Chapter 3: The Mirror's Gate
"I'll think about it," Yusha said softly, his voice betraying none of the turmoil inside.
Jisoo grinned, clearly not understanding the weight of the conversation. "You better decide soon! I can't wait for the entrance ceremony!"
Yusha forced a smile, his thoughts already drifting elsewhere. What did the Academy hold for him? More importantly, what would happen when the world started to learn what he could really do?
His gaze drifted to the open windows, the quiet afternoon air brushing against his skin. He couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was on the horizon—something that was tied to his decision about the academy.
"Father," Yusha said, finally addressing Seojin, "How much longer until the decision is made?"
Seojin, who had been silent throughout most of the exchange, looked up from the papers in front of him. His expression remained as calm and unreadable as ever, but Yusha could sense the weight of his father's gaze.
"You still have time, Yusha," Seojin said, his voice steady. "But remember, time moves quickly. You must decide soon."
Yusha nodded silently, but his mind raced. The path ahead was unclear, but one thing was certain: whatever happened, he would have to be ready. Ready for the world that was coming. Ready to face the future—whatever it might bring.
The conversation between them came to a halt when Seojin stood up, breaking the silence that had settled between father and son. "Yusha, there's something I need you to do today."
Yusha's eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. "What is it, Father?"
Seojin's face softened just a little, an almost imperceptible smile forming at the corners of his lips. "There's a place I want to show you. It's time."
"Time?" Yusha repeated, confused. "For what?"
Seojin placed a hand on his son's shoulder, his voice calm but firm. "For you to understand more about yourself. I know it's a lot to take in, but this isn't just about you going to the academy. It's about understanding what you're truly capable of."
Yusha's gaze drifted toward his mother, who had been silently observing the exchange. Lady Haejin gave him a soft smile, her eyes full of warmth and something else—something unreadable.
"Go, Yusha," she said with a knowing look. "You'll understand soon enough."
Jisoo, who had been standing nearby, jumped in, his usual energy impossible to suppress. "Are you leaving? Come on, big brother! Don't leave me out of everything! Where are you going?"
Yusha sighed, offering his younger brother a small, teasing smile. "This isn't something you can come with me to, Jisoo."
Jisoo pouted, crossing his arms. "I'll sneak in and follow you!"
Lady Haejin laughed lightly, her tone warm. "No more following your brother, Jisoo. Let him go."
With one last teasing glare at his younger brother, Yusha followed his father outside. The air outside was crisp, the scent of fresh grass and earth filling his senses. It was quiet—almost too quiet—as they walked toward the back of the estate.
As they reached a secluded area behind their home, Yusha stopped. There was a large, ancient-looking tree in front of them, its bark twisted with age. It stood alone in the middle of an open field, as though guarding something.
"This place..." Yusha started, his voice unsure. "Why here, Father?"
Seojin remained quiet for a moment, his eyes studying the tree as if deep in thought. "This is where I want you to understand more about your gift. I know you've always helped us with your powers, but there's more to it than just simple usage. Your ability, Yusha... It's not just a tool to be used. It's a part of who you are."
Yusha nodded, understanding that this wasn't just some casual lesson. His father wasn't asking him to train—he was asking him to unlock something deeper. But Yusha was still curious. "What do you mean?"
Seojin met his son's gaze, his expression soft but serious. "I want to show you something. It's time for you to truly acknowledge your power."
Yusha's mind raced, but he didn't hesitate. "Alright, Father."
Without further word, Yusha closed his eyes and raised his hand. A faint shimmer filled the air around them. The world seemed to distort for a split second, and suddenly, a mirror-like portal formed in front of him. It reflected an image of a different place—an expanse of calm, rolling hills that stretched beyond the horizon.
Seojin's expression was unreadable as he studied the portal. "This... This is the true extent of your power."
Yusha lowered his hand, the shimmering gate flickering out of existence. His chest tightened, the weight of what had just happened settling over him. He had done this before, but now, it felt... different.
"Your gift is unique, Yusha. Not just in this world. But in the world that once was." Seojin's words held a gravity that Yusha couldn't quite understand. "Your power comes from a place much older than our world. A power that transcends time itself."
Yusha glanced at his father, confused. "A power that transcends time?"
Seojin nodded. "Yes. You may not remember it now, but you were once a hero in another life. A life where you wielded powers beyond anything this world has ever seen. Powers that were not bound by the laws of this reality."
Yusha's heart skipped a beat. A hero...? The words echoed in his mind, but they felt distant—like a memory he couldn't quite grasp. "I... was a hero?"
Seojin's gaze softened, his tone filled with an almost unspoken sadness. "You were, Yusha. But that was another life—one you may not remember clearly. And I do not expect you to. But I need you to understand. Your power is not just a tool. It is a key."
"A key...?" Yusha repeated, feeling the weight of his father's words settling in.
Seojin smiled slightly, the warmth returning to his features. "Yes. A key to things we do not yet fully understand. Your future at the academy... It's just the beginning of something much bigger. Something that will come when the world begins to recognize your true potential."
Yusha stood silently for a moment, processing his father's words. The weight of them—of who he had been, of who he was becoming—settled on his shoulders. It was as if the world had just shifted, and he had no choice but to move forward.
"Do you understand now?" Seojin asked quietly, as though searching his son's eyes for an answer.
Yusha looked up at his father, his resolve hardening. "I do."
Seojin nodded, his expression proud. "Good. Now, let's return."
As they walked back toward the carriage, Yusha couldn't help but feel that something had shifted inside him. His past, his power, his future—everything seemed more connected now than it ever had before.
He was ready. Ready to face whatever the world had in store.