SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

Chapter 308 Repairing Bonds [Pt 2]

308  Repairing Bonds [Pt 2]

Before I left Ainzlark Academy, I made sure to leave behind messages for those I cared about.

Neron was left in charge of dispensing my words to them. That way, I was assured of the message reaching those concerned.

My mom was one of the recipients of my message.

I explained how the current Class System of Ainzlark Academy was stunting my growth, as well as the level of insecurity in the school. My leave was caused by the Invasion, and the fact that I needed to become even better.

Of course, I gave apologies and promised to return.

Still, it was left to her how she would interpret the message… and she probably didn't completely believe it.

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"T—that was it…?"

Anabelle's eyes widened.

A look of surprise was written all over her face. She most likely didn't expect my reasoning to be so simple.

"I realized my weakness after facing the Demons. If the Kingdom were to ever be in trouble, I wouldn't even be able to keep myself safe, let alone being able to protect you and everyone else I cared about."

No matter what words I spouted—even if it was completely rational—it wouldn't be enough to justify the fact that I abandoned everyone and everything.

I had just been twelve years old, so it was going to be difficult to accept that I had left in pursuit of power.

"You… but you could have…" Anabelle's lips quivered as she spoke.

"… You could have studied more under Alphonse. He is an Archmage, you know? You could have grown more under his tutelage and—"

"NO!"

Even if it may have been somewhat rude to do so, I cut off my mom's statement before she could conclude it.

"Alphonse is too weak. He might be strong by normal standards, but…"

Compared to the heights I needed to attain, he was far off.

"… I… see…"

I could sense a lot of sadness in Anabelle's words, but, she simply needed to accept my reality. None of them could have aided in my growth.

"Thanks to exploring on my own, I was able to become strong—much stronger." I smiled.

It hurt—like being pierced by a million needles—to see my mom's sad and desolate face. My heart was in pain.

'So this is what power without companionship is…'

Even if I had already attained so much, the mere gaze of my aggrieved mother made it all seem worthless. But…

'… It had been necessary!'

Even if I felt such sorrow, I didn't regret a single thing—no, I couldn't!

My actions were for myself and for everyone I loved. They may not see it yet—or maybe ever—but I didn't care.

If I could preserve the life and future of my mom, my friends, my family, and even myself, then I was willing to do anything!

That was how much I loved them all!

"What will you do now, mom?"

There was every likelihood that she would attempt locking me at home. If she did, I would probably have to stay with her and coordinate my affairs from here. However, it would be more preferable if—

"You still have something to do, right?"

My eyes widened a bit once she said this.

Following that was a smile. It filled my face as I nodded.

"Yes. The Kingdom is in a precarious situation right now… and I need to take action."

"I figured…" Anabelle gave a sad smile and nodded.

'No. No, please…'

"Do what you will…"

'No! I can't… not without…'

"… You probably don't… need me for anything any—"

"NO!"

My voice was louder than I intended, but that simply showed the intensity of my emotion.

"I need you!"

It was the truth.

After spending so long alone, it had felt so maddening that I almost lost my mind. I barely managed to hold on to my sanity thanks to the people I had waiting for me.

How painful it was… the overbearing loneliness.

"Come to the Capital, mom!"

Anabelle's face lit up a bit, showing shock and confusion.

"T—the Capital… why?"

"I'll be going there to take care of business. It would be nice—no, reassuring—if you were there waiting for me."

"Waiting? Where are you going to first?"

"Ainzlark Academy. I need to do something there first. There's also someone I need to meet."

"Ah, I see…" My mom gave a wry smile, as well as an expression I couldn't really decipher.

"You know… it's really weird how much you've changed…"

Her tone contained a hint of something… something that warmed my heart. It was…

"… You've grown to become a fine man."

… PRIDE!

"I still don't understand most of your actions. And I have a lot of questions. But… I am just happy you're back."

'M—Mom…'

My heart throbbed as I received her words.

"No matter how much you've changed, and how different everything is now… just know how much I love you."

My lips quivered.

'Those words…'

My eyes brought forth hot liquid as my body trembled.

'… How long have I waited to hear them?'

"I heard of everything you did in the Academy… and even looking at you now, how strong you've become…"

A moment of silence was established—a mere second before I completely broke down.

"… I'm proud of you, Jared. So proud. Thank you for being alive. I'm happy you're back. I… I missed you so much!"

"Hicc… hicc…"

I didn't know when tears poured from my face and my face became flushed with several emotions.

Feelings that had been bottled up for over a hundred years of solitude came gushing out.

"MOM!"

"JAREEDDD!!!"

I jumped over the table that separated us and dived into her bosom.

She received me wholeheartedly and hugged me tightly. This time, both of us wept together and remained that way.

How shameless was it of me to show such emotion? It was disgraceful for a man of my age to stoop this low. However… I didn't care.

I simply wanted someone… and she was right in front of me.

"I—I missed you too." I said while sinking deeper into my mom's embrace.

I rubbed my face on her breasts, not minding how they jiggled, and inhaling the sweet fragrance of her perfume.

Satisfaction and an over due need for rest caused me to let go of all my defenses as I uttered the most profound words a person could ever say to another.