Night fell. After dinner with his parents, Arlen went alone to the garden pavilion and sat down, gazing up at the star-filled sky and the bright moon hanging high above.
A gentle breeze brushed past, lifting his silver-white hair and carrying the sweet fragrance of tuberose from the courtyard. Arlen quietly watched the night sky, letting his thoughts drift into the past.
From the age of five, his father had somehow obtained a Lost Magic—Gravity Magic—and entrusted it to him. It had since become his primary discipline.
For everyday storage, he used Requip (The Knight) magic, though he had only learned the basics, treating it merely as a portable storage space.
In addition, he specialized in a form of teleportation magic. It had no offensive power, but excelled in long-distance instant movement.
As long as his magic power was sufficient, he could even travel instantly from Magnolia back to the ducal manor in Crocus.
After the age of five, Arlen's life became entirely consumed by training.
Before turning eight, as his body had yet to fully develop, aside from necessary sleep, meals, and time spent with his parents, he devoted every moment to cultivating Gravity Magic.
Once his magic capacity reached its physical limit and could no longer increase, he chose another path—continuously compressing the stagnant magic within his body. Each compression came with agonizing pain, like his meridians were being torn apart, but it also made the purity of his magic far surpass that of others at the same level.
After turning eight, Arlen began tempering his body, practicing swordsmanship, and studying the profound techniques within his mind. At night, he continued meditating to refine his Gravity Magic.
However, due to the limitation of his total magic power, he had only grasped the principles of his most powerful techniques and could not yet fully execute them.
Day after day, year after year, he honed his magic, strengthened his body, and refined his swordsmanship. Combined with the full support of the ducal household and the entire family, in just seven years, Arlen had already stepped into the realm of an S-Class Mage.
All of this was thanks to the extreme compression of his magic.
To put it simply—if the magic power of a top S-Class mage was like a vast lake, then Arlen's magic was that same lake compressed into a highly dense, refined form.
Paired with his Gravity Magic and the supreme techniques granted by the multicolored light within him, even among S-Class mages, he stood among the very best.
As his thoughts wandered, Arlen leaned against a pavilion pillar and gradually fell asleep.
The stars shimmered, the moon shone brightly, and the soft night breeze playfully stirred his silver hair. Moonlight bathed his peaceful sleeping face, like a scene from a painting.
The next morning dawned clear and bright, with warm sunlight filling the sky.
After breakfast with his parents, Arlen boarded a carriage under their reluctant gazes, heading toward the train station.
Alice watched the carriage gradually disappear into the distance. Her eyes reddened as tears finally fell, her hand tightly clutching a warm communication crystal, filled with worry and longing.
Leaning her head gently against As's shoulder, she gazed into the distance with misty eyes. "I really wish I could go with him…"
As also stared in the direction the carriage had vanished, concern hidden deep within his eyes.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and spoke softly, "A young bird must one day spread its wings and soar. Look at our son—he's become so outstanding. We should be proud of him. Besides, it's not like he won't return. If we miss him, we can contact him through the communication crystal."
Alice wiped her tears, her voice trembling slightly. "But I still can't help worrying. He's never been away from us before… and now he's going so far…"
As gently patted her shoulder, holding her as she continued to sob, and led her back into the manor.
Such is the nature of parents. No matter how strong or exceptional their child becomes, they will always worry—whether you've eaten well, whether you're tired, whether you're hurt, whether you're warm enough.
When a child travels far, a mother's heart follows. That is simply how it is.
Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Arlen sat cross-legged with the Tang blade Alaya-vijñāna resting across his lap, eyes closed in meditation.
A faint cold glow emanated from the blade, resonating with the refined magic around him to form an invisible barrier that shut out all external noise—leaving him unaware of his parents' conversation.
"Your Highness Arlen, we've arrived at the station," the old steward Robert said respectfully.
"Alright."
Arlen opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them before fading. Carrying Alaya-vijñāna, he stepped out of the carriage.
He had already changed out of his home attire. His upper garment was a black cross-collared robe, styled similarly to ancient Han clothing, embroidered with blue-purple cloud patterns. On the collar and sleeves were golden emblems—the crest of the Viviamilio family—shining brilliantly under the sunlight.
He wore fitted black trousers and black boots with white soles. Around his waist was a leather belt engraved with the family crest, with a clasp on the left side designed specifically to secure his sword.
Over it all, he wore a loose gray cloak that draped down to his knees. His silver-white hair flowed freely behind him, gleaming softly in the light.
The moment Arlen stepped down, his appearance and attire instantly drew the attention of those around him.
Already as handsome as polished jade, his expressionless face, combined with the blue crescent mark on his forehead and his fair skin, radiated both nobility and heroism.
Many young girls blushed, fanning themselves with handkerchiefs as their eyes lingered on him. Even nearby vendors forgot to call out their wares.
"Which noble family is he from? He's way too handsome."
"He must be someone important—look, he even has a steward with him. And that sword doesn't look ordinary."
"Wow, he's so good-looking, and his temperament is amazing—like he stepped right out of a painting."
"That noble aura, combined with that outfit—so heroic. He's incredibly charming."
Though the crowd spoke in hushed tones, with Arlen's current strength, he heard every word clearly.
He paid them no mind. People would say what they wished—and besides, they were all compliments.
(If they weren't… well, that would be a different story.)
"Grandpa Robert, when you return, please tell Father and Mother to take good care of themselves.
If they miss me, they can contact me through the communication crystal. I'll also send letters home from time to time and visit whenever I can."
After giving his instructions, Arlen turned and walked onto the platform.
Robert's eyes were filled with reluctance as he bowed deeply. "Your Highness, may fortune favor you in all your endeavors."
Sitting by the train window, a ripple stirred within Arlen's heart.
At last—he was about to join a guild. And not just any guild, but the Fairy Tail he had long dreamed of. A place of legendary powerhouses, passionate companions, and the freedom he had always yearned for.
His fingers lightly traced the hilt of Alaya-vijñāna as his father's words echoed in his mind:
"Strength is the foundation of survival, but companions are the home of the soul."
He wondered whether joining would be difficult… whether the guild members would accept him—the "duke's son."
Throughout the journey, Arlen remained silent, gazing out at the rapidly passing scenery, the blade resting across his lap.
The noise of the carriage seemed cut off from him. Though the seats beside and across from him were empty, no one dared approach.
Perhaps it was the sword at his waist. Or perhaps it was the aloof, noble aura he exuded when silent. Occasionally, someone would try to strike up a conversation, only to retreat upon meeting his indifferent gaze.
Though it was his first time traveling alone, Arlen Viviamilio's heart was far less calm than it appeared.
He looked forward to new adventures, carried a trace of unease toward the unknown—but above all, his heart burned with anticipation and excitement for joining Fairy Tail.
"Fairy Tail… I, Arlen Viviamilio, have arrived."