The next day.
*Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
The sound of wooden swords clashing echoed once again in the basement of the Melvian house. But this time was different from a few years ago, there was something that couldn't be ignored. Adrian stepped forward with full confidence. He was no longer clumsy as he was when he first started learning the sword. The several victories he had managed to achieve over Elric had fostered a solid sense of self-confidence.
Although Elric's realm was still higher, in terms of pure sword technique, Adrian now stood as an equal, perhaps even slightly surpassing him. The fight between father and son no longer looked like practice, but a true duel between two swordsmen.
*Thwack! Thwack!
Attacks were exchanged in rapid succession. Adrian pressed forward with high intensity, while Elric remained calm, his sharp eyes following his son's every move. Though his body moved swiftly, his face was nearly expressionless, controlled, yet full of vigilance. The basement was filled with the thuds of wood striking wood, the shifting of feet, and heavy breathing.
But no sound escaped outside, the place had long been soundproofed by Elric and Layla, so it could be used as a secret training arena without worrying about disturbing anyone.
A horizontal strike flew swiftly. Elric parried with a simple motion, but Adrian immediately spun his body, launching a quick thrust. Elric tried to deflect it, but the tip of Adrian's wooden sword had stopped right at his neck. Silence enveloped the room. Both of them were panting, their bodies drenched in sweat. Elric slowly lowered his sword. His face remained calm, but a faint smile appeared.
" You've won again. Very good, Adrian."
Adrian withdrew his sword, his chest heaving rapidly for a moment. But within seconds, his breathing stabilized, and the fatigue that had momentarily appeared vanished instantly. His stamina recovered so quickly, as if the fierce duel had been merely a warm-up.
Elric observed his son with a calm gaze, but in his heart, there was a sense of awe. He remembered the fight when Adrian had first defeated him, and he had asked about it.
…
"Adrian, how does your stamina recover in a matter of seconds?" Elric had asked back then, his tone as calm as ever.
Adrian had only smiled faintly and answered simply,
"It's thanks to the cultivation technique I continuously practice, Father. When I meditate, it's as if my body is forced to adapt every day, then is continuously restored."
…
'Come to think of it, isn't he more formidable than the four previous Unity Core users according to historical records?' he murmured inwardly.
That thought made Elric pause for a moment. The great names once recorded in the world's history, figures who were considered legends, suddenly felt small compared to the potential he saw before his eyes.
What realm is Adrian in now?
…
Adrian put his sword away, his face filled with satisfaction.
'Finally, a winning streak.'
I watched as Father wiped the sweat from his temple, then patted my shoulder.
"Your technique is getting sharper. If you keep this up, I might be the one who has to learn from you."
Adrian bowed his head slightly, smiling.
"I am only walking my own path, Father. But without your guidance, I would not have come this far."
Elric's eyes remained serene, like the surface of a rippleless lake. There was no envy or disappointment, only the pride of a father watching his son grow to surpass him.
"Big brother! You won again!" a cheerful voice called from the basement door.
Adrian turned, and a small figure immediately ran towards him. Rosaline, his eleven-year-old younger sister, jumped and hugged his waist with a proud smile. Her shimmering red hair, just like their mother's, swayed back and forth, while her clear golden eyes, inherited from her father, shone with admiration.
"You're so amazing, Big Brother!" she said with a joyful voice, as if Adrian's victory was her own.
Adrian gently stroked his sister's head. A faint smile appeared on his face, a stark contrast to the sharp gaze he had during the duel.
"Thank you, Rosaline."
Elric, still leaning against the wall, simply watched the scene calmly. His stern features softened as he looked at the two of them, the son who continued to press forward, and the daughter who was growing up full of love and admiration. In his heart, Elric knew the future of this family was in their hands.
"Let's get ready, Big Brother! We're going out today!" Rosaline exclaimed with enthusiasm, her hand already pulling on Adrian's arm.
Adrian turned, smiling faintly at his energetic sister. "Alright, since I already promised. So, where are we going?" he asked, trying to match his pace with Rosaline's small tugs.
Rosaline looked up at him with sparkling eyes, unable to hide her wide grin. "I haven't told you yet! But it's going to be fun, I'm sure you'll like it, Big Brother!"
Adrian shook his head slowly, but his heart felt warm.
Despite having just finished a fierce duel with their father, his spirits were fully restored, feeling light as he was led by his cheerful sister. Rosaline laughed merrily, hopping slightly as if to ensure her brother would join her on their little adventure for the day. Adrian could only smile, letting himself be carried away by his younger sister's cheerful energy.
…
Rosaline Melvian
My mother became pregnant a week later after the King and Queen visited for the first time since I was born, or in other words, 12 years ago. When I asked them about it, they said it was so I wouldn't be lonely. I didn't feel that way, but there was some truth to it, Rosaline always had a way of getting my attention. Her energy to play with me was endless. She follows me around like an adorable chick.
Every morning, before I start my duties as the family heir, she always appears with a wide smile, pulling my arm while saying, "Come on, Big Brother, let's play for a little while first!"
I can only smile and let out a soft sigh, allowing her to pull me to the backyard to show off the magic she learned from Mother. What surprised me at the time was her trait [Magic Genius], the pinnacle of mana talent. Moreover, no one else possessed that talent besides the Master of the Magic Tower in the game. One of the 7 Sages in this world. She is in the Low Stage Sage Realm.
By the way, my mother has the [Magic Prodigy] trait, which is one level below that. There are several differences between the two traits, the most striking being the larger mana capacity. If [Magic Prodigy] increases capacity by 1.5x, [Magic Genius] increases it by 2x the average for that realm.
To me, it was incredible, but it also made me very worried. If her trait were known to the world, it could attract the wrong kind of attention. Fortunately, Mother was aware of this. She only taught Rosaline 1-star and 2-star magic, enough for self-defense, and not enough to reveal how quickly she was growing in magic. That way, outsiders wouldn't realize the extraordinary potential my sister possessed.
She doesn't know about my Unity Core, not because I don't trust her, but because she's a cheerful child and I'm afraid she might let it slip, especially since she admires my strength so much.
…
*Knock knock knock
A knock came from the bedroom door.
"Big Bro, are you done changing??" Rosaline's cheerful voice sounded from outside.
I smiled as I straightened my clothes.
"I'm done, Rosaline. I'm ready," I replied.
A moment later, Rosaline entered in a hurry, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Finally! Let's go, Big Bro!"
I nodded, grabbing a small bag for a few necessities, and then stepped out of the room. Rosaline was already waiting at the door, pulling my hand as usual. Today, our little adventure would begin, and my sister's cheerful energy made the atmosphere feel lighter.
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Thanks for the Golden Ticket : @Amy_Mcclung