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Chapter 53

The soft hum of the kettle filled the quiet kitchen of the household, accompanied by the faint creak of wood as Erwin and Ashna shifted in their chairs. Morning light filtered through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the worn wooden table where cups of steaming tea rested in their hands, untouched and slowly cooling. The tension in the air was palpable, a reflection of their exhaustion after a long ride from the 6th District to their home. They had left early the previous morning and only arrived late last night, their thoughts weighed down by everything they had experienced in the clan and the inevitable conversation they needed to have.

Outside, the familiar sounds of their neighborhood coming to life drifted through the window—distant voices of children playing, the rumble of cars, and the chirping of birds greeting the new day. But inside, the silence stretched between them like a taut string ready to snap.

Ashna broke the silence first, her voice quiet yet resolute, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. "We need to talk to him, Erwin. The matriarch's suggestion is... unconventional, but it's not without merit." Her ice-blue eyes reflected the morning light, carrying the weight of decisions that would reshape their family's future.

Erwin exhaled, leaning back in his chair. His dark hair, streaked with strands of white, caught the light as he ran a hand through it. The wood creaked beneath him as he shifted his weight, buying time before responding. "I know. But you saw the look on his face when we were there—he won't take this lightly. He's proud of what he's already achieved, even if it's not much by their standards." His voice carried the gentle concern of a father who had watched his son struggle and succeed against odds that most would consider insurmountable.

Ashna's ice-blue eyes softened as she glanced toward the staircase, where the faint creak of Avince's footsteps signaled his approach. Her hand tightened around her cup, her knuckles whitening slightly. "That's why we have to make him understand. This isn't about what he wants right now—it's about what's best for him in the long run." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "We've always taught our children to be independent, to make their own choices. But sometimes, as parents, we need to guide them toward opportunities they might not see clearly."

Erwin nodded reluctantly, his shoulders tensing. "And Amyra?" The question hung in the air, heavy with implications. Their daughter's situation was equally complex, if not more so, given her unique circumstances.

"That's non-negotiable," Ashna said firmly, her tone carrying the weight of countless discussions they'd had on the journey home. "The dragon clan's guidance is invaluable for her and her dragon. She may not like it, but this is the best path for her growth. It's time she steps beyond what we can teach her." She took a small sip of her tea, grimacing slightly at its cooled temperature. "We can't let our desire to keep the family together hold them back from their potential."

The sound of footsteps grew closer, and both parents straightened imperceptibly. Before Erwin could respond, Avince entered the kitchen, his expression guarded. He'd been expecting this conversation ever since his parents had been summoned by the matriarch, and he wasn't sure he was ready for it. His hair was slightly disheveled, suggesting a restless night, and dark circles under his eyes hinted at hours spent lying awake, wondering about what was to come.

"Morning," he said cautiously, sliding into a chair across from his parents. The wooden chair scraped against the floor, the sound unnaturally loud in the tense atmosphere. His eyes darted between his parents, reading their expressions with the wariness of someone preparing for unwelcome news.

Erwin straightened, his usual warmth tempered by seriousness. The morning light cast shadows across his face, emphasizing the lines of concern etched there. "Morning, Avince. We need to talk. I think you already have an idea of what we're gonna say, but this is about the matriarch's suggestion and what it means for you." He shared a quick glance with Ashna, drawing strength from their united front.

Avince crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. The defensive posture wasn't lost on his parents. "I already know what you're going to say. She thinks I should abandon fire magic because it's a Tier 1 element and would hinder my path. She wants me to train in ice magic under the clan instead, doesn't she?" His voice carried an edge of bitterness, the words coming out sharper than he intended.

Ashna nodded slowly, her expression carefully neutral. "It's true that the matriarch wanted you to focus on ice at first. Our clan is highly specialized, and their techniques could give you a significant edge. But no," she paused, choosing her words carefully, "the matriarch recommended you to transition to lightning instead, which actually aligns well with your interests." Her eyes softened as she continued, "You've always been fascinated by lightning magic, second only to fire. Their techniques could give you a significant edge. Your father and I discussed it extensively on the journey back, and we think training with the lightning clan is a good opportunity, especially since their estate is only a 30-minute bus ride from here."

The mention of lightning caused Avince to shift in his seat, a flicker of interest crossing his face before being quickly suppressed. His fingers drummed against the table. "So what? I'm supposed to give up fire magic entirely? Just like that?" The question came out defensive, but there was an undertone of uncertainty that hadn't been there before.

"Nobody's asking you to give it up," Erwin said, his tone calming but firm. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "But you need to be realistic. Fire is difficult to make work in the higher levels and even harder to refine. The matriarch isn't wrong when she says that both lightning and ice are more straightforward and powerful in most cases. Learning from them doesn't mean abandoning fire—it means expanding your arsenal." His eyes met his son's, filled with understanding and concern. "This isn't about giving up on something you are, it's about growing beyond what you currently know."

"I don't care if it's difficult," Avince shot back, his voice rising slightly. His hands clenched into fists under the table, and a faint warmth emanated from them—a unconscious manifestation of his agitation. "Fire isn't weak, and I'm not giving up on it just because it's not as 'efficient' as lightning. If anything, I need to work harder to prove it's not inferior." The passion in his voice was unmistakable, carrying years of determination and pride in his chosen path.

Avince clenched his fists tighter, his mind racing. His parents noticed the subtle tremor in his hands as he struggled to maintain his composure. He already knew the truth about fire magic—that its true potential lay in controlling its temperature rather than simply burning more mana. The knowledge sat heavy in his chest, a secret he couldn't share. He had already experimented with adjusting his fire's temperature, and it was surprisingly far more powerful than just expending additional mana. But he couldn't reveal that knowledge, not yet. It would be too hard to explain how he had learned it, and the questions that would follow might lead to complications he wasn't ready to face. For now, he would have to carry that secret alone.

Ashna leaned forward, her expression earnest, "Avince, this isn't about proving anything to anyone. We simply wanted to give you the best possible chance to grow. You're not being forced to give up fire magic, but learning from the lightning clan would give you access to techniques and information we can't provide. You can still keep using fire magic—this is about broadening your horizons, not narrowing them." Her voice carried the gentle authority that had guided both her children through countless challenges.

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Avince's jaw tightened, his internal struggle visible in the tension of his shoulders. He hated how logical their argument sounded, even though it rubbed him the wrong way. Learning lightning should only compliment my strengths, he thought, the idea taking root despite his reluctance.

After a long pause, during which the only sound was the distant rumble of traffic and the quiet ticking of the kitchen clock, he sighed. His shoulders slumped slightly, the fight draining from his posture. "Fine. I'll train with the lightning clan. But I'm not giving up on fire magic, no matter what they say." The words came out forced, but with an underlying determination that was characteristically his.

Erwin exchanged a meaningful glance with Ashna before nodding, relief visible in the slight relaxation of his features. "That's your decision, and we'll support it. But there's more we need to discuss." His tone carried a weight that made Avince tense up again.

Avince looked at his parents warily, noting the way they seemed to brace themselves. "More?" The word came out almost as a whisper, his earlier defiance giving way to apprehension.

Ashna sighed softly, exchanging another look with Erwin before she spoke. Her fingers wrapped around her now-cold tea, seeking comfort in the familiar gesture. "The Matriarch also shared something important regarding your ability, Avince. She advised that, for the time being, you should refrain from using it to improve your soul." The words came out carefully, measured, as if she were handling something fragile.

Avince furrowed his brows, his earlier anger forgotten in the face of this new revelation. "Refrain from using it? Why?" His voice carried genuine confusion and concern, the defiance from earlier replaced by uncertainty.

"You should have felt it by now too," Ashna stated, her eyes searching his face. "The Matriarch believes that the next year would be better spent focusing on strengthening your body and gaining precise control over your magic instead. Overusing your ability to improve your soul even more could lead to your body breaking." Her words hung in the air, heavy with implications.

The kitchen fell into silence again, broken only by the distant sounds of life continuing outside their windows. Avince stayed silent for a moment, his expression pensive, fingers absently tracing patterns on the wooden table. He couldn't deny it—his soul had indeed been growing stronger, too strong, in fact. His magic was becoming harder to control, feeling chaotic at times, like trying to hold back a flood with bare hands. He had been trying to gain control, but he still found himself slipping now and then, flaring up in ways that felt beyond his grasp. The Matriarch's advice made sense, and he knew she was right.

He nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "If she thinks that's what I need, I'll trust her judgment." The words came out steady, but his mind was already racing with something else.

Deep down, another thought took root. The strengthening potion recipe Althiel had provided still lingered in his mind, a possible solution for his problem. If the potion works, it should fix the underlying issue. My body is too weak to handle this power, and I lack the practice to control my magic—it's not my soul that's the problem. The thought provided a small comfort, a secret path forward that he could hold onto.

He resolved to follow the Matriarch's advice, at least outwardly. Still, if he could gather the necessary ingredients for the potion, he just needed to use his ability carefully to collect the materials, as long as it didn't worsen the instability. I just need to avoid taking too much damage or dying. I'll figure this out. The plan formed in his mind, giving him a sense of purpose beneath his apparent compliance.

Ashna hesitated for a moment before continuing, her fingers tightening around her cup. "There's still another thing you should know," she began, her voice gentle but firm. "Amyra will be leaving the 4th district with us. We're taking her to the 2nd district to live for some time in the dragon clan."

The words had barely left her mouth when Amyra, who had been silently approaching the kitchen, froze in the doorway. Her sudden appearance made everyone start slightly. "Wait, what? I'm going to the dragon clan?" Her voice cracked slightly, surprise and confusion evident in her tone.

Erwin nodded, turning to face his daughter. His expression was gentle but resolute. "Yes. The dragon clan has the expertise you need to raise your dragon properly and understand its full potential. This ensures that your dragon receives the best possible care and guidance." He spoke with the careful tone of someone who had rehearsed these words, knowing they would change his daughter's life.

Amyra's expression shifted from surprise to frustration, her hands gripping the doorframe. "But I'm finally getting into a rhythm here! What about school? What about my training?" The questions tumbled out, each one carrying the weight of her growing anxiety about the change.

"We've already arranged for your transfer to a school near the dragon clan's estate," Ashna said gently, her voice carrying the same careful tone she had used with Avince. "This is an opportunity you can't afford to pass up. And as for training, this doesn't mean you'll stop—it just means you'll have access to resources and mentors we can't provide here." She paused, letting the words sink in. "The dragon clan has the experience on how to properly nurture dragons. They can teach you things we never could."

Amyra turned to Avince, her eyes searching his face for support, silently pleading for him to say something, anything, that might change their parents' minds. "Are you okay with this?" The question carried all her uncertainty and fear about the changes ahead.

Avince looked between his sister and their parents, his heart sinking. The morning light caught the slight shimmer of tears in Amyra's eyes, making him want to protest, to argue against their decision. But he could see the resolve in their parents' eyes. This wasn't up for debate. "It's not up to me," he said quietly, hating the helplessness in his voice. "But if it's what they think is best for you, then..." He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence, the words feeling like a betrayal.

Ashna reached across the table to place a hand on Amyra's, her touch gentle but firm. "We know this is sudden, but it's the right decision. We'll be running dungeons in the 2nd district during this time as well. Your father and I plan to use this opportunity to push for a breakthrough into the S ranks."

Amyra's frustration gave way to shock, her eyes widening. "Wait, what? You're going for an S-rank breakthrough?" The news momentarily displaced her own concerns, a testament to the significance of what their parents were planning.

Erwin nodded, a hint of excitement breaking through his serious demeanor. "Yes. It's something we've been holding off for a while, and this trip gives us the perfect chance to make it happen." His eyes held a glimmer of the adventurer he had once been, before settling down to raise a family. "The dungeons in the 2nd district are perfect for what we need."

"You're invited to join us, Avince," Ashna said, her voice gentle, offering an olive branch. "If you want to visit the dragon clan and see the 2nd district, we'd be happy to have you come along." The invitation hung in the air, a bridge between their separate paths.

Avince shook his head almost immediately, though the decision cost him more than he let show. "No. I've already made plans and will keep going to school here. I can't just drop everything and leave." His voice was steady, but his hands clenched under the table, betraying his emotion.

Ashna's expression was understanding but firm, the morning light catching the worry in her eyes. "We respect your decision. But this will mean you'll be staying here alone while we're gone." The words carried all the concern of a mother preparing to leave her child for the first time.

Amyra’s shoulders slumped, but she didn’t argue further. She knew their parents wouldn’t budge, and deep down, she understood the importance of what they were asking her to do.

The conversation ended on a somber note, and as the family dispersed, Avince found himself alone in his room, staring at the faint glow of his amulet. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly alone. His family was moving forward, forging their own paths, and he was left to carve out his own.

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