world outside is brutal, Lucian. One misstep, one mistake, and you'll find yourself staring at death."
Lucian's hands curled into fists. "Then I need to learn that now."
Silence stretched between them. Then, to his surprise, his father exhaled and leaned back in his chair.
"You're persistent."
Lucian didn't respond, waiting.
Baron Kerwin studied him for a moment longer before shaking his head. "...Fine. But under conditions."
Lucian straightened.
"First," his father said, "you will hide your identity. I'll provide you with an enchanted mask that alters your voice and appearance. If anyone links House Kerwin to a hunter, it will bring unnecessary trouble."
That was reasonable. Lucian nodded.
"Second…" His father's gaze darkened. "You will carry a sword bound to a wind spirit. It will protect you only in life-threatening situations."
Lucian frowned. That was excessive. But he understood his father's worry, even if it wasn't needed.
"I accept."
His father sighed, rubbing his temples. "Your mother will not take this well."
A Mother's Fear
Lady Kerwin was furious.
"You expect me to sit back and let my son run into danger?!"
Lucian stood before her, bracing himself as his father calmly sipped tea beside them. His mother's emerald eyes burned with worry, and unlike his father, she didn't bother hiding it.
"I'll be careful," Lucian said.
"Careful?" she repeated, voice sharp. "That is not enough, Lucian."
His father set his cup down. "Elara, we cannot shield him forever."
His mother clenched her fists. "He is twelve!"
"And stronger than most third-ring mages," his father reminded her. "Keeping him locked away won't protect him—it will only delay the inevitable."
Lucian remained silent.
His mother turned to him, emotions warring on her face. "Why?" she asked softly. "Why must you do this?"
Lucian hesitated before answering. "Because I don't want to be weak. I don't want to rely on others to protect me when I should be protecting them. And… I need to see the world for myself."
Her lips trembled slightly. Then, after a long pause, she sighed. "...Promise me."
Lucian blinked. "Promise you what?"
"That you will return," she whispered.
His chest tightened. He stepped forward, gently taking her hands. "I promise, Mother."
She closed her eyes and nodded. "...Then go. But be careful, my son."
A New Name
That night, Lucian stood before a mirror, watching as the enchanted mask altered his appearance. His face sharpened slightly, his voice deepened, and his noble air was erased.
Lucian Kerwin was gone.
In his place stood Phantom, a nameless hunter.
He tightened the strap of his sword, feeling its weight at his hip. This was it.
Tomorrow, his journey would begin.