Four years had passed in a blur of rigorous training, family expansions, and the chaotic hum of the continuously growing estate.
With Mori's 7th birthday just three days away, and Ancel's falling exactly a week after, the training grounds of the Aeteron estate were alive with energy. Over the years, Mori and Ancel had formed a genuinely good bond. They weren't strangers, nor were they alienated by the fact that Ancel was a half-brother; instead, they had grown into good brothers and good friends. Watching them interact so naturally, Annot and Sayer often shared quiet looks of profound relief and proudness in Mori for not taking it to heart.
Today, the expansive dirt courtyard was crowded. A few young children from neighboring noble houses and friends Mori had introduced Ancel to, sat on the wooden benches, shouting encouragement.
Surrounding the perimeter were maids, personal guards, and butlers, all attentively watching their respective young masters. Near the front of the crowd, a maid and a stern-faced guard stood with a very active, five-year-old Jin in tow. Jin was practically vibrating with excitement, his eyes locked onto Mori. Ever since he could walk, Jin had taken a massive liking to his brother, refusing to be left out of anything Mori did.
In the center of the ring, Mori and Ancel stood opposite each other, wooden training swords loosely held in their hands.
"How do you feel about your-, our new siblings?!" Ancel yelled from across the dirt, a teasing grin breaking across his face as he referred to the one-year-old twins, Roe and Ophelia.
"As long as Mother doesn't stick me with diaper duty, I'm fine with them! And besides, the more the merrier!" Mori yelled back, his grip tightening on the hilt of his wooden blade.
At the edge of the courtyard, the heavy wooden doors creaked open. Sayer the fourth, mori's father stepped onto the grounds, his imposing presence drawing quiet bows from the staff. He bypassed the seating area and walked straight up to Mori's head butler and personal guard, a seasoned veteran he knew well and knows Mori to be familiar with. "Mori's swordsmanship has improved," Sayer noted quietly, his sharp eyes tracking his son's stance. "And his magic too? How's that faring?". "I agree, my lord," the head butler replied, bowing his head respectfully. "The young lord's skill has immensely improved. Such talent. I doubt he'll hit a cap soon, and he just seems to be hungry for more."
"Is that so?" Sayer murmured, a faint, proud smile tugging at his lips as he turned his full attention back to the ring.
"Ready?" Ancel called out, his body dropping into a low stance.
"Always," Mori smirked.
With a sudden burst of movement, both of them dashed forward.
Clack!
Their wooden swords collided in the center of the ring, sending a sharp echo across the courtyard. For kids their age, their movements were remarkably fluid. Ancel pushed back, utilizing his agility to spin out of the lock and swipe at Mori's flank. Mori parried, the wood scraping together as he pivoted smoothly on his heel.
Realizing Mori's physical defense was airtight, Ancel decided to bring out his strength. A faint, warm glow enveloped his wooden blade. With a sharp exhale, Ancel swung, channeling a small burst of fire magic. The heat rippled through the air, creating a small flash of embers that darted toward Mori. It was clear to Mori, that Ancel might possess a natural, potent affinity for fire magic.
Mori didn't flinch. Reacting instantly, he channeled his own magic, coating his wooden sword in a matching, brief flicker of orange flame to counteract the heat.
Boom!
The miniature magical clash created a soft concussive wave of hot air, kicking up a ring of dust around them. Through the haze, Ancel leaped forward for a final, decisive downward strike. But Mori was already moving. He ducked beneath the burning arc of Ancel's sword, slid his own blade up the length of Ancel's guard, and twisted his wrists with a sharp, practiced snap.
The wooden weapon flew out of Ancel's grip, spinning through the air before clattering uselessly into the dirt. Lose of balance caught up with Ancel, and he went down, landing hard on his butt. Mori pointing his wooden sword at ancel's neck, his chest heaving as he panted heavily, a triumphant grin on his face. Opposite him, Ancel lay on his back for a second before propping himself up on his elbows, staring at his empty hands.
"Almost neck and neck," Ancel chuckled, shaking his head as he panted, trying to catch his breath. The silence of the training ground shattered. The noble kids on the benches erupted into cheers, jumping up and down, while the maids and guards politely clapped and cheered for the spectacular display. High above the noise, little Jin was practically jumping into the air, clapping his small hands raw for his favorite brother.
Sayer crossed his arms, a deep, satisfied rumble of laughter escaping his chest. The future of the Aeteron bloodline was looking brighter than ever.