The moment Ankit saw everything inside the basement, he froze.
His eyes remained wide open as countless thoughts raced through his mind.
Was my guess…
actually correct?
Is this really a fantasy world?
It certainly looks like one…
But then again…
maybe this is simply an ancient era.
That would explain the swords and all these strange stones.
His grandfather noticed the amazement on Ankit’s face and smiled.
“It seems you’re quite interested in all of this.” Without hesitation, Ankit nodded his tiny head.
His grandfather laughed happily and hugged him.
“Hahaha!” “My grandson is such a smart boy.” “Come on.” “Let Grandpa show you something even more amazing.” He gently placed Ankit on a nearby chair before stepping a few paces back.
Stretching both of his hands forward, the old man slowly closed his eyes.
Then, in a calm and solemn voice, he began chanting words that sounded like an ancient incantation.
“O Flame…
I call upon your power.” “Let this tiny spark become a blazing fire.” The very next moment…
Something happened that Ankit had never witnessed—not in his previous life, nor in this one.
The air in front of his grandfather’s hands began to swirl.
The invisible currents twisted together as if being compressed by an unseen force.
Then…
A tiny spark appeared.
The spark rapidly grew brighter.
Within seconds, it transformed into a roaring vortex of flames.
A blazing tornado of fire danced before his grandfather, illuminating the entire basement with a crimson glow.
Ankit stared at it without blinking.
His mind had gone completely blank.
This…
This isn’t a trick.
This isn’t science.
This is…
real magic.
His entire body froze as he watched the flames with absolute disbelief.
A few moments later, his grandfather waved his hand.
The fire dispersed instantly, vanishing as though it had never existed.
Turning around with a proud smile, he asked, “So…” “Did you enjoy that, my grandson?” At that moment, Ankit completely forgot that he was only a baby.
His curiosity exploded.
He desperately tried to ask countless questions all at once.
How did you do that?!
What was that spell?!
Was that really magic?!
Can everyone in this world do that?!
But no matter how hard he tried…
His tongue refused to cooperate.
Only meaningless baby sounds came out of his mouth.
His grandfather gently picked him up and held him close.
“There, there…” “Calm down, my little one.” “I know.” “I can already tell that your mind is far more mature than that of an ordinary child.” “But don’t forget…” “Your whole life still lies ahead of you.” “When you turn one and a half years old…” “You’ll learn about your own powers.” “But there’s one thing you must always remember.” “Powers are never guaranteed.” “No one is destined to receive a particular ability.” “So never lose yourself chasing a power you don’t obtain.” “If one path closes…” “Another will always open.” “And somehow…” “I have a feeling you already understand that better than most people ever will.” Inside his mind, Ankit was overwhelmed.
Grandpa…
Do you already know the truth about me?
It almost feels like you can see straight through me.
And why…
Why did you tell me all of that?
For a moment, countless questions filled his mind.
But no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t find an answer.
In the end, he let out a quiet sigh.
I guess there’s no point overthinking it.
According to Grandpa, I’ll learn about my own powers when I turn one and a half years old.
That means…
all I can do is wait.
Even so…
The thought of finally awakening his powers filled him with excitement.
Ever since discovering that this world was truly a fantasy world, his curiosity had only grown stronger.
I want to know everything about this world.
Its people…
Its magic…
Its swordsmen…
Its races…
Everything.
His eyes sparkled with determination.
Then I’ve already decided.
For the next year, I’ll focus on one goal.
I’ll learn to walk…
And I’ll learn to speak as quickly as possible.
It may sound impossible for an ordinary baby…
But I’m not an ordinary baby.
If I keep trying…
I’m sure I can do it.
After spending some more time with his grandfather, Ankit finally left the basement.
The two of them played together all the way back upstairs.
The moment Ankit’s mother saw them, she smiled warmly.
“So, my little boy…” “Did you have fun with Grandpa?” Looking at the bright smile on Ankit’s face, she couldn’t help but laugh.
“It looks like you enjoyed yourself a lot.” “Come on, sweetheart.” “It’s time to go home.” She gently took Ankit into her arms, said goodbye to his grandparents, and headed back home.
After they left, silence settled over the grand mansion.
The spacious hall, which had been filled with laughter only moments ago, became completely quiet.
Ankit’s grandfather and grandmother stood side by side in the center of the hall.
His grandmother was the first to break the silence.
“So…” “What did you find out about him?” His grandfather folded his arms and smiled faintly.
“What is there to find out?” “He’s our grandson.” “That’s all.” He paused before continuing.
“Though…” “I’ll admit he’s different from ordinary children.” “His way of thinking…” “His understanding…” “They’re far beyond ours.” His grandmother sighed.
“I know that already.” “But aren’t you worried about his future?” “When he turns one and a half years old…” “What if awakening his power affects his mind?” His grandfather shook his head without the slightest hesitation.
“It won’t.” “That child is far wiser than either of us.” His grandmother looked at him with a worried expression.
“That’s exactly what frightens me.” “If he can already understand and comprehend so much at this age…” “What will happen when he grows older?” A confident smile appeared on the old man’s face.
“I think you’ve forgotten something.” “He’s my grandson.” “No matter what challenge stands before him…” “I’m certain…” “He’ll find a way through it.”