Aaron stood at the edge of the meadow just behind the Aetherwyn estate. The grass was wet with morning dew, and the mist still clung to the treetops like shy ghosts hiding from the sun.
In his hand? A rock. An average one. Small. Smooth. Dull gray.
He held it up with the seriousness of a man holding the fate of the world.
"This is it," he muttered. "No magic. No sword. No stick. Just a rock."
After the "spear poking incident," the household had exploded into chaos. Nobles from neighboring territories were sending gifts. The Spear Regiment was petitioning for his "technique scrolls." He didn't even have technique scrolls. He hadn't even meant to break the boulder.
"Stupid brittle rock," he grumbled.
So today, Aaron decided: he would prove to himself—and everyone—that he was normal. Average. Utterly unremarkable.
He would throw a rock.
Not gracefully. Not powerfully. Just… throw it.
"I'm not even going to aim," he muttered as he wound his arm back.
He threw.
The rock sailed through the air with a pleasant little whistle.
Pff.
It disappeared over the trees.
Aaron smiled, satisfied. "See? That's normal. Nothing happened. Perfectly average."
But three miles away...
A distant mountain quivered. A low rumble echoed through the valley.
BOOOOM.
Birds erupted into the sky. Goats fainted. Villagers clutched their children. Farmers looked up as a shockwave flattened a scarecrow field.
Back in the meadow, Aaron yawned and stretched.
"Alright, time for breakfast."
He turned and walked off, humming a cheery tune—completely unaware that a National Alert had just been triggered in the neighboring kingdom.
---
A Few Hours Later – Aetherwyn Estate War Room
Duke Aetherwyn slammed a palm on the glowing table as reports flooded in.
"Another mountain ruptured! Spontaneous collapse, no seismic signs beforehand!"
A general looked grim. "A landslide swallowed half the training outpost. Witnesses report a small object flying overhead moments earlier… possibly a magical projectile?"
"Or divine retribution," muttered another knight, crossing himself.
"I believe," Lady Vayla said softly, "we're witnessing the results of Master Aaron's… private training."
The room went silent.
Duke Aetherwyn slowly sat down. "He was throwing rocks today."
They all turned to stare at her.
"With what technique?" someone whispered.
Lady Vayla inhaled. "None."
Everyone paled.
Duke Aetherwyn grinned behind his goblet. "My son… continues to exceed all expectations."
---
Meanwhile – Back in Aaron's Room
Aaron sat cross-legged, sipping soup and scribbling in his training log.
> Training Log – Day 15
Exercise: Throwing rocks (casual)
Result: Rock vanished. No signs of damage.
Hypothesis: Wind carried it.
Conclusion: Probably weak throw. Try skipping breakfast next time, maybe soup too heavy.
He tapped his pen against his chin.
"Maybe next time I'll try skipping the spin. Might've looked flashy. Don't want to seem like I'm trying too hard."
He didn't notice the golden owl perched outside his window, watching him with glowing eyes before flying off toward the World Mage Council's Observation Tower.
---
Elsewhere – Demon Continent, Throne of Ash
A cloaked demon lord snarled as he watched the image ripple in his scrying orb.
"So. He's begun his ascension."
One of the demon lords behind him spoke. "That was no mortal spell. It was pure, raw cosmic force. It cracked a sleeping mountain like brittle glass."
The first demon growled. "Then the rumors are true. The Celestial Reincarnate has awakened."
The orb flickered—showing Aaron lying in bed, stuffing his face with bread, and frowning at his notebook.
"Hmm… maybe the soup was too salty…"
The room fell silent.
"…He appears unaware of his power," one demon whispered.
The Demon King's grin grew. "Even better."
---
Later That Evening – Aetherwyn Training Grounds
Aaron wandered back to the field, wanting to test his "new rock technique" by adjusting angle and grip. He held another small stone in his hand.
"Maybe if I use my left hand this time, it'll feel more balanced. No big deal. I'm sure anyone can do this."
From the forest, a group of visiting scouts from the Beastkin Tribes were watching.
"Is that him?" one asked. "The rumored Celestial Heir?"
Another nodded. "That's him. They say he split a river in half by sneezing once."
Aaron wound his arm back, still completely unaware of the crowd watching from the trees.
"Alright. Let's keep it gentle this time."
He threw the rock.
It vanished again—this time straight into the clouds.
The sky turned gold for a moment.
Then came a loud boom, followed by a light drizzle of pink petals.
Aaron tilted his head. "Weird. Looks like it hit a tree or something."
The scouts dropped to their knees.
"He just altered weather with a pebble."
"Is that… flower rain?"
"...We are not going to war with the Aetherwyns."
---
End of Chapter 15