Line Hunters

7. A Family Dinner

In the evening, the Tailight family gathered at the table to have dinner together. Ian's younger brother, Moe, was sitting beside him and ignored him the entire time as Moe shared some news with their parents.

"I'm glad to hear you're doing well in school," Mrs. Tailight said.

"I'm also running for student president and there's a good chance I'll get it," Moe said. He eyed Ian and grew frustrated seeing the older male nonchalantly eating his food.

A servant walked up to Ian and handed him a letter, saying, "Young Master Ian, there was a young man named Connie LaCrow at the door who asked me to give this to you."

The conversation stopped and the Tailights shifted their attention to Ian. Perhaps he didn't care or didn't take notice of his family's curious gaze, Ian opened the small folded letter and stared at it for a moment. Moe, Mr. and Mrs. Tailight waited for an answer, but the clueless boy refolded it and set it down on the table without a word. Ian looked, finally noticing, and was surprised to see his family staring at him.

"Why are you staring?"

"Well Darling, aren't you going to tell us what's on that letter and who this person is?" Mrs. Tailight said.

Ian slightly tilted his head. "Who is this person?"

The servant lightly coughed and leaned down and whispered to Ian, "Connie LaCrow, the man who asked me to give you this letter."

"Oh," Ian said. "He's a teacher at my school who teaches magic."

Moe scowled, becoming impatient. "Quit with the questions and just answer."

"But I did."

"What's in the letter?" Moe asked again.

He reached out to grab the letter, but immediately, Ian smacked his hand and wrapped his hand around the letter defensively. Moe held his hand and glared at his brother.

"This letter contains information which only I can know," Ian said.

"Well, why didn't you say so?" Mr. Tailight said. "But what is the letter for?"

"It's the location for the Line Hunter Trial," Ian answered honestly.

"The what?" Mrs. Tailight exclaimed. Her husband, Moe, and the servant who was just leaving, were all surprised as the woman.

"The Line Hunter Trial."

"Ian, are you saying you'll be participating in it?" Mr. Tailight questioned. "Now why on earth would you want to participate in a brutal thing that'll potentially cost you your life? You could die!"

"I agree with your father, Ian. You know we'll support you no matter what, but this... It's not something anyone can—or should—take it. Listen here, an old classmate of mine once took it and he lost his legs. He wasn't even halfway done with the exam now he has to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life! Not to mention, he wasn't weak in any way. I can't imagine what'll happen to you!"

Moe snickered. "You sure are impressive, Brother. Look at me, boasting about running for school president and you're entering the Line Hunter Trial!"

Ian smiled. "Thank you. I'm sure your goals are impressive too."

Moe, "..."

"But Ian," Mr. Tailight said, "what prompted you to consider this? You've never mentioned it before!"

The boy was about to answer, but he paused, thought about it, and said instead, "You'll make fun of me."

"What? Darling, why would you ever think that?" Mrs. Tailight uttered.

"I'm not weak, I am capable of taking the exam," Ian said, his voice softer. He looked at his hand, which was holding the letter.

The boys' parents misunderstood and thought they had hurt their eldest son's feelings and felt guilty. It would be a long time before they figured out that he was simply stating the truth and the reason why his voice was meek when he did so.

"Baby, it's not that we're looking down on you, we know you have strong spiritual power but it's just that the Line Hunter Trial is very risky and as your parents, we are worried for you."

Mr. Tailight nodded. "I do wish you'd told us earlier so we could have helped you prepare ahead to ensure your victory and health. High Stone School always tests the students' pillar strengths every school year, right? Did your strengths improve?"

Ian nodded and the Tailight couple was relieved to see him smile again. Next to him, Moe kept his face down and stuffed his mouth with food, failing to hide the bitter expression on his face.

During the conversation before the letter was delivered, Ian had quietly finished his meal, so now, he stood up, ready to head back to his room.

"Baby, what was your spiritual score?"

Ian paused and turned around. "1,512."

Moe nearly choked on his food. He turned around and glared at Ian, who stood behind his chair.

"1,512! That's a big jump!" Mr. Tailight exclaimed. In his heart, he felt a bit less worried and against his eldest son taking the exam.

"Wow, your spiritual power increased so much, Brother? I can't believe how far ahead you are," Moe said with a bit of sarcasm. Inside, Moe was jealous of his brother's spiritual power, but he was truthfully more in awe.

Ian patted Moe's head. "I have no right to be your older brother if you somehow suppress me and stop looking up to me. How can I let you down?"

Moe, "..."

Later, Ian was walking in the hall, having just exited his room and wanting to take a stroll. However, Ian saw someone else and stopped. The other boy stood still too, staring at Ian and remaining silent.

"You're really taking the Line Hunter Trial?" Moe finally spoke. Seeing that his brother wasn't speaking, Moe lightly scoffed. "You do realize our parents don't believe you'll succeed? Thinking you were upset, they swallowed their own objections and tried to cheer you up. But if it had been me, there's no doubt our parents would do everything to stop me."

Ian showed a slightly confused expression. "Of course, they would. Why would they want to hold a funeral for their child?"

"You..." Moe gritted his teeth, greatly angered. "Are you saying I'm weak?"

Ian nodded. "Did I not make that clear? Mother and Father have said you can die in it, so they would naturally object."

"Then it makes no sense a pathetic weak loser like you would do any better! Everyone knows just how helplessly weak you are, Ian. You're just a couple of pounds over a hundred at your age and height and get sick at least once every month. But knowing that, our parents still let you participate in the Line Hunter Trial. It's unfair!"

"Un...fair?" Ian didn't understand why his younger brother was suddenly so angry.

"Must I explain everything to you?" Moe groaned, annoyed. "Your EQ is so low and you ask too many questions, but our parents are still too patient with you."

"You're good too, Moe. Everyone can see that, and it's why our parents do so much for you."

Ian's words caught Moe off guard, and a warm feeling arose in his heart. But the feeling only lasted for a moment.

"Don't lie! No matter what I do, you always do it better. And I can't help wondering why you must always outdo me and can't even let me have one small victory. Let me be proud of something for once, I'm always in your shadows. They may favor me and put more effort into me, but they're prouder of you, Ian."

"I understand." Ian continued walking, but as he passed Moe, Ian said, "If you remain standing, then you'll remain a shadow. Keep moving until you're in the light."