The polished floors reflected the sunlight pouring through the tall windows as Yusha and Jisoo walked side by side, following Han Soo down the hall.
"Your father and uncle are waiting for you in the guest room," Han Soo said with a small bow, leading them through the corridors of the family estate. "They've just arrived."
Yusha and Jisoo exchanged a quick, excited glance, both of them eagerly anticipating the reunion.
"I bet Uncle Dohyun is making his usual dramatic entrance," Jisoo whispered with a grin.
Yusha chuckled. "You're not wrong."
As they turned the corner, the guest room doors were wide open, and inside, they saw Baek Dohyun, their uncle, sprawled out on the couch like he owned the entire place. His black hair was slightly messy, and his broad chest was covered by a loose, open shirt. A huge grin spread across his face as he spotted his nephews.
"Yusha! Jisoo! Come here, my little warriors!" Baek Dohyun boomed in his usual loud, cheerful voice. He jumped up from the couch and enveloped both of them in a bear hug. "Look at you two, already taller than the last time I saw you! You must be eating well!"
Yusha, taken by surprise, let out a small gasp. "Uncle! It's been too long!"
"Don't act like I don't come visit every once in a while!" Dohyun laughed, but it was clear he was thrilled to see them. He pulled away, still holding Yusha's shoulders with a proud grin. "You've both grown into fine young men. Your father must be proud."
Jisoo shook his head, a playful smirk on his face. "Uncle, are you still eating nothing but meat?"
"I live for meat, Jisoo," Baek Dohyun replied with a wink. "But yes, I eat other stuff too. Though I can't promise it'll be as delicious as a good steak."
Jisoo crossed his arms, grinning. "I'm pretty sure you still think vegetables are just a garnish."
"That's not true!" Baek Dohyun argued dramatically, holding up his hand. "I once ate an entire bowl of salad. Once."
"Uh-huh, sure," Yusha said, raising an eyebrow. "I'm sure it was the most epic salad anyone's ever had."
"You know it." Baek Dohyun winked.
"Well, now that I'm here, what's the plan?" the uncle said, lowering his voice in a mock-serious tone, his grin never fading. "What are you two up to? Ready to conquer the world?"
Yusha and Jisoo exchanged glances, their excitement still bubbling beneath the surface.
"We're heading to the Academy soon," Yusha said with a grin. "It's exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking."
"Ah, the Academy," Baek Dohyun nodded thoughtfully, "A place full of potential heroes and wizards, huh? Sounds like fun, but a lot of pressure too. You'll both be fine. You've got the right blood running through your veins."
Jisoo piped up with a grin. "So when do we start getting ready? Need to customize our weapons or something?"
"Funny you mention that." Their father finally spoke, stepping forward from his more reserved spot at the desk. "I was actually going to bring that up. Since you two will be attending the Academy, I think it's time to prepare you properly — weapons, armor, equipment. Whatever you need."
Yusha's and Jisoo's eyes immediately lit up at the mention of weapons.
"Wait, you mean we get to choose our own stuff?" Jisoo asked eagerly, practically bouncing in place.
"Not just choose, Jisoo," Baek Dohyun chimed in with a grin, "You get to customize it. I'll be helping you both, of course."
"You?" Yusha asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're the one helping us?"
"You bet!" Baek Dohyun flexed his arm, causing his bicep to bulge. "I'm not just a blacksmith. I'm the best blacksmith and magic engineer in Asia, you know! Nobody makes better weapons and armor than me!"
Jisoo raised his hand as if he were in class. "So you're saying you're the best at everything, right?"
"Absolutely," Baek Dohyun said, winking. "Just ask anyone. The Magic Volcano—the fourth-largest magic source in the world—is where I do my best work. I've got all the best materials and magic to work with. I'll create something that'll make you look like the top fighter at that Academy."
Yusha couldn't help but smile at the image. "That sounds incredible."
Their father added, "And it's time for you both to start learning to use your tools. Dohyun's skills are… unmatched. But you two need to learn how to depend on your gear just as much as your abilities."
Jisoo, however, had another question. "Are you or Mother coming with us to the Magic Volcano?"
Their father shook his head. "No, Jisoo. I've got matters to attend to here, and your mother has important work to do as well."
Jisoo frowned, feeling a tinge of disappointment, but he quickly pushed it aside. "I guess it's just us and Uncle, then."
Baek Dohyun clapped his hands together loudly. "That's the spirit! You two are in for an adventure. I'll make sure you're equipped to handle whatever comes your way."
Yusha smiled. There was something reassuring about the way Baek Dohyun carried himself. Even with all the playfulness, there was no doubt in his mind that Baek Dohyun would provide them with exactly what they needed.
"I'll take care of everything at the Magic Volcano," Baek Dohyun continued. "And you two will come back ready to take on the world."
Yusha nodded. "Thanks, Uncle."
"No need to thank me," Baek Dohyun said with a smirk. "Just don't forget to send me a thank-you note when you're famous. I'll expect it to be framed."
Jisoo chuckled. "You're impossible."
Their father spoke up again, his tone more serious now. "Your uncle's right. Take this time to really prepare. Once you're at the Academy, things are going to get intense. This is just the beginning."
Jisoo's face lit up. "I can't wait. I'm going to make everyone at the Academy know our names."
"That's the attitude!" Baek Dohyun grinned. "And don't worry about anything else, just focus on the training."