Chapter 14: Prodigious Shadows

Meanwhile, in the Davsma Family, David San Davsma, the Archduke and Patriarch, had a wife and three children - two sons and a daughter. Interestingly, the daughter also displayed her first circle magic, just four months after Saimon did. Concerned about keeping this information under wraps, the family Patriarch issued a strict order to the household servants, warning them not to reveal it publicly, as they would face severe consequences that they wouldn't be able to endure.

Similarly, in each household, there was a belief that they were the only family blessed with such extraordinary sons and daughters. This notion was also prevalent in the Royal Family. The Emperor of the Miranda Continent, Emperor Aricelius Tom Miranda, had a name that exuded regal authority and a profound sense of lineage. It resonated with the ongoing power struggles within the family and the rich history of the continent. The name represented the legacy of the ruling family.

Emperor Aricelius had two wives and three sons. Among them, Arcelius Varane Miranda, the third son, was also a prodigious individual who stood shoulder to shoulder with the children of the three noble families. It's worth mentioning that there were several other noble families in Miranda who were equally influential and powerful, not lagging behind the three aforementioned families.

Nine years have passed, and Miracle is now ten years old. With his exceptional understanding of people, he can easily identify those he should favor and those he should consider his enemies. He has gained insight into the nature of humans and their tendency towards envy. Rumors have been circulating in the household about him, and he is aware of the reasons behind these rumors. Reflecting on this, Miracle thinks to himself, "It seems that my brothers and Lady Rebecca have some dislike towards me. They envy me because I am the next heir to the Patriarch's position and a prodigy that the family looks up to. It appears that too much attention can lead to trouble for me." It is astonishing that these thoughts come from a ten-year-old boy, highlighting Miracle's extraordinary understanding of the situation.

The Patriarch engages in a conversation with his butler Jarvis, saying, "Jarvis, our youngest is now ten years old. I believe it is time to follow our family tradition." Jarvis responds, "Yes, my Lord. I also believe that the youngest has extraordinary potential. You need not worry, my Lord." The Patriarch expresses his concerns, saying, "I cannot read that child. It seems as if he knows exactly what he is doing and has everything planned out. However, I can't shake this feeling that something will go wrong during the aptitude test. I hope it is just my overthinking." He sighs and instructs Jarvis to announce that the aptitude test will occur the day after tomorrow.

After the announcement is made, Miracle contemplates, saying to himself, "I am certain that my potential will surpass the record set by the first Patriarch, the founder of the Sokeye Lineage. I already have enough attention, so perhaps I should use this opportunity to divert some of that attention and focus on my training. To reach the peak of the third circle at the age of ten is quite remarkable. I should limit my innate potential to match that of other geniuses from different families. Yes, that should suffice." He lets out a creepy laughter, placing his left hand on his face, imagining how flawlessly his plan will unfold. "HEHEHE!"