The quiet evening settled over the Drakkor estate, casting long shadows over the modest grounds. The estate was far from the luxury of the larger, more powerful families, but it was home a place where the land was quiet, and the people lived peacefully.
The Drakkor clan was not one of the powerful in the world it was only a silver rank clan, known more for its wisdom and balance than its military prowess or magical might.
Still, it was a place of solace, where the hum of the earth could be heard through the tall oak trees that lined the property, and where Kai Drakkor found comfort in the simplicity of his life.
Kai Drakkor was standind at the edge of the training grounds, the wind was tugging at his brown hair as his black eyes followed the movements of his father, Thaleic.
His father's sword cut through the air with deadly precision, each strike flowing seamlessly into the next. The rhythm of his movements was mesmerizing, his every motion sharp and controlled something Kai had come to admire and aspire to since he was a child.
Thaleic was a Rank 6 swordsman, known throughout the region for his swordsmanship. His presence alone commanded respect, and Kai often found himself comparing his own novice skills to his father's mastery.
No matter how hard he trained, Kai couldn't escape the feeling that he was never quite enough. In the Drakkor clan, strength and cultivation were the cornerstones of their identity. No one has ever awakened as a magus in past generations.
The clan had long since focused its efforts on cultivating warriors, and while magic was known to exist, it had always been a distant dream. No one in the clan had awakened the aptitude for magic since his great great grandfather.
Kai will turn sixteen next month, he would have the chance to test his potential for becoming a magus.
The test wasn't guaranteed, but it was the first step toward something his clan had not seen, the possibility of becoming a magus alone can make any low level clan drool.
"Kai!" Thaleic's voice broke through his thoughts. He lowered his sword and strode toward his son, his expression was unreadable. "Stop daydreaming and get over here."
Kai blinked and quickly jogged over to his father, wiping the sweat from his forehead. His father's piercing black eyes were fixed on him with a quiet intensity, a look Kai had seen countless times.
"You look distracted today," Thaleic remarked, his voice low but firm. "Focus. The path to becoming a warrior is one of discipline, not fleeting thoughts. If you want to achieve greatness, you'll need more than just skill with a sword. You'll need mental fortitude."
Kai nodded, trying not to let his disappointment show. He had trained for years under his father's watchful eye, but the pressure of living up to Thaleic's standards always felt like a weight on his shoulders. It was as if no matter how hard he tried, his father's expectations loomed just out of reach.
"I understand, Father," Kai said, his voice steady, though it was harder to mask the inner turmoil that gnawed at him. "I'll focus more."
Thaleic studied his son for a moment, then nodded. "Good. You're turning sixteen soon, aren't you? The test for your magical aptitude will be held in Azure city. If you awaken, you'll be the first Drakkor in generations to do so."
Kai felt a pang in his chest at his father's words. The weight of the family legacy rested on him, the hope that he might be the one to break the clan's longstanding tradition of focusing solely on cultivation. He had always wondered if he had the aptitude for magic, but deep down, he doubted it. The test felt like a milestone he wasn't ready to face.
"I... I don't know if I'll pass," Kai admitted, his voice quieter now. "The chances of awakening are so slim."
Thaleic's gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained steady. "The chances don't matter, Kai. What matters is that after failure what will you do. This test is just for becoming magus, it does not decide your future. Although magus are strong and recognized as unstoppable force they can be stopped by a good cultivator."
His voice became even more soft "Magus are very weak at the beginning but they become very powerful later on, but so does a cultivator."
Kai stared at the ground, running his eyes through the grass beneath his feet. "I've always been focused on swordsmanship... what if I fail the test? What will I be then?"
Thaleic placed a hand on his son's shoulder, the gesture surprisingly gentle for such a stern man. "You'll be a Drakkor, Kai. A clan that has forged its path through perseverance, strength, and wisdom. You will carve your own way, whether through the sword or through magic. Don't let fear dictate your choices."
Kai looked up, meeting his father's eyes. For a moment, he saw not just the stern, commanding figure of his father, but the man who had worked tirelessly to uphold the Drakkor name, the man who had sacrificed much to keep the clan strong. The weight of his expectations was heavy, but Kai knew his father's words were true. The path ahead wasn't clear, but it was his to choose.
Just as he was about to respond, a soft voice called from behind them. "Thaleic, don't be too hard on him."
Kai turned to see his mother, Shasha Drakkor, approaching. She was a woman of quiet strength, her long dark hair tied back in a loose braid. Unlike his father, she wasn't known for her swordsmanship, but her skills as a cultivator were unmatched.
She had reached Rank 4 as a Daoist cultivator, and her unique variant of cultivation had always intrigued those around her. But unlike most in their clan, Shasha was a calming presence, her focus on maintaining balance and harmony.
"I'm not being hard on him," Thaleic replied, though there was a hint of softness in his voice now. "I'm simply reminding him of the importance of focus."
Shasha smiled gently. "I know, but let him breathe. You've been training him since he was a child. He's prepared, no matter what the test result holds."
Kai couldn't help but feel the comfort in his mother's voice. While his father often pushed him toward perfection, his mother was the one who always reminded him of the importance of patience and balance. She had always believed in him, even when he didn't believe in himself.
"I'll try my best, Mother, even if I didn't become a magus I will become a great cultivator" Kai said, offering her a small smile.
Shasha's eyes softened as she approached him, placing a hand on his cheek. "You've always done your best, Kai. Just remember, the test is only a small part of the journey. Whether you awaken or not, you are already a part of this family's legacy. Do not forget that."
Kai closed his eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of his mother's touch calm his nerves. Her words always had that effect on him. She had a way of seeing past his doubts and reminding him of what truly mattered family, perseverance, and the strength to continue moving forward, no matter the outcome.
Thaleic, who had been watching the exchange quietly, spoke again. "Your mother is right. There is no shame in failure, Kai. It is through our failures that we grow. But you must not shy away from the challenge. Whatever path you take, you will always have the strength of the Drakkor name behind you."
Kai looked between his parents, feeling the weight of their expectations but also the warmth of their unwavering support. He wasn't sure what the future held whether he would awaken as a magus or follow in his father's footsteps as a swordsman.
But for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to face whatever came next. The test wasn't just about magic it was just about proving to himself that he could choose his own path.
"Thank you, both of you," Kai said, his voice more resolute now. "No matter the outcome, I'll keep moving forward."
His mother smiled, and his father gave a small nod.
"That's all we ask, Kai," Thaleic said.
The evening sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a soft glow over the estate.
For now, the Drakkor clan remained a small, peaceful family, its future uncertain but full of potential.
And as Kai stood there, surrounded by the quiet strength of his parents, he realized that the path ahead wasn't so terrifying after all.
It was his to forge.