The sun had long begun its descent, but the intensity of the duel between Urd and Leon showed no signs of waning. The training grounds seemed electrified, the air heavy with tension as the clash of their blades echoed across the estate. Both brothers pushed themselves beyond their limits, each strike faster and more powerful than the last. Their movements were a blur, almost impossible for the spectators to follow.
Leon's body moved as if guided by an unseen force. His mind teetered on the edge of consciousness, yet his movements remained precise, each block and counter executed with an unnatural fluidity. Only Lord Alaric and Leon's mother noticed the subtle yet alarming transformation taking place. Leon's eyes had begun to glow an intense red, emitting an eerie energy that seemed to pulse with every swing of his sword.
"His dragon blood…" Leon's mother murmured under her breath, her golden eyes fixated on her son. She gripped the edge of her seat, a mixture of pride and concern warring within her.
The red aura around Leon's sword became more pronounced with each passing moment, a shimmering light that reflected the growing energy within him. Urd, oblivious to the transformation, continued to press his attack, his frustration mounting with every strike that failed to land. The clash of their swords sent shockwaves through the training grounds, cracks forming on the ground beneath their feet.
"Leon…" Lord Alaric muttered, his voice low but filled with excitement. His sharp eyes took in every detail, the subtle shifts in Leon's stance, the glow of his eyes, the raw power emanating from him. "He's awakening."
The fight grew more ferocious, the boundary between sparring and battle completely obliterated. The crowd, which had initially been captivated by the display, now watched with a mixture of awe and fear. The sheer intensity of the duel left even seasoned soldiers speechless. Both brothers had transcended their limits, their blades clashing with such force that the vibrations could be felt in the chests of the onlookers.
Leon's sword, now fully engulfed in red aura, began to hum with energy. With a powerful swing, he unleashed a shockwave that sent a ripple through the training grounds. Urd barely managed to block it, the force pushing him back several steps. Yet, he refused to back down, his determination as unyielding as his strikes.
"Enough!" Lord Alaric's voice thundered across the grounds, silencing the clamor in an instant. In the blink of an eye, he appeared between the two combatants, his presence commanding and undeniable. With a single motion, he intercepted both blades, halting the fight with a display of speed and strength that left everyone stunned.
The impact of his intervention sent a gust of wind through the training grounds, scattering dust and debris. Urd stumbled back, his breath ragged and his expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. Without another word, he turned on his heel and stormed off, his anger palpable as he disappeared from view.
Leon, on the other hand, stood motionless, his sword slipping from his grasp as his body finally gave out. His glowing red eyes flickered and dimmed, the aura around him dissipating as he collapsed. Lord Alaric caught him effortlessly, cradling him with surprising gentleness. The proud, almost mischievous smile on his face spoke volumes.
"Take care of him," he commanded, his voice calm but firm as he carried Leon toward the estate. "Prepare his room and call for the doctor. He needs rest."
The servants scrambled to comply, their expressions a mixture of confusion and urgency. Leon's mother followed closely, her gaze never leaving her son. She couldn't shake the image of his transformation, the raw potential that had surfaced during the fight.
Lord Alaric laid Leon on his bed, his hand lingering briefly on his son's shoulder. The smile on his face widened as he turned to the servants. "Watch over him carefully. This… this is just the beginning."
As the door to Leon's room closed, the household buzzed with whispers of the fight they had just witnessed. But for Lord Alaric, the events of the day had only solidified his belief. His son was no longer the boy he had once been. Leon was changing, and the future of the Alaric family had never looked brighter.