Theo's overprotection did not decrease.
It increased.
"Guard the left."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Watch the fountain."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Oliver sat in the garden, surrounded by guards.
Samuel whispered, "You're imprisoned."
Ryan nodded. "Royal prison."
Lucas added calmly, "High security."
Oliver sighed.
I need freedom…
---
That afternoon, while Theo and Sebastian were discussing politics, Oliver slipped away quietly.
Just a little.
Just behind the trees.
No danger.
Perfect time to practice.
He lifted his hand.
Magic threads gathered gently.
Leaves floated.
The air shimmered.
Oliver focused harder.
Control… slowly…
Suddenly—
A small glowing orb formed.
He blinked.
New skill?
The panel appeared.
Skill Learned: Mana Sphere (Beginner)
Control: Unstable
The orb wobbled.
Oliver panicked.
Don't explode…
He quickly lowered his hand.
The orb vanished.
He exhaled.
"…Good."
---
Clap.
Oliver froze.
Samuel stood behind him.
"I knew you were hiding something."
Lucas stepped forward. "Magic training."
Ryan's eyes sparkled. "That was cool!"
Elena smiled softly. "You're amazing…"
Oliver blinked.
"You saw that?"
Samuel smirked. "Of course."
Lucas nodded. "Train together."
Oliver thought.
Training with them… could be useful.
"Okay," he said.
They formed a small circle.
Samuel created wind.
Lucas hardened the ground slightly.
Ryan tried… nothing happened.
"I think I'm still awakening," he said awkwardly.
Elena created tiny light sparkles.
Oliver watched.
Everyone really has powers.
He raised his hand again.
Small mana gathered.
The group stared.
---
"OLIVER."
Everyone froze.
Theo stood behind them.
Silent.
Dangerously calm.
Oliver swallowed.
…I'm in trouble.
Theo walked forward slowly.
"You left the guards."
"…Yes."
"You used magic."
"…Yes."
Silence.
Theo sighed.
"…If you want to train— do it with me."
Oliver blinked.
"Really?"
Theo nodded.
"I'll protect you."
Samuel whispered, "He's still strict."
Ryan nodded. "Very strict."
Lucas added, "But fair."
Charles approached, smiling. "Training together sounds good."
Sebastian laughed. "Now this is interesting."
Oliver smiled.
Training… friends… powers…
This childhood—
Was becoming legendary.