TBATE - The Second Son

Chapter 6: Facing Reality

Weeks passed, and the air hasn't been the least depressing ever since my brother fell down the cliff. My parents were broken, if I wasn't there then they would have had a much harder time right now.

We pretty much mourned over the trip, everyone tried cheering up my parents, including me. The destination is in sight, Xyrus. Yet the reason why we traveled from someplace far away is not.

The fragility of life, no matter how much you try to improve yourself, how much you try to live life, whatever you do, it's all meaningless to life itself. It doesn't matter how strong you are, how talented you are, how knowledgeable you are, when life takes you, you will be.

Everyone here can't...no, everyone here won't forget the events that occurred, for as long as we live. The tragedy that befell us would be forever ingrained into our memories. I won't forget, my brother's sacrifice, I won't forget this world's type of cruelty.

I swear upon my life, I would focus every fiber of my being, focusing on gaining strength and knowledge to overcome whatever troubles come in the way of those I care about, be it kings, queens, even gods. If they dare stand in my way or try to harm those I care about, then damnation would be enacted upon them.

Xyrus City, a majestic floating city, pretty much located at the center of Dicathen. It is where the castle of human royalty resides. It also houses the best school to learn magic from, Xyrus Academy. As we approached the gates, which I assume is a gate to enter Xyrus, I've observed that there were runes surrounding the gate.

I mentally memorized some runes that I would later learn. My focus went back to my parents, to say they were heartbroken is taking things too lightly. They were downright distraught and probably scarred for life. m

Despite the lack of emotions, I feel too stressed to even observe my surroundings more. I cannot enjoy looking at the scenery anymore, fearing that there would be other entities lying in ambush. That is the trauma I've gained from those bandits. A reality check that this world is unforgiving to those without power.

Since I lack power, resources, and influence, I guess I should slowly build it up. Right now, I should invest my time to acquiring knowledge and spending time with my family throughout the day.

Some other days would be for improving my physical abilities and forming a mana core. There wasn't a method written about how it is awakened aside from it naturally forming by the mana inside a body slowly gravitating to somewhere around the stomach area.

I should apply some knowledge from the fantasy books I've read to get an advantage over m the others, not just from magic, but also in knowledge.

Behold, the portal gates leading to Xyrus city, I wonder what adventures await. I thought to myself sarcastically.

After we crossed the portal leading to Xyrus City, the air suddenly got colder, the wind blows much stronger. We are now at an altitude of who knows how high km up in the sky, I wonder what the mechanics of this city are, if it suddenly fell, every inhabitant living here would perish, no exceptions.

My pessimistic thoughts were interrupted as our carriage stopped by the mansion. Just how big is this place? Mother picked me up and helped me out of the carriage, father supporting us. My parents and the twin horns said their goodbyes, they expressed their condolences once more and consoled us for our loss. Truly, a pity.

Before I dove down into my depressing thoughts, everyone from the twin horns patted my head, with the exception of Angela hugging, no, choking me half to death. She poked my cheeks and forced me to smile. Seriously, if she likes kids this much she would be a great mother. "Take care of your parents, little August" Helen said behind me. "Mm", I replied. Causing everyone to chuckle before they leave.

"Take care of yourselves, Rey, Alice, August!" everyone from the twin horns said, except for Adam and Jasmine who just nodded. I nodded my head, making them think I'm trying to imitate them.

As we look at their carriage getting further away, A group of maids looked like they were waiting for our arrival. A cheerful man with brown hair with glasses, Along with his wife who had pretty black hair, stood in the middle, holding a child about the same height my brother was...

It looked like they were the masters of this mansion. As he approached us he watched how we looked, probably sensing the air. Instead of shouting cheerfully, he came up to us with looks of concern. In a calm tone, he said "It has been a long time Rey, Alice."

My mother and father smiled hesitantly and greeted him. "Been a while, Vincent, looks like you and Tabitha had a cute little girl," Father said as he forced himself to smile. Vincent noticed this and asked us what was wrong.

My mother, losing all of her strength to stand, fell down to her knees and hugged me. The madam of the household went to our direction, along with some servants. My father tried to support my mother.

"My son, Vincent... he..." My father tried to act strong but he couldn't finish the statement. As tears fell down his eyes, my mother broke down crying. Vincent and his wife immediately tried comforting us, not bothering to continue asking the question anymore.

I tried to finish what my father said and looked at Vincent in the eyes. He seemed to have noticed my gaze which is good. I tried to look as emotionless as possible, but the voice came out, filled with emotions "bro..ther is gone" I said.

Vincent and his wife took us inside and helped to comfort us. We stayed in a guest room as they comforted my parents for hours, giving us food and drinks.

His wife, Tabitha, ushered their child, Lilia, to play with me. She understood the instruction and the air of the room so she took me by my hand and told me that we would play in the corner.

I've always wanted a big sister. She played with me for hours until my parents finished sorting their emotions.

Playing for hours has taken a toll on my toddler body. I soon got tired. I slowly tried to fight the drowsiness and fatigue that built up. Lilia noticed this and hugged me as we sat behind the corner to rest.

Related by blood or not, nobody can refute that she is now my big sister. I smiled the brightest I have had in weeks as I fell asleep.