Arthur's Odyssey :Rise of the King

The world of Caelum was vast, a kaleidoscope of breathtaking landscapes that stretched from horizon to horizon. Endless plains of verdant green rolled gently under the golden light of the twin suns, their grass swaying like a restless ocean. To the west, jagged mountains clawed at the skies, their peaks veiled by swirling mists, while rivers of molten gold wound through their valleys, carrying both beauty and peril. In the far east, crimson deserts shimmered under the suns' relentless glare, their shifting sands hiding secrets of ancient civilizations, the south with it's eternal spring and peaceful landscape. Everywhere, the land whispered tales of magic, power, and history, etched into every stone and tree.

In the northern reaches of the human domain, the landscape was a different story. The air grew colder, the winds sharper, carrying with them the crisp scent of frost. Towering evergreens blanketed the land, their boughs heavy with snow, and crystalline rivers meandered through the forests, their surfaces glinting like diamonds.

Amid this wintery splendor stood Camelot, a city carved into the frozen heart of the north. Bustling with life, it was a beacon of human ingenuity and resilience, its towering spires piercing the heavens. Streets paved with shimmering ice bricks snaked through the city, alive with the clamor of merchants, the laughter of children, and the hum of mana-powered machinery. In Camelot, ancient tradition and futuristic technology blended seamlessly, creating a city that felt both timeless and impossibly advanced.

At the very heart of the city, perched atop a gently sloping hill, stood the Pendragon Estate. A sprawling castle-like structure, it commanded an unchallenged view of the city below, its alabaster walls glinting in the morning light. The estate was a masterpiece of architecture, its towers capped with sapphire-blue roofs, and its sprawling courtyards adorned with statues of past Pendragon rulers. The main building, with its grand archways and intricate carvings, exuded an air of majesty and power that was impossible to ignore.

At the center of the estate lay a room unlike any other, hidden deep within its labyrinthine halls. It was a place of warmth, bathed in the soft glow of enchanted crystals embedded into the ceiling, their light flickering gently. The walls were lined with shelves of ancient tomes, each bound in leather and inscribed with golden runes, while the polished marble floor was covered by an ornate rug bearing the Pendragon family crest.

In the center of the room, seated on a thick cushion, was a boy no older than four. His platinum blonde hair shimmered like spun silver, catching the soft light, while his piercing blue eyes seemed to hold the vastness of the northern skies. Though still a child, there was an air of quiet intensity about him, a weight of expectation that hung heavy even in his innocence.

For a moment, he was still, staring intently at a small, faint orb of light that hovered in the palm of his hand. It flickered and wavered, struggling to hold its form, but the boy's focus never faltered. His expression was one of determination, his tiny brows furrowed in concentration as he reached out to the power stirring within him.

"Arthur Pendragon, age 4, single light affinity, perfect grade," said the figure of an elderly man, his voice calm but unable to hide the surprise in his tone. His long, white hair cascaded down his back, and his beard matched the same silver hue, flowing with age. He stood before a glowing holographic screen, the information flashing before his eyes.

Though his demeanor remained composed, the old man couldn't suppress the look of astonishment on his face.* Four years old and a perfect grade...* His thoughts churned with disbelief. *Only one affinity awakened, yet this rank... the Pendragons have just gained a Scion..*

Behind him, another display continued to hum softly, its holograms shifting with data. The child in the room, Arthur, remained unaware of the world around him. His gaze was locked on the tiny orb of light that flickered and pulsed in his small hands, shimmering with raw energy.

Arthur's tiny fingers tightened around the orb, causing the light to stabilize, glowing brighter with each passing second. His expression was one of intense concentration, completely absorbed in his task. There was no fear, no doubt in his young eyes,only unwavering focus.

Another old man watched in silence, a mix of awe and recognition settling over him. *Perfect grade.. what a monster...* He couldn't help but marvel at the child's potential.*This child is extraordinary,he wil bring glory to the Pendragon family.*

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

A thunderous, boisterous laugh filled the room, shaking the very walls with its resonance. The sound announced the arrival of a towering figure who strode in with an air of absolute authority. He stood at an imposing 6'7", his presence commanding attention. His military-styled platinum blonde hair was impeccably groomed, matching the neatly trimmed beard that framed his sharp, chiseled features. Piercing deep blue eyes, brimming with pride and joy, completed his regal demeanor.

It was none other than Uther Pendragon, ruler of the northern continent, a King-stage awakener, and the head of the Pendragon family.

"My son," he declared, his voice booming with emotion. "The Scion of Light!"

A wide, triumphant smile spread across Uther's face, and for all his unyielding composure as a ruler and warrior, he could not conceal the overwhelming pride that surged within him. This was not merely a father beaming at his child,this was a king, rejoicing in the destiny of his bloodline and the future of his family's legacy.

---

Before Uther could say more, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor outside. A moment later, the heavy wooden doors of the chamber swung open, revealing a young girl with long, flowing platinum blonde hair that gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the windows. Her striking blue eyes, so much like Arthur's, were alight with curiosity and concern.

"Morgana," Uther said with a fond smile as the girl rushed in, her steps quick but graceful. She wore a simple yet elegant dress of silver and blue, its design befitting her noble lineage, though it couldn't hide the energy of a child her age.

She ignored the formalities of the room, her gaze immediately finding the small figure seated near the center. "Arthur!" she called, her voice filled with warmth as she crossed the distance in moments. Kneeling in front of her younger brother, she cupped his cheeks gently, her smile bright and reassuring.

"Are you okay?" she asked, scanning him as if searching for any signs of harm. "Did they hurt you during the test? I told them not to be too rough!"

Arthur, wide-eyed, shook his head, a small, shy smile forming on his lips. "I'm okay, Morgana," he said softly. "It didn't hurt."

Relieved, Morgana let out a dramatic sigh, pulling him into a tight hug. "Good. If anyone dared hurt you, I'd have given them a piece of my mind."

Uther chuckled, watching his daughter dote on her younger brother. "No one would dare hurt the Scion of Light, Morgana. Your brother's test results are extraordinary—something the human domain hasn't seen in generations."

Morgana pulled back slightly, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Scion of Light?" she repeated, looking up at her father.

Uther nodded, pride evident in his gaze. "Arthur has awakened only one affinity, but his light affinity is beyond the ninth grade, it's perfect grade. A rarity among awakeners. Your brother has the potential to become one of the most powerful beings in this world."

Morgana's eyes widened, and she turned back to Arthur, her protective instincts flaring. "Then we'll have to make sure no one ever tries to use him or harm him because of it," she declared, her voice firm despite her young age.

Uther's smile softened, his heart swelling with pride. "I expected no less from my daughter. You'll watch over him, won't you?"

Morgana nodded determinedly. "Always."

Uther's gaze softened as he watched his two children. "Morgana," he said gently, his tone shifting to something warm and fatherly, "why don't you take your brother to the garden? Let him get some fresh air. The two of you could use some time together."

Morgana's face lit up. "Come on, Arthur!" she said, taking her little brother's hand in hers. "There's so much I want to show you. I've been working on my flower arrangements,you'll love them!"

Arthur hesitated, looking back at his father, but Uther gave him a reassuring nod. "Go, son. Spend time with your sister."

The young boy smiled and let Morgana lead him out of the chamber, her enthusiasm infectious. The sound of their laughter faded down the hall, leaving the room in a weighty silence.

As soon as the doors closed, Uther's expression hardened, his jovial demeanor replaced by the stoic authority of a ruler. His piercing blue eyes scanned the room, locking onto the elders of the Pendragon family who stood quietly at the edges of the chamber.

"I don't think I need to explain to any of you the enormity of what has just been revealed," Uther began, his voice low but commanding. It carried the weight of unspoken expectations, drawing every ear in the room. "A perfect-grade affinity. The only one in the human domain."

The elders exchanged glances, their faces a mixture of awe and concern. One of them, an older man with deep lines etched into his face, stepped forward. His hair was streaked with gray, but his bearing remained sharp and imposing. "The boy is exceptional," he said cautiously. "But his very existence is bound to draw attention. Not just from our allies, but from those who would see the Pendragon line falter."

Uther nodded gravely. "That is why his protection will be our utmost priority. No harm must come to Arthur—not now, not ever. He is the future of this family and, perhaps, of the entire human domain."

Another elder, a woman with steely eyes and a regal posture, added, "It won't just be external threats we need to guard against. Within our own ranks, there may be those who envy his talent, or fear it. We must ensure absolute loyalty from every member of this household."

"Exactly," Uther said, his voice firm. "Arthur will not be a tool for anyone's schemes,not within these walls, nor beyond them. Make no mistake,this boy is not just my son. He is a symbol of the Pendragon legacy, and I will not allow that legacy to be tarnished or manipulated."

The room fell into a tense silence, each elder weighing the significance of Uther's words.

One by one, they bowed their heads in acknowledgment. "We understand, my lord," the eldest of them said. "We will do whatever is necessary to secure the boy's future."

Uther's eyes lingered on each of them, ensuring the gravity of his command was understood. Satisfied, he nodded. "Good. Let us begin preparations."

He turned his gaze toward the window, where the sun cast its golden rays over the sprawling city of Camelot below. "Arthur's path will not be easy," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "But I'll ensure he has the foundation to rise above every challenge."