The southern Arcadia.
Ho of Edwin.
Inside the large marble hall, Edwin’s father, sat with a crumpled newspaper in his hand.
His eyes burned with frustration as he read the bold headline once more:
"Rescue Attempt at Blackstone Plaza—90% of the Villagers Lost."
The article detailed how the academy’s first-year students, led by Professor Sylvia’s rescue initiative, had only managed to save a portion of the villagers.
It listed the nas of the students who took part: Kael Ashford, Elysia Von Arctria, Edwin Leonhart, Alina, Jin Halden, Selene, Isolde, and Seraphina.
The words seed to stab at his father’s pride.
His voice bood through the rooms.
"Edwin! Edwin!"
Upstairs, footsteps echoed.
Edwin ca rushing down the staircase.
Behind him, a small figure clung tightly to his arm—his younger sister, Lina.
"Coming, Father!" Edwin said breathlessly.
Lina, no older than eight, peeked from behind her brother’s arm.
Her eyes were large and innocent, a stark contrast to the storm that brewed in their father’s.
She clutched Edwin’s leg like a frightened kitten.
Father’s gaze softened briefly when it landed on his daughter, but the anger in his chest was not easily quelled.
"Lina," he said gently but firmly.
"Go to your room. I need to speak with your brother."
Lina shook her head, her grip tightening around Edwin’s tunic.
"I don’t want to... I’ll stay with brother."
Edwin bent down, ruffling her hair with a small smile.
"Lina, it’s alright. Go on, I’ll co see you later."
But Lina only pouted, refusing to move.
Father exhaled heavily, his patience thinning.
Still, he refrained from raising his voice at his daughter. Instead, he turned his fiery gaze toward Edwin.
"Do you consider yourself a hero, Edwin?"
Edwin blinked, caught off guard.
"What are you talking about, Father?"
Father’s fist slamd onto the table, rattling the glassware.
With his other hand, he threw the crumpled newspaper at Edwin’s chest. The paper bounced off and fell to the marble floor.
"Read it! Look at what they’re saying!"
Edwin picked up the paper, scanning the lines. His heart sank as he read the criticism: ’The young heroes failed to protect the innocent.’ ’Many villagers perished despite the academy’s intervention.’
Before Edwin could respond, a sharp SLAP echoed across the room.
Lina gasped, eyes wide with shock as Edwin’s head snapped to the side, his cheek stinging with pain.
"You sha !".
"Do you think I raised you to fail the people? A hero saves lives. A hero sacrifices himself for the weak. Yet you—"
"I am sorry, Father, but—"
"There is no but!" father cut him off harshly.
"Excuses are for cowards. A Loenhart does not fail. You should have protected them all!"
Edwin clenched his fists, his jaw tight. Anger flared inside him, but so did guilt.
His father’s words pierced deeper than the slap.
Images of the burning village, the screaming people, the helpless faces he couldn’t reach in ti—all of them rushed back into his mind.
His chest tightened.
(During that ti, it was my role. My responsibility. Not Kael’s. He is weak, and I am strong. I should have been the one to step forward. I should have borne the burden.)
Edwin’s father turned away, his shoulders tense. "You are not my son if you cannot uphold what it ans to be a hero."
Without saying another word, he turned and stord up the stairs. Lina hurried after him, her small feet pattering against the steps.
"Edwin! Wait!" she cried.
Inside his room, Edwin slamd the door shut and leaned against it, his chest heaving.
He wanted to scream, to punch the wall, to do anything to drown out the voices in his head. But then he felt the soft tug at his sleeve.
Lina had followed him in, her eyes teary but determined. She hugged his arm tightly.
"Brother," she said softly.
"I know you tried to save people. I know you did."
Her innocence and unwavering faith made Edwin’s anger crumble. His shoulders slumped as he dropped to one knee, pulling her into his arms.
"Brothe Edwin".
She looked up at him with a small, pure smile. "Even if you couldn’t save everyone, you saved so. Isn’t that what matters too?"
Edwin felt his throat tighten. He buried his face against her hair, trembling. Her words were like a balm to his wounded pride.
(Even if I cannot save the whole world... at least, I can save you.) he thought, holding her tighter.
Lina giggled softly, wrapping her small arms around his neck.
"See? You’re my hero. Always."
Edwin’s eyes watered, but he forced a smile. He stroked her hair gently.
"Then I’ll make sure I never let you down."
They sat there in silence for a while—the proud young swordsman and his innocent little sister, clinging to each other in the quiet safety of his room.
Edwin wiped away the last trace of frustration from his face and stood up, gently patting Lina’s head.
"Co on," he said softly. "Let’s go train."
Lina’s eyes sparkled with excitent. "Really? You’ll take with you?"
Edwin smiled faintly. "Of course. You like watching, don’t you?"
She nodded eagerly.
"Yes! I like it when my brother is strong."
They stepped out of the ho together, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ground.
It wasn’t the most dangerous part of Arcadia, but enough beasts lurked within to sharpen Edwin’s blade and spirit.
Edwin carried his sword across his back, while Lina skipped beside him, holding onto his sleeve.
Her presence was like a tiny fla—warming, guiding, keeping him grounded.
When they reached a small clearing, Edwin unsheathed his sword. "Stay behind that tree, Lina. Watch closely."
"Okay!" she chirped, hiding just enough to peek out.
Monts later, the underbrush rustled, and a snarling beast lunged out—a wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes.
Edwin stepped forward without hesitation. His movents were sharp, precise, filled with practiced determination.
With one clean slash, the beast fell, crumpling to the ground.
"Yay! Brother’s the strongest!" Lina clapped her hands loudly.
Edwin allowed himself a small grin as another beast erged. This ti he spun, delivering a strike that severed its advance before it could get close.
Lina’s laughter rang out again. "You’re amazing! Father doesn’t know anything—he should see you now!"
Edwin exhaled slowly, the guilt still heavy in his chest. But watching his little sister’s smile, he felt his resolve harden.
(Even if the world mocks , even if Father scolds , I’ll keep becoming stronger. Strong enough to protect her, no matter what.)
He glanced back at Lina, who waved excitedly.
"Do another one, Brother!"
Edwin raised his sword again, a fire burning in his eyes. For her, he would never falter.
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