It had been nearly six months since Ray left to train with his father. In all that time, his father had barely given him a moment's rest. From the moment the sun broke through the forest canopy until the stars dotted the night sky, Ray's days were consumed by cultivation, relentless training, and the kind of deep sleep that only utter exhaustion could bring.
In those six long months, Ray had only spoken to his mother through his wristwatch communicator. Even though they were far from the kingdom, deep in the fringes of a vast and ancient forest, the network still held—faint but steady—like a fragile lifeline to the world he'd left behind.
Ray had managed to stumble upon rare herbs hidden in shadowy groves, fought fierce Qi-stage beasts with eyes that gleamed in the dark, and pushed his body to limits he never thought possible. Each morning began with sword training under his father's harsh eyes, followed by endless muscle training beneath the sweltering sun or biting wind. Now, after months of blood, sweat, and aching limbs, Ray had finally stepped into the mid-stage of the Sword Force Apprentice realm.
Yet, not all his efforts were for himself. Along the way, he had collected rare herbs—not to sell, though they could fetch a fine price, but to gift to Grandma Brenda, who always cherished such treasures. The furs of the slain beasts would be handed to Granny Theresa, who could craft something warm and lasting. The bones and claws, tough as iron, were saved for the blacksmith, who might shape them into formidable weapons.
To an outsider like Robert, his father, all of it seemed like junk—useless spoils from the wild. But to Ray, every item was a victory, a memory, a treasure hard-won.
He even gathered exotic fruits and hardy plant shoots, intending to grow them back at his restaurant—fuel for the food maniacs who always craved the next outstanding recipe, the next divine flavor.
When it was finally time to return, Ray and Robert arrived right on cue—as though Robert had heard Diana's voice on the wind a week before. They came back as if drawn by fate, or perhaps a promise.
After stepping back into the familiar warmth of home, Ray made his way to his mother's room and gently knocked on the door. The soft sound echoed in the quiet hallway, filled with the weight of six months of distance.
Diana opened the door within seconds, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her son stood on the threshold, taller, tougher… yet still her boy. She crouched and wrapped him in a tight embrace.
"Silly boy," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "Since when do you knock on your mother's door?"
Ray hugged her back, a warm smile playing on his lips. "I wanted to surprise you, Ma. We've been talking through the screen every day, but nothing beats this."
Diana chuckled, brushing his hair back from his face. "Sweet talker. I wonder how many girls you'll have swooning over you with that mouth. Anyway, come inside and tell me everything."
They sat together on the edge of her bed, and Ray—finally in the safety of home—unleashed a flood of complaints about his training. His voice rose and fell with each memory: the time he had to chase down beasts more elusive than shadows or dodge creatures stronger and faster than he could handle. The countless injuries, the grueling climbs up jagged mountains with metal weights chained to his back. And worst of all—every morning began with a duel against his father, with no runes, no talismans, no formations, or traps. Just raw skill, pain, and growth.
Diana, who had been smiling with soft pride, now began to fume. Her face darkened with each passing tale. When Ray finished, she got up with determination flashing in her eyes and stormed off to find Robert—and give him a piece of her mind.
Ray, watching her leave, allowed himself a mischievous grin. "Revenge is sweet," he whispered before heading to his own room.
Inside, one of the triplets, Max, waited patiently. Ray had called ahead, asking him to pick up the items he had brought back. With silent efficiency, Ray began to pass over herbs, beast parts, and rare ingredients. Max nodded and left quickly, off to deliver them to those Ray had named.
Ray, now a little lighter, made his way to see his third mother.
He knocked on Selene's door. When it opened, her surprise was evident. Without hesitation, she drew him into a warm embrace.
"Well, look who finally returned," she said, ushering him inside with a smile.
Once more, Ray told his tale—his trials, his bruises, and the cruel rules of his father's training. Selene, like Diana before her, listened with growing frustration. And just like Diana, she left to give Robert an earful of her own.
Robert, who had barely recovered from the first scolding, sat in his chair tapping his fingers when Selene barged in. His headache worsened as she began her barrage. In his mind, he could see Ray's smug grin. The boy had planned this. He growled softly under his breath, already plotting his own 'punishment' for his clever son.
Later that day, Diana returned to Ray's room, her mind already on the next phase. She told him to prepare—they would be traveling to Vaelen Village, a place where his awakening would begin.
Previously Robert, curious, asked more about it. But Diana shook her head. "It's not just a place. It belongs to a people. I made a promise. No one else can know." Her voice left no room for argument.
Robert, though frustrated, respected her decision. "Fine," he muttered. "But be back a week after Ray's birthday. The date's fixed. The other children will challenge him."
Diana nodded and left. The door had barely shut before Selene stormed in again, and Robert sank deeper into his chair.
Meanwhile, Diana began preparing with quiet intensity. She packed crystal stones, pills, formation scrolls—everything Ray might need. She knew her son well; he burned bright but consumed resources like a flame to kindling.
For the first time since his return, Ray did absolutely nothing. He stayed home, resting and focusing inward—building the foundations for his soul and mind. Despite all the tough training, he felt a growing nervousness. Something deeper stirred now: anticipation.
Five days later, dressed in disguise, Ray and Diana left the house before dawn. They traveled far enough from the kingdom's watchful eye before boarding a hot air balloon, rising gently into the sky.
As the wind swept through his hair and the ground shrank beneath them, Diana gave him updates on their businesses. "All of them are doing well," she said with a smile. "But the crystal vision stock is nearly empty."
Ray blinked. "Ah. I forgot the core crystal…" He scratched his head, embarrassed. "I'll take care of it once I awaken."
Seeing the tension in his eyes, Diana leaned closer. Her voice was low but full of strength. "You've already proven yourself. You don't need to be afraid. Awakening is only the next step."
Ray managed a nervous smile. Her words helped, but the unknown still loomed large.
Eventually, the balloon descended near the outskirts of Vaelen Village. From the sky, the village looked peaceful—hidden in forested hills, with roofs of moss and stone, and air that shimmered faintly with spiritual energy.
As the balloon touched down, Ray took a long breath. The scent of pine and wet earth filled his lungs. The village waited just ahead, quiet and old. Every step he took forward echoed with destiny.
Next stop: awakening his cultivation.