Chapter 11: The Duke's Visit and the Road to the Tournament

The sun rose over the Eisenhart mansion, casting its golden light over the fields and gardens surrounding the estate. It was early in the morning, but Leonhardt was already awake, training his magic in the backyard. Ever since he had acquired the ability to see statistics, he constantly analyzed his own growth and that of those around him, looking for ways to improve.

He adjusted his stance and channeled his mana, trying to compress it in his palm. He wanted to create a flame stable enough to forge metal using magic instead of a furnace. However, his control still slipped, and the sphere of fire exploded in a small burst, forcing him to step back.

—Damn it… I still haven't mastered it —he muttered, clicking his tongue.

—Leon!

Leonhardt turned upon hearing Freya's voice as she came running with a worried expression.

—What's wrong?

—Your father is looking for you. It seems urgent.

Leonhardt frowned. His father rarely called for him in such a manner.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, he entered the mansion, following Freya to the great hall. Upon arriving, he saw his father, Garet, standing next to an imposing man. The stranger wore elegant clothes and had a stern expression, his sharp eyes exuding authority.

—Leonhardt, come here —Garet said firmly.

Leonhardt stepped forward, feeling the stranger's gaze fixed on him.

—Leonhardt, let me introduce you to Duke Reinhardt von Hohenheim.

The young boy's eyes widened in surprise. The Duke of Hohenheim… that name was not unfamiliar. He was not only an influential noble but also known as one of the greatest strategists in the kingdom.

—It's an honor to meet you, my lord —he said, bowing respectfully.

The duke offered a slight smile.

—So this is your son, Garet. I've heard many things about him. They say he is talented in forging… and other areas.

Leonhardt felt the man assessing him, as if measuring his potential with a single glance.

—I have come because the king is organizing a youth tournament in the capital. I want Leonhardt to participate.

Freya, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward with a look of astonishment.

—But he's only twelve!

The duke looked at her with mild curiosity before replying calmly:

—Precisely. The competition is open to youths up to fourteen, but I want to see what this child prodigy is capable of.

Leonhardt felt his heart pound in his chest. A tournament in the capital… a real challenge.

—I accept —he said with determination.

Garet smiled with pride, while Freya looked at him with concern.

—I expect great things from you, young Eisenhart —the duke said with a smile—. Prepare yourself. In one month, we will depart for the capital.

Preparation for the Tournament

From that day on, Leonhardt intensified his training. He woke up before dawn and didn't stop practicing until late at night. He trained sword combat with his father, hand-to-hand combat with Freya, and mana control with Saya.

During one of his late-night training sessions, he decided to evaluate his progress using his ability.

[Name: Leonhardt Eisenhart]

[Age: 12 years]

[Class: Blacksmith Apprentice | Swordsman | Mage]

[Strength: 42]

[Dexterity: 38]

[Endurance: 40]

[Intelligence: 45]

[Mana: 120/120]

[Skills:]

Intermediate Forging (Level 5)

Basic Swordsmanship (Level 4)

Fire Magic (Level 4)

Reinforcement Magic (Level 3)

Statistic Vision (Level 1)

—My stats have improved a lot… but it's still not enough —he murmured to himself.

The tournament would be held in the capital, meaning he would face nobles trained for battle since childhood. He couldn't afford to be mediocre.

Saya, who had been watching him from a distance, approached.

—You're progressing fast, but you should rest more.

—I can't afford to, Saya. This tournament… could change my fate.

Saya looked at him with suspicion, but a slight smile formed on her lips.

—Then let's train together. I won't let you fall so easily.

Journey to the Capital

The month passed in the blink of an eye, and before he knew it, Leonhardt was in a carriage alongside his father, Freya, and Saya, heading toward the capital.

The journey was long, but the atmosphere in the carriage was lively. Freya wouldn't stop complaining about how uncomfortable long trips were, while Saya quietly read a magic book.

—I'm excited to see the capital —Leonhardt said, looking out the window.

—You won't just see it —Garet replied with a smile—. Soon, you will become part of its history.

Leonhardt clenched his fists with determination. The tournament awaited, and he was ready to prove his worth.