That day, the sky of Almenia felt different.
Not because its color or light had changed—
but because of the atmosphere that cloaked it.
The wind blew gently, far too gently for a morning in a kingdom as grand as Almenia.
As if the world itself was holding its breath.
The Day of Awakening had arrived.
At the heart of the capital stood a towering structure that pierced the clouds—
the Tower of Magic of Almenia.
It was not merely a symbol of the kingdom's magical power,
but the place where the fate of noble children was decided.
There—
their talent, power, and future would be revealed.
Since dawn, the courtyard had been filled with people.
Nobles from great families arrived in their finest attire.
Luxurious carriages lined up neatly,
elite horses gleaming under the morning sun.
But when a golden royal carriage entered the main gate—
all sound suddenly faded.
The carriage came to a slow stop in the center of the courtyard.
The door opened.
The king stepped out first, his movements calm yet commanding.
His white-and-gold royal robe flowed with every step.
Beside him, the queen descended gracefully,
followed by the prince and princess.
In an instant—
all the soldiers knelt.
"Salutations to Your Majesty!"
The voices echoed across the vast courtyard like an unstoppable wave.
The king merely gave a slight nod.
His gaze turned toward the tower.
Today was not about power.
Today was about the future.
Inside the main hall of the Tower of Magic, the atmosphere was entirely different.
The chamber was vast and white,
with towering pillars that shimmered like crystal.
A massive magic circle was engraved into the center of the floor,
dim—yet alive.
The noble children stood in orderly lines.
Some clenched their hands tightly.
Some lowered their heads, trying to steady themselves.
Others tried to appear calm, though their bodies trembled.
Because everyone knew one thing.
Today…
fate could not be changed.
If your talent was low—
your future would fade.
If your talent was extraordinary—
the path to glory would open.
There would be no second chance.
The Head of the Mage Tower stepped forward.
His long robe was deep blue, adorned with faintly glowing ancient symbols.
"With the blessing of the kingdom… and the laws of Almenian magic…"
He raised his crystal staff.
"…the Awakening Ceremony begins."
In an instant—
the magic circle lit up.
Light filled the room.
Flames emerged from empty air, rising high.
Wind spiraled, forming a gentle vortex around the circle.
Energy surged into every corner of the hall.
The first child was called.
One by one, they stepped into the circle.
The light changed according to their talents—
red for fire, blue for water, green for wind, silver for the sword.
Gasps of admiration began to spread.
"High-level fire talent!"
"He has sword aura!"
"Incredible…!"
Hope, pride, and ambition blended into one.
But everything changed—
when one name was called.
"Khan Rodieck."
The voice of the Head Mage echoed.
The once lively hall…
slowly fell into silence.
All eyes turned in one direction.
A small child stepped forward.
Only five years old.
His steps were small—yet steady.
There was no hesitation.
No fear.
His eyes were calm.
Too calm… for a child his age.
Whispers began among the nobles.
"The son of the Rodieck family…"
"The king's nephew…"
"Let's see how great he really is…"
From the throne, the king watched closely.
A glint of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.
That child was his blood.
The son of the sister he cherished most.
Khan stepped into the magic circle.
In an instant—
it lit up.
But…
The color was different.
Gold.
And black.
The two colors swirled together, clashing—yet not erasing one another.
Like day and night existing side by side.
The wind suddenly grew stronger.
The flames surged higher than ever before.
The crystal staff in the Head Mage's hand began to tremble violently.
"What is this…?"
His voice shook.
The energy that emerged…
was not ordinary.
It was… ancient.
An aura filled the room.
Deep.
Heavy.
As if something incredibly old—
had just awakened from a long slumber.
The nobles instinctively stepped back.
The king rose from his throne.
His eyes narrowed.
This was no ordinary awakening.
At the center of the swirling energy—
Khan opened his eyes.
And for the first time—
everyone saw them clearly.
His right eye was gold.
Shining like the sun.
His left eye was black.
Deep… like a bottomless abyss.
The hall fell into absolute silence.
No sound.
No whispers.
Only one feeling remained.
Fear.