That night, when the mansion was silent and everyone fast asleep…
Rai heard a knock on his door.
Soft. Barely audible. But enough to stir him.
He opened the door to find Fretz, his older brother, standing outside.
> "Come quietly," Fretz whispered.
Rai followed him through the dim corridors of the estate. The marble floors echoed faintly beneath their feet.
When they entered the room at the end of the hall, their sister Yuki was already there — poised, composed, and waiting.
Fretz stood beside her — tall, calm, and serious.
It was Rai's first night in the mansion… and yet his room had been made exactly like Fretz's. Same bed. Same space. Same lighting.
It wasn't extravagant.
But to Rai… it meant everything.
For the first time, he felt equal.
For the first time, he felt like a true Zestar.
---
Fretz looked at the two of them, his tone firm.
> "The competition tomorrow is important… but let's not turn this into bloodshed. Let's decide now, like educated people, who will walk which path."
He stepped forward first.
> "I'll join the Military Academy."
Neither Rai nor Yuki objected.
Then Fretz turned to Rai.
> "So… which path will you choose?"
Rai didn't hesitate.
> "I will join the Academy of Swords and Magic."
Fretz gave a slight nod — as if he'd expected it.
> "Yuki also has the same dream."
Yuki stepped forward, eyes sharp with pride.
> "I have a bigger reason. I want to make Father proud. And I'll never lose to an orph—"
> "I don't care if I'm an orphan," Rai cut in coldly. "But I'll never lose to a good-for-nothing."
The air grew heavy.
Fretz quickly stepped between them.
> "Yuki, say sorry."
She hesitated. Then lowered her eyes.
> "…Sorry."
Without another word, she turned and left the room.
Fretz looked at Rai with a solemn expression.
> "Now there's only one way left — competition."
What they didn't know was that Mr. Zestar had been listening from outside the door the entire time.
He didn't enter.
He simply smiled to himself…
And walked away.
---
The Next Morning
The Zestar family training grounds stretched wide beneath a pale blue sky. A perfect field for testing strength, courage, and resolve.
Rai, Yuki, and Fretz stood before Mr. Zestar, who looked every bit a seasoned magician — tall, broad, with a commanding beard and steady eyes.
> "First," he said, "we'll begin with the Military Exam."
Before the words had fully left his mouth, Fretz stepped forward.
Mr. Zestar chuckled softly.
> "I know none of you are eager for the Military Academy… but I won't let you off that easily."
He smiled.
> "You'll go to your uncle's house — he's a military general. It's only a kilometer away. You'll return by evening."
As Fretz departed, Mr. Zestar turned to Rai and Yuki.
He raised a hand, and a magical glow flickered around both of them.
> "You are now protected by a barrier. If it breaks — you lose. Simple."
Rai gripped his sword.
Yuki raised her wand.
> "Begin!"
---
Yuki moved first.
> "Fireball!"
A flaming orb surged toward Rai — but he countered instantly.
> "Wind Blade!"
The flames were cut apart midair.
Again and again, Yuki cast spell after spell.
Again and again — Rai countered.
But Rai wasn't attacking. He was only defending.
Yuki's frustration boiled.
Her pride snapped — and she shouted the same insult she had said the night before.
And that's when Rai's eyes went cold.
Without warning, he leapt 40 feet into the air, sword glowing with a strange dark energy.
Then — silence.
A magical wave froze the entire field.
Everyone was paralyzed. Yuki grinned — this was her trap.
Her Appraisal Skill had shown her the barrier's weak point — directly beneath the heels.
She aimed.
> "Stone Bullet!"
But from above, Rai's voice roared through the air.
> "HELLFIRE TORCH!"
His blade erupted in blue and black flames.
A colossal fireball exploded downward, crashing like a meteor.
The earth trembled.
The air burned.
The barrier shattered.
Mr. Zestar raised a hand.
> "Stop! Rai wins!"
---
Yuki stood frozen. Then stepped forward, stunned.
> "That's not fair—!"
But Mr. Zestar's tone was calm — and final.
> "The aura of that spell alone broke your barrier into pieces.
It was a Shadow Bound spell — the third-highest rank.
Your barrier? It only matched a Leaf Bound — the fifth rank."
Yuki's eyes widened. Her thoughts trembled.
> "The one I was fighting… wasn't a normal boy.
He was a monster."
She lowered her wand. Looked at Rai. And whispered:
> "I'm sorry. You're stronger than me… I'm the weaker one."
---
Later that day, Mr. Zestar summoned them again.
He looked at Yuki.
> "You will now attend the Merchant Academy — where the best in business are born."
Then to Rai, with a proud nod:
> "You will go to the Academy of Swords and Magic.
The carriage arrives tomorrow night. Prepare yourself."
He added with a smile:
> "Also… the Magic Ball tells me Fretz passed his test. He'll return by evening."
Yuki turned to Rai with a gentle smile.
> "You're better than me.
From now on… I'll become a successful merchant.
And about what I said before…
You're not an orphan.
You're my brother.
You're a true Zestar."
Rai smiled.
For the first time in his life…
He felt happy.
---
Evening
Four hours later, Fretz returned.
He was surprised by everything that had happened — but relieved it ended in peace.
He looked at Rai and smiled.
> "Let's forget the past.
Our real life starts today.
Let's give it our all…
And make the Zestar family proud."
He laughed and added:
> "Tomorrow, when we depart — let's be happy.
But tonight… let's roam the city one last time."
Rai nodded.
He was happier than ever.
Because for the first time…
He had a family.