Chapter 2: The Burden of Expectations
The large dining table in the Valenhardt estate was set with elegant plates and silverware. The air was thick with the quiet hum of conversation, the clinking of utensils, and the soft rustle of fine linen. Yusha sat at the table, his eyes fixed out the window, his thoughts elsewhere.
"Yusha," came the calm voice of his father, Lord Seojin Valenhardt. His deep, steady tone was the kind that carried weight, making even the smallest sound feel significant. "What's on your mind?"
Yusha didn't look up immediately, instead tracing the rim of his glass with his finger. "Just thinking."
"About what?" Seojin's gaze was piercing, always sensing when something was wrong but never prying too hard.
Yusha shrugged, glancing briefly at his father. "Nothing important."
Seojin didn't push further. His father had a way of letting things go without saying a word, but his silence was often louder than words. The man was a pillar of calm and seriousness, yet there was always an understanding in his eyes—he knew when to speak and when not to. His presence was always felt, even in the quietest moments.
Haejin, his mother, broke the silence with a cheerful voice. "Oh, come on, Yusha! You've barely touched your food. Are you planning on starving yourself again?" She smiled, though her gaze was sharp as always. There was a warmth in her tone, but behind it lay an edge that could make anyone think twice.
"I'm not starving, Mother," Yusha replied flatly, though he could feel the weight of her gaze on him. She could always tell when something was off. She didn't need words; she could see right through him.
"You should eat more. You're growing up, you know," Haejin said with a smile, taking a sip of her tea.
"I'm fine," Yusha muttered, pushing the food around on his plate without eating.
Jisoo, his younger brother, piped up with his usual enthusiasm. "Yusha, are you coming with me to the Academy this year?" His eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm going to be the best there! Just wait! You'll see!"
Yusha glanced at his brother, who was completely oblivious to the weight of the world Yusha carried. Jisoo was everything he wasn't: loud, carefree, and always looking forward to the next big thing. He didn't understand the pressure Yusha felt.
"I don't know, Jisoo," Yusha said, his voice calm. "I'm still thinking about it."
Jisoo leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Why? Are you scared? You can't leave me behind, big brother!"
Yusha met his brother's gaze. "I'm not scared. I just have other things to think about."
"Other things?" Jisoo frowned, confused. "What could be more important than the Academy? You have to go! Everyone's going. You don't want to miss out!"
Yusha didn't answer right away. Instead, he turned his attention to his father, who was silently observing the exchange. Seojin had always been like this—quiet but always watching. He wasn't quick to speak, but when he did, it carried weight.
"Yusha," his father said, his voice even but firm. "The Academy is a chance for you to grow, to meet others who are like you. It's not something you should pass up lightly."
"I know, Father," Yusha replied quietly, his eyes dropping to the table. He didn't want to go, didn't want to put himself in a place where people might find out what he was capable of. The invitation had come, but it wasn't because of his noble title or lineage. It was because of his skills. The martial arts, the speed, the precision—everything his family had taught him.
But no one knew about his real power. His ability to bend dimensions, to move between worlds... No one but his family knew, and he intended to keep it that way. The world wasn't ready for that.
Butler Minho, who had been quietly standing by the door, stepped forward. His voice was calm and respectful, but his eyes held a quiet sharpness that Yusha knew all too well. Minho had been his teacher in many ways—an old ally to the Valenhardt family, a former assassin in his own right, and a constant presence in his life.
"Yusha," Minho said, his voice smooth but firm, "The Academy will test your abilities in more ways than one. You should consider your options carefully."
Yusha glanced up, meeting Minho's eyes. The butler didn't need to say more. Minho had always been the one to train him in ways that no one else knew. His strength, his speed—those were the things everyone saw. But his real power, his dimension-altering abilities, remained hidden.
"I'm not sure yet," Yusha replied, his voice steady, though his heart was anything but calm. He wasn't ready to show anyone what he could do. Not yet.
His mother leaned forward, her eyes softening. "Yusha, we just want what's best for you. The Academy is a stepping stone. You'll meet people, you'll learn things, and you'll grow."
Yusha nodded quietly, though he didn't feel the warmth of her words. He knew what was expected of him. He was the heir to the Valenhardt name, and his family had great hopes for him. But he didn't feel like he belonged in the world they envisioned for him. Not yet, not while he carried the burden of his powers.
"I'll think about it," he 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?
"Father," Yusha said, finally addressing Seojin, "How much longer until the decision is made?"
Seojin met his gaze, his face expressionless but his eyes thoughtful. "You still have time, Yusha. But remember, time moves quickly. You must decide soon."
Yusha nodded silently, his mind already racing. 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.