In the stillness of dawn, Greenwood Orchard felt strangely unfamiliar without the looming threat of howls or snarling shapes. Over the course of a few days, the survivors—exhausted and bandaged—had labored tirelessly to restore at least the orchard's barest functionality. Where broken fence lines once lay exposed, hastily reassembled barricades now stood, bolstered by Kael's synergy forging. While the orchard was far from fully repaired, a palpable sense of relief replaced the dread that had plagued them for weeks.

  A SOMBER SURVEY

  Kael Ashborne walked alongside his father, Joren, down what remained of the orchard's main row. They stepped gingerly around charred grass and uprooted saplings, remnants of frantic battles. Here and there, orchard workers pulled scorched beams off crushed branches or hammered nails into salvaged fence planks. Most wore stiff expressions: determined to rebuild but still reeling from recent losses.

  Despite the orchard's partial recovery, the devastation was undeniable. Kael's gaze lingered on patches of earth still flecked with dried blood and torn fur, reminders of the direwolf horde that nearly consumed everything. Tension coiled in his chest. We won, he reminded himself, but at such a price.

  As if sensing his brooding thoughts, Joren patted Kael's shoulder. "Son, take heart. The orchard stands—and thanks to you, we've come through a nightmare."

  Kael mustered a small nod. Orchard workers no longer looked at him with mild suspicion or curiosity. Instead, they cast him grateful smiles, albeit tinted with awe. They firmly believed Kael had awakened his synergy right after his ninth birthday, a miracle of timing and necessity. None guessed the truth of his deeper, older awakening.

  RECOGNITION OF NEW POTENTIAL

  They neared a makeshift tool area where Rowan conferred with Gethran, the traveling scholar. Though Rowan's arm remained in a sling, he managed to scribble on a notepad while Gethran rummaged through small vials of forced-awakening residue. At sight of Kael, both straightened.

  "Kael," Rowan greeted, voice warm despite obvious fatigue. "I've just concluded a review of the orchard's supplies. We're short on nails, wooden posts, and many forging materials. But the orchard folk keep repeating how your synergy forging can at least reinforce what little we have."

  Gethran nodded. "Indeed. I recall how illusions once formed the orchard's perimeter wards, but now your synergy forging is the true backbone. It's impressive, lad."

  Kael ducked his head in modesty. "I only do what I can. I… suppose illusions aren't so vital now that I can directly manipulate Earth synergy."

  Joren glanced between them, pride shining in his eyes. "He's no mere illusions caster, that's certain."

  In the hush that followed, Gethran's expression grew thoughtful. "Kael, do you remember how we speculated your forced awakening might draw official interest?" He tapped a small parchment. "I've prepared a detailed letter to the reeve's men—assuming they come. They must see your synergy capacity. And perhaps we can secure extra forging materials if they recognize your ability."

  Kael bit his lip. Their orchard illusions had indeed faded into history, overshadowed by synergy forging. "I'll do what's best for Greenwood," he said simply. Inside, though, he knew the orchard's path and his own were diverging. I can't remain hidden here forever…

  TRIBUTES TO THE FALLEN

  Later that morning, orchard staff gathered for a short memorial. The bodies of four orchard workers lost to the siege had been buried in simple graves, marked with wooden planks etched by Joren's careful carving. A hush fell as Rowan stepped forward, leaning on his spear for support.

  "Each of them," he said, voice catching, "fought tooth and nail to protect Greenwood. Let us keep their memory alive by ensuring the orchard thrives again."

  Kael clenched his fists. The orchard might have a measure of peace now, but the weight of those sacrificed pressed heavily on his heart. Could I have done more? he wondered.

  Brynn, still stiff from injuries, broke the silence. "We'll honor them by rebuilding. Make the orchard safer than ever."

  Gethran inclined his head. "And we'll share the truth—how forced awakening led to that monstrous alpha. The orchard need not stand alone."

  THE SCHOLAR'S INSISTENCE

  After the memorial, Kael retreated to the barn's small forging alcove, where he stoked embers to heat scraps of iron. Careful to ration the orchard's limited resources, he hammered a few synergy plates designed to ward off lesser predators or stray mutated beasts that might wander in. Earth synergy pulsed gently under each hammer strike, reinforcing the metal.

  Halfway through shaping a plate, Gethran approached, carrying a folded scroll. The scholar watched quietly as Kael pounded out a final rune line, then cleared his throat. "I've news. I managed to contact a traveling merchant who passed by early today. He'll deliver urgent word to a city mage. Reinforcements may yet come—and possibly a recommended mentor for you."

  Kael paused, a faint sizzle rising from the hot iron. "A mentor… for me?"

  Gethran nodded. "You awakened earlier than most, and so strongly. Traditional orchard life might not be enough to harness your synergy forging potential. I suspect the city's mage circles or forging experts would eagerly train you."

  He set the scroll down. "They'll want an in-depth account of your synergy. I wrote basic details, leaving out illusions. The orchard staff agrees illusions are overshadowed. Now, your forging synergy is the orchard's mainstay."

  Kael swallowed. "Leaving… so soon? The orchard is still recovering." The possibility twisted his stomach, though he'd suspected it from Joren's words.

  "Soon enough," Gethran said gently. "But not right this moment. When the orchard stabilizes, and once city-based help arrives, they'll likely encourage your departure. The orchard cannot hold back a talent like yours forever."

  SIGNS OF STABILITY

  Despite lingering sorrow, the orchard showed daily improvement. Men carried salvaged planks to patch fences, while Brynn and Torik scouted the perimeter, ensuring no stray wolf pack remained. A handful of orchard women distributed modest meals—thin soups or stale bread—keeping morale afloat.

  Kael spent hours forging synergy wards: small metal plates etched with Earth runes to anchor fences, plus simpler alarm plates akin to Windflare Alarm. Where illusions once cloaked orchard boundaries, synergy forging now provided tangible reinforcement. Workers marveled at how effectively the soil stiffened around each fence post under Kael's touch.

  After hammering a final rivet into place, Kael stretched his cramped arms. I used illusions to hold saboteurs at bay once, he recalled, but synergy forging truly secures the orchard now. The orchard staff no longer asked him for illusions—they requested synergy-based fixes, trusting his "recent awakening" wholeheartedly.

  A QUIET VISIT

  Late in the afternoon, Rowan found Kael near the orchard's southern fence, tightening a runic plate with a makeshift wrench. Rowan's gaze flicked over Kael's sweaty brow and the faint glow of synergy in the metal. "Hard at work again, lad?"

  Kael nodded, wiping damp hair from his face. "We can't let up. Some stretches of fencing remain dangerously weak."

  Rowan exhaled. "I know. But you should rest. Even newly awakened synergy can't fix everything in a day."

  Kael offered a rueful smile, pulling a final bolt snug. "I'll stop soon. Just a few more plates to secure."

  Rowan paused, seemingly weighing his next words. "Gethran told me of possible city mentors who might train you—once we're stable. You realize… we can't keep you caged here, Kael. You deserve advanced instruction that a small orchard can't provide."

  A pang of mixed emotion coursed through Kael's chest. He'd grown to love Greenwood's fields and orchard folk, illusions or synergy forging aside. Yet he couldn't deny his ambitions. I must grow stronger to protect them—and to eventually face bigger threats. He mustered a nod. "I understand."

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Rowan patted Kael's shoulder. "Then let's do what we must. We'll hold the orchard together. You'll do it proud wherever you go."

  A MEETING OF MINDS

  That evening, Gethran, Rowan, Joren, and Kael gathered around a small table in the orchard house. Meria served steaming bowls of thin stew. Everyone ate with subdued gratitude; the orchard's resources had dwindled drastically during the siege, but none complained. Survival overshadowed any shortage.

  Clearing his throat, Gethran unrolled a fresh parchment. "I've spoken to the orchard's main workers. They agree—once the orchard is secure enough and reinforcements confirm no threat remains, Kael should consider advanced synergy training. Possibly in the capital or a well-regarded forging workshop in a city district."

  Joren's hand tightened around his spoon. "I never wanted to force Kael out… but we can't hold him back. He awakened so young." He glanced at his son, a blend of pride and melancholy in his eyes.

  Kael felt a prickle of guilt. They all believed this was a new, miraculous synergy bloom. He'd cultivated illusions for so long. Now illusions receded, synergy forging soared, and an entire orchard pinned hopes on him. "I'll go if it helps Greenwood," he said softly. "I promise not to forget all that we built here. I'll return if—"

  Joren inhaled sharply. "We know you will, boy. Just… be careful. This forced-awakening business hints at dangers beyond our orchard."

  Rowan nodded. "Word of your early Awakening may spread. Unscrupulous sorts might seek to manipulate you."

  Kael pressed his lips together. I can handle that, he mused inwardly, but it's best they think me newly awakened, rather than suspecting a hidden SSS potential.

  AN OFFER MADE

  Outside, dusk lengthened across the orchard yard. The four emerged to find Brynn leaning on a fence post, grimacing from bruised ribs. He gave a polite nod to Gethran, then turned to Kael. "I hear talk of you heading off for real training," he said, voice rough but amicable. "About time, lad. You're wasted on orchard chores alone."

  Kael managed a shy laugh. "I'm just forging synergy. Nothing fancy."

  Brynn snorted. "Fancy enough to blow back a monstrous alpha. Don't sell yourself short."

  Meanwhile, Gethran rummaged in his satchel and produced a small metal badge etched with swirling runes. "Here. A token from me to you, Kael. If or when you reach the city, show this to a mage or forging guild who might owe me favors. It could open doors faster than a random boy from an orchard."

  Kael accepted it carefully, studying the swirling lines. "Thank you. I—I appreciate it."

  "It's only fair," Gethran said. "Your synergy forging might do wonders in bigger circles. A child awakened at nine—rare. A forging prodigy—rarer still."

  PRIVATE REFLECTION

  That night, Kael slipped away to the barn loft, gazing across the orchard. Lanterns glimmered among the battered trees. Workers lay sprawled on cots, some still tending bruises. The orchard was stable, if only barely. Perhaps soon enough, official guards or a small militia would arrive, ensuring no immediate beasts would threaten.

  Sitting cross-legged on a makeshift pallet, Kael let his eyes drift shut. He recalled illusions from weeks past—how he'd used them to ward fences or confuse saboteurs. But illusions had no place in this new stage of his growth. Synergy forging overshadowed illusions entirely, fulfilling the orchard's defensive needs far more effectively.

  A pang of nostalgia flickered. Those illusions once gave me an edge, but I guess that chapter's closed. Now, forging synergy was his public face, and soon, a city mentor would refine his abilities further. I'm grateful illusions saved people's lives, but forging synergy is my real path forward.

  A SIMPLE TRAINING

  Before sleeping, Kael took time for a short physical regimen, recalling how he'd resolved to push his body daily. Quietly descending the loft ladder, he found a secluded corner behind the barn. Moonlight cast pale silver across the grass. With careful deliberation, he performed sets of squats, push-ups, and footwork drills—enough to keep building his strength without incurring suspicion.

  By the final set, his limbs quivered, sweat beading on his forehead. The orchard's calm seemed eerie in contrast to the savage battles of only days ago. Better to be prepared, he told himself.

  At last, as he rose from the last squat, a faint tingle rippled through him.

  System NotificationThrough sustained physical training, you gain +1 Strength.

  His exhaustion receded slightly, replaced by a subtle surge of power. Kael exhaled, satisfied. Another marginal gain, but in the long run, every increment counted.

  WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

  When Kael returned to the orchard house, he found Meria waiting with a small lantern in hand. Her gaze swept over his sweaty form. "Busy forging synergy all day, now secret training at night?" she asked gently. "We all worry, you know."

  Kael offered a sheepish grin. "I'm fine, Mother. Just… want to improve. There's still so much to learn."

  She smiled, though her eyes misted. "The orchard staff are calling you our miracle. I'm proud, but I fear losing you to a bigger world once you truly outgrow our orchard."

  Kael's heart squeezed. "I'll always be part of Greenwood, no matter where I go."

  A silence of understanding passed between them. Then she nudged him inside. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, Gethran and Rowan plan a final meeting about your next steps."

  Kael nodded, brushing dirt off his hands. He slipped away to the tiny sleeping corner in the house, mind churning with new possibilities. Would city mentors truly offer him advanced forging opportunities? Could he maintain his hidden SSS-level secret amid bigger crowds?

  Soon, illusions would fade completely from his repertoire, overshadowed by synergy forging—and with the orchard stabilizing, a new horizon beckoned.

  DAWN OF A QUIETER ERA

  When morning light filtered through the orchard windows, the staff woke to a day blessedly free of howls or frantic alarms. Rowan declared a partial rest period, allowing men to recuperate from injuries. In the barn's corner, Kael used Earth synergy to strengthen a few final posts. Baret and Torik quietly tested crossbows in case of stray beasts. Brynn half-dozed under a tree, determined to heal properly.

  During breakfast, Gethran joined Kael and Joren, swirling tea in a chipped mug. "If the orchard remains calm, I suspect a local reeve's patrol or small city garrison will arrive within a week," Gethran said. "They'll want a full report on your 'new awakening,' Kael."

  Joren studied his son's expression. "You sure you're ready for the attention, boy?"

  Kael shrugged. "I'll handle it. If it means extra help for Greenwood, I can endure a few questions." And it was the perfect cover for his advanced synergy forging, neatly explaining away feats that would otherwise raise suspicion.

  With a quiet chuckle, Gethran clinked his mug against Joren's. "Then let's see how the orchard stands in the next days. Meantime, I'll finalize notes about forced awakenings and pass them on to whichever official we meet first."

  RESOLVING TO MOVE ON

  Late that afternoon, Rowan convened a final group discussion near the orchard's courtyard. Joren, Meria, Brynn, Gethran, and Kael formed a small circle. A gentle breeze stirred the orchard's battered trees. Even in disrepair, Greenwood's greenery retained a quiet, stubborn beauty.

  Rowan cleared his throat, glancing between them. "We can't dismiss the chance of future attacks if that alpha or another forced-awakening beast stirs. But at least for now, Greenwood can breathe. Kael, thanks to you, illusions are replaced by synergy forging. We can rebuild from here."

  At the mention of illusions, Kael felt only a faint flicker of nostalgia. So much had shifted toward forging synergy. He gave a small nod.

  Gethran stepped forward. "As soon as the orchard's perimeter is truly secured, we'll see about your departure. The city awaits. A child who awakened at nine—indeed, you're likely to receive forging or synergy training offers from notable mentors."

  A hush settled. Joren's gaze softened. "I hate to see you go, son, but… it's time."

  Kael swallowed. "I'll stay until you're safe, at least."

  Rowan smiled, clapping Kael's shoulder. "We're already safer than we ever imagined, thanks to your forging. But don't let us chain you here. Greenwood's thankful for everything you've done— illusions or synergy forging, all of it."

  A SIMPLE CELEBRATION

  That evening, Meria whipped up what meager feast she could: a pot of vegetable stew, a loaf of bread that had escaped the siege's chaos, and a small dish of sliced apples—blemished but sweet. The orchard staff gathered, bearing minor injuries yet smiling bravely. Torches cast dancing light across the barn walls.

  Rowan raised a makeshift mug. "To Kael. And to Greenwood's future."

  "Here, here!" Baret seconded, adjusting his sling.

  Men, women, and even Gethran toasted. Kael flushed, bowing his head at their gratitude. He could sense the orchard's acceptance of a future without illusions overshadowing synergy forging. They no longer questioned how illusions had once fueled their defenses; now, synergy forging took center stage.

  He sipped the stew, letting relief wash over him. The orchard had endured unimaginable hardship, but they had survived. And he, masquerading as a newly awakened synergy user, had secured enough trust to eventually leave for bigger horizons.

  DAWNING PURPOSE

  Long after most turned in, Kael lingered on a stool outside the orchard house, gazing at the moonlit rows. Broken fences needed months of repair, but a quiet peace now reigned. He brushed a hand over a dull forging plate at his side. The orchard's illusions gave way to synergy forging, all to protect these people I love.

  A wave of gratitude for his second life and these orchard folk welled up within him. He vowed, I'll keep forging, training, and growing— so I can safeguard them from any threat, no matter how large.

  Yes, illusions once shaped his orchard legacy. But illusions were overshadowed now, replaced by forging synergy he could expand beyond measure—once he found the right mentor.

  He rose, stretching sore limbs. Perhaps in weeks or months, once the orchard was stable and city help arrived, he would set off with Gethran's references. For now, he still had tasks: finalize wards, check on orchard workers, keep everything calm. A fleeting pang struck him—he would miss these battered fences and folks who had become like family.

  Even so, a new path beckoned beyond Greenwood's boundaries. The orchard had weathered chaos, and with Kael's synergy forging established, a sense of closure settled over these war-torn fields. This was farewell to chaos—and the quiet promise of tomorrow's growth.

  STATUS SCREEN

  Name: Kael AshborneAge: 9Talent: SSS (Hidden)Core Grade: Red (Peak) — near OrangeLevel: 13EXP: 200 / 3500Free Attribute Points: 0

  Attributes:

  Strength: 30 (+1 from sustained forging labor)Agility: 10Constitution: 29Intelligence: 36Spirit: 53

  Trait:Sage's Insight (Advanced synergy & forging comprehension)

  Synergy Channeling:

  Earth Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.4)Fire Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.3)Water Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)Air Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)Light Channeling (Intermediate, Lv.1)

  Skills & Spells:

  Earthen Snare (Intermediate, Lv.3)Ember Bolt (Intermediate, Lv.2)Stone Shield (Intermediate, Lv.1)Windflare Alarm (Intermediate, Lv.1)Warmth Ward (Basic, Lv.5)Phantom Veil (Basic, Lv.5)Static Lash (Basic, Lv.2)