ReEvolution: The glorious evolution

The morning sun bathed Lurkburg in golden light, casting long shadows over the quiet village.

Kurt stirred in his bed, his blond hair a tangled mess.

His room was no better—clothes, empty bottles, and a few scattered weapons littered the floor.

As he pulled back the curtains, the sunlight only served to highlight the chaos.

"Should probably clean up," he muttered to himself.

Instead, he stepped out and made his way to another room. Viktor's.

The contrast was jarring. Immaculately clean, the bed neatly made, no dust in sight. Not even a sliver of light seeped through the heavy curtains.

Kurt's gaze landed on a spellbook resting on the bed—the same one he'd given Viktor on his tenth birthday.

"You were so innocent back then," he murmured, brushing his fingers over the worn cover. "I wonder what changed."

With a quiet sigh, he shut the door.

---

Outside, the crisp morning air greeted him.

Bare-chested and dressed only in black pants and boots, Kurt moved through his training routine with methodical precision.

His sword sliced through the air, muscles tightening with each swing. Sweat glistened on his skin, catching the morning light.

Unknowingly to him, a small group of older women had gathered nearby, whispering and watching with interest.

Kurt sighed, wiping his brow before giving them an awkward wave.

"Still drawing attention, I see," a familiar voice teased from behind.

He turned to see Adrian—Henry's mother—watching him with a knowing smirk.

Kurt rested his sword on his shoulder. "What can I say? People love warriors," he said, flashing a grin. "Were you enjoying the show too?"

Adrian arched an eyebrow, a hint of pink dusting her cheeks. "If I'm being honest, your ego isn't the only thing that's growing," she teased.

Kurt chuckled. "Careful, Adrian. Someone might hear you."

"Then invite me in for breakfast," she said, slipping her arms around his waist.

He didn't resist. "Fine. I made some of your favorites anyway."

---

Inside, Adrian settled into a chair at the dining table while Kurt moved about the kitchen. The scent of sizzling bacon and fresh tea filled the air.

"Is Viktor awake?" she asked, resting her chin on her palm. "I wanted to talk to him about Henry."

Kurt exhaled slowly. "He's out in the forest. Probably still asleep. And honestly? You're the last person he'd want to talk to."

Adrian frowned. "Because of Henry and my husband?"

"They play a part," Kurt admitted. "But it's more complicated than that. He doesn't understand why you're cheating on them with me."

Adrian's expression darkened. "Have you tried explaining it to him?"

Kurt shook his head. "Even if I wanted to, it wouldn't matter. I'd just lose whatever little respect he still has for me." He hesitated. "He once told me… we're like fire and water. We try to be a family, but in the end, we only cancel each other out."

A heavy silence settled between them.

"Sorry," Adrian murmured. "I shouldn't have asked."

"Let's change the subject," Kurt said, setting down a cup of tea in front of her.

Adrian sat up straighter. "Alright. When did he start sleeping outside?"

"Since he turned twelve. Probably some elven puberty thing—sleeping in forest, refusing to walk on the ground, using magic for everything." Kurt smirked. "And don't even get me started on his arrogance. That came out of nowhere."

Adrian chuckled, sipping her tea. "Well, you'll have to deal with it sooner or later. Besides, aren't you proud of how quickly he's maturing?"

Kurt paused, the knife in his hand hovering over the cutting board.

After a moment, he sighed. "Of course I am. I know what he's capable of. And honestly… I can't wait to see it." A small smile tugged at his lips.

Adrian watched him, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Speaking of changes, we have new neighbors in the village. They came from the Southern Kingdom."

Kurt raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"They say they're mercenaries here to protect us from danger," Adrian explained. "But the strange part? They're not asking for anything in return."

Kurt's hand stilled.

Without a word, he turned off the heating stone beneath the stove and reached for his sword.

Adrian's smile faded. "Kurt, what are you—"

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The firm, deliberate knocks sent a chill through the air.

Adrian stiffened, her fingers curling around the edge of the table.

A deep voice followed. "Kurt Lawwick. The name's Hans. I know you and that redhead are inside. Open up before we break the door down."

Kurt locked eyes with Adrian. "Go downstairs."

She didn't hesitate, slipping into the hidden cellar beneath the floorboards.

Kurt took a steadying breath before striding to the door. With a sharp exhale, he yanked it open.

A towering man stood before him, clad in leather armor, broad shoulders blocking out the light.

Hans smirked.

Kurt stepped forward, barring the entrance with his arm. "We'll talk outside."

The mercenary let out a low chuckle. "Fine by me." He crossed his arms. "I'll keep it brief. Where's the elf?"

"Not here," Kurt said evenly. "Why do you care?"

Hans leaned in slightly, his smirk widening. "Because he's worth a fortune. Ten gold coins is enough to turn this backwater village into a paradise. So why don't you stop pretending you care and hand him over?"

Kurt took a slow step forward, his gaze unwavering. "I refuse."

Silence.

Then Hans laughed—a quiet, knowing chuckle. "You can't hide him forever." He turned away. "I'll find him soon."

Kurt watched him walk off, fists clenched at his sides.

As soon as the door shut, Adrian reappeared from the cellar, immediately wrapping her arms around him. "Are you okay? He didn't hurt you, did he?"

Kurt exhaled, resting his chin against her hair. "Looks like I'm going to miss your warmth."

Adrian pulled back slightly, reading the meaning behind his words.

"Kurt… before you go," she whispered. "Can I have one final moment with you? I want to experience the life I could have had… if I had chosen to leave with you that day."

Kurt cupped her face, his fingers brushing over her cheek.

"I only have a few hours before I need to leave without being followed," he murmured. "But I'll make every second count."

And then, he kissed her.