Aldoria: Am I a hero...or not?

{{Valor Manor – A Week Later}}

A full week had passed since Kael's return, and he had wasted no time. He took on quests at the Ironclad Adventurer's Guild, proving his strength and efficiency. His rapid progress earned him a promotion from Bronze to Silver in just a few days.

At home, he strengthened his bonds with Cassian, Garrett, Freya, and Selene through sparring and discussions on aura control. He pointed out their flaws, offering insights that even Cassian acknowledged.

However, his relationship with Kyle remained unchanged. The two had never been particularly close. Unlike his other siblings, Kyle had always looked down on Kael, constantly trash-talking him as if to assert his superiority. Even now, Kyle's absence was barely felt in Kael's daily routine.

During his personal training, Kael experimented with the System's Visual Replication, an ability that allowed him to relive battles he had seen. He also tested techniques from ancient combat manuals, perfecting them through countless simulations.

One evening, Cassian summoned Kael to his study.

{{Valor Manor – Cassian's Study}}

"You're in charge of organizing Kyle's welcoming party," Cassian declared.

Kael raised a brow. "You're making me do all the work?"

Cassian smirked. "Consider it an honor. He may not be your favorite sibling, but he is still a Valor."

Kael sighed. "Fine. Anything else?"

Cassian leaned back. "Yes. Why aren't you enrolling in the academy? Father planned for all of us to attend."

Kael's expression darkened slightly. "Maybe soon, but not yet. I need to get stronger first." His voice was firm. "When I step into that academy, I don't want anyone to trample on the Valor name because of me."

Cassian studied him for a moment before nodding. "A wise decision." Then, he smirked. "Still, reaching Tier 7 in just 11 months? That's ridiculous, even for us."

Kael shrugged. "I had good teachers."

Cassian's gaze lingered on him, thoughtful. He clearly wanted to say more but decided against it. Instead, he gestured toward the door.

"Get some rest. You'll need it for the party."

Kael left without another word.

{{Valor Manor – Party Preparations}}

Weeks passed as Kael oversaw the event preparations, with Sylvia assisting him. Her efficiency was impressive, though she still turned red whenever Kael caught her staring.

Invitations were sent to nobles within Valor lands, and on the night of the party, the manor was alive with music, laughter, and finely dressed guests.

Kael stood at the entrance, personally welcoming them.

Then, trouble arrived.

{{Valor Manor – Entrance}}

A carriage pulled up, and out stepped Darius Ferden, heir to the Ferden Family, a noble house infamous for its arrogance. At Tier 8, he considered himself superior to most.

Darius scoffed upon seeing Kael. "Tch. So it's true. The bastard of the Valor family is the one welcoming guests?"

Kael met his gaze, unfazed. "This is a celebration for my brother's return."

Darius sneered. "And yet, the rumors say you've been pretending to be strong. Everyone knows you're the weakest son of Valor."

The nobles nearby whispered, their curiosity piqued.

Before Kael could respond, Darius threw a punch, fast, but undisciplined.

CRACK!

A sickening sound echoed as Darius' hand shattered on impact. He stumbled back, clutching his broken fingers in shock.

"You…! You used some kind of curse!" he snarled.

Kael tilted his head. "Curse? No. Your aura control is just shit."

In an instant, Kael punched Darius in the stomach.

BOOM!

Darius flew across the garden, crashing into a decorative fountain.

Kael smirked. "Next time, don't insult a Valor unless you want to regret it."

Darius paled at Kael's chilling smile and scrambled toward his carriage, disappearing into the night.

A slow clap sounded from behind.

Kael turned to see Kyle Valor, standing with a grin.

"You've gotten stronger, little brother."

Kael's expression remained unreadable. "And you're still arrogant, Kyle."

Kyle let out a short laugh. "That's how you saw it? I was genuinely impressed."

Kael crossed his arms. "You never respected my strength before."

Kyle's grin faded slightly. "Maybe I just didn't see it back then."

Kael's eyes narrowed as a memory surfaced.

{{Training Grounds – 11 Months Ago}}

The wooden swords were handed to them. Kyle smirked, gripping his tightly.

"Try not to embarrass yourself, little brother."

Kael ignored him, rolling his shoulders. He could already see the flaws in Kyle's stance.

The moment the match began, Kyle lunged.

Kael sidestepped effortlessly.

Kyle swung again, too wide.

Kael ducked under the attack and jabbed the wooden sword against Kyle's ribs.

"Your stance is too open."

Kyle growled and attacked again, but Kael was faster. He struck Kyle's wrist, making him flinch.

"Too much strength in your grip. You'll tire out faster."

Kyle gritted his teeth, adjusting his stance, but Kael had already predicted his next move.

Strike—parry—counter.

Within moments, Kael disarmed Kyle, sending his wooden sword flying. He placed his own blade against Kyle's chest.

Silence.

The knights watching were stunned. Even Luke's jaw twitched slightly.

Kael exhaled, lowering his weapon. "You're sloppy, Kyle."

Kyle stared, still processing what just happened.

Kael turned away. "Unlike you, I've been doing actual work instead of just showing off."

And with that, he walked off toward the manor, leaving Kyle fuming.

{{Valor Manor – Present}}

Kyle's voice pulled Kael out of the memory. "Anyway, I need to greet our parents. But after this party, we have a rematch."

Kael smirked. "We'll see if you can last longer this time."

With that, the two brothers stepped inside, ready to enjoy the celebration.