Alaric chuckled, clearly impressed with Kael's reaction time. "Good, but what will you do now?" he teased, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat.
Kael's eyes widened as he realized just how quickly his father had moved. Before he could react, Alaric was upon him, his sword already raised.
Panic surged through Kael as he tried to move, but his body froze for a split second, caught in the shock of his father's speed.
In that instant, Alaric's sword struck Kael's with a sharp clang. Kael's blade slipped from his hand as the force knocked him off balance, and he stumbled backward, falling hard to the ground.
"Ha! I win again," Alaric said with a grin, his sword held loosely at his side. He reached down to offer Kael a hand, helping him up.
Kael took the hand, his mind racing. He was still catching his breath, his heart pounding from the sudden clash.
"I'll get you next time," he said, his voice tinged with both determination and frustration.
Alaric chuckled, ruffling Kael's hair as they both stood up. "You'll need to train harder than that. Don't forget, Kael, a swordsman is not just about speed—it's about timing and precision. You have the potential, but you need to master control."
Kael nodded, taking his father's words to heart. They would train daily, and Kael would grow stronger. One day, he would be able to face his father without faltering, but until then, this would be his path.
Lyra, who had been quietly observing from the side, smiled softly, though there was a hint of worry in her eyes.
"You're doing great, Kael," she called out. "Just remember to not get hurt."
Kael looked at her, his heart swelling with pride. "I will, mom," he said, his determination renewed.
Just as Kael was regaining his footing and preparing for another round, a high-pitched voice echoed through the crisp morning air, full of excitement.
"Mother! Father! Where are you?"
Lyra and Alaric both paused mid-movement. For a brief second, silence hung between them—then their expressions softened, their eyes lighting up.
Lyra's reaction was instant. She dropped the basket beside her and dashed toward the house.
Alaric gave a small laugh and sheathed his sword. "Your sister Leona is back."
Kael's eyes widened in surprise before a big smile broke across his face. He quickly sheathed his own wooden blade, the training session forgotten.
Leona—his elder sister. The pride of the family. She was sharp, confident, and gifted in both magic and swordsmanship.
Years ago, their parents had decided to send her to the Royal Academy. It was the most prestigious institution in the kingdom, governed directly by the royal family.
The Academy wasn't just for nobles. While the children of royal and noble bloodlines were admitted by lineage, commoners needed either a recommendation from an instructor or enough money to buy their way in.
Even then, success was rare. Leona had earned her place through skill alone, handpicked by a scout who had visited their village during a regional competition.
For Kael, she was more than just a sister. She was a proof that even from the outskirts of the Ernia Kingdom, someone could rise.
She had paved the path he now walked. And now, she was back.
He couldn't wait to see how much she had grown… and show her how much he had, too.
She had always been away at the Academy, so Kael hadn't shared many memories with her. He wasn't even aware of her existence until he was three years. But those few fleeting moments they had spent together in the past were precious.
She had always told him to find his own path, not to chase anyone else's shadow.
Now, walking beside Alaric, Kael's steps were filled with anticipation as they entered the house. His eyes instantly locked onto the figure seated beside Lyra.
She was beautiful, almost like the younger version of Lyra but she had short shoulder-length hair. She wore the official Academy attire: a black-and-white coat over a white shirt, and a black skirt.
A badge was fixed on her chest, with a gem that instantly caught the eye of young Kael.
Six years older than Kael, she carried herself with both elegance and fierceness. Yet when her eyes fell on him, all formality melted.
"Kael! Here you are!" she beamed, her voice like the sunshine after a long winter.