In The Academy As Sukuna

Ch 60 - Amara

"A mother's heart is fierce yet fragile, a shield of love standing guard against the darkness within."

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As Sukuna fought against the demons in the frontlines, it was a peaceful day in the city, his parents relaxing in their third mansion in the outskirts.

The sun cast long, warm, orange rays, casting long shadows of trees on the grass.

Amara was sitting on a chair on the border of the garden, her legs crossed neatly. Her eyes were fixed on the figures of Eiji and Elara, who were in the middle of the garden, training.

Sounds of grunts and groans were clearly heard, Elara struggling to keep up with Eiji, his harsh training taking a toll on her.

Amara's mind, however, was somewhere else. She couldn't shake off this feeling of unease... a feeling that something might soon be happening.

(POV: Amara)

My gaze was fixed on the figure of Elara, her body quickly yet tiredly dodging Eiji's blows, sweat dripping from her face to the ground.

I couldn't help but smile. She had grown a lot since the first day... at an incredible pace too.

I extended my hand, my finger grabbing hold of a small cup which I brought to my lips, taking a sip of the coffee in it.

At first, I was against Sukuna's decision to adopt her, both because she didn't look worthy, and because he was quite young for a child.

However, her talent...

Elara ducked, her head barely dodging the incoming swing of the sword, grazing her hair.

...her talent with weapons was incomparable. In other words, she is extremely useful.

On Eiji's face was plastered a huge grin, one which I hadn't seen on him for a long time.

He was thoroughly enjoying himself.

I hadn't seen that expression since... that day...

My free hand went to my forehead, my eyes shutting tightly as a memory resurfaced into my mind, a headache incoming.

.

I opened my eyes, and what I saw made them widen.

Burning trees, burning houses, burning people... It was as if I was living that day again, as if it was happening all over again.

My hands were planted on the floor, forcing the fire to spread far and wide, engulfing the whole village in its fury.

I looked down, my eyes landing on my own hands, trembling uncontrollably. I remember. That day, I was scared... no, I wasn't scared, but nervous, and I knew that it was necessary.

My gaze drifted upwards, meeting a dark, almost evil silhouette. He was the love of my life, Eiji, dancing around in the fire with a grace that seemed to draw me towards him.

His actions, however, were more gruesome than graceful.

He ran around the place, his hands moving around with practiced strokes, killing people with ease, devouring their souls without delay.

My eyes roamed around, the memories of the day clearer than ever.

I almost felt a pang of sympathy as I looked at a woman, buried under a roof, trying to pull herself out.

Her son was staring at her, tears running down her face as he panicked, his whole body trembling in fear.

My brows furrowed. At that time, I felt nothing for her, but now that I am a mother myself, I couldn't help but feel... sad. She must be the most difficult decision of her life to leave her son to suffer alone in such a world.