Six months have passed.
In a quiet room, a blonde-haired man sat facing a white-haired woman. They seemed lost in a relaxed conversation.
"It's been almost six years since we last visited his home directly. What do you think?" the man asked softly.
"Should we go see him again, for a one-day vacation for just the two of us? We could see his child at the same time," he continued.
The white-haired woman nodded slowly, then looked at the man before her.
"A good idea. Should we contact him before we leave? Or should we just arrive unannounced?" she asked in a casual tone.
The man gave a small smile, his eyes narrowing as if hiding something.
"No need. It's better if we just show up. This visit will be more enjoyable as a surprise," he answered slyly.
But he added, "Even so, the head butler needs to know that we'll be leaving tonight. He must ensure everything remains under control while we are away. Especially our children."
A few moments later, the old head butler was summoned. He bowed deeply, awaiting his orders. "We are leaving for Velmara tonight, through the warp gate," the blonde-haired man said in a calm voice.
"The journey will only last a day, so make sure everything proceeds as it should until our return."
The head butler bowed respectfully. "I will carry out your orders."
Night fell.
Hiding their identities behind neat disguises, the blonde-haired man and the white-haired woman finally arrived at the warp gate located in the royal capital.
A giant magic circle glowed with a silvery-blue light, spinning slowly like a whirlpool in the dead of night. After presenting their forged identity documents to the gatekeeper, the pair stepped closer without drawing any attention.
"It's been so long since I've been to Velmara…" the woman murmured, her eyes fixed on the swirling light before them. In an instant, their bodies were enveloped by the vortex of light and vanished completely, leaving only silence behind at the warp gate.
…
*Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
The sound of clashing wooden swords echoed in the training yard. I kept pressing forward, my eyes sharp, trying to read Father's every move to find even the smallest opening.
"Haaaah!" I shouted, thrusting straight ahead with all my might.
Father merely twisted his wrist slightly.
*Whack!
My wooden sword was knocked away forcefully, and my body staggered, nearly losing balance. I looked down, breathing heavily. "I saw it… but my body couldn't follow."
Father lowered his sword. His gaze turned serious, but not cold, more like he was assessing me. He stepped closer and patted my shoulder lightly.
"You're right. You can read the direction of my attacks. That's proof that your eyes are starting to sharpen. Your growth is incredibly fast, but your body isn't ready to respond that quickly yet."
I clenched my fists, frustration welling up in my chest. Father sighed, then looked at me with a gentler expression. "Don't underestimate that. Perceiving an attack is the first step. Trust me, your body will catch up to your eyes with time and practice. Remember this, awareness is more important than mere blind reflexes."
I fell silent for a moment, then nodded, my resolve hardening. "I understand, Father. I will continue to train."
A faint smile appeared on Elric's face. "That is the right path. And when that time comes…" his voice lowered, as if making a promise, "…perhaps I'll be the one to feel your sword breach my defense."
The morning sun, approaching noon, hung in the sky, its rays warm but not yet scorching. The remaining dew on the grass began to evaporate, and the fresh air mingled with the scent of slightly drying earth. Father extended his hand, helping me stand upright again. His touch was warm, firm, and full of confidence.
"That's enough for now," he said in a gentle yet firm tone. "Your body needs rest to grow stronger."
I grasped his hand tightly and nodded firmly. "Yes, Father."
Under the heightening sun, the training yard fell silent once more. This time, the battle ended in defeat.
I need to change my training method again there. This time, I intend to challenge the four of them again, the four unity core wielders.
In the past, I tried challenging them one by one, adjusting their core level to mine. But the result was utterly pathetic. The difference in experience, as well as their mastery of skills and techniques, was far beyond mine. In those fights, I was defeated with just a single attack.
That frustration became deeply ingrained, causing me to abandon that method.
But now, after this training, I know I can no longer run from that chasm of difference. If I truly want to grow quickly, I must stand before them one by one again. And even if defeat awaits me, I will use it as a stepping stone to grow even further.
…
That night, in the underground training room illuminated by lamp light.
Mother stood before me. "Now is the time for you to learn mom's signature rare skill, [Instant Casting]."
"A skill that allows you to activate magic without long incantations, without magic circles, and without complex gestures. Only intent and will," she continued.
I looked at her, my brow furrowed. "But… isn't that a difficult skill? I can barely control basic magic."
Mother smiled faintly, as if expecting those words. "That's precisely it. Instant casting isn't about power, but the depth of understanding. If you become too fixated on casting, you will be slow. In a real battle, a single second can mean life or death."
She raised her hand, without a sound, without any extra movement. Just a flash of reddish-orange light pulsed in the air, and in an instant, a dense fireball was born in her palm. It was fast, as if it appeared out of nowhere. The fireball didn't just burn, it pulsed, like a small heart containing an explosion within. With a single light swing, the ball shot straight forward.
[Flame Burst ☆2]
*BOOM!
The moment it hit the wooden target in the yard, the fireball exploded, shattering the air with a loud bang. Sparks scattered in all directions, spraying like a shower of red stars, while hot smoke rose slowly from the point of impact. Fortunately, thanks to the magic barrier protecting the room, neither the vibration nor the sound leaked out.
My eyes widened. "No incantation and no magic circle…"
"Correct." Mother came closer and touched my chest with her fingertip.
"The key to instant casting is magic visualization. You must already recognize the form of the magic you intend to use, feel it, and store it in your mind. When you need it, you just have to breathe it out, like taking a breath."
"I understand," I replied.
This is insane. My mother's [Instant Casting] is likely above Level 5, because judging from its explosive power, the magic didn't suffer the degradation that occurs at levels below 5. Plus, she didn't even need an instant magic circle. Why didn't she appear in the game? I'm certain Mother is at the Master level.
Although I looked like a curious child, inside, I was utterly shocked. The [Instant Casting] skill is hard to obtain, and I was planning to get it as a realm advancement reward. But, I never expected my mother to have this skill and to be teaching it to me.
I continued my training with my mother…
…
[You have acquired the active skill [Instant Casting] Lvl 1]
I walked towards my room with a smile, happy to have received a rare skill for free from my mother.
Then, a sound came from the main door.
*Knock… knock… knock…
A soft, yet rhythmic, knocking came from the direction of the front door. I frowned. Who could be visiting at this hour? It was late, and usually, no one dared to approach our house without notice.
The knocking stopped. Silence. For a moment, I thought I had imagined it. Then, hiding, I saw my father opening the door.
*creaaak…
The wooden door opened slowly, revealing two cloaked figures standing outside. One man, one woman. Their faces were hidden in the shadows of their hoods. But what stunned me was Father's reaction. His brows furrowed sharply, his jaw tightened, and his eyes clearly showed something I rarely saw from him, annoyance.
I swallowed, and without a second thought, activated [True Sight].
?!?!?!
My blood ran cold.
Why… why are they here?!