Time passed quietly in the palace.
The tiny baby who once clung to Theo's finger—
Had grown.
Five years later.
The palace garden echoed with light footsteps.
A small boy with soft hair ran across the grass, laughing.
"Oliver, slow down," Charles called gently.
"I'm not going to fall!" Oliver replied confidently.
He stopped near the fountain, bright eyes scanning the air.
To everyone else—
It was empty.
To Oliver—
Magic floated everywhere. ✨
Threads of light danced around trees, water shimmered with faint energy, and warm golden particles surrounded his fathers.
Still the same… this world is full of magic.
Theo approached, arms crossed. "You're running again."
Oliver looked up. "I was practicing."
"Practicing what?"
Oliver smiled innocently. "Balance."
Theo narrowed his eyes. "…You're hiding something."
Oliver giggled.
He stretched his hand subtly.
A small leaf lifted for a second—
Then dropped.
No one noticed.
A faint panel appeared in his vision.
---
Name: Oliver
Age: 5 years
Magic Control: Intermediate (10%)
Skills:
Magic Sense (Advanced)
Emotional Magic (Passive)
Charm Aura (Active)
Cuteness (Max)
---
Oliver blinked.
Still growing… slowly.
Charles knelt beside him. "Your tutor is coming today."
Oliver sighed dramatically. "More lessons…"
Theo replied calmly. "A future ruler must learn."
Oliver crossed his arms like a tiny adult. "I already know reading."
Charles laughed. "You're five."
Mentally older than both of you… Oliver thought.
A breeze passed.
Flowers around him swayed slightly.
Theo noticed.
"…The wind only moves near you."
Oliver quickly pointed upward. "Bird!"
Theo looked up.
Oliver escaped.
Charles laughed quietly. "He's clever."
Theo sighed. "…Too clever."
Oliver stopped near a tree, looking at his reflection in the water.
Five years old.
Stronger magic.
Smarter mind.
Still loved.
He smiled softly.
This life… is peaceful.
But suddenly—
The magic in the air rippled.
Oliver's eyes sharpened.
Something… new?
The panel flickered.
---
Alert: New Ability Approaching
Condition: Age Milestone Reached
---
Oliver looked toward the sky.
The story—
Was about to change again. ✨