Chapter 109: Younger Brother

"Thank you," Joseph whispered, his eyes brimming with tears. He had never felt so grateful before in his life. Xavier had saved his newborn child, and for that, he owed the man everything.

Xavier simply smiled back at Joseph and then spoke in a low voice. "If you want to repay me, then you can give me one thing."

Joseph was taken aback by the statement, unsure of what Xavier could possibly want. "But we don’t have anything worth giving you," he replied.

"Don’t worry, you already have it," Xavier said cryptically, his eyes flickering toward the baby in Yoona’s arms.

"What?" Joseph exclaimed, the worry etched deep in his features.

"No, it isn’t what you think," Xavier assured him, "I want to take him as my student."

Joseph’s eyes widened in disbelief. The strongest mage in the kingdom wanted to take his child as student? It was a dream come true.

"As I told you before, your child has a great gift," Xavier continued, "It’s so great that he can become the strongest mage in the world. That’s, of course, if he meets a great teacher."

Joseph couldn’t contain his excitement any longer. "Huh? Really?" he exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.

Xavier nodded. "Yes, really. But I won’t take him now. I’ll come back in ten years."

As he left the room, Joseph couldn’t help but wonder what kind of teacher Xavier would be. He had heard stories of the man’s power and skill, and he knew that their child would be in good hands.

Little did he know, Xavier had a deeper reason for taking their child as his student.

He had channeled some of his own mana into the baby’s body, because his mana was one of a kind that even the Dragon King wanted to plunder and if anyone found out, then the child and his family would be in grave danger.

So by teaching the child how to control his mana, he could keep them safe.

But there was also another reason. Xavier wanted to get closer to Nell’s family, to uncover the secrets that Yeoman was hiding.

’What is he plotting?’ Nellas wondered.

...

(Time Skip - 15 Years)

The rhythmic pounding of the hammer against the hot iron filled the workshop as Nellas and his father, Joseph, worked in tandem, melting and shaping the metal into new weapons and armor. It was a routine they had perfected over the years, one that had helped them build a stable life together.

But their work was suddenly interrupted by a loud crash, and a young girl with black hair and black eyes burst into the workshop. Nell recognized her immediately as Yoona’s daughter and his childhood friend, Minhe.

"Nell!" she cried out, gasping for breath. Her hand was on her knee, and sweat glistened on her forehead.

Nellas rushed to her side, concerned. "What happened? Why are you so out of breath?" he asked.

Minhe looked up at him, a smile on her face despite her obvious exhaustion. "NELL...your brother...Yujin is back," she said.

Nell’s eyes widened in shock. "What? Really?" he exclaimed.

"Yes!" Minhe replied, nodding vigorously.

Without another word, Nellas bolted out of the workshop, leaving his father behind. He ran as fast as he could, his heart pounding in his chest. The thought of seeing his younger brother after so many years filled him with excitement and anticipation.

As Joseph and Minhe watched Nell’s figure grow smaller in the distance, they couldn’t help but feel touched by the display of brotherly affection. Joseph chuckled softly, "Look at him, running like crazy to meet his brother. He really loves his brother who has come back after five years."

Minhe nodded, "Yeah, that is just how he is. Huh, aren’t you going to meet him?"

Joseph smiled, "Of course I am. I just want to let those two have their moment first. It’s been a long time since they’ve seen each other."

...

Nellas burst into his house, his heart racing with excitement. He could hear his brother’s voice from the hallway, and he sprinted toward it. As he reached the entrance, he saw his brother Yujin embracing their mother, Sonia, while Yoona stood beside them.

"Yujin," Nell called out, his voice filled with excitement.

His brother turned around and a wide grin spread across his face. "Hey, Brother!" he exclaimed.

Nellas rushed towards Yujin and wrapped his arms tightly around him, holding him close. "Oh, I missed you so much!" he said as he hugged his brother tightly.

Yujin laughed heartily. "Me too, Brother," he replied.

As Nell stepped back, he couldn’t help but notice the changes in his brother. Yujin was now as tall as him, and his muscles were even more defined.

"You’ve grown so much," He remarked, taking in his brother’s new physique.

"Yeah, I have," Yujin replied, looking around the house in amazement. "But when did we move here? This place is incredible. Did we hit the jackpot or something?"

Nellas grinned, feeling proud of his accomplishments. "We bought this place a year ago," he replied. "And it’s all thanks to me," he added, feeling a sense of pride in his work.

Yoona stepped forward, smiling at Yujin. "Just like you have a talent in magic, Yeoman is a genius blacksmith. He’s been working with your father for the past two years, and everything he made sells for a high price in the market. The buyers even gave him a title: The Cute Blacksmith."

Yujin burst into laughter at the title, teasing his with a playful jab. Nellas frowned, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Was it necessary to tell him the title part?" he grumbled.

Yoona shrugged, still smiling. "Why not? It would make him happy, wouldn’t it?"

"Mm, yeah, I guess," Nell reluctantly agreed. But in his heart, he knew the real reason for his success. It wasn’t just his talent; it was the memories and experience he’d gained from in his previous life.

As the group chatted excitedly, Yujin suddenly interrupted, "Oh, come to think of it, where is Father?"

"Look, here I am." Joseph trudged through the door, his hair disheveled and his clothes caked with grime. His exhaustion was etched deeply on his face.

"Father!" Yujin cried, his voice ringing out with joy.

Rushing towards Joseph, he embraced him tightly. The two had been separated for five long years, and the reunion was an emotional one. As they held each other, Yujin’s heart swelled with love for his father.

"How are you, Father?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice.

Joseph smiled weakly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He reached out to stroke Yujin’s hair, his touch gentle and reassuring. "I’m fine, Son," he replied, his voice brimming with warmth. "But I have something to tell you."

Yujin’s expression shifted, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What is it, Father?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Joseph sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. "A few days ago, I received a letter from the King," he began. "He’s asking me to send you to the capital immediately upon your arrival."

Yujin’s eyes widened in surprise, shockwaves coursing through his body. This was unexpected news, and he wasn’t sure how to react.

Yujin’s eyes widened in disbelief at the news. The King wanted him - a mere commoner - to journey to the capital. It seemed too good to be true.

"Really?" he asked, his voice laced with hope. "That sounds incredible, but I can’t help feeling that there’s something more to it. They must want something from me."

Joseph’s expression darkened at his son’s words. "The same thing everyone else wants: your powers," he replied, his voice heavy with concern.

Yujin’s heart sank at the realization. He had always known that his natural aptitude for magic set him apart from others, but he never imagined that it would make him a target.

"I’m sorry, Father," Yujin said dejectedly. "I’ve only just returned home. Can’t I stay for a little while longer?"

Joseph shook his head, his gaze unwavering. "I’m afraid not, Son. These are the King’s orders, and we cannot refuse them."

Yujin’s disappointment was noticeable, but before he could protest, Nellas stepped forward, his face set with determination.

"I’ll go with him," he declared, his voice ringing out with conviction. "And I won’t let him go alone."

Joseph looked skeptical at first, but he nodded his approval, a small smile spreading across his face.

"Very well," he said, his voice softening. "Do as you wish, but be careful."

Sonia’s warm smile radiated as she watched her elder and younger son standing side by side, their bond palpable. The moment of serenity was abruptly interrupted by the sound of a girl’s voice. Minhe stepped forward, determination in her eyes as she faced Yeoman.

"If you’re going, then I’m going too," Minhe declared, her voice firm and resolute.

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