Hakon: Looking up sharply, his expression falling slightly " You're leaving again, Siegfried? Where to this time?"
Siegfried: Walking to the hearth, his tone firm but calm " There's no growth in staying still, little brother. There's a warrior in the east who has mastered the Path of the Wolf. If I can find him, maybe I'll learn something new. Maybe even reach the next stage of my power.And also i first need to drop by the guild, I hear the guildmaster is looking for me.im sure it about the B-rank Fatebound Trials/Quest i have requested. "
Erik Stormbringer: Frowning, his brows furrowed " Siegfried, you've only just returned. Your last journey nearly cost you your life. What if the next one takes more than you can afford to lose?"
Siegfried: Turning to his father, his tone respectful but resolute " Father, you taught me that a Stormbringer does not shy away from risk. If I stay here, I'll stagnate. You always said strength isn't given—it's earned. I need to push myself, or I'll never become the warrior I'm meant to be. "
Erik Stormbringer: Sighing deeply, rubbing his temples " You're as stubborn as your mother, boy. Very well. Go. But remember, strength without wisdom is nothing but recklessness. Don't lose your head out there."
Hakon: Suddenly stepping forward, gripping his wooden blade tightly "Wait! Siegfried, before you leave, I challenge you to a Holmgang(Duel)!"
Valthrun: Grinning, leaning back against the table with amusement "Now this I want to see. The young pup challenging the alpha. Don't hold back, Siegfried—it'll be good for the boy!"
Siegfried: Smirking at Hakon, sizing him up "A Holmgang, huh? You think you're ready to take on me, little brother?"
Hakon: Standing tall, his voice firm "I've been training every day since you left last time. I might not beat you, but I'll make you take me seriously. What say you?"
Siegfried: Grinning wider, his eyes gleaming with pride "Alright, Hakon. Let's see what you've got."
The Duel Begins
The two brothers step outside into the crisp afternoon air. A crowd of villagers gathers, excited by the prospect of seeing the Stormbringer brothers clash. The training grounds are marked by a rough circle in the dirt, the edges trampled from years of use.
Valthrun: Looking at Erik while chuckling "This'll be interesting. The boy has fire in him, that's for sure. Reminds me of you when we were his age."
Erik Stormbringer: Smiling slightly, though his eyes are focused on the fight "Fire's good, but let's see if he can control it."
The brothers face each other, Hakon holding his wooden practice sword with both hands, while Siegfried stands casually, his arms crossed.
Siegfried: Playfully "I'll give you the first move, little brother. Show me what you've learned."
Hakon: Scowling, determined "You'll regret that!"
With a shout, Hakon lunges forward. His strikes are swift and precise, honed from hours of practice. Siegfried parries easily at first, moving with almost lazy precision, but as Hakon grows more aggressive, his strikes begin to force Siegfried to step back.
The crowd murmurs in surprise, and even Valthrun raises an eyebrow.
Valthrun: Looking at Erik impressed "The boy's not bad. He's quick on his feet, too."
Erik Stormbringer: Nodding, though his expression remains serious "He's been training harder than ever. But Siegfried hasn't even started yet."
Hakon manages to land a solid blow on Siegfried's side, causing the older brother to stumble slightly. The crowd gasps, and for a brief moment, Hakon's confidence swells.
Hakon: Grinning, a little too smugly "Looks like I'm catching up to you, big brother!"
Siegfried: Straightening, his smile turning into a dangerous grin "Not bad, Hakon. But don't get cocky."
Suddenly, Siegfried's aura flares, a visible silver light surrounding him. The very air seems to hum with his energy, and the crowd falls silent. Hakon's grin fades as he feels the weight of his brother's power.
Hakon: Whispering to himself "What… is this?"
In a blur of motion, Siegfried disappears from Hakon's sight. The younger brother spins, trying to follow his movements, but Siegfried is too fast. Before Hakon can react, Siegfried appears behind him and lands a clean punch to his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.
The fight is over.
Hakon lies on his back, staring up at the sky, his chest heaving. Siegfried walks over and extends a hand.
Siegfried: Smiling "Good fight, little brother. You've come a long way."
Hakon: Taking his hand, wincing "I… got carried away. Sorry."
Siegfried: Pulling him to his feet, shaking his head "Never apologize for being strong, Hakon. It's the Stormbringer way. Always fight with everything you've got."
He places a hand on Hakon's shoulder.
Siegfried: "Just remember—strength is more than power. It's knowing when to use it."
As Siegfried prepares to leave, Valthrun approaches Hakon with a wide grin. He reaches into his satchel and pulls out a sealed envelope, handing it to the boy.
Valthrun: "That was impressive, Hakon. Even though you lost, you showed real potential. This letter? It's your invitation to prove yourself further. The Academy awaits."
Hakon: Eyes wide, turning to his father "Father? What do you think?"
Erik Stormbringer: Laughing "I was going to arrange a test for you myself, but it seems my old friend has beaten me to it."
Hakon: Looking back at Valthrun, determination burning in his eyes "Then I'll do it. I'll prove myself."
Valthrun: Grinning "Good. But don't think being my nephew(Not really blood-related) gets you special treatment."
Hakon: Grinning back "I wouldn't have it any other way."
The crowd cheers as Siegfried boards his ship, setting off on his next journey, while Hakon looks down at the envelope in his hands, his heart racing with anticipation.