The morning sun bathed the field in a golden hue as George sat on the grass, catching his breath. Sweat dripped from his brow, his chest rising and falling steadily. His duel with Marcus had ended in defeat, but it had given him clarity.
His sword movements were refined, instinctive even, yet they lacked true power. His father had overpowered him with sheer strength and experience. Every swing of his wooden sword had been met with firm resistance, every step he took had been countered effortlessly. It wasn't that he lacked skill—it was that his body simply couldn't keep up with the techniques his mind demanded of it.
Marcus walked over and ruffled George's hair, a rare display of affection. "You did well, but you rely too much on instinct. Precision and speed mean nothing if your strikes lack weight."
George wiped his forehead and nodded. He needed to strengthen his body, to truly wield the power he instinctively knew.
"Come on, let's head inside. Your mother will have my head if we're late for breakfast."
---
The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the dining hall. Seated at the table were Marcus, Elana, their mother, and George, who quietly took his place. Despite the warmth of the meal, an air of concern lingered over them.
"I still think he's growing too fast," their mother, Christine, said as she gently placed a piece of bread on George's plate. "At this rate, he won't have a childhood."
Marcus sighed, slicing into his food. "He enjoys training. I won't hold him back."
Christine frowned. "There's more to life than training. Magic is just as important. He should be learning spells, not just swinging a sword. And what about other children his age? He doesn't interact with anyone but us."
Elana glanced at George, who remained silent, seemingly lost in thought. She smirked, nudging him. "You'll get your chance soon. The Magic Evaluation Exam is coming up."
George blinked, looking up. "Magic Evaluation Exam?"
Marcus nodded. "Yes, it's held every year. Any child from three to twelve can participate to measure their magical potential. You and Elana will both be taking it."
George mulled over the information. This was an opportunity—a way to gauge his progress not just in swordsmanship, but in magic as well. He had been steadily increasing his magic power, but he hadn't tested his limits.
Christine smiled gently. "See? It'll be good for him. He'll finally meet others his age."
George nodded absentmindedly. He wasn't particularly interested in making friends, but the evaluation itself intrigued him.
---
Later that day, George sat on his bed, deep in thought. The duel had exposed his weaknesses, and now, the evaluation presented another challenge. If he wanted to stand out, he needed more than just raw talent—he needed control, refinement, and adaptability.
He clenched his fists. He needed to be stronger.