Becoming the disciple of a Saint is a monumental event.
Such a person gains immense status in the eyes of the world — even kings must bow their heads in respect. And more importantly, they receive the protection of the Saint who accepts them.
I tried to calm my racing heart, taking slow, deep breaths. It still pounded with excitement even after several minutes.
"Why do you want to take my son as your disciple?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
A Saint would never take a disciple at random — there had to be something truly extraordinary about my son. But what could it be?
Instead of answering directly, the Saint's eyes swept over me from head to toe with a puzzled look.
"You mean… you don't know?"
"Know what?"
"That your son has already formed his Mana foundation, that he's already reached Mid-Bronze Rank, and that his Mana foundation is Grade 10."
Silence.
"Haa… maybe I really haven't slept enough. I'm starting to hear strange things," I muttered weakly.
"I'm not joking."
I froze and stared straight into her eyes, silently asking if she was telling the truth. She nodded in confirmation. This time, I was truly stunned.
When… did my son become such a monster?
I collapsed into my chair, needing the support. Again, I inhaled deeply, trying to steady my racing thoughts. After a few minutes, I managed to regain control.
My son… has that kind of talent, and I didn't even realize it. Am I a terrible mother?
Pushing aside those thoughts, I focused back on the conversation. A Saint wanted to take my son as her disciple. That alone would grant him protection — and judging by the woman before me, she seemed to have a good character.
"So, does the Bow Saint believe my son has the talent to inherit your archery techniques?" I asked carefully.
"Don't worry. Your son's talent in archery is remarkable as well."
I exhaled a long sigh of relief.
"I have no objections to you becoming Zeref's teacher. But the decision must be his."
"That's fine by me."
With that, she vanished from sight. Only then did I realize I had been drenched in sweat.
Dealing with a Saint is no joke… I need a bath.
I headed straight to the bathroom to compose myself.
POV: Zeref
"Say ahhhh~"
+20 Affection
I was currently spoon-feeding my little sister and quietly farming affection points from her. This had become part of my daily routine. Suddenly, I felt a tug on my clothes. Looking down, I saw my sister gazing up at me.
"What is it?"
"U-um… Brother, can I sleep with you tonight?"
"Of course. Why not?"
Ever since she first slept beside me, Rena occasionally came to my room to sleep together. I didn't mind — having a cute little girl cuddling in my arms was always comforting — so I always agreed.
That was when I received a summons from Mother. I headed straight to her office. But when I entered, someone else was there — Aprilia.
Two pairs of eyes turned toward me as I stepped in. I smiled and ran into my mother's embrace, hugging her tightly.
"What's going on, Mom?"
"Nothing much. I just want you to meet someone," she said, pointing toward Aprilia, who sat calmly in a chair.
"Big sister, what are you doing here?" I asked innocently.
I was fairly certain I saw Mother's lips twitch when I called Aprilia big sister.
"It's nothing. I just came to ask if you'd be interested in learning how to use a bow from me."
"Use a bow?" I tilted my head, glancing at my mother in confusion.
"Do you know who this lady is?" Mother asked.
I shook my head.
"The woman before you is the Bow Saint — a Saint."
"WHAT?!"
I shouted in shock.
I turned to Aprilia again, my eyes now filled with awe. Seeing this, Sophia felt a pang of jealousy, as if her son's love was slowly being stolen away.
Aprilia smiled at the look of admiration in my eyes.
Good. At least my disciple knows how to show respect.
"Are you really the Bow Saint? Will you really teach me how to become as amazing as you?" I asked excitedly.
"If you become my disciple, of course I will teach you."
I nodded eagerly, barely able to contain my excitement. Seeing how quickly I agreed, Aprilia's smile widened even more.
"Very well. Starting tomorrow, I will be your teacher."
The next morning, after my cooking lesson with Alevi, I headed straight for my new teacher's shop. My heart pounded with anticipation over what I would learn today.
When I arrived, the shop was closed. Just as I was about to knock on the door, a wave of dizziness washed over me — and in the next instant, I was already inside, sitting beside my teacher.
I blinked in astonishment. Did she just pull me into the shop?
Was this the power of a Saint? The thought only fueled my excitement to learn more about magic.
Aprilia looked at me — her new student — who was staring back with unfiltered excitement and curiosity.
He looks just as eager as I was back then, she thought fondly.
"Would you like something to eat first?" she asked.
"No need. I already ate before coming."
"In that case, let's begin. What do you know about the Mana foundation?"
I explained the basic knowledge I had, and she nodded approvingly.
"Hmm, that's about right. It seems you've studied well."
I blushed slightly, feeling happy and embarrassed at her praise.
"By the way, can you currently feel any connection with the atmosphere around you?" she asked.
"Oh! Do you mean those tiny floating particles?"
"So you can sense them."
Aprilia sighed deeply, then looked at me as if I were some rare, exotic specimen.
"Zeref… do you know that you're already at Mid-Bronze Rank, and that your Mana foundation is Grade 10?"
Silence.
"WHAT?!" I yelled in disbelief.
Mid-Bronze Rank?! Wait— a Grade 10 Mana foundation?!
"Master… are there levels for Mana foundations?"
"Oh, I forgot they haven't taught you that yet."
"The cone-shaped structure inside your body also has ranks — they determine how far you can progress in strength."
"They range from Grade 1 to Grade 10. Grade 1 is the weakest, Grade 10 is the strongest. A foundation of Grade 7 or higher is considered genius-level."
Damn it! I didn't know that! Looks like not everything is written in the library…
"Master, does that mean I'll become strong?" I asked eagerly.
"No. On the contrary — your body is in danger. Right now, it's like a glass filled to the brim with water… but the glass isn't strong enough to hold it."
"If this continues, your body will collapse — and explode."
Silence.
Damn it! I didn't know that!! Why didn't you tell me, system?!
[The system's job is to support, not to warn or protect the host.]
Heartless bastard! And what's with this woman?! Is this something you just casually say to a ten-year-old boy? Any other kid would've wet himself by now!