I Received System to Become Dragonborn

Chapter 590: Return Home

Erend made his way down the corridor, his steps echoing softly as he approached the room he and Eccar had been sharing.

The weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him, and it feels so thick and unyielding, and as he closed the door behind him he sighed, allowing himself a rare moment of vulnerability.

Erend sit down heavily on the bed, he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and rubbed his temples. He felt the burden of being a symbol of power — a role he and Eccar had stepped into without hesitation but that now seemed endless.

After all they'd faced, it wasn't just about defending his world or the Elves' realm anymore. The reach of their strength and their duty seemed boundless and extending even to distant worlds with problems he hadn't known existed.

Could this really be his life now? Fighting, protecting, running toward new threats without a single chance to breathe? He hadn't even had time to return home and to see his family yet.

Erend clenched his fists, frustration simmering under his skin.

"Is this the price of power?" he thought bitterly. Either he was constantly exhausted and demanded of, or he'd risk being corruptedd by the very strength that protected others. "If I can't stop…" he mused, "will I become as twisted as the Great Calamity?"

But he forced those dark thoughts back. He didn't have to carry this alone. Eccar and Saeldir would handle things for now with the new people from another world that need help. He feels like he could rely on others to bear the weight, at least for a while.

Taking a deep breath, Erend stood. He conjured his own port; and watching as it rippled open before him, leading him directly home. He stepping through it and he felt a wave of relief and nostalgia as he emerged in his house, its familiar walls and warmth welcoming him like a balm.

It felt like an eternity since he'd been here.

As he made his way downstairs, he caught the familiar smell of home-cooked food, filling the air and stirring a deep, comforting hunger he hadn't felt in ages.

In the kitchen, his mother and sister stood together, their light conversation and comforting as they prepared dinner. They turned at the sound of his footsteps, expressions of surprise quickly softening into joy.

"Erend!" his sister exclaimed, dropping her spoon as she rushed to hug him.

His mother smiled warmly, wiping her hands and moving closer. "You're finally back," she said softly, her eyes filled with both relief and pride.

Erend took them both in his hug, feeling the weight he'd carried for so long lighten just a little.

Few minutes later they sat down for dinner and Erend feeling the the room filled with warmth and familiarity. Erend's mother and Arty were full of questions but their primary concern was for his well-being.

"Are you really all right?" his mother asked, her tone laced with worry as she reached across to pat his hand. "You look tired, but... stronger, too. You've been through so much, right?"

Erend smiled, nodding reassuringly. "I'm fine, truly. I can handle everything just fine," he replied, hoping to ease their minds.

Arty leaned forward with a small, knowing smile. "And what about Aurdis?" she asked, her tone gentle but laced with curiosity. "We know she's special to you. Is she okay?"

Erend's face softened as he spoke of her. "Aurdis is well," he said. "She's safe, and she's been a great help to me. I'm lucky to have her."

The room settled into a comfortable silence, only the clinking of utensils filling the space. But after a moment Arty's voice broke through, her tone quieter and more somber.

"Will you have to leave again?" she asked, her gaze intent as she looked at him. There was a heaviness in her question, as if she already knew the answer.

Erend took a deep breath, hesitating. He could see the hope in their eyes, the unspoken wish for him to stay. But they also deserved honesty.

"Yes," he admitted, he can't lie to them. "I'll need to go back. There are… things that still need my attention. Lives at stake."

The room quieted again, their expressions a blend of pride and sadness. They knew that this was the life he had chosen and that he was bound to it, no matter how much it might pull him away from home.

Arty looked at him with a tinge of sadness in her eyes. "Does it have to be so soon?"

Erend nodded, his gaze dropping slightly. "If nothing unexpected comes up, I'll leave tomorrow. But we still have tonight," he said with a smile.

At that, Arty and his mother exchanged a look, understanding passing silently between them. They didn't want to dwell on his departure any longer. They just wanted to enjoy these precious hours together. At least that is the only thing they can do.

As they settled into conversation over dinner, the topics shifted to lighter things. They told Erend all about the local happenings, his mother recounting stories of the town's small triumphs and changes while he was away.

He felt a weight lift, relieved to hear that their world at least remained untouched by chaos. He facing on the other side. If he failed there, he knows that this world will be facing the Great Calamity.

When dinner was over, they moved to the living room and turned on the TV, letting the sounds and images fill the room. They laughed and talked, the conversation flowing freely, from funny stories of the past to playful debates about what they were watching.

Erend felt his own worries slip away, absorbed in the warmth and comfort of home.

As night deepened, Arty and his mother started to drift off. His mother stifled a yawn, patting Erend's shoulder with a gentle smile.

"Good night, Erend," she murmured, before heading to her room. Arty gave him a long, tight hug before she, too, retired for the night.

And then, as the house fell silent, Erend was left alone with his thoughts, soaking in the peace that only home could offer. He don't think he can sleep tonight.

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