The moka had just finished burbling with freshly brewed coffee, when James sensed his grandfather come down the stairs, ready to begin the day.
Dawn illuminated the living room in soft light, giving it a cozy air. He pulled his plaid tighter around his shoulders and got another cup, pouring some coffee for the elderly man.
“Now, this is a surprise.” Larry murmured, eyeing his grandson in worry.
James shrugged, a half smile stretching his lips. He wasn’t one to wake up early if he didn’t need to, but he had been feeling restless ever since the operation against the Radiant Guild had ended in chaos, and since his G-rank exam was tomorrow, he felt it wasn’t that strange for him to buck his habits.
It’s not that I don’t think I’ll pass. I’m almost certain I will. But it could make things difficult if not everyone does, and support mages like Ezekiel have a harder time in practical tests.
He didn’t see how the team could continue staying together if they weren’t all allowed to access G-rank dungeons. It would suck if they were relegated to H-rank ones for one more month, which was when the next exam would be held.
More than that, however, his nervousness stemmed from the weird way things had been going in the news lately.
Condemnation for the attack on New York had been swift and unanimous from every country on earth, even those who did not have a good relationship with the US. That meant no one was the clear culprit. At least not that we know of.
Larry took a deep sip of the coffee, letting the warm liquid slide down his throat before setting the cup down with a sigh of contentment. "You seem troubled, James. What's on your mind?”
James hesitated for a moment, then decided to voice his concerns. "The world seems to be shifting, Grandpa. The attack feels like the beginning of something much bigger. I don’t want us to go to war over a piece of land no one can even point to.”
Larry leaned back, his old eyes sharp and piercing. "You're right. The world has been watching and waiting for the US to make its move. For too long, we've been focused inward, letting our internal politics and the rise of the private Guilds dictate our international stance. Now, it seems they are not content waiting for us anymore.” Sighing softly, he added. “I don’t want to say it was inevitable, but something was going to happen sooner or later. The chaos after the Apocalypse might have frozen most international conflicts, but they were never going to stay that way for long.”
James looked at his grandfather, surprised by the depth of his analysis. "You think the Guilds have been a hindrance in our foreign policy?”
Larry chuckled. "They've been both a boon and a bane. On one hand, they've been instrumental in defending our borders and keeping the peace within. We would not have managed to get so many high-level Awakeners without them. On the other, their increasing power and influence have made it difficult for the government to have a unified stance on international issues. They have their own agendas, and sometimes, they don't align with the country's best interests.”
James took a moment to absorb what his grandfather was saying. "So, are you suggesting the Guilds might be responsible for the attack? Or at least that they share some of the blame for letting it happen?”
Larry shook his head. "Not directly, no. But their constant squabbles and power struggles could have made us appear weaker and more vulnerable to external threats. Countries or organizations looking to exploit the situation would see this as an opportunity.”
James frowned, deep in thought. "That's a terrifying thought, Grandpa. I’m the first to believe the Guilds to be a detriment to the country as a whole, but I hadn’t even thought about how our foreign enemies might see their increased power…”
The old man nodded, his gaze distant. "It's not just about power or territory, James. It's about perception. If the world sees the US as a divided nation, with Guilds more powerful than the government, they might think we're ripe for the taking or manipulation.”
James sighed, taking a long sip of his coffee. "So, where does that leave me as an Awakener? I've been focused on improving my skills, hoping to reach the next tier, but with everything that's going on, I feel like it won’t be nearly enough.” He hated how weak his voice sounded. Ever since he had received the System, James had felt a sense of purpose, a drive that kept pushing him forward, but with the destruction of the Radiant Guild and the mess that the international situation was rapidly becoming, he felt disoriented.
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Larry leaned forward, his gaze intense. "It's always been about more than just personal power, James. As Awakeners, you have a responsibility to protect our country and its people. But you also need to understand that these are situations in which no single person, no matter how great and powerful, might make enough of a difference by themselves. Not even the vaunted S-ranks can.”
Thinking back to his meeting with Pride, James felt some doubt. The sheer power the man had exuded without even trying had been enough to topple countries. But I understand what he’s saying. This kind of issue is not something I can personally affect. Not anytime soon, at least.
Larry continued. "You have to consider the bigger picture. In a world of politics, power plays, and international intrigue, the strength of an individual, no matter how exceptional, is only one piece of the puzzle. You can push your limits, reach the next Awakening, and even surpass others in your rank. But always remember that the strength of a nation isn't just in the power of its Awakeners, but in the unity and direction of its people. And right now, America is divided and weakened. We make a tempting target.” He concluded grimly.
James nodded along, absorbing his grandfather's words. He had known him to be a smart man and interested in politics to boot, but they hadn’t often had discussions such as this."So, what do you suggest I do? I can't just sit by and watch things unfold."
Larry smiled gently. “You told me yourself that your teacher assured you wouldn’t have anything to do with the response to the attacks. I understand you must feel frustrated, but the best thing you can do is take your time and grow into the best Awakener you can.”
He then patted James’ hand in an uncharacteristic show of affection. "Right now, your focus should be on the G-rank exam. Passing that will put you in a position where you can do more, both for the AA and the country. The higher your rank, the more influence and responsibilities you'll have.”
James sighed. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to pass it. At least as far as combat is concerned, I should be well above the average level 50 Awakener. But the rest of the requirements are still a bit murky, and even after I pass it… Well, the expectations on a G-rank are a magnitude higher than those on a H-rank.”
The old man nodded understandingly. “The higher you climb, the more responsibility they’ll heap on you. This is a lesson for all things in life. The reward for hard work is only more work. But remember, it's not just about brute strength. Your ability to strategize, to connect with others, and to understand the bigger picture will be just as important. And you have those qualities, James. I've seen them in you.”
James looked down, his index finger tracing patterns on the coffee mug. "I've seen what happens when Awakeners rush into things without thinking. People get hurt. And as we move up in ranks, the stakes only get higher.” He said, thinking back to his last mission. If Miss Walker had been even just a minute late, things would have gone much, much differently.
His plan, and it was James who had pushed hard for it, would have likely cost his and his friends’ lives. That was unacceptable.
No one had felt the need to reprimand him, mostly because of the last few days’ chaos. Everyone had known the stakes, that was true, but James couldn’t help but feel responsible.
“Exactly." Larry responded. "But you also have a support system. The Awakeners’ Association, your friends and your mentors will be there to guide and support you. You won't be facing these challenges alone.”
James considered this for a moment. "I just wish there was a way to prepare more, to know what's coming. The unknown is what scares me the most.” He wasn’t used to being so open and vulnerable, but things had happened and he felt somewhat shaken from the high he had ridden so far. His life as an Awakener wouldn’t just be getting better and better. He’d have to work for it, much more than he had initially believed.
Larry chuckled softly. "That's the thing about life, James. It's unpredictable. But remember, it's not about the challenges we face, but how we respond to them. And I have no doubt that you'll rise to the occasion. No matter what kind of problem arises from this attack - and make no mistake, they are going to pop up - you’ll be fine as long as you give it your all.”
There was a moment of silence as both men lost themselves in thought. The rays of the morning sun streamed through the window, casting a golden hue over the room.
After a while, James broke the silence. "Thanks, Grandpa. This helped.” And it was the truth. He couldn’t say that all his fears had been addressed, but much like when he had been a kid in the throes of a nightmare and his grandparents’ warm presence had given him the tranquillity to go back to sleep, he felt more relaxed. James wouldn’t cower in fear of what the next day might bring, but rather would wake up with a smile, ready to take it head-on.
James then turned to the entrance, where he had felt his grandmother stand for the whole length of the discussion, and smiled at her, receiving a blinding one back. “I didn’t want to interrupt. It seems that you boys had a real good talk.”
“The boy will be fine.” Larry replied in his usual gruff tone, but his eyes betrayed his pride.
With silver hair neatly tied in a bun and a serene grace about her, Rosa always had a way of bringing calm to any situation. The family matriarch had seen the world change through the decades she had served as a nurse, and her wisdom had always been a guiding force for both Larry and James. She walked over and softly squeezed James' shoulder, her touch bringing warmth. “I’m incredibly proud of the man you are becoming, James. I know the world might be a scary and confusing place now, but it has always been that way. Magic and monsters might be new, but they don’t change things nearly as much as some people think.”
Larry nodded in agreement, reaching out to hold Rosa's hand. Their bond, forged over decades, was evident in the silent understanding they shared.
Rosa continued "But through it all, America has stood strong. We have our flaws and our disagreements, but when push comes to shove, we come together. And it's because of people like you, who care, who strive to make a difference. Don’t be afraid of the future, love, because as long as you hold onto your integrity, you'll find your way.”
As he watched his grandmother bustle through the kitchen and cook up a storm for breakfast, James relaxed back on the couch. Nothing significant had changed in the world that morning, but it felt like it was a brighter place.
The shadows that had so worried him were still there, but they were not as dark.