Chapter 1: You're the Strongest

 The clang of swords clashing echoed through the small garden of the “Mori” house a family of magical warriors known for defeating a demon that no one had ever managed to vanquish.

“Well done, little brother… you’re getting better and better with the sword,” said the eldest son, a young man who had won the hearts of all the village girls. His long blond hair which he loved to wear tied back was the centerpiece of his good looks.
Meanwhile, the second-born, still quite young, wasn’t very interested in romantic matters; he preferred to focus on his physical and magical strength.

“Thanks, big brother. I’m really working hard to improve with the sword, too!” His smile and sparkling eyes caused his brother to lose his concentration for a moment.

Kaoru had always been a genius, a prodigy with magic perhaps the strongest in the village despite his young age... but when it came to physical strength and swordsmanship, he was pretty terrible, which is why his brother offered to help him improve in that area as well.

The day went pretty well, partly because on that sunny day there was also a cool breeze that made all the leaves on the trees rustle, sending them falling onto the lawn where the brothers usually trained.

The sun set fairly quickly, and the two had spent the entire afternoon training. The grass was marked by the footprints left by the force of their movements. Their swords, on the other hand, seemed to grow more worn with each passing day. Their heavy breathing, red hands, trembling legs, and dirt-smudged faces showed just how hard they’d fought until they had no energy left for another bout.

They entered the house, quickly kicking off their worn-out rubber boots, drawn by a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen, but their mom stopped them. “Go wash up first.”

After they’d washed up, their parents were waiting for them at the table, with a huge feast laid out. In the center were numerous dishes filled with meat, rolls, and pieces of bread prepared especially by their mom and dad, and there were also spicy soups and corn soup.

“Wow, Mom!!! You didn’t have to go to all this trouble to prepare all these delicacies.” Kaoru quickly sat down at the table and started drooling on his lap at the sight of what lay before him.

“Come on, eat up and don’t be shy Mom prepared all this for you because you deserve it; you’ve been working really hard these past few days.”

Ryo smiled broadly at his father’s words as he sat down next to Kaoru. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.”
“Enjoy your meal!” they all said together before starting to eat.

“So, Kaoru, are you seeing any improvement in close-quarters combat?” the man asked kindly as he began pouring the first sip of red wine into the glass. It was a wine he’d been saving for years, and he couldn’t wait to taste it.

“Yes, Dad, I’ve noticed a huge improvement! Now I can handle the sword much more easily, and I feel stronger and more agile when I use it.”

His father and mother smiled with satisfaction; they knew he had a natural talent only for magic, but even a slight improvement in physical combat could change everything. At that moment, sitting at the table, the parents’ hearts warmed; it was a truly beautiful moment their two children getting along and training together without any problems. “We’re really pleased. You, too, Ryo, are doing a great job; we’re proud of you both.”

Meanwhile, the youngest child had stopped talking and was focusing solely on eating, finishing almost all the bread placed in the center of the table.

After dinner, Kaoru went to bed; he was really very tired. He had rested his arms on the table, and his head slowly fell, nestling into them.

“Of course, I never would have expected our son to need sword lessons… After all, we’re known precisely for our skill with the sword,” said the man, staring at the empty seat in front of him.

The woman turned to her husband and placed her hand on his. “Come on, honey, let’s think positively. Our son is training hard and is a prodigy with magic it’s probably for the best this way.”

Her brother, who was sitting across from them, shook his head, his stomach churning as tears began to well up in his eyes. His fingers tapped rapidly against one another, as if he were holding back something too overwhelming. He had never seen a human being so powerful or perhaps it would be better to say he had never seen a child so powerful. Those tears were tears of pride, especially because this wasn’t just any child it was his brother.

“Kaoru isn’t just strong with magic… to me, he’s the strongest. Don’t forget when, at just two years old, he wiped out almost an entire forest with a single finger.”

His father, who was raising the glass of wine to his lips, nearly let it slip from his hand due to a tremor of terror that ran through his entire arm. “Y-you’re right…”

“And let's not forget when, at just 5 years old, he defeated two beasts that even we couldn't figure out how to get rid of,” his wife continued, jumping up from her chair in excitement and nearly knocking it over.

“Our son is a prodigy we can’t deny it—and he’s also exceptionally intelligent.”

The father gave an amused pout as he, too, rose from his chair. He had never expected a moment like this or perhaps, in truth, he had never expected a son who was different from all of them. This thought made him feel moved, but at the same time curious and worried. Not even his family really knew who or what their son was, but one thing was certain… Like them, he too could save countless lives.
“You’re both right, so tomorrow we’ll go to Reignform.”

Ryo stood up, confused by his father’s sudden proposal. “And why on earth do we have to go there, Dad?”

“Simple. That place is home to the best wizards and warriors who have ever lived. What better place for us than that?” he replied calmly, resting his hands on his hips, proud of the proposal he’d just made.

Ryo lowered his gaze slightly, trying to recall what Reignform had been like the last time he’d visited it. It was a stunning kingdom, filled with shops and warriors lining the streets. A kingdom that believed in divine magic and gave everyone the chance to become someone. “All right, then I say we set off tomorrow.”

His father’s eyes lit up as he cheered, almost dancing on the spot, moving with the skill of a dancer… meanwhile, his mother hadn’t even let him finish speaking before she had already rushed into the room to gather as many things as possible for the trip. The Mori family’s adventure hadn’t even begun yet, but a long journey toward glory lay ahead.