Chapter 157: Determination

"Don’t worry about me. I’m still considered too young to participate directly on the front lines."

"My current role will be assisting with troop organization, training new recruits, and providing logistical support. At least for now."

"I hope the war ends quickly and that I can return home as soon as I fulfill my duties."

"Take good care of one another."

"With love and longing."

"Asmon."

Lukas remained staring at his brother’s signature for a few seconds, his eyes fixed on the name written with such confidence. Asmon’s handwriting seemed to convey an assurance that contrasted with the concern he felt.

Then he let out a long sigh, the air escaping his lungs as though it carried away part of the weight that had accumulated in his chest.

At least... for now, he was safe. Even though he had been recruited, he would remain away from the main battles, serving in support roles that kept him away from immediate danger. That alone was an enormous relief.

Even so... Wars changed quickly. Situations shifted, the army’s needs evolved, and a young soldier could be sent to the front lines in an instant. No one could guarantee that things would remain this way.

Slowly, he handed the letter to Judite. The girl held the paper with both hands, her small fingers carefully wrapping around the parchment as though she were holding something precious.

Her little eyes carefully followed every line. She read slowly, almost sounding out the words, as though she wanted to absorb every detail. At times, she even held her breath, her eyes widening slightly whenever she came across passages that worried her.

When she finished... she slowly closed her eyes.

"I hope..." Her voice came out softly, almost a whisper, carrying an emotion she rarely showed.

"I hope my brother stays safe."

She gently pressed the letter against her chest, as though she could convey her love through the paper. Her eyes were moist, but she did not cry. Instead, something changed in her expression.

At that moment, a new determination arose within her. Until then, she had studied magic because she enjoyed it. Because she admired Master Thorne. Because she dreamed of casting incredible spells like the ones she saw in books.

Now... she had a much greater reason.

She wanted to protect her family. Her mother, who had always cared for her with such affection. Her father, who worked so hard to keep everyone safe. Asmon, who was so far away and in danger. And in the future, Lukas, her younger brother, who always protected her.

Her small fist quietly clenched, her fingers tightening against her palm.

’I’ll become strong.’

’Strong enough to protect all of them.’

Beside her, Lukas also remained silent. His determination was no less. Every book he had read over the past few months seemed to confirm the same truth.

In this world... Strength solved almost everything. The history he had studied, the empires that had risen and fallen, the legends of the Five Heroes, all of it pointed to the same conclusion.

Strength protected families. The strong could keep their loved ones safe, while the weak were at the mercy of fate.

It guaranteed wealth. The treasures hidden within dungeons, the resources of fertile lands, and the trade between kingdoms, everything was controlled by those who possessed the power to seize and protect it.

It allowed people to explore ruins. Dangerous places where few dared to enter were accessible only to those strong enough to survive.

To capture creatures. The magical beasts that fascinated Lukas so much could only be studied and collected by someone capable of confronting them.

To travel across the continents. The Free Lands, the wild territories, and the regions beyond the known borders all required travelers strong enough to face their dangers.

To fulfill dreams. The zoo he envisioned, the creatures he wanted to meet, the discoveries he hoped to make, none of it would be possible without strength.

Without strength... None of it would be possible.

His Awakening was drawing closer and closer. On some deep level within his very being, he could feel that something was about to change. And when it finally happened, his true training would begin.

Lunch continued in complete silence. The sound of silverware was practically the only thing that could be heard, a metallic rhythm contrasting with the stillness of the room. From time to time, someone let out a quiet sigh, an echo of the concern that still lingered over everyone.

The worry still hung over the table, invisible yet tangible. Like a dark cloud that refused to disperse.

Then Aurora slapped both hands against her own face.

’Tap! Tap!’

The sudden sound made everyone look at her, their expressions shifting from concern to surprise. For a moment, no one said anything.

She took a deep breath, her eyes sweeping across every member of the family. Then she broke into a broad smile, so bright it seemed to light up the entire room.

"Alright!" Her voice was once again full of energy, carrying the liveliness that had always defined her.

"There’s no point in sitting here worrying."

"Asmon takes after his father." She looked at Clavor, obvious pride shining in her eyes.

"He’s an excellent swordsman. He trained with him since he was little and learned everything he could."

"He won’t die in some small war against our neighboring kingdom." The confidence in her voice was genuine and contagious.

"He’s smarter than that."

Then she turned her eyes toward Judite and Lukas, a motherly warmth shining in her gaze.

"And the two of you as well. I’m sure that one day you’ll become incredibly strong. Far stronger than we ever were."

"You weren’t born to spend your entire lives trapped in this little corner of the Kingdom of Rhyne." Her words were both a vote of confidence and a prophecy she hoped would come true.

Clavor let out a heartfelt laugh, the sound echoing through the room. The concern still existed, an invisible thread connecting them all. But Aurora was right.

Imagining tragedies would not change anything. Fear protected no one. Worry prevented no disasters. The only thing they could do was trust Asmon and continue living.

"You’re right." He smiled, his face finally relaxing.

"Asmon is a strong boy. We raised him to be strong. We don’t need to worry so much."

Lukas and Judite nodded almost at the same time, a synchronized gesture that showed how deeply they shared the same feelings.

The atmosphere around the table finally became a little lighter. Conversations resumed, smiles returned, and the meal was able to come to a peaceful end.