Urd Challenge

The grand dining hall was alight with joy and celebration. The family gathered around the long, ornately decorated table, sharing laughter and stories as they indulged in a feast fit for royalty. Leon, for the first time in this unfamiliar world, felt at ease. His mother sat near the head of the table, her elegance commanding attention, while Aliya, her usual lively self, clung to Leon's side, giggling at every little joke he made. Even his stepmothers were warm and welcoming, showering the returning lady of the house with affection and love.

Leon's father, the lord of the family, sat proudly at the head of the table, occasionally casting warm glances at Leon and his mother. The tension that once clouded the household seemed to dissolve into the atmosphere of celebration. Leon found himself smiling, feeling a sense of belonging that he hadn't experienced since his transmigration.

By the time the dinner concluded, Leon was genuinely tired, not from the exhaustion of the day, but from the overwhelming wave of emotions. As he retired to his room, he lay on his bed with a rare sense of contentment, his mind replaying the joyful scenes from the evening. For the first time since his arrival in this world, he slept soundly, free from worry or fear.

The next morning, sunlight poured through the windows of Leon's room, rousing him from his peaceful slumber. Stretching and yawning, he got out of bed with a renewed determination. He knew that he was far from strong enough to protect his newfound family or stand confidently in this world. His status still haunted him—a physical strength of 25 and mana of 23 were embarrassingly low for someone of his lineage.

Determined to change that, Leon made his way to the training grounds. The area was vast, equipped with every tool and facility needed for honing one's combat and magical skills. Without wasting time, he began running laps around the training field, pushing himself to his limits. However, to his astonishment, his body didn't tire as quickly as he expected. His breaths were steady, and his legs felt strong as he maintained a swift pace.

From a distance, Urd, his younger brother, watched Leon with narrowed eyes. Urd was one of the household's most promising fighters, his strength and skill far exceeding his age. Seeing Leon training ignited a fire of anger within him. Memories of the hurt and trouble Leon had caused in the past flashed in his mind, and he couldn't tolerate the sight of his older brother pretending to change.

Urd approached Leon with a stern expression, his voice laced with frustration. "Do you think a few laps around the training ground will erase everything you've done?" he asked, his tone biting.

Leon slowed to a stop, his chest heaving slightly. He turned to face Urd, his expression a mix of sadness and frustration. "I don't think I can erase anything," Leon replied, his voice calm but firm. "But I'm not the same person I was. I haven't done anything to you—not recently, not since…" He paused, unable to explain the truth of his transmigration. "So please, don't disturb me. I need to focus."

Urd's anger only grew at Leon's words. He clenched his fists, his sharp gaze piercing through Leon. Without warning, he tossed a training sword at Leon's feet, the blade clattering against the ground. "If you're serious about changing, prove it," Urd challenged, his voice cold. "Pick it up. Let's see what you've got."

Leon stared at the sword for a moment, his heart sinking. He wasn't a fighter—at least, not yet. His skills were mediocre at best, and he knew Urd could easily overpower him. But the challenge wasn't just about strength; it was about earning respect, about showing that he was willing to try. With a deep breath, he bent down and picked up the sword.

"Fine," Leon said, gripping the hilt tightly. "Let's do this."

The tension in the training ground grew palpable as the two brothers squared off, their contrasting emotions fueling the intensity of the moment. For Leon, this was more than a duel; it was the first step toward proving himself in a world that doubted him. For Urd, it was a test to see if his older brother truly had the resolve to change. As they prepared to clash, the air seemed to crackle with anticipation, setting the stage for an encounter that would shape their relationship—and Leon's future.