章 14: Almost Home

Chapter 14

Yuto stood on the edge of the crater that had once been the castle's inner grounds. Beside him, about five meters away, Ray stared at the center of the pit where the golem had fallen. His expression was complex—a mix of relief, sadness, and pity.

Yuto, exhausted, let his body relax for a moment. While they had fought side by side for survival, he knew staying with Ray wasn't ideal. Despite their temporary alliance, they had once been enemies, and Yuto didn't forget that. Deciding to leave before reinforcements arrived or before Ray recovered, Yuto began forming a teleportation circle, letting a small amount of mana flow to shape it, giving it form.

As he worked, a voice broke the silence. "So, you're going to leave without saying goodbye? I thought we had a connection. After all, we're practically family," Ray said, his tone humorous but still gazing into the crater.

Yuto chuckled, "Family? I just met you half an hour ago." A soft smile touched his lips.

"Don't sweat the small stuff like time. Not every bond has to be tested by years to be strong. Besides," Ray finally turned to face Yuto, "you're already engaged to my granddaughter."

Yuto continued weaving the teleportation spell, his movements calm but deliberate. He looked Ray in the eye and said, "Call it personal, but I believe time is what proves whether someone is trustworthy or not."

As the teleportation circle completed and Yuto's body began to fade, starting with his legs and arms, Ray called out with a teasing smile, "I'm still declaring to her that she is engaged to you!"

The words left Yuto stunned, unsure if Ray was serious or joking. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, he vanished, leaving no trace behind—not even a drop of blood for anyone to track.

WHOOOOOOOOSH

In a serene forest, sunlight filtered through a dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the mossy floor. The quiet rustle of leaves and distant birdsong filled the air with peace. Towering trees, their trunks adorned with ferns, stood like ancient guardians while wildflowers bloomed in vibrant patches.

Suddenly a low hum disrupted the tranquility, and the ground trembled slightly. A shimmering light appeared in a clearing, swirling in intricate patterns before solidifying into a glowing teleportation circle. The air crackled with energy as the circle pulsed rhythmically, and moments later, Yuto materialized in the clearing, stepping into this calm world from the chaos he had left behind.

He assessed his surroundings. After a few teleportation jumps, he had made sure he couldn't be tracked, traveling a good distance by foot between each jump. Confident he was safe, he began making his way to his hidden base, some 3,000 kilometers from the castle.

Yuto walked through the forest until he reached a towering tree, about one meter thick. In his hand, he held a key and a five-clover leaf. Without hesitation, he smashed them against the tree. Instead of breaking, the tree shimmered and transformed into a magical formation. Calmly, Yuto stepped into it, and in an instant, he was transported to his makeshift base.

The base was simple—just a large teleportation circle in the center surrounded by totems, plants, books, scrolls, and a small bag in the corner. Yuto quickly packed his belongings, stuffing the bag with everything he had gathered over the past four years.

"I'm coming back home, Mother," he whispered as he activated the formation again, instantly teleporting to Japan—specifically, city of Hoshinaka.

The road was quiet, a narrow paved stretch cutting through Japan's peaceful countryside. The hills rolled in the distance, dotted with cherry blossom trees swaying in the breeze. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the road.

Without warning, a figure appeared in the middle of the road. A boy, no older than twelve, his calm eyes reflecting the sunlight. His short, jet-black hair ruffled slightly in the wind as he surveyed his surroundings. A car screeched to a halt, the tires skidding just a meter away from him.

The middle-aged driver who almost drove Yuto over, in shock, rolled down his window and shouted towards Yuto, "Where did you come from, Kid?" You were almost overrun!"

Yuto turned calmly toward the man, smiling radiantly. "Where is the city of Hoshinaka?" he asked softly.

The man, still angry, repeated, "YOU ALMOST LOST YOUR LIFE, KID! WHERE ARE YOU PARENTS?"

Yuto sighed and muttered, "Spell it is then." He cast a minor mind-control spell, [Charm], and instantly the man's anger melted away, replaced with a serene smile.

"Sorry for my outburst. How can I help you?" The man asked cheerfully, as if the anger that he just displayed was just a mirage.

"Where is Hoshinaka?" Yuto asks again with the same voice and same expression.

"It's east, about 20 kilometers from here. Just follow the road and you will get there," the man replied, eager to assist as if Yuto was doing him a favor by asking.

"Thanks for the help," Yuto said with another bright smile as he began walking east. After a few steps, he turned back and said. "Destroy your car's black box, toss it somewhere no one will find it, and forget this happened."

"Understood," the man nodded, smiling as he walked back to his car to do what he had ordered.

Yuto resumed his journey, heading toward his home. Toward his mother.

First-person POV

As I walked along the road toward the city, the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and distant street food. Each step brought me closer, filling me with both nerves and excitement.

I thought of my mother. It had been so long since I last saw her—what if she didn't recognize me? What if I wasn't the boy she remembered?

I shook my head, focusing on the city ahead. The skyline rose against the horizon, the noise and energy pulling me forward. Memories of afternoons in the park with her filled my mind as I quickened my pace.

Third-person POV

In front of the 13-floor department building, its faded paint and wear hinted at its age. Yuto could be seen slowly approaching the entrance when, from the corner of his eye, he noticed a woman stepping out of a luxurious car. She was 33 but looked younger, her radiant smile mirroring Yuto's own. A radiant smile exuded warmth and joy, illuminating her face with positivity.

Yuto stopped dead in his tracks, his gaze fixed on her. He noticed the faint wrinkles beginning to form around her eyes and how her figure had thinned since the last time he saw her.

He stood there, just out of her field of view, watching as she made her way to the entrance of the building. Memories flooded his mind of all the times she had pranked him, and a mischievous smile slowly spread across his face. An idea began to form—perhaps it was time to return the favor and prank her a bit.