My brother sat on the rock where we first met him and watched us as we had our little talk. He decided it was time for us to head home, and Blake chose to come along with us.
After we reached the point where we had to part ways, we said our farewells.
While my brother and I walked home together as we navigated the bustling streets, the vibrant sounds of vendors hawking their wares mingled with the chatter of townsfolk busy with their daily routines. The atmosphere was alive with energy; sunlight bounced off the polished silver and fierce red armor of soldiers marching with purpose, their heavy boots echoing against the cobblestones. Their insignia—a fierce beast with flames trailing from its wings—was a prominent reminder of the protective might that guarded the Royal Capital.
**Cleo POV**
While the two of us walked side by side, I called out to him. "Kyle, what drives you to seek greater power? What fuels your ambition?" I asked while walking ahead of him.
He paused, a furrow creasing his brow as he considered my question. "Why do you concern yourself with such matters, Brother?" he replied, his voice laced with confusion as if probing me for the reasoning behind my inquiry.
"Earlier, while watching you both fight, why didn't you ask me for my thoughts on the duel?" I asked, noting as he seemed less concerned I continued.
"Your battle IQ may well outstrip that Of your friend Blake, but he possesses skills that you don't. Even when you won the match, you still lost."
Hearing that made him stop for a moment. "I know that," was all he said before he walked away.
As I watched him leave, I couldn't understand why he didn't seem upset to hear that or if he already knew.
**Kyle POV**
"I understand what you're trying to say, Brother. If I had formed a familiar contract, that would have ensured my victory. But how can I do that when I've already failed twice? I only have one chance left, and I'm afraid if I fail again, I will bring shame to our family."
He stopped and looked at me, his gaze penetrating, as if he could see right through me.
He stepped closer. "You haven't answered my question, little brother. Why do you want power?"
I could sense the seriousness behind his question, which startled me, making me step back. But suddenly, I couldn't move; his aura was leaking out, alerting the soldiers stationed in the path of the Royal Capital. Seeing us, they prepared to intervene if necessary.
I felt sweat drip down my face. I had never seen this side of my brother before, and compared to the fear I had faced against Blake's familiar, witnessing my brother release a fraction of his aura was far more terrifying.
"I ask again, little brother, and there won't be a third time: Why do you want to get stronger? What purpose drives you to seek more power?"
Now, I could clearly see his blue aura, which indicated that he had amplified it. Unlike our father, whose mere presence usually scared me, my brother's increased aura rendered me frozen. When I attempted to back away, it felt as though my legs were rooted to the ground, and suddenly I found myself on the floor, shaking and unable to speak.
"I... I don't know, brother," I stammered. He bent down close to my face, moving his hand toward me when he was abruptly surrounded by the soldiers of the Royal Capital, swords drawn. Residents and a few visiting onlookers ran to avoid any conflict, while those more skilled lingered, waiting to see how the situation would unfold.
"Now that you're faced with a life-threatening situation, you're forced to confront your true self. That's a good place to start."
He extended his hand, and though I was angry initially, I realized the lesson he was trying to impart, making me feel as if a new opportunity had opened for me, free from obstacles. I grasped his hand, using it for support as I stood up. Before the soldiers could question my brother, they recognized the family crest and immediately cleared the area without any further inquiry, urging everyone to continue with their activities.
As we walked away, the crowd, now aware of who we were, began paying us respect. My brother responded with a smile.
When we got home, my mom was in the hall giving instructions to a maid. She welcomed us as soon as she spotted us, and we tried to escape her overwhelming motherly affection after ten long minutes.
Just before we could go our separate ways, my brother called me back and offered one last piece of advice before departing for his usual activities. "Think hard about why you seek what you need, brother. Only then will you be able to walk a clear path toward it."
I stood there for a moment, and as he turned to leave, I asked, "What is your reason, brother?"
He looked at me and replied with just a few words: "To be the sword and shield that protects and guards our family's legacy."
I stood there, lost in thought, with only two words echoing in my mind: "He's amazing." I left for my room after that, realizing I needed to find myself first if I intended to seek greater power, I needed to seek more clarity in my own purpose.