The air still carried the scent of dust and sweat when Leon finished his duel. His shirt clung to his body, his breath heavy, and his wooden sword splintered from the clash. Around him, the training ground buzzed with disbelief — the frail young master of House Solheim had just defeated his brother, Ardan.
He couldn't help but smile. It wasn't pride exactly… more like relief — the kind that comes after finally proving something, even just to yourself.
Later, back in his room, Clara returned after her short absence.
"Young Master Leon," she said with a teasing grin, holding a towel, "you look like you fought an army."
He looked up, genuinely surprised. "Clara? You're back?"
"It took a while to fix my family problem" she said while sighing.
She nodded, wiping dirt from his jaw. "I heard the rumors. Our delicate young master beat Sir Ardan I had to see it myself."
Leon laughed weakly. "Rumors spread fast here."
"That's what happens when you do something worth talking about." Her smile softened, eyes proud. "Welcome back, Young Master. You've changed."
He glanced away, embarrassed, muttering, "Maybe a little."
As dusk settled over the Solheim estate, Clara helped him clean up, humming quietly as she worked. But before Leon could rest, a knock came from the door.
"Young Master Leon," a servant said, bowing slightly, "Lord Solheim requests your presence in his study."
Leon froze. His father?
He felt his heart tighten — not out of fear, but something more complicated. He hadn't spoken to his father directly in months.
"Alright," he said, straightening his clothes. "I'll go."
The corridors were quiet, the only sound being his own footsteps echoing off marble floors. When he entered the study, the warm light of the candles flickered over shelves of old tomes and maps. His father sat behind a broad oak desk, pen in hand, his presence heavy even in silence.
"Father," Leon greeted, bowing deeply.
Lord Solheim didn't speak immediately. He set down his quill, eyes lifting to meet his son's. "I heard you defeated Ardan today."
"Yes, sir," Leon said, trying not to sound too proud.
A long pause followed. Then, to Leon's surprise, a faint — almost invisible — smile formed on his father's lips.
"You've changed."
Leon blinked. "...I've been training."
"I can see that," his father replied. "And for once, you're not just saying it."
The older man leaned back slightly, studying his son as though seeing him for the first time. "Leon, tell me… what do you plan to do with your strength?"
Leon hesitated, then met his father's gaze. "I want to become stronger. Strong enough to protect what I have — and to make a name for myself."
Lord Solheim's expression softened — just a fraction. "A good answer."
He tapped a finger on the desk before continuing.
"If you keep this up for the next year, I'll personally send you to the Eternal Academy."
The words hit Leon like a lightning strike.
The Eternal Academy — a place of legend, where heroes and prodigies were forged. In the game's lore, it was the heart of the story, the stage where everything truly began.
"You mean…" Leon started, voice trembling slightly, "you'll let me go there?"
"If you earn it," his father said firmly. "Strength without discipline is nothing. But if you can prove your resolve… then yes. You'll go."
For a brief second, Leon thought he saw something rare — pride in his father's eyes.
He stood and bowed deeply. "I won't disappoint you."
"You already haven't," his father murmured, returning to his paperwork. "That will be all."
Back in his room, Leon fell onto his bed, staring at the ceiling in quiet disbelief.
Eternal Academy… a year left.
Two orbs shimmered beside him — Kael, the dark knight, and Eldrin, the calm sorcerer.
Kael gave a low chuckle. "A year, huh? Plenty of time to turn that twig body into something respectable."
Eldrin floated closer, his light serene. "Indeed. A year to prepare for destiny is not long, but not short either. We'll make every day count."
Leon smiled faintly. "A year, then."
He turned to the window, where moonlight bathed the Solheim grounds in silver. For the first time since waking in this world, the future didn't seem so distant anymore.