Teenagers can grow stronger through consistent training and exercise. But for the elderly—those in their eighties and nineties—pushing their bodies too hard only leads to damage. The potential between youth and age simply isn't comparable.
"That's good," Arthur murmured with a slight smile, pleased by the system's latest response.
Yet, as he looked down at the two teenagers drifting playfully in the water below, his expression clouded with hesitation.
Adam Frost-Heart… The boy would one day be known as the God of Ice—a name spoken with reverence and fear. His vast magical power and his mastery over the Absolute Zero magic source made him nearly unmatched in strength.
Despite his gentle appearance and seemingly approachable nature, no fool or talentless soul could rise to the peak of such a brutal world of wizardry. It took brilliance, power, and a certain edge of ruthlessness.
Then there was Wilson Ember, who would grow to become Adam's only true equal. His Emberforge Heart Flame source held terrifying potential, and once fully awakened, Wilson would become a force just as formidable as Adam.
So... which one should I choose? Arthur's thoughts swirled with indecision.
"I used to worry I'd never find a suitable disciple," he muttered, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Now, I'm stuck between two once-in-a-lifetime prodigies."
A good problem to have—but a problem nonetheless.
With a light step, Arthur moved across the surface of the river. To him, the water was as solid and untroubled as polished glass. This was the benefit of being in a soul state: even without any magic power, he could walk on water or soar through the sky at will.
His black robe fluttered around him like smoke in the breeze. He walked atop the water with the grace of an ancient god—serene, commanding, unseen.
Neither Adam nor Wilson noticed him. Nor did they know each other's true identities—at least, not openly. Maybe they had their suspicions. But right now, they acted like any two teenage boys, laughing and splashing as if the world weren't tearing itself apart beyond the riverbanks.
To outsiders, it might have seemed ordinary, even sweet. But those two came from rival families, sworn enemies. In this chaotic and unforgiving era, their tentative friendship was nothing short of a miracle.
As if sensing Arthur's hesitation, the system's voice stirred in his mind.
"Well? Have you made your decision?"
Arthur's eyes narrowed with thought. Slowly, his uncertainty began to fade, replaced by quiet resolve.
"I choose... Adam."
In the original timeline, Adam had always held a slight edge over Wilson, thanks in part to the natural elemental advantage of ice over fire. The difference between them wasn't large—but it was there.
Of course, once both mastered the Power of Rules, such elemental comparisons became trivial. But Arthur wasn't worried. He believed he could guide Adam beyond his original potential—train him to become the strongest wizard of their generation, even more stable and dominant than Wilson.
"Are you sure about your choice?" the system confirmed.
"I am. Wait—" Arthur suddenly paused, eyes gleaming with an idea. "Earlier, didn't you say this was the first time I could choose my own disciple?"
He glanced toward the two boys once more, a quiet satisfaction shining in his gaze.
The system went quiet for a moment, as if analyzing his question.
"Correct. This is your first opportunity to select your own disciple."
Arthur's smile widened. "So... that means I can choose both?"
"In theory, yes. But there are trade-offs."
"Taking on two disciples simultaneously means your time and energy will be split. Their training will overlap, but not double. You may risk neither reaching their full potential under your guidance."
"However, if you succeed—if both reach the peak—you'll receive a much higher evaluation and greater rewards."
"But failure to train them adequately may result in poor evaluations. In that case, your effort might not be worth the outcome."
"Your final reward depends on how well your disciples are cultivated. Consider your options carefully."
Arthur laughed softly. "Children worry about choices. I want both."
"Understood. Your choice is accepted."
The system's voice grew gentler, almost pleased.
"Disciple selection confirmed. Target characters: Adam Frost-Heart and Wilson Ember. Initiating magic power collection."
"Once sufficient magic power is gathered, you may formally take them as disciples—after gaining their recognition and trust."
As the system spoke, Adam's form began to blur, his outline dissolving like mist. The surrounding scenery faded as well, as if the world itself were shifting.
Arthur closed his eyes briefly.
A new path was opening. And on it, he would walk—not as a mere observer, but as the master of two legendary destinies.