dam was surrounded by many people—his parents, select workers and maids, and even his aunt Solana was here. All these people, although busy, had made time for him.

  “Happy birthday, Adam,” everyone said in unison.

  Laughs filled the room, but soon everyone left except for his parents and his aunt. The three talked in private.

  “One year old, and he can walk, run, and talk like an adult. You two are raising a beast,” Solana said, her tone half-joking, half-serious. “I wonder how he’ll be when he awakens… You two know that he’s likely to awaken earlier than even nobles usually do, yeah?”

  The two sighed, and then Irina spoke.

  “We… know. We’ve been discussing how we’re going to deal with this. We’re thinking of hiring tutors—one to teach him about the political world, one about cultivation. But he is a child. I know he’s very serious and acts like an adult, yet still… I want him to at least live his childhood a bit more.”

  Lake put his hand on Irina’s shoulder.

  Solana replied, “I know, sister, but this isn’t the time for that. The world is growing ever more dangerous. Wars are more common, political powers are shifting—you need to do what has to be done.” She looked at Lake. “Lake, I’ll trust you’ll make the right decision.”

  Lake took a few moments, then squeezed his wife’s shoulder. “We’ll do it.”

  Irina didn’t say anything, just put her hand over her husband’s hand with her head down. When she looked up, she saw Solana already leaving.

  “I’ll come back to check on his progress in one year. Don’t let him slack.”

  And just like that, she was no longer there.

  Two weeks later

  Back to Adam—he was in his room.

  Bone densening. The next chapter. It is not very hard except in delicate areas like the skull and spine. According to my progress, I should be done in five months. Then, organ reforging… which will likely take the longest time.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  A week passed with the same daily training. He had gotten a bit more free time ever since he showed more and more intelligence, so his progress really wasn’t bad.

  As he was in his room training, he heard a knock.

  “Young Master Adam, the masters are calling for you.”

  He walked out and found a maid, promptly following her. They reached a room. Adam thanked the maid and walked inside.

  He found his parents sitting with a random old, bearded man.

  The man stood as Adam entered, eyes narrowing with mild curiosity. His presence wasn’t threatening, but it carried weight. His robes were simple but finely made, marked with ancient embroidery that Adam instantly recognized as elemental sigils.

  “Adam,” Lake said, gesturing toward the man, “this is Master Jinhai. He’s not here to teach you cultivation directly. That’s something you’ll do when you awaken. But until then, he’ll teach you everything about cultivation. Paths, elements, body types, Qi attributes, major sects, history—you name it.”

  Adam’s eyes widened slightly, interest sparking. Master Jinhai gave him a polite bow.

  “I do not train children,” he said with a surprisingly smooth voice, “but I do guide minds. If your parents speak true, you may be more capable than some sect disciples I’ve met.”

  Adam nodded solemnly, then turned to his parents.

  “I’m glad you picked him,” he said plainly. “But I heard you talking about hiring a political tutor too. You don’t need to.”

  Irina blinked. Lake raised an eyebrow.

  Adam stepped closer. “Just give me the books. I’ll read them. If I don’t understand something, I’ll ask. But I don’t want to waste time listening to someone teach me what I can learn faster alone.”

  Irina opened her mouth to protest, but Lake spoke first. “He’s right.”

  Irina paused, then sighed and offered a faint smile. “Alright. But I’ll still assign someone to make sure you’re actually reading.”

  Adam nodded, satisfied.

  Master Jinhai let out a small chuckle. “This will be… interesting.”