Aeros hesitated, but the system's playful yet cautionary tone pushed him to speak. He explained his strength and the system and how it guided him in training. As Ellie listened, the system suddenly spoke in her mind.
[Hey there, missy. Welcome to the exclusive party of Aeros Cromwell. You can now hear me in your thoughts, neat huh?]
Ellie nearly yelped but maintained her composure. "What was that?" she asked, eyes wide.
Aeros smirked. "That would be the system. It seems you're now linked through telepathy."
Ellie's sharp mind quickly put the pieces together. "So this system grants you strength and knowledge? And that symbol on your chest… I have a feeling they're connected."
Aeros crossed his arms, deep in thought. "I've wondered the same thing. It only appeared after I started growing stronger."
Ellie nodded. "That means the system and the symbol may both be tied to something bigger than just you. But we'll figure it out later. Right now, we need to talk about affinities."
She led him to the library, grabbing a thick tome on magic theory. "There are five main affinities: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Thunder. Two rare irregulars exist—Light and Dark. But having two affinities is almost unheard of."
Aeros frowned. "Then what about me?"
Ellie tapped her chin. "You have both Ice and Thunder. That's unique. Ice is an extension of Water, which means I can help you train. But Thunder… no one in our family has that."
Aeros's heart skipped a beat. "Are you sure?"
Ellie's face turned somber. "Well, no one except your Mother."
A moment of silence passed between them. Eleanor Cromwell, his mother. He had always thought he was more like his father, but now…
Aeros clenched his fists. "I've inherited more from her than I thought."
Without another word, he left the library and went straight to his father's chamber. Julius Cromwell, who was reviewing reports, looked up at his son's determined expression.
"Father, I need to tell you something."
Julius raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"I have been granted two affinities. Ice and Thunder."
The report fell from Julius's hand. "What?"
Aeros nodded. "Ellie said no one in the family has Thunder except—"
"Your mother," Julius finished the sentence, his voice heavy with emotion. Without hesitation, he stood up. "Come with me."
Julius led Aeros through the castle's silent halls, stopping before a large door. The chamber of Eleanor Cromwell. His father placed a hand on the door, and with a faint pulse of mana, the locking mechanisms shifted, allowing the grand entrance to swing open.
He walked to a cabinet, retrieved a leather-bound book, and handed it to Aeros.
"This… is your mother's guide to Thunder Affinity."
Aeros ran his fingers over the aged cover, feeling a deep connection forming.
He flipped open the book. The moment his fingers touched the ancient parchment, a warm surge of energy coursed through his body. His mind flooded with knowledge—basic thunder affinity principles, control techniques, and the first steps to mastering it.
Julius, observing closely, narrows his eyes.
"That look in your eyes… you've understood something, haven't you? No, it's more than that. You've absorbed knowledge instantly. Tell me, Son—what or who is guiding you?"
Aeros tensed for a moment. His father was no fool. Julius Cromwell had ruled over one of the strongest noble houses for decades; deceiving him was not an option.
"I…" Aeros hesitated, then sighed in resignation. He had already brought Ellie into the fold. His father was the last person he could afford to make an enemy of.
[System: Kid, your old man's got sharp instincts. You can't dodge this one. Just do it; I will handle the rest.]
"Father, I can't explain everything just yet, but… I can show you."
With a thought, he added Julius to the system's party.
A moment later, Julius's expression hardened, then softened in shock. His hand twitched as the system's voice entered his mind.
[ Welcome, Archduke Julius Cromwell. You've been granted party access. Before you say anything—no, you cannot share this with anyone. No exceptions. Not even the king. Not even the gods themselves. Swear it now, or I'll eject you from the party.]
Julius' brows knit together, the weight of the words settling over him. He looks at Aeros, then back at the unseen entity now speaking in his head.
"This… This is what's been aiding you?"
"Yes, Father." Aeros meets his gaze, unwavering.
There's a long silence before Julius exhales and then nods.
"Very well. I swear upon my name, Julius Cromwell, that I will not reveal this secret to anyone."
"Who else knows?" asked Julius, still finding logic in what was happening
"Just you and Ellie," Aeros replied. "Ellie?, Are you serious, She is loose-mouthed and can spill these secrets to someone we can't trust."
"Don't worry, Father, she has sworn upon the Mana core." Said Aeros, trusting the fact that the contract is what they say it is. "Hmm. Then it is fine she won't break the promise." Julius nodded with a sigh.
The air shifted. The system hummed in approval.
[ Smart man. Good to have you on board. Now, let's make one thing clear—you can ask questions, but you're not the boss of me.]
Julius's jaw tightened, his eyebrow twitching.
"...What in the abyss have I just signed up for?"
Aeros smirked. "Welcome to my world, Father."