Aldric remained silent this time his expression puzzled as he struggled to grasp Ethan's words. But he continued to listen to his son, then, Ethan cautiously found his voice once more, his words coming out with effort. "Dad, would you believe me that I was from a place called Earth, and I died before ending up here?".
Aldric's brows furrowed deeper, his gaze fixed on Ethan as if searching for some hint of clarity in his words. The silence stretched between them charged with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief. Ethan's heart pounded the weight of his revelation lay heavy on his shoulders. He watched his father's reaction closely, hoping to gauge how his words were being received.
After a moment that seemed to hang in the air, Aldric's expression softened, his eyes holding a blend of concern and contemplation. He took a deep breath, breaking the silence that had settled. Aldric, still struggling to fully comprehend the situation, made up his mind to seek clarity. "How did you die?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Ethan took a deep breath determination evident in his gaze as he prepared to reveal his past. He understood the weight of his word recognizing that his father's blissful life and their strong bond could weather the revelation. As Ethan recounted the events of his previous life, his voice quivered with emotion, and tears began to well up in his eyes, spilling down his cheeks as he laid bare his story.
As Ethan concluded his narrative, he fell silent, his heart heavy with anticipation. The seconds stretched into moments, and Aldric remained quiet, absorbing the enormity of Ethan's revelation. Ethan's anxiety grew, and he finally mustered the courage to break the silence. "Dad?" he ventured cautiously, seeking his father's reaction.
No immediate response came, and Ethan's worry deepened. He repeated his inquiry, his voice more urgent this time. "Dad, why aren't you talking?"
Ethan's heart began to race its rhythm echoing the tension that filled the air. As he waited for his father's response, a storm of thoughts swirled within his mind. "What if this was a mistake?" he pondered with a whirlwind of doubt.
A pang of regret gnawed at him and his heart raced even faster as if trying to escape the situation he had put himself in. The fear he had managed to quell earlier began to tighten its grip once more. He found himself entertaining a haunting question: "Will I get abandoned in this world, just like before?"
Seeing Ethan again going through panic, Aldric broke the silence, a soft sound reached Ethan's ears—a combination of sniffles and a gentle clearing of the throat. He observed his father's movements, watching as Aldric wiped his tears and nose with the back of his hand.
The silence stretched, and just as Ethan was about to speak again, Aldric's voice though cracked and laden with emotion finally broke through. "You had it rough, my child," he began, his words carrying a tenderness that Ethan hadn't expected.
"But you can leave the past behind. You're not alone in this journey. See, even your mother is with you." Aldric gently touched the necklace that adorned Ethan's neck the pendant hanging there glinting in the light. "You can choose to move forward, Ethan. Your past doesn't define your future."
As his father's words sank in they felt like a warm embrace to Ethan's heart filling a void in his heart. His emotions surged and a teardrop slid down his cheek, unlocking a flood of feelings. It was as if his entire life's emotions bottled up since his very first breath, were finding release in these tears. Aldric's arms around him were a secure anchor, catching those tears as they fell. Ethan felt a mix of vulnerability and relief—he wasn't alone anymore. The past pain was melting away in those very tears.
Ethan's heart swelled with relief as he realized the depth of care his family held for him. In his mind, a silent expression of gratitude extended toward the unknown forces that had guided him to this new world. The regrets that had once haunted his past life now found solace and Ethan felt a sense of completion that he had yearned for.
Now Ethan was prepared to forge his own life without harboring any regrets. He had steeled himself to confront whatever challenges lay along his newfound journey. However, despite his readiness to battle through uncharted territory, a significant question continued to linger in his mind: What path should he tread?
They remained seated in silence for several minutes. Eventually, Ethan lifted his head from his knees wiped away his tears and embraced his father. This father was unlike the one he remembered from his previous life—a rebirth that had gifted him not only the perfect home but also a loving family. Ethan's thoughts swirled wondering if this was the fulfillment of a dying wish from his past.
"So tell me about the world you previously came from?" Aldric asked, his voice gentle as he tried to lighten the atmosphere. Ethan's face brightened as he shared the intricate details of his former world, where magic was absent and technology held importance.
As their conversation continued their hearts poured out. They exchanged thoughts and stories delving into the depth of his feelings. Yet, amidst this exchange, a question lingered—what would be the next chapter of Ethan's life? He had attained the answers he sought but what was his purpose now?
Ethan gazed at his father, his eyes reddened from the traces of his earlier tears. "Dad, what is the purpose of my life?" he inquired, his voice trembling with emotion.
Stolen novel; please report.
Aldric's response was soft and assuring, "I don't know, maybe you should find these answers yourself." he then continued "Remember, we're here with you on every step of the way."
Gently, Aldric caressed Ethan's hair as he wiped away the last remnants of tears. With a determined resolve, Ethan nodded his voice firm, "Yes, Dad, I will forge my own path."
"I don't need any guidance from some higher power or whoever sent me here. I'll discover it on my own" Ethan mumbled resolutely his eyes filled with determination.
While they sat together, their eyes turned skyward both lost in their thoughts. After a moment Aldric's voice broke the silence, "You were curious about the entrance exams, weren't you?" He paused, his gaze distant as if reminiscing. "I first met your mother during the selection trials..." With those words, he began to share his own past.
As Aldric concluded, they sat there for another few minutes before Ethan spoke, "Dad, I think we can go now." He reached out, gently gripping his father's hand, finding comfort in the connection.
Aldric looked at Ethan, concern reflecting in his eyes. "Are you sure you're ready to head back inside?"
Ethan nodded, offering a small but resolute smile.
With a reassuring nod of his own, Aldric replied, "Alright then, let's go."
They began their journey back to the headquarters, steps aligned in unison. Walking behind his father, Ethan found himself instinctively clutching at the fabric of Aldric's clothes. Though the weight of his past still clung to him, he felt a new sense of security after sharing his truth. The path ahead might be daunting, but Ethan was determined to navigate through it.
As Ethan sat outside the cabin waiting for his dad who had gone inside to make the report his eyes swept across the hallway. His heart thudded in his chest, reminiscent of the sensation as if he was in a police station. But this time, there was a difference—his father with him, a pillar of support.
Time drifted by, and finally, Aldric emerged from the office, a radiant smile lighting up his face. As he walked over he reached out and grasped Ethan's hand his touch exuding warmth and joy. With a heartfelt expression, he shared the news that he was slated to take the promotion exam for a higher rank as a battlemage and once done he would undergo training.
Ethan's own smile bloomed. "Congratulations, Dad," he said, the words laced with genuine happiness as they walked out of the building together.
Amidst Ethan's own preparations for the academy selection exams, there was another significant development unfolding. His father was also on the brink of advancement, seeking a higher rank in his own journey as well.
---✧---✧---
With the academy selections looming just around the corner, merely a week away, Ethan keenly observed the capital's atmosphere. The influx of visitors had noticeably surged since his arrival, the anticipation palpable due to the impending selection event. An annual affair where students from every corner of the nation converged here to participate and even beyond the borders, candidates journeyed to prove their mettle. The bar set for this selection was undoubtedly sky-high.
Ethan, who had recently awakened to his magical abilities, was merely crawling in terms of using the mana and still a long way from taking even his first tentative steps. He knew that attempting the selection without proper training would be like a chicken waiting to have its neck cut.
He had learned from various sources that the selection process revolved around the principle of "the strong rule and the weak obey." Furthermore, Ethan was well aware of the grim possibility of the trials resulting in fatalities. Some trials might involve fighting dangerous beasts, while others could be combat-oriented challenges among the students, the nature of which shifted with each passing year.
With just one week remaining for the academy selections, Ethan felt the weight of time pressing down on him. Despite his father's previous reluctance to teach him, Ethan's determination pushed him to approach his father once more hoping for a chance to learn. Amidst the buzz of preparation, even Aldric was deeply involved in his own training sharpening his sword skills for the impending selection.
"Dad, can you show me how to wield a sword?" Ethan's voice trembled with anticipation, his eyes reflecting his earnest desire.
Aldric's brows furrowed as he replied, "I'm not the right person to teach you." Observing the disappointment on Ethan's face, he quickly reconsidered. "But how about we head to the training ground? I can arrange for my superior to teach you a few basic stances."
Ethan's heart leaped at the opportunity, yet anxiety began to bubble within him. Despite the surge of conflicting emotions, he steeled himself. "Alright, Dad. I'm willing to learn," Ethan responded, his voice a mixture of determination and uncertainty.
Agreeing, they made their way to the headquarters. Ethan followed closely behind Aldric until they reached the training ground situated behind the headquarters. It was the same place where he had previously observed battlemages honing their skills.
As they walked, Ethan noticed that the majority of trainees were focused on perfecting a repetitive stance during target practice. Occasionally, they would weave elemental magic into their routines demonstrating their mastery over both swordplay and magic.
Guiding Ethan through the dynamic scene, Aldric led him to a figure clad in ornate armor. This seasoned battlemage, Aldric's superior, stood tall with a long beard and a bald head. A sword was sheathed at his side. Upon noticing Aldric's approach, the stern expression on his face softened.
"Hello, Instructor Brondor," Aldric greeted, with Ethan standing beside him.
"Aldric, what brings you here?" he inquired, his voice laced with familiarity.
"I have a favor to ask," Aldric responded, indicating Ethan who stood beside him, slightly apprehensive. "This is my son, Ethan. He's interested in learning the basics of swordplay. With the upcoming academy selections, I thought mastering a few foundational stances would greatly benefit him."
The superior's gaze shifted to Ethan, his assessment swift yet perceptive. "An eager recruit," he remarked. "Very well, I can spare some time to teach a thing or two."
"Thank you, Instructor Brondor," Aldric's voice carried gratitude.
Turning to Ethan, he added in a hushed tone, "I'll be training nearby, so if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Ethan nodded, his eyes reflecting his determination, as he observed his father move towards a practice target to start his own training session.
Instructor Brondor's presence was authoritative as he cleared his throat and directed his attention to Ethan.
"Let's begin with the first stance," he said, his tone firm yet encouraging. "Throughout today, you'll focus solely on mastering this stance. In the coming days, I will teach you more foundational techniques."
Ethan's heart swelled with gratitude for the chance to learn. With a sincere nod, he gripped the sword, feeling the weight of anticipation in his hands, ready to embark on this new journey.