The golden rays of the morning sun streamed through the inn's small window, rousing Kai and Zac from their slumber.
After freshening up, the brothers descended the creaky wooden stairs to the main hall, greeted by the warm smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat.
As they settled at a table, Kai's gaze was drawn to a large, intimidating man standing by the counter.
He appeared to be in his early 40s, with a muscular frame and a height of six feet.
His thick arms were crossed, and his eyes were locked onto the brothers with a stern intensity.
"Uh... Zac," Kai muttered, narrowing his eyes. "That guy looks like he wants to break us in half."
Zac, still half-asleep, followed Kai's line of sight. "Maybe we forgot to pay for breakfast yesterday?"
The man began striding towards them, his imposing aura filling the room.
His every step seemed to shake the floor, the tension escalating with each passing second. Kai instinctively jumped to his feet, positioning himself protectively in front of Zac.
His fists raised, his southpaw stance set.
"If you're looking for a fight," Kai growled, his body tensed, "then let's go."
But to their surprise, the man abruptly bowed low. "Thank you. Thank you for saving my wife."
Kai blinked, his fists lowering. "Wait, what?"
Just then, Sophia appeared from the kitchen, her face flushed with annoyance.
Marching up to the large man, she smacked him on the shoulder. "Al, you're scaring them! They're my saviors, not enemies."
The brothers exchanged bewildered glances.
"So, this is your husband?" Zac asked.
Sophia nodded, glaring playfully at the man. "Yes.
And this is why he stays in the back cooking instead of dealing with customers."
"You're the chef?" Kai's eyes widened in disbelief. "We thought Merla did the cooking."
Al scratched his head sheepishly. "Nope, that's all me.
My wife handles the front while I take care of the kitchen."
After sharing a round of laughter, they all sat down. Al apologized once more, his booming voice much gentler now.
"I'm truly grateful for what you did. If you ever need anything, just say the word."
Zac, always practical, seized the moment. "Actually, we were wondering how to become adventurers."
Sophia's eyes brightened. "That's simple enough. You just need one silver coin to register at the guild.
It's a great way to make money, but it's dangerous."
"We can handle ourselves," Kai assured confidently.
Sophia smiled. "That determination reminds me of the old days.
My husband and I were adventurers once. Our party of five traveled across Tenria."
"Really?" Zac leaned in. "What was your party called?"
"The Silver Dawn," Al answered proudly. "I was the swordsman, and Sophia was our healer. Then there was Dax, a dual-wielding rogue, Elira the fire mage, and Baldwin, our stalwart shield-bearer."
Kai was impressed. "Sounds like an unstoppable team."
Sophia nodded. "We shared a lot of memories. But once I got pregnant, we quit adventuring and took over my parents' inn with my sister."
Kai's eyes widened. "You have kids?"
Sophia laughed. "Two.
Our son Leo followed in our footsteps and became an adventurer with his own team. He even partnered up with Dax's son, Jr. Just like his father, Jr. is a dual wielder. Dax's father is the blacksmith here in town.
And Elira and Baldwin's children, Elle and Jax, are adventurers too. Elle is a gifted magic user specializing in healing magic with her grimoires, and Jax, like his father, is a tank who carries a massive shield to protect his team."
Zac was surprised. "Wait, Elira sold me my magic gun, didn't she? A beautiful woman sold it to me for a good price."
Sophia smiled proudly. "That would be Elira. She's a genius when it comes to magical technology.
Though she sold you the gun, my daughter Lira is the real technological genius. She lives in the region governed by Teknos, the God of Technology, with her husband,
Grayson. They're both scientists, constantly inventing new magical devices."
Kai was amazed.
"Your whole party's legacy lives on. That's incredible."
Sophia beamed. "And did I mention my husband is a four-star aura user? Not many can achieve that rank."
Kai's respect for Al grew. "Four stars? That's insane."
burned in Kai's chest. "Sophia, you mentioned your husband was a four-star aura user. What does that mean?"
Sophia suddenly recalled the brothers' supposed ignorance of the world. Al took over the explanation, his voice steady and wise.
"Aura is the energy that flows through all living things," Al explained.
"It's a reflection of one's spirit and will. Aura users train to harness and manipulate this energy, unlocking immense physical and mystical abilities."
He gestured towards his chest. "To wield aura, we create 'circles' around our hearts, a process called 'auric resonance.
These circles amplify our strength, speed, and endurance. The number of circles defines our power level.
A beginner forms their first circle, while the most powerful users can form up to ten circles."
Kai listened intently. "How do you create these circles?"
Al smiled. "It starts with meditation. You must feel your aura, visualize it, and shape it with your will.
Here, I'll show you."With a deep breath, Al closed his eyes.
A subtle glow enveloped his body, and a golden circle of light appeared around his chest, pulsing gently. The pressure in the room shifted as his presence grew more pronounced.
"Touch it," Al instructed.
Kai hesitated but reached out.
The moment his hand made contact, the aura felt solid—like a tempered steel wall, both warm and imposing.
"That's incredible," Kai murmured.
"Would you like to learn how to form your first circle?"
Al offered. Kai's face lit up with excitement. "Absolutely."
Al nodded approvingly. "Good. After breakfast, I'll guide you through it."
Zac, on the other hand, had different priorities. "I think I'll check out that library Sophia mentioned.
Might as well get some knowledge while Kai's busy glowing."
Sophia chuckled. "A wise choice. The town library has plenty of books on Tenria's history and even some on ancient myths."
Before they parted ways, Al spoke once more. "Kai, if you wish to understand aura fully, you should know about Aethon."
"Aethon?"
"The God of Aura and Spirit Energy," Al explained. "He represents inner balance and the discipline required to master one's spirit. Many warriors worship him, believing his guidance strengthens their resolve.
It's said that only those who embrace their true selves can unlock the full potential of their aura."
Kai absorbed the words, his resolve strengthening. "Then I'll do my best."
Al clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit.
Now, finish your breakfast. Training awaits."
With a hearty meal to fuel them, Zac set off for the library, while Kai followed Al to the basement, eager to take his first step on the path of an aura user.
The journey was just beginning, and both brothers were ready to face whatever lay ahead.