Chapter 5

Thirteen years had passed since Shaun was reborn into the kingdom of Eldoria. The tiny baby he once was had grown into a strong, sharp young man. At first, the world had felt strange—his tiny body, the unfamiliar faces, the weight of a new life. But over time, it became home. The cold stone halls of the manor, the warm meals, the endless lessons in magic and swordplay—it was his life now. And he loved it.

The morning sun reflected off his skin as he stood in the courtyard, gripping a wooden sword. Across from him, his father, Aldric, smiled with quiet pride.

The courtyard was filled with excitement. Servants and guards had gathered to watch the match between father and son.

"Look at him," one servant whispered. "He's only thirteen, but he moves like a real fighter."

"Lord Aldric is the strongest man in the kingdom," another replied. "Yet Shaun is keeping up. It's like watching a legend in the making."

Shaun adjusted his stance, careful not to show too much confidence.

Aldric raised his sword. "Let's begin."

Shaun barely had time to blink before Aldric moved. His wooden blade struck with the force of a storm. "He's fast,"Shaun thought. He lifted his own sword just in time, the impact rattling his arms. He stumble back a little, he's feet skidding through the cobblestones, breathing hard for effect.

"He's serious today," Shaun thought, pretending to struggle. "Good. It makes this look real."

Aldric didn't stop. He attacked again and again, his strikes quick and powerful. Shaun blocked, dodged, and parried, making sure to look like he was barely keeping up.

To the audience, it seemed like Aldric was winning. Shaun looked like he was fighting with all his strength. But in truth, he was carefully controlling every move.

"If I make it look too easy, they'll start to wonder. I have to make it seem like I'm struggling just enough."

Suddenly, Aldric stepped back and raised his free hand. A ball of fire formed in his palm, flickering brightly in the morning light.

Shaun's heartbeat quickened—not with fear, but excitement. "He's testing me."

With a flick of his wrist, Aldric hurled the fireball straight at him. The heat rushed toward Shaun, but he didn't panic. He swung his wooden sword, releasing the tiniest bit of magic. The fireball burst into harmless sparks before it could reach him.

Gasps filled the courtyard.

"He blocked it!"

"And he didn't even use any magic!"

Aldric's sharp eyes studied Shaun. Shaun forced himself to breathe harder, acting like the move had cost him great effort.

"He's watching me closely. He knows I'm strong, but he doesn't know how strong."

Aldric wasn't done. He attacked with everything—shards of ice, blades of wind, sparks of lightning. Shaun ducked, dodged, and blocked, letting himself look slightly overwhelmed. He even stumbled once, just to sell the act.

To everyone watching, Shaun was barely holding on. But in reality, he was completely in control.

"Father is holding back. But so am I."

Aldric lowered his sword for a moment, breathing a little heavier. "You've improved, Shaun," he said. "But let's finish this."

Shaun nodded, forcing his face to look serious. "I'm ready."

Aldric charged. His sword hummed with power as he moved like a blur. Shaun braced himself, lifting his sword. Their wooden blades crashed together with a loud crack. The force sent dust flying into the air.

For a second, neither of them moved. Then, Shaun gritted his teeth and pushed forward just enough to make it look like he was giving his all.

Aldric took a step back.

Silence.

Then, the courtyard erupted in cheers.

Aldric studied Shaun, then smiled. "Well done, son. You've surprised me."

Shaun lowered his sword, pretending to catch his breath. "Thank you, Father."

As the servants left, whispering about his skill, Shaun allowed himself a small smirk.

"They think they've seen my full strength. But they have no idea."

Aldric placed a firm hand on Shaun's shoulder. "You did well," he said. "But remember, true strength isn't just about power. It's about how you use it."

Shaun nodded. "I understand, Father."

The cheers in the courtyard had barely faded when a messenger ran through the gates, breathing hard, his face pale with fear. He hurried to Aldric and bowed low.

"My lord," he gasped, "the council needs you right away. There's an emergency."

Aldric's face turned serious. He returned his gaze to Shaun, "I must leave but I'll be back soon."

Shaun nodded, feeling a small knot of worry in his chest. "Be careful, Father."

Aldric gave him a reassuring smile before turning and walking away, his cloak flowing behind him. The courtyard slowly emptied, leaving Shaun alone with his thoughts.

Hours passed, and the manor was quiet. Shaun sat in the garden, his wooden sword resting across his lap. The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the grounds. He was lost in thought when the sound of shouting shattered the calm.

A sharp, panicked shout rang through the air:

"Intruders! To arms!"

Shaun's heart pounded. He jumped up, grabbing his sword, and ran toward the noise.

As he turned the corner, he froze.

Guards lay motionless on the ground, their weapons broken beside them. In the middle of the chaos stood a single figure, dressed in black, a shimmering silver sword in his hand. His face was hidden under a hood, but his presence was cold and menacing.

Shaun tightened his grip on his sword. "Who are you?" he demanded. His voice was steady, but inside, he felt a rising fear.

There was no response, and then the stranger rushed forward closing the gap between them. He swung his blade, and Shaun raised his wooden sword to block. The strike landed with a deafening crack, and the wooden sword shattered into splinters. Shaun stumbled back, his arms stinging from the impact.

Shaun dropped the broken hilt and sprang forward, his fists clenched. He swung a punch aimed at the man's jaw, but the man sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a kick to Shaun's ribs. The force sent Shaun sprawling across the courtyard.

Gritting his teeth, Shaun pushed himself up. "I can't beat him like this. I need a weapon."

His eyes darted around the courtyard, landing on a fallen guard's sword. He sprinted toward it, but the man was faster. A blast of wind magic slammed into Shaun, throwing him off course. He hit the ground hard, the air knocked out of his lungs.

Shaun rolled to his feet but before he could even think the stranger advanced again, his silver blade reflecting the last rays of the setting sun. Shaun dodged the first strike, then the second, his movements quick and precise. But the man's attacks were relentless, each one faster and stronger than the last.

Shaun's hand shot out, and a burst of fire erupted from his palm. The man raised his blade, deflecting the flames with ease.

Shaun didn't answer. He charged forward, his fists glowing with magic. He swung a punch, and the stranger blocked it with his forearm, but the force of the blow sent him skidding back.

Shaun pressed the attack, his fists and feet moving in a blur. He landed a kick to the man's side, then followed up with a punch to his chest. The impact sent him crashing against a pillar, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes for the first time.

"Well, well," the stranger finally spoke. Who knew the weirdo had this kind of strength in him? Back then, you were just a nobody—no direction, no purpose. And now look at you, playing the hero. How pathetic."

Shaun's heart stopped. The voice sounded all too familiar.

"I remember a time when you couldn't even stand up for yourself. Remember that day in the cafeteria? When those bullies took your lunch and you just sat there, staring at your empty tray? You didn't even try to stop them. Pathetic."

The shock hit him harder than any sword. His fingers loosened, and his weapon slipped from his grasp. Shaun's vision blurred as memories of his past life flooded his mind. He shook his head, trying to focus, but the stranger's words cut deeper than any blade.

In that split second, the stranger struck again. Shaun flew back, crashing to the ground. Pain burned through his body, his vision swimming.

"Shaun!"

His mother's voice.

He lifted his head and saw her running toward him, her face full of fear. She threw herself in front of him, arms spread wide. "Leave him alone!" she shouted.

The stranger raised his sword, tilting his head slightly. "A mother's love. How touching."

Shaun's stomach twisted in terror.

"No!" he screamed.

The silver blade came down.

His mother collapsed.

Shaun's world shattered. He crawled forward, his hands shaking. His breath came in ragged sobs. No… no… this can't be happening.

Before he could reach her, the stranger grabbed him by the collar and lifted him effortlessly off the ground.

"Remember this moment, Shaun," the man whispered, his voice as cold as ice. "Remember what happens when you're weak."

Then, just as suddenly as he had appeared, the man let go and disappeared into the shadows.

Shaun crumpled to the ground, shaking, tears falling freely as he held his mother's lifeless form.

This is my fault. If I hadn't hesitated… if I hadn't hidden my strength… she'd still be alive.

Footsteps echoed in the silent courtyard.

Aldric stood at the entrance, his face pale with shock. "Shaun… what happened?"

Shaun looked up, his hands clenched into fists, his eyes filled with a burning determination.

"I failed her, Father. But I won't fail again."