What Zeref didn't know was that the "danger" Aprilia mentioned wasn't a big problem at all, and was easy to resolve. She simply wanted to see how he would react to the threat of death—and his calmness impressed her and piqued her curiosity.
"Are you not afraid of dying?" she asked.
I set my face into a serious expression and met her gaze head-on.
"Of course I'm afraid. But the fear of losing my family hurts more than the fear of death."
"My father gave his life to protect me. He had only one wish—that I protect our family. I plan to fulfill that wish. So whatever happens, I'll endure."
My teacher's elegant composure shattered for a moment; surprise flickered openly across her face. Then I felt a tug, and the next instant I was wrapped in her arms, breathing in her faint orchid scent.
What a pitiful child, Aprilia thought. Don't worry. Your teacher will protect you and make you strong. I'll always be there for you, little one.
She ruffled my hair as I looked up at her with absolute trust and admiration.
+3000 Affection
Another tug; the world shifted. When I opened my eyes, we were in a forest near a cliff. Aprilia released me and stepped back.
"From now on, we're going to acclimate your body to your power," she said. "Your first task: run 5 kilometers, then do 20 push-ups, 20 squats, and 20 sit-ups."
"Once you're warmed up, climb that mountain. When you reach the summit, we'll begin real training."
I looked up at the sheer wall of rock that seemed to touch the sky. My knees went a little weak.
"I'll do it—and I'll reach the top," I answered, voice firm.
The warm-up was hard, but doable. The climb, however, shredded me: my knees scraped raw, my hands went red, my nails nearly peeled back. I slipped more than once—each time my teacher's power steadied me before a fatal fall.
Two months later, I finally stood on the summit. As the sun rose, I threw back my head and shouted in triumph.
Behind me stood my master, veil lifted, violet hair rippling in the wind—an image of serene beauty against the dawn.
When I'm strong enough, I thought, I'll pulverize this cliff.
Far away, atop a sea-ringed mountain, two old men played chess. Waves boomed distantly.
"Hey, Levi, do you know where exactly Zeref reincarnated?" asked the man in simple clothes with silver hair and blue eyes—Darren.
"Why are you asking?" Levi replied.
"You bastard, you should remember—Zeref is engaged to my granddaughter."
"It's been two years," Darren sighed. "She's shut herself in her room since the day Zeref died."
Levi said nothing for a time. He stared at the sky, eyes distant.
"It isn't time for you to know."
POV: Sophia
A woman with blonde hair and emerald eyes walked briskly down the corridor of a grand house.
What could this be about?
Tania had rushed into my room to say that Zeref had something important to tell me—that I needed to come at once, that it was urgent.
Thinking of my son brought a smile unbidden to my face. It had been two months since he became the Bow Saint's disciple. At first he'd return battered and dispirited. My heart ached—he's only ten. I wanted to stop him. But each time I tried, he showed me a stubborn, unyielding resolve… and kept moving forward.
He's grown taller, more proactive, more confident. He's even become closer to his sisters.
And now there are four girls who follow him everywhere. It seems my son is popular with the ladies, I thought with a small laugh.
My mind drifted to a half-month ago, when he came to me about a slave-trading ring operating in my territory. I didn't believe him at first—until he presented ironclad proof, forcing me to act.
I mobilized troops and stormed the location. When I saw the auction pens, fury consumed me. I executed the ringleaders and dealt harsh punishment to all involved.
Afterwards, four girls who had been sold into slavery attached themselves to Zeref. With no families left, they chose to serve him. Two human girls became his personal maids; the twin fox demi-humans became his personal guards.
Lost in thought, I reached his room and felt a familiar aura radiating from within. Curious, I pushed open the door.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!"
My children stood inside, holding a banner; tables were piled high with food.
So today is my birthday… and my children remembered. Ah—why is my face wet?
Only then did I realize tears were streaming down my cheeks. The kids rushed in and we all fell into a warm, messy hug.
"How did you know?" I asked, wiping my eyes.
"It was Zeref," Invidia said with a faintly sulky tone, as if annoyed she hadn't thought of it herself. "He said we should surprise you."
"But Sis planned everything," Zeref added. "If not for her, we couldn't have pulled this off. And Rena helped a lot, too."
At that, both Invidia and Rena lifted their chins in quiet pride. I chuckled.
This boy… he really knows how to handle his sisters.
I turned to Zeref's smiling face and couldn't stop myself—I pulled him into a tight embrace.
I won't let anything happen to this family again.
POV: Zeref
That went even better than I expected.
I was surrounded by my family as they devoured the dishes I'd made, showering me with praise. My cooking had improved dramatically lately—not quite five-star yet, but I was getting close.
"Master, shall I pour more juice for you?"
A childish voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see a ten-year-old girl with red hair and green eyes in a maid outfit. She looked up at me with devoted eyes. Her nose was a button; her face, plain—but endearing.
Name: Lilia
Gender: Female
Age: 10
Race: Human/Demon
Talent: 8/10 (demonic blood not yet awakened)
Power: —
Title: —
Affection: 94%
Description: Completely devoted to you. Wants to become worthy. Believes her lowly self cannot be your lover; has a strong desire to improve herself.
Difficulty: You've already "conquered" her in a certain sense.