Chapter 32: Chapter 32 – Expectations of a Genius (2)

"This is your final chance."

Leon looked up slowly.

"Before entering the academy..."

The patriarch’s mana pressure spread subtly throughout the room.

"...Reach the Fifth Circle."

Leon froze completely.

Fifth Circle.

Not third.

Not fourth.

Fifth.

Even among noble prodigies, reaching the Fifth Circle before adulthood bordered on insanity.

Most academy students entered as First or Second Circle mages.

Third Circle talents were celebrated as geniuses.

And Fifth Circle?

That was the level of monsters.

Leon’s throat tightened slightly.

"...As a magic swordsman?"

His father’s expression remained cold.

"I do not care what path you choose."

The patriarch’s silver eyes narrowed.

"But if you cannot reach the Fifth Circle before entering the academy..."

Silence.

"...You will be removed from succession."

Leon’s chest tightened painfully.

Not expelled from the family entirely.

But politically discarded.

Abandoned.

Thrown away from the future of the branch.

His mother closed her eyes briefly before speaking softly.

"This is the only way we can protect you."

Because if he remained weak—

His siblings would eventually destroy him themselves.

Leon understood.

That was the cruel reality of noble families.

Strength determined value.

Nothing else.

He slowly lowered his head.

"...I understand."

Later that night—

Leon stood alone on the balcony outside his room staring at the moonlit sky.

The enormous sword rested against the railing nearby.

"...Fifth Circle..."

His mana swirled unconsciously around him like a storm.

Could he really reach that level?

As a magic swordsman?

As someone whose mana constantly fought against him?

Even now, basic mana stabilization remained difficult sometimes.

Meanwhile the Fifth Circle required complete mastery over one’s mana pathways and core.

Leon clenched his fists slightly.

"...Can I even do it?"

For the first time in years—

Fear crept into his heart.

Not fear of battle.

Not fear of pain.

Fear of being abandoned.

Discarded.

Left behind.

The wind blew softly across the balcony.

Then slowly—

Leon picked up his sword again.

His silver eyes sharpened slightly.

"...No."

If he failed—

Everything would end.

Which meant he had no choice but to succeed.

[Present day]

The pathways surrounding the Sinclair estate remained lively even at night as servants moved through the illuminated streets carrying supplies and messages after the examination chaos.

Meanwhile—

Eternia and Kael continued arguing while walking.

"Etherius’s communication skills are terrible."

Eternia crossed her arms while speaking calmly.

"He invited me somewhere and then immediately left before hearing my answer."

Kael looked at her blankly.

"...You should not be judging others."

Eternia narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Hm?"

"You are somehow even worse at communication."

"That is objectively false."

Kael nearly laughed.

"You threatened me during our first conversation."

"Efficient communication."

"That’s not communication."

"It worked."

Kael rubbed his forehead tiredly.

"You and your brother genuinely scare me."

"We are nothing alike."

"Both emotionally broken."

"...What does that even mean?"

"It means neither of you know how to interact with people normally."

Eternia looked offended.

"I interact perfectly fine."

Kael stared at her silently for several seconds.

"...You told Leon his sword was too large for the hallway after he apologized emotionally."

"...That was tactical analysis."

"That was psychological warfare."

"It was honesty."

Kael sighed deeply.

"Hopeless."

Eternia frowned slightly.

"You’re rude."

"You’re terrifying."

"Reasonable."

"No." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

As they continued bickering—

Eternia suddenly noticed something.

Leon had gone unusually quiet behind them.

Her eyes shifted toward him immediately.

The silver-haired boy walked silently with lowered eyes while gripping his sword tightly.

Worry.

Pressure.

Doubt.

Even though he tried hiding it—

Eternia noticed instantly.

She slowed slightly.

"...Leon."

He blinked and looked up quickly.

"Hm?"

"You look worried."

Leon froze slightly.

"...Do I?"

"Yes."

Kael glanced backward too before blinking.

"...Actually yeah."

Leon immediately smiled awkwardly.

"It’s nothing."

Lie.

A very obvious lie.

Eternia stared at him quietly.

"...Family problems?"

Leon’s expression stiffened instantly.

Kael slowly looked between them.

Then realization appeared on his face.

"...Ah."

Silence followed briefly.

Leon looked away quietly.

The atmosphere suddenly became heavier.

Eternia observed him silently for several moments.

Then finally—

"You’ll overcome it."

Leon blinked slightly.

"...What?"

"You’re strong."

Her answer came naturally.

Without hesitation.

Leon stared at her quietly.

Because for some reason—

Hearing those words from her felt strangely comforting.

Even though she had no idea what burden he carried.

Even though she knew nothing about the succession war.

She still looked at him without doubt.

Without disappointment.

As though his strength was obvious.

A faint smile slowly appeared on Leon’s face.

Small.

But genuine.

"...Thanks."

Meanwhile Kael watched the interaction silently before sighing internally.

"...These people are disasters."