Velheimort Forest (6)

After Alonzo's words, all eyes in the room turned to the boy.

Despite some family members' concern for Raphael, most regarded him with cold interest, like hunters eyeing their prey.

Rafael stepped out of line, approached the patriarch, and, kneeling down, said:

— Raphael Earhart has arrived by the patriarch's command.

Alonzo studied the boy in silence for a moment, as if trying to discern something within him. The tension in the air was palpable as they waited for the patriarch to break the silence.

— I've been told you possess ice magic. Is that true?

— Yes, — Raphael replied firmly.

The hall fell into an even more tense silence. The atmosphere grew heavier. Some of those present allowed malicious smirks to flicker across their faces. Theo and Eric didn't hide their grins, which instantly irritated Lucius.

"What fools they are... Only death will correct them," Lucius thought, quickly scanning his younger brothers.

Alice, on the other hand, looked worried, clearly concerned for her brother. Lucius noted this but soon redirected his attention to the patriarch and Raphael.

— Raphael, you are my brother's son, and that's why I allowed you to join this family. But now you wield ice magic, which contradicts our traditions. Do you have anything to say in your defense?

Lucius understood this was a test. The patriarch likely had no intention of banishing Raphael, but it was crucial for him to see how the boy would react. Composure and confidence in his response were key to success.

"Seriously? They think this will change Raphael's situation?" Lucius thought with slight disdain, glancing at the eager expressions on Theo and Eric's faces.

Everyone awaited Raphael's answer, breath held.

— Forgive me, patriarch, but why should I justify my magic? — Raphael's voice came out surprisingly bold.

The hall froze. This was not just a daring statement; it was a direct challenge. Even Lucius was taken aback.

"Is this kid insane? Does he even realize what he's doing?" Lucius thought, already calculating how to calm his father before he killed Raphael on the spot. Meanwhile, Theo and Eric began to reach for their swords.

Alonzo frowned.

— What do you mean by that? Watch what you say next, — his voice was laced with a power that filled the hall with a heavy aura.

Yet Raphael remained calm, showing no signs of fear or embarrassment. His face was expressionless, his eyes steady.

— I see nothing wrong with ice magic. On the contrary... — Before he could finish, the surrounding mana began to vibrate, chilling the air.

The onlookers started to glance around, confused by what was happening. Raphael rose from his kneeling position, creating a sudden tension in the hall. Alonzo watched his every move intently.

— Honestly, with ice magic, I'm far more valuable than the rest, — Raphael continued.

— How dare you! — Theo and Eric shouted in unison.

But their protests quickly died down as Raphael, with a swift motion of his hand, created sharp blades of ice at their throats, freezing them in place.

— Brothers, mind your words, or my hand might slip, — Raphael said calmly, without turning to them, holding the icy blades steady.

The situation escalated. Lucius noticed Aurora's hands clenching into fists. She seemed ready to intervene at any moment but held back, waiting for the next move.

Raphael slowly turned his gaze back to the patriarch.

— As long as I can kill a few present and defend my honor and loved ones, does it matter what kind of magic I possess?

This was a direct challenge. Raphael wasn't just defending his power—he was defying the entire family, asserting that he could kill anyone if necessary.

Alonzo continued to study the boy, not uttering a word. It seemed he was contemplating something, assessing Raphael's strength and determination.

Raphael wasn't going to stop.

— As long as I can do this... — Ice spikes erupted around him, covering the ground.

Even Lucius and Gabriel instinctively stepped back to avoid being caught in the danger zone.

— ...what difference does it make what I wield? — he concluded his monologue.

The hall fell into a heavy silence. Even the most arrogant family members, like Theo and Eric, quieted down, stunned by what had just happened.

No one expected such a level of mastery from the youngest. A five-year-old boy demonstrating such control over magic was a unique phenomenon in the Earhart family.

Many began to realize that this child was not as simple as he seemed and should not be underestimated. His skill in manipulating mana was beyond what was expected for his age.

For Theo and Eric, who had just recently considered him weak, the situation had turned upside down. Now they were more concerned about not becoming his victims.

After a long pause, Alonzo finally spoke:

— I see. Indeed, why should the Earharts justify themselves to anyone?

His voice sounded unexpectedly calm, puzzling everyone present. This tone was foreign to the patriarch, further unsettling the younger family members.

Raphael remained silent, not taking his eyes off Alonzo.

A little calmer after the patriarch's words, Aurora relaxed her clenched fists and took on her usual calm posture.

— However, you mentioned protecting your loved ones and your honor, but said nothing about family. What does that mean? — Alonzo's voice was calm, but the hidden threat was evident.

"Another test..." Lucius recognized that tone from his father and closely observed Raphael's reaction.

The boy didn't flinch. His response was firm:

— That means I will use my power primarily for myself, not for the good of the family.

These words stirred everyone present. Some widened their eyes in surprise.

"Is he serious? Is he really rejecting the family?" Lucius couldn't believe his ears. Raphael was bold, but was he really brave enough to throw down such a challenge right in front of the patriarch?

— Raphael , watch your tongue, — Isabella, always composed, couldn't hold back her irritation.

Raphael turned to her, showing neither fear nor regret.

— I apologize, matriarch, but I see nothing wrong in using my power for myself rather than for those who seek to suppress it.

For a moment, Isabella froze, taken aback by his words, but didn't show it. He twisted the situation as if the family didn't deserve his strength.

— I understand you, — said Alonzo, still looking at Raphael .

— That was a good answer. Then prove that your power is truly worthy of such treatment. But what will you do if you are not recognized despite all your efforts?

A barely noticeable smile appeared on the boy's face. He drew a rapier from a spatial ring, which Aurora had given him the night before. Surrounding himself and the blade with mana and aura, he instantly changed the atmosphere in the hall — the temperature dropped sharply.

The attendees gasped in surprise. Even Isabella was shocked.

— N-no way… Is that… an aura? — Theo stammered, his face twisted with envy.

Eric stood nearby, stunned. Not only they, but Lucius, Liliana, and Adrian were also taken aback. Raphael had not only awakened the rare ice magic at five years old but had also mastered sword aura. No one in the family's history had achieved such heights at such a young age.

— If someone doesn't recognize me, I'll just kill them. It's obvious, isn't it? — Raphael said confidently, his voice calm but devoid of humor.

A smile appeared on the patriarch's face.

— Ha-ha! Excellent. Then I'll be looking forward to that, — Alonzo laughed, his laughter echoing through the hall, intensifying the tension.

— That's all. You're all dismissed.

— Yes! — everyone replied in unison, except for Raphael , who continued to stare intently at the patriarch.

Alonzo, filling the air with aura, shattered the ice spikes left by Raphael, clearing a path for himself. As he headed for the exit, he paused by the boy and, leaning down, whispered:

— I'm waiting for you at the tournament.

After these words, the patriarch, along with Isabella, left the hall, leaving the children alone.

Lucius sighed with relief and headed for the exit. Slowly, Theo, Eric, and Mia followed, avoiding eye contact with the boy who had just shaken the entire family.

Aurora and Alice immediately rushed to Raphael.

— Brother, are you okay? — Alice asked anxiously, pressing against him.

— I'm fine, little sister, — Raphael stroked her head, trying to soothe her. Then his gaze fell on Aurora, whose face was grim.

— Do you even understand what could have happened to you if your words hadn't satisfied Father?! — she asked angrily.

Raphael paused for a moment.

— Of course, I understand, sister, but…

— But what? — Aurora didn't hold back her irritation.

— But what's the point of living if I'm going to be used as a tool? Better to die now than to live a life devoid of meaning.

These serious words made Aurora, Liliana, and Selena flinch.

— I see you've matured sooner than I thought, — Adrian said as he approached his brother.

— Older brother, — Raphael bowed his head in respect.

— It's been a while.

— Oh come on, don't bow your head. After a speech like that, it looks strange and doesn't suit your image, — Adrian smirked.

— Ha-ha, you're right… — Raphael felt embarrassed by his brother's obvious teasing.

— Hey, don't tease him! — Liliana came over and pulled Adrian by the ear.

— Ouch, okay, I'm sorry!

Watching this, Raphael couldn't tell if Adrian was playing along with his older sister or if it genuinely hurt.

— But, little one, I'm just amazed! — Liliana exclaimed excitedly, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. — Having skills like that at your age is incredible! We definitely need to fight when you grow up!

— Y-yeah… thanks, sister… — Raphael replied, a bit shyly.

He was somewhat intimidated by Liliana's unrestrained eagerness. He wasn't sure if she even knew how to hold back in battles, and he wouldn't be surprised if their match ended in someone's death.

As Gabriel walked past, he paused and said calmly:

— Be careful, Raphael. You know this is a den of snakes. You've shown yourself too brightly today, and now all eyes will be on you. The problem isn't just with the brothers. There are others… — he finished, heading for the exit.

"Probably talking about the Circle and the elders," Raphael thought.

His middle sister, Selena, watched the lively exchanges between the siblings with an impassive expression.

"Hm... I might even be jealous..." she thought, looking at Raphael.

But her envy wasn't about his strength; it was about something else entirely.

Turning away, Selena left the hall. Soon, everyone else followed her example, leaving the hall empty.

Raphael cast one last glance at the closing doors.

"It looks like I'll have to work even harder now..." he thought.