---
The morning sun cast a pale light over the Kurogane estate, its rays filtering through the tall windows of the main hall. Kaito stood in the center of the room, his hands clasped behind his back as he faced his family. His father, Lord Haruto Kurogane, sat at the head of the room, his expression unreadable. Beside him stood Kaito's mother, Lady Sayuri, her sharp eyes scanning her son with a mix of curiosity and indifference. His older brother, Ryota, leaned against the wall, his arms crossed and his face neutral. Only his older sister, Akira, seemed to radiate any warmth, her energetic smile a stark contrast to the rest of the family's stoicism.
"So," Lord Haruto began, his voice calm but firm, "you didn't receive a blessing."
Kaito nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor. "No, Father."
There was a moment of silence, the weight of the words hanging in the air. Kaito braced himself for disappointment, but it never came.
"A blessing is not the measure of a warrior," Lord Haruto said, his tone steady. "Our family has always relied on our own strength, not the whims of the gods. You are strong, Kaito. That is what matters."
Kaito looked up, surprised by his father's words. He had expected indifference, perhaps even criticism, but not this.
Lady Sayuri stepped forward, her voice cool but not unkind. "Your father is right. A blessing may enhance one's abilities, but it does not define them. You have the potential to surpass even those who have been blessed. Do not forget that."
Ryota remained silent, but his nod of agreement spoke volumes. Akira, however, couldn't contain her enthusiasm. She bounded forward, throwing an arm around Kaito's shoulders. "See? Even without a blessing, you're still the strongest! Don't let it get to you, little brother."
Kaito managed a small smile, his sister's energy infectious. "Thanks, Akira."
As the family dispersed, Kaito lingered in the hall, his mind still swirling with thoughts. He was about to leave when he overheard a conversation between his father and a messenger.
"The adventurers… all dead?" Lord Haruto's voice was low, but the tension in it was unmistakable.
"Yes, my lord," the messenger replied. "Their bodies were found in the northern mountains. There were signs of a dragon, but no trace of the beast itself."
Kaito's heart sank. The adventurers he had admired, the ones his family had hired, were gone. He clenched his fists, the weight of their loss adding to his own feelings of inadequacy.
---
Kaito found his sister in the garden, her hands busy pruning a rose bush. She looked up as he approached, her smile as bright as ever.
"Hey, little brother," she said, setting down her shears. "You look like you've got a lot on your mind."
Kaito sighed, leaning against a tree. "I just… I don't know, Akira. I feel like I'm falling behind. Ren and Aiko got their blessings, and I… didn't."
Akira's expression softened, and she walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Listen, Kaito. You've always been strong, even without a blessing. Remember when we were kids, and you beat me in a sparring match for the first time? I was so mad, but I was also proud. You've got something special, little brother. Don't let a blessing—or the lack of one—define you."
Kaito looked at her, her words sinking in. "Thanks, Akira. I needed to hear that."
She grinned, ruffling his hair. "Anytime. Now, go train or something. You're starting to look lazy even to me."
---
In the grand throne room of the Eastern Empire, Ren stood before his father, Emperor Liang, his posture straight and his expression calm. The emperor's gaze was piercing, but Ren met it without flinching.
"You received the blessing of the Magic Goddess," Emperor Liang said, his voice devoid of emotion. "That is… commendable."
Ren nodded. "Thank you, Father."
There was a long pause, the silence heavy with unspoken words. Ren was used to this. As the fourth prince, he had long since accepted that he would never receive the same attention as his older siblings. His blessing, while impressive, was just another footnote in the grand narrative of the imperial family.
"You may go," the emperor said finally, his tone dismissive.
Ren bowed and turned to leave, his steps measured and deliberate. As he walked down the ornate hallway, he allowed himself a small sigh. He had expected nothing more, but the indifference still stung.
Behind him, Emperor Liang watched his son's retreating back, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. "He's grown up strong," he murmured to himself. "Stronger than I expected."
---
The Hakutake estate was alive with laughter and music, the air filled with the scent of food and the sound of clinking glasses. Aiko stood at the center of it all, her spear resting against her shoulder as her family celebrated her blessing.
"To Aiko!" her father, Lord Takeshi Hakutake, shouted, raising a glass. "The pride of our family!"
The room erupted into cheers, and Aiko couldn't help but laugh. Her family was loud, chaotic, and endlessly supportive, and she loved them for it.
As the party continued, Aiko's mother, Lady Yumi, approached her. The matriarch of the Hakutake family, Lady Yumi was a formidable woman, but her smile was warm as she placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"I'm proud of you, Aiko," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "With this blessing, you'll finally be able to beat that Kurogane boy. It's about time the Hakutake family showed them who's stronger."
Aiko grinned. "Don't worry, Mother. I'll make sure Kaito knows his place."
---
The next morning, Kaito was back at the training grounds, his focus entirely on his **mana control**. Mana control was the foundation of all magic and martial arts, the ability to manipulate the flow of mana within one's body and channel it efficiently. For Kaito, it was a way to compensate for his lack of a blessing.
He began by sitting cross-legged on the ground, his eyes closed as he focused on his breathing. Slowly, he reached out with his senses, feeling the flow of mana within him. It was like a river, swirling and shifting, and his task was to guide it.
He started with small exercises, directing the mana to his fingertips and back, over and over. The key was precision—too much force, and the mana would dissipate; too little, and it would stagnate. Kaito's movements were deliberate, his focus unwavering.
As he practiced, he could feel his control improving. The mana flowed more smoothly, responding to his will with greater ease. He moved on to more complex exercises, shaping the mana into small orbs and directing them around his body. It was a slow process, but Kaito was patient. He knew that mastery came with time and effort.
By the time he finished, the sun was high in the sky, and Kaito was drenched in sweat. He leaned against a tree, his breathing heavy but his mind clear. For the first time since the ceremony, he felt a sense of accomplishment.
---
As Kaito dozed under the tree, he was awakened by the sound of familiar voices. He opened his eyes to see Ren sitting nearby, a magic book in hand, and Aiko practicing her spear movements.
"Finally awake, lazybones?" Aiko teased, her spear twirling effortlessly in her hands.
Kaito yawned, stretching lazily. "Just taking a well-deserved break."
Ren looked up from his book, a small smile on his face. "You've been training hard. I can feel the mana residue from here."
Kaito shrugged, though he couldn't hide his satisfaction. "Just trying to keep up with you two."
The three friends fell into a lighthearted conversation, their banter easy and familiar. But then Ren's expression turned serious.
"I almost forgot," he said, closing his book. "The empire is sending some of the younger talents on a monster-hunting expedition. It's supposed to be a training exercise, but it's also a chance to prove ourselves. They're thinking of sending us."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Monster hunting? Sounds like fun."
Aiko grinned, her spear resting on her shoulder. "Finally, a chance to show off my new blessing."
Ren nodded. "We leave in a week. Be ready."
---
End of Chapter 4