The capital of the Auroran Empire was a city that never truly slept. Towering structures adorned with glowing Source Crystals lined the streets, humming with energy. The people bustled about in their daily routines, seemingly unaware of the darkness that lurked beneath the surface. The murder of Leslie Romanoff had long since faded from public discussion, yet within the palace and certain noble circles, whispers still persisted. No one knew who was behind it, only that whoever had orchestrated such brutality had yet to be found.
Vahn Romanoff, now twelve years old, remained silent. Not because he had nothing to say, but because silence was the best weapon he had.
In the days following his sister's gruesome murder, the palace had been rife with suspicion. The imperial guards investigated extensively but found nothing of use. The Romanoff family had been left to grieve, and the case gradually became another unsolved mystery. Vahn, however, knew better. He felt the unseen eyes watching him, analyzing his every move.
Whoever had taken his sister's life had yet to reveal themselves, and until he had power—true power—he would remain an unassuming boy, just another noble's son attending the Academy of Mystara.
The Academy of Mystara was the most prestigious institution for young nobles, scholars, and warriors in the empire. It was situated at the heart of the capital, a massive fortress of learning where children of powerful families honed their skills, preparing for the Age of Awakening at fifteen. For most, the academy was a place of excitement, an opportunity to develop their abilities. For Vahn, it was a prison—one where he could only watch and wait.
Vahn's Hidden Power
Most children of noble descent displayed talent in elemental manipulation early on, their affinities manifesting in small ways by the time they turned ten. Some summoned sparks of fire in their palms, others created gentle gusts of wind or levitated small stones. Vahn, however, had shown nothing. At least, that was what he led everyone to believe.
In reality, he had discovered his affinity long ago—lightning.
Unlike fire or wind, lightning was volatile, uncontrollable. Those with lightning affinity were rare, and those who could truly master it were even rarer. His sister's research had once hinted at a connection between elemental affinities and Source Crystals, but Vahn had yet to fully explore his potential. He spent his nights in secret, testing his control, letting small arcs dance between his fingers, feeling the electricity crackle beneath his skin.
His control was improving, but not enough.
If he revealed his power too soon, he would draw unwanted attention. The people watching him from the shadows were waiting for a sign, waiting for him to step into the light. So, he remained quiet, an ordinary noble boy, weak and insignificant in the eyes of those who sought to manipulate him.
The Incident at the Bar
It had started as a harmless gathering. A group of noble children, accompanied by their personal guards, had gone to a high-end tavern near the academy. Among them was Prince Cassius Auroran, who had grown into a fine young man, admired by all. Vahn sat quietly, listening as the others spoke of training, politics, and the upcoming Awakening Ceremony in three years.
Then, the atmosphere changed. A drunken mercenary, clearly unaware of the company he was in, began hurling insults at the nobles. The guards moved to intervene, but before they could, the mercenary lunged at Vahn.
For a brief moment, instinct took over.
Lightning crackled at his fingertips, barely restrained. He could have ended the mercenary in an instant, but he held back. Instead, he allowed himself to be shoved back, falling to the floor without resistance. The guards swarmed in, dragging the mercenary away while Cassius helped Vahn up.
"You should stand up for yourself," Cassius said, his golden eyes scrutinizing Vahn. "You're not weak, I can tell."
Vahn only gave him a small, polite smile.
"Perhaps, Your Highness," he replied simply, before retreating into silence once more.
From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a hooded figure slipping out of the bar. The observers had seen enough. They would report back that Vahn Romanoff was nothing but a timid noble child, easy to overlook.
Good. That was exactly what he wanted.
Life at the Academy
The Academy of Mystara was a place where young nobles were expected to excel, to rise through the ranks, and prove their worth. Vahn did just enough to remain unnoticed—never at the top, never at the bottom. He feigned mediocrity, allowing others to overshadow him while he quietly observed.
His peers saw him as unremarkable, a boy from a once-great family that had fallen from grace after his sister's death. His instructors barely paid him any attention, save for one—Professor Elias, a man with sharp eyes and an even sharper mind.
"You're holding back," Elias said one afternoon, watching Vahn struggle through a combat exercise. "I've seen it before. You have potential, but you refuse to show it. Why?"
Vahn wiped sweat from his brow, giving the professor a neutral look. "Perhaps I am simply untalented, sir."
Elias scoffed. "Perhaps. But I doubt it."
The man said nothing more, but his eyes held a warning. Elias was watching him closely, and that could be dangerous. Vahn made a note to be more careful around him.
The Awakening Ceremony Approaches
Time passed, and the students of the academy trained relentlessly, preparing for the Awakening Ceremony that would take place when they turned fifteen. It was during this event that their elemental affinities would fully manifest, and their true potential would be unlocked.
For most, this was a moment of pride, a chance to display their strength to the empire. For Vahn, it was a ticking clock.
He had three years to master his lightning abilities in secret. Three years to uncover the truth behind his sister's murder. Three years to prepare for the enemies lurking in the shadows.
And when the time came, he would no longer remain silent.
He would strike.
Lightning did not announce itself before it struck.
Neither would he.