The sun rose over House Valeford, golden light bathing the training courtyard in warmth. Most of the estate was still asleep, but not Caelan.
At just past dawn, the young duke's son stood alone, bare-footed, shirt off, drenched in sweat.
He was training.
Pushups, sprints, controlled sword swings—hundreds of reps a day. Not just with strength in mind, but control. Endurance. Precision.
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> I need my body to keep up with my magic. Without stamina, I'll collapse before any real fight even begins.
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As he gritted his teeth and continued his sprints across the field, he felt something snap inside him—not in pain, but in power.
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[System Notification]
> You have pushed your body past its natural threshold.
Skill Unlocked: Dragon Stamina (C)
Description: Boosts vitality, endurance, and physical resilience beyond human limits. Trait drawn from dormant draconic mana resonance.
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Caelan fell to one knee, gasping—his heart racing, but his body no longer trembling from fatigue.
> So this is dragon stamina… My muscles feel like they're made of coiled steel.
As the rush of stamina settled, another wave of heat surged from within—familiar, raw, and untamed.
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[System Alert]
> Compatible Skill Detected: Lifeblood Surge (D+)
Merge Opportunity Available
Merge Dragon Stamina + Lifeblood Surge into new skill?
Previous skills will be permanently lost.
Confirm Merge: Yes/No?
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Caelan stood, eyes narrowing.
> Lifeblood Surge channels inner vitality into brief power boosts. Dragon Stamina grants sustained resilience… together? That's a battle engine.
"Merge," he whispered.
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[Merge Complete]
> New Skill Acquired: Draconic Lifeforce Engine (B-)
Description: Your stamina, regeneration, and vitality work as one. Physical exertion now fuels regeneration. Regain health over time while active. Passive endurance boost at all times.
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Caelan staggered slightly, then chuckled to himself.
> Now I can fight longer, heal faster, and push harder… even before learning advanced magic.
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Valeford Estate – Afternoon
Later that day, Caelan joined his mother and father in the lounge. His father, Duke Alric Valeford, looked over some documents while sipping tea. His mother hummed while holding a sleepy Lilia in her lap.
"You've been up early again, Caelan," his father said with a raised brow. "Not many four-year-olds train like that."
"I like the mornings," Caelan answered, modest.
His father smiled faintly. "You've inherited your grandfather's spirit. Nobles from House Garion visited last week. They asked about you."
"Really?"
"Yes. They've heard rumors that our son shows early talent in both sword and spell." He gave a knowing look. "At your fifth birthday, you'll meet nobles from several houses. Be ready."
> Perfect. Just enough time to unlock another spell and polish my act.
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Later That Night – Nursery Room
Caelan tucked in his sleepy sister, brushing hair away from her face. Lilia grabbed his hand, eyes half-shut.
"You… pwomise you'll never leave?" she mumbled.
"I'll never leave you, Lilia," he whispered.
She smiled softly and fell asleep.
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[System Note]
> Emotional Anchor Reinforced
Bond: Lilia Valeford – Stronger
Bonus: Resistance to Charm/Mental Influence effects +10% near Lilia.
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> Soon, I'll show the world what I really am… but not yet. Let them see the genius. The monster will come later.