章 13: Mother's Past (1)

Talent Ranks (Awakened)

Low ----> High

Ordinary, Moderate , Superior, Mystic, Legendary, Overlord

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Ethan's POV

I was strolling back to the castle with a faint smile on my lips as I licked my lips and reminisced the sensation and taste of Aurelia. It was different from anything I had ever tasted. My eyes burned with anticipation and my thoughts were like a professional connoisseur who was intent on tasting all sorts of delicacies in the world ranging from fiery, spicy, sweet, salty, bitter and many more.

I could now clearly see my desires unfold before my eyes from the stage when they were rudimentary and rough. A roadmap formed in my brain to catch all the beauties I meet in the world, obviously not through force, after all I had to aim higher and achieve something extraordinary that matched the gravity of this second chance bestowed upon me.

The spark of my musings turned practical as I entered my room and pulled out the crystal knives from their secure place. The luminous green blades glimmered under the light, their beauty matched only by their lethality. Their weight and sharpness were unlike anything I had ever handled before. I headed toward the training ground.

Despite my growing aspirations, one truth remained clear: no dream could be realized without discipline and preparation. The knives in my possession were not mere weapons; they were extensions of my will, requiring mastery of their fluidity and precision and it was a task that demanded both time and effort. My strength had already surpassed that of an average grown man, thanks to my dedication to the Immortal Body technique. Yet, I had not achieved a breakthrough to the first layer, despite my rigorous training.

I knew that upon reaching the first layer, my body would undergo a transformative evolution. My bones would harden to a resilience comparable to ancient, millennia-frozen ice, while every strike I delivered would be imbued with a penetrating chill. This frost would infiltrate my enemies' internal organs, slowly freezing their blood and eroding their vitality from within. However, a crucial element seemed to be missing, preventing me from crossing this threshold. The elusive nature of this missing piece frustrated me, though I presumed that it may be due to absence of magic power in my body which could only be solved by my eventual awakening a week away.

As I began my training, the rhythmic clinks and slashes of metal echoed through the empty grounds, each strike refining my focus. Every movement, every swing, not only sharpened the blades but also honed my instincts. I knew that when the time came for real combat, I would wield these weapons with precision and slay whoever came in my way. Grandpa had explained that the true power of these blades could only be unlocked with magic, a thought that made me even more eager for what was to come.

The anticipation of my tenth birthday grew stronger with each passing day. In just a week, my wait to begin learning magic would come to an end, and the excitement that surged through me was almost palpable. Ten years of anticipation, ten years of preparing for this moment, and soon, the time would arrive for me to step into the world of magic, a world I could not wait to explore and master.

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The night had fallen, and our family gathered around the dinner table, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. My mother, grandpa, and grandma were all present, sharing stories and laughing about the day's events. The maids bustled around, preparing the evening meal, their movements choreographed like a dance. Among them, I noticed Clara, her usual diligence reflected in her swift actions as she arranged the dishes.

"Ethan," Grandpa began, his voice laced with a teasing tone, "I noticed Aurelia was in quite a rush today after training. She dashed off with her protector so quickly. Something going on, perhaps?" His sly smile and twinkling eyes immediately put me on edge. Mama's gaze snapped to me, her expression a blend of curiosity and suspicion. It felt as though I was under interrogation.

Feigning innocence, I plastered a confused expression on my face, though my heart was racing. "She said she had something urgent to handle probably something to do with her studies," I replied nonchalantly. Shifting the topic quickly, I added, "Grandpa, did you know Aurelia has already reached Tier 2 as an acolyte mage? And she's two years older than me! It's so unfair she's ahead of me. My mage appraisal is right around the corner, and I'm still so far behind." I infused my voice with mock frustration, expertly deflecting the attention.

Both Grandpa and Grandma exchanged knowing looks, clearly unconvinced but choosing not to press further. Meanwhile, Mama's piercing gaze lingered, making me dread the inevitable interrogation awaiting me later.

After dinner, when the castle had settled into silence, I quietly slipped out under the guise of taking a break. When I returned to my room, Mama was already there. She sat on the edge of my bed, her purple-rimmed glasses perched on her nose, pouring over some scrolls. Her focused expression reminded me of a strict schoolteacher, albeit a far more stunning one.

"Back already?" she asked without looking up. Setting the scrolls aside, she adjusted her glasses and smiled mischievously. "Now, let's talk. What happened with Aurelia today?" she prodded.

I was embarrassed under her gaze and muttered in a low voice, "We kissed today during practice." Her eyebrows shot up in mock surprise, though her reaction was tinged with amusement.

"I had a feeling this would happen sooner or later," she mused. "That girl has had her eye on you for a while now. But my baby is still so small and innocent!" she lamented, ruffling my hair as though I were no older than five. Her exaggerated concern made me chuckle nervously, though inwardly, I wanted to sink into the floor.

Her tone shifted suddenly, her voice serious. "Do you really like her?" she asked, her eyes searching mine. She seemed genuinely worried, as though I didn't fully grasp the weight of my feelings.

"Yes," I replied with as much sincerity as I could muster. "I like big sis Aurelia."

Mama stared at me for a long moment before her expression softened. She sighed, perhaps realizing I was too stubborn to be swayed. "Alright," she relented. "But be careful with your feelings, Ethan. You're still young."

Sensing an opportunity to shift the topic, I quickly asked, "Mama, why don't you ever talk about Father?" My voice softened as I added, "I want to know about him." Her entire demeanor changed; her face paled, and her eyes flickered with a mix of sorrow and apprehension. After a long pause, she sighed heavily.

"Alright," she said softly, as though steeling herself. "Your awakening day is approaching, and you deserve to know."

She leaned back, her voice carrying the weight of distant memories. "It all began twelve years ago, when I was in my early twenties. Back then, I had just graduated from the New Moon Magic Academy, having recently broken through to become an Elemental Sea Mage. I was brimming with ambition and eager to see the world beyond the castle. Your grandparents, of course, were against it, but I was young and headstrong."

She chuckled bitterly, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "So, without telling them, I set off with a group of friends. We journeyed across the Northern Glacial Region, down to the Central Heartland, and eventually back north. But when my companions returned home, I chose a different path. I travelled alone to Aurora Crest City opposite to the Aurora Frost Mountains and the gateway to the Bloom Haven Continent. There I boarded a merchant ship to the continent of elves and dragons but that voyage changed everything."