You Didn't Hear Anything

The sun rose over the von Harrow Manor, its light filtering through the heavy curtains of Taryn's room. He stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the training outfit his father had insisted he wear. The fabric was stiff and unfamiliar, a far cry from the comfortable clothes he preferred. In his hand, he clutched the wooden sword his father had given him—a child's toy, but one that felt heavier than it should.

He could still hear his father's voice echoing in his mind, loud and enthusiastic, from earlier that morning.

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The door had burst open with a crash, jolting Taryn awake. His father, Aldric von Harrow, stood in the doorway, his broad frame filling the space. "Taryn!" he boomed, his voice like thunder. "Let's train you!"

From the hallway, Seraphine's voice cut in, calm but firm. "Darling, it's still early to train Taryn. He's only four years old."

Aldric turned to her, his grin unwavering. "Before I became the Raging Fire, I was a mere commoner. I trained day and night since I was four. I was motivated by the adventurers passing through my village—strong, fearless, and free. And look where it got me." He puffed out his chest, his pride evident. "That's why Taryn should train harder than I did. He has magic aptitude. I don't. He has more potential than I ever did."

Seraphine sighed, her expression a mix of amusement and concern. "Just don't push him too hard, Aldric. He's still a child."

Aldric waved her off, his attention already back on Taryn. "Come on, son! The day's wasting!"

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Taryn stared at his reflection, his small face framed by the training outfit's high collar. Ahhh... I forgot. This is the medieval ages, except with magic. I underestimated how this world works. 

He tightened his grip on the wooden sword, feeling the rough texture of the wood against his palm. It was a simple weapon, but it symbolized something far greater—a legacy he wasn't sure he wanted. His father saw potential in him, but Taryn saw something else: a world where power was everything, and weakness was a death sentence.

"TARYN!" His father's voice roared from below, shaking him out of his thoughts. "Stop dawdling and get down here!"

Taryn took a deep breath, his mind already racing through the day's possibilities. Training with his father would be grueling, but it was also an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to observe, and to plan. He had no intention of becoming the Raging Fire's successor, but he would play the part—for now.

The morning sun cast long shadows across the von Harrow estate, its light glinting off the dew-covered grass. Taryn stepped onto the training lawn, his small boots sinking slightly into the soft earth. His father, Aldric von Harrow, stood at the center of the field, a massive wooden greatsword resting on his shoulder. The weapon was absurdly large, even for a man of Aldric's imposing stature, and Taryn couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease. Damn. If this were my past world, I would've believed he was a record holder for the strongest man alive. How am I supposed to train with that?

Aldric grinned, his teeth flashing in the sunlight. "Don't worry, Taryn. I'll teach you the fundamentals of being a knight. Be inspired. Be motivated. Watch."

Taryn's eyes narrowed as his father shifted into a stance, his movements fluid and precise despite the size of the weapon. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, Aldric's body seemed to ignite, a red aura flaring to life around him. The air crackled with energy, and the ground beneath his feet trembled faintly.

The grass around Aldric swayed, not from the wind but from the sheer force radiating off him. Taryn took an involuntary step back, his grip tightening on his wooden sword. What is this? Some kind of energy manipulation?

Aldric moved. The greatsword, impossibly heavy in Taryn's eyes, became a blur in his father's hands. Each strike sent shockwaves through the air, the kinetic energy palpable even from a distance. The sound of the sword cutting through the air was like thunder, each swing precise and devastating.

Taryn's mind raced. Even the Drikgram Elites—the most elite special forces group of the United Solar Federation—weren't on par with this. They relied on the most advanced technology, exosuits, and energy weapons. But this... this is pure strength. And that energy surrounding him... what is it?

He watched, transfixed, as Aldric's movements became a whirlwind of power and precision. The red aura around him pulsed with each strike, as if feeding off his father's energy. Taryn's analytical mind kicked into overdrive, dissecting every detail. This isn't just physical strength. There's something else at play here. Something... magical.

When Aldric finally stopped, the lawn was a mess of upturned grass and scattered debris. He planted the greatsword back into the ground, his chest rising and falling with steady breaths. The red aura faded, leaving only the faint scent of ozone in the air.

"Well?" Aldric said, turning to Taryn with a grin. "What do you think?"

Taryn hesitated, his mind still processing what he'd just witnessed. "It's... impressive," he said carefully. "But what was that energy around you? It didn't feel like magic."

Aldric's grin widened. "That, my boy, is Aura. It's the physical manifestation of one's inner strength and will. Not everyone can wield it, but those who can... well, you've seen what it can do."

Taryn's eyes narrowed. Aura. So this world has its own version of energy manipulation. But how does it work? And how can I learn to control it?

Aldric clapped a hand on Taryn's shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Don't worry, Taryn. You'll get there. For now, let's focus on the basics. Grab your sword and show me your stance."

Taryn nodded, his mind still racing. This changes everything. If I can master this Aura, combined with my Creation Magic...

Taryn swung his wooden sword in slow, clumsy arcs, each strike exaggerated and awkward—just like a four-year-old would do. He stumbled slightly, his movements uncoordinated, but his mind was sharp, calculating. I can't carelessly reveal the combat techniques from my past life. I must put on a layer of masks. Lies, layers of lies. Showing too much of myself puts me at risk. I need to absorb every piece of data, every bit of information, behavior, and secrets tied to that mysterious energy.

Aldric parried each strike with ease, his movements relaxed and almost lazy. He chuckled, his deep voice filled with pride. "Hmm... As I expected from my son. I'm proud of you, even trying to imitate my sword style. You've still got a lot to learn, though."

Taryn panted, his small chest rising and falling as he lowered his sword. He looked up at his father, his expression a mix of exhaustion and curiosity. "What's next, Father?"

Aldric leaned on his greatsword, his grin widening. "Everyone who reaches the age of four awakens their latent ability—their classification and talent. I remember lining up at the church with the other kids, waiting to see what I'd become. I awakened as a warrior and received Physical Reinforcement as my talent. But that doesn't mean you need to stick to your class. I know you awakened as a mage, but you can be flexible. That doesn't stop you from being a warrior."

He gestured toward the manor with his sword. "Mages stick to their books and their flimsy staves. Warriors stick to arduous training and mastering the sword. You, my boy, have a lot more on your shoulders. For now, run around the manor and train your stamina."

Taryn nodded, his mind already racing. Stamina training. Basic, but essential. Even the elite soldiers from my past life stuck to the fundamentals of physical conditioning. Except for the Project Steven Rogers soldiers—genetically engineered super soldiers born in pods. They only needed to familiarize themselves with their enhanced bodies before being fitted with cybernetic augments. Some didn't even need augments. But my father... and this mysterious energy... they top it all. Combining genetic enhancements, cybernetic augments, and this Aura...

A faint grin tugged at the corners of Taryn's lips. I could create a prototype demi-god.

"What are you grinning at, Taryn?" Aldric's voice cut through his thoughts, sharp but amused. "Start running!"

Taryn snapped to attention, his grin fading as he turned and began jogging around the manor. His small legs moved steadily, but his mind was far ahead, already plotting and planning. If I can master this Aura, combine it with my Creation Magic, and apply the principles of genetic and cybernetic enhancement... I could create something extraordinary. But first, I need to understand how it all works.

As he ran, he glanced back at his father, who was now practicing his sword forms again, the red aura flaring to life around him. Lies, layers of lies. That's how I'll survive in this world. I'll play the part of the obedient son, the eager student. But behind the mask, I'll be learning, observing, and preparing.