The Painful Feeling of Longing
However, a follow-up question arises: Is the Sovereign Lord's Realm truly the highest level of magic?
Throughout thousands of years of human history, no one, except Arthur Crown, has ever reached the Sovereign Lord's level.
As a result, the question of whether a level above Sovereign Lord exists remains an unsolved mystery after all these years...
...
"Leave my sister alone, damn it!"A handsome eight-year-old boy rushed over, furious at the sight of three nine- to ten-year-olds bullying a three-year-old girl.
Without hesitation, he leaped up and kicked one of them, sending the boy tumbling face-first to the ground. His two friends froze in shock before glaring at the boy with anger.
"Asshole! How dare you kick our friend!?" One of them roared, charging at the handsome boy with fierce anger.
But the boy showed no sign of fear.
He swiftly dodged the incoming attack by ducking and then landed a solid uppercut to his opponent's lower jaw.
"Argh!" The boy was briefly lifted off the ground by the blow, but the handsome boy didn't stop there.
With a twist of his body, he delivered a powerful kick to his opponent's stomach, sending him flying two meters and crashing into the friend he had kicked earlier.
Watching his two friends being violently defeated, the other boy was terrified, his legs shaking uncontrollably.
"D-Don't attack me!" He stammered, stepping back with a pale face.
But the handsome boy showed no mercy. He sprinted toward him, leaped into the air, spun around, and landed a powerful kick to the side of his head.
"Ugh!" The boy was sent flying, spinning through the air before crashing to the ground, unconscious.
"How dare you bully my little sister? That's the punishment you deserve!" The handsome boy scoffed coldly, rubbing his nose with his right thumb.
He then ignored the three unconscious boys and hurried over to the little girl.
"Are you alright, Sherlin?" he asked, his voice full of concern as he gently rubbed her chubby face.
Seeing the worry in his eyes, the little girl burst into tears and threw herself into his arms.
"Woaaa~ Brother Arthur, I'm so scared! They're so mean for bullying and hitting me!" Tears streamed down her face as she buried her head in his chest, holding him tightly.
Arthur's heart ached as he listened. His gaze fell on her small body, spotting several bruises as though she had been struck.
A surge of anger and hatred filled him, turning his eyes bloodshot with rage.
"Don't worry, Sherlin. I won't let them get away with this," Arthur promised, his gaze cold as he looked down at the three unconscious boys.
Had it not been for the growing commotion drawing the attention of passersby, he would have already taught them a far harsher lesson—one that would make them regret ever daring to harm his little sister.
Sherlin slowly loosened her grip on Arthur and shook her head gently.
"It's okay, big brother. As long as you're here, I feel safe," she said softly, her sweet smile comforting him.
The anger in Arthur's chest melted away, replaced by a warm, loving smile.
"Don't worry, I'll always protect you and make sure you're never hurt," he whispered as he kissed her cheek.
"Hehehe~" Sherlin giggled and snuggled closer, burying her face into his neck.
Arthur gently rubbed her head. "Let's go home and take care of your wounds. I know it must be painful."
Sherlin gave a small nod, her voice soft and sweet as she replied, "Mm! It hurts a lot."
Under the warm afternoon sun, a boy walked home with his little sister in his arms, their laughter occasionally filling the air, spreading warmth all around.
...
"Sherlin, wake up. It's almost eight o'clock, and we have to go to morning class in twenty minutes."An anxious voice suddenly sounded in the ears of Sherlin, who was still asleep. Slowly, she opened her heavy eyelids and got up lazily.
"Ummm~" She stretched her stiff body, then asked lazily, "How much longer will class start?"
Lucia, who was standing in front of the large mirror in the center of the room, let out a small sigh. "Twenty more minutes. Let's get ready. Otherwise, Master Lyna will scold us both."
Hearing his words, Sherlin's expression remained flat and indifferent as she gave a small nod.
"You go ahead. I'll catch up later," she replied calmly, shifting to the edge of the bed.
Lucia fell silent and looked at Sherlin with a worried gaze.
"Sherlin, I..." She was about to say something, but the words caught in her throat.
In the end, she held back what she wanted to say and gave a small nod.
"Alright, I'll leave first. Don't be late."
Having said that, Lucia picked up her bag and walked out of the dorm room, leaving Sherlin alone in it.
Sherlin slowly rose to her feet, her nightgown slightly open, revealing her delicate white collarbone and shoulders.
She walked over to the dressing table, glanced at the small photo album on it, and picked it up.
The photo showed her with her older brother, Arthur. In it, she was being held by him, striking a playful pose with both fingers.
Staring at the photo of her smiling brother, a look of longing and sadness appeared on her pretty face, carrying a hint of mature charm.
She gently caressed Arthur's face in the photo and murmured softly, "Brother, it's been almost a year and a half since you went to the battlefield. Why haven't you sent me any news? What really happened to you?"