By the time I got home, the sun had already dipped below the horizon.
The streets glowed faintly with the orange of lanterns, and the air smelled of baked bread and pinewood smoke.
I exhaled deeply, brushing dust off my clothes as I walked up the path.
That little spar had done wonders for my mood a bit of exercise and a few bruised egos were all I needed to blow off some steam.
"Those kids won't tell their parents anyway," I muttered, smirking. "They can't exactly go around bragging about losing to someone who can't use mana."
The thought made me laugh under my breath.
But my amusement died the moment I opened the front door.
SMACK!
A sharp sting landed squarely on my head.
"Why are you just coming home now, young man?!"
I looked up to see my mother, Selene Ludin, standing with her hands on her hips and her mana faintly flickering around her. Her expression was half anger, half panic.
"AH! Sorry, Mom!" I winced, rubbing my head. "I didn't know it got so dark already…"
I widened my eyes a little, lowering my head and putting on my best innocent face. I'd long mastered the art of child eyes.
Her expression cracked.
"Ah… just be quiet," she sighed, pulling me into a hug. "You always make me worry."
Her arms were warm, and for a moment, I let myself relax against her.
The perks of a five-year-old body I could still be forgiven easily.
She placed a glowing hand on my forehead. The soreness from her earlier smack faded instantly as her gentle healing magic took effect.
"Go wash up," she said softly. "Dinner's ready."
"Yes, Mom."
---
The smell of stew filled the air by the time I returned. My mother's cooking was one of the few luxuries of this quiet life.
I sat down, spoon in hand, while she set the table.
"Mom," I said suddenly, "where's Dad?"
She glanced up from the pot, smiling faintly. "Your father went to meet some of his old colleagues from his adventuring days. He said they were passing through town."
I blinked. "Colleagues? Adventurers?"
"Yes," she said. "They were a team back when he was still active. They should be back by now, actually…"
Before she could finish, a knock echoed from the front door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Mom and I exchanged looks.
"I'll get it," I said, hopping off my chair.
The door creaked open, revealing my father and not alone. He stood at the doorway, broad-shouldered and smiling, with five strangers behind him.
"Selene! I brought some guests!"
My mother's eyes softened instantly. "Oh my, it's been years, hasn't it?"
---
They stepped in one by one, the warmth of the house welcoming them as they introduced themselves.
The first was a tall woman with silver hair tied back in a loose braid. Her movements were sharp but graceful, and a faint aura of condensed mana shimmered around her.
"Lyra Vale," she said, smiling. "Enhancer class. It's a pleasure to meet the little Ludin."
Her eyes were kind, but they carried the weight of someone who had seen many battles.
The next was a man about my father's age, his dark red hair and easy grin making him seem approachable despite the heavy sword at his back.
"Ronan Tessar. Also an Enhancer," he said, offering a hand. "I used to travel with your old man before he decided to settle down."
He winked. "Smart choice, by the way. Marriage saves lives more than mana shields."
Mom chuckled softly. "Still a joker, I see."
Then came the youngest of the group a cheerful girl with short white hair and bright blue eyes. She was maybe sixteen at most, though her aura betrayed impressive strength.
"Scarlet Winterbell!" she said with a wave. "Enhancer too! I'm kind of the junior member here. Nice to meet you, too!"
I nodded politely. "Nice to meet you too."
Behind her stood a quiet woman, elegant and composed, her robes marked with runes.
"Alina Reiss," she said simply. "Manifester type. It's an honor."
Her voice was calm, but her mana presence felt deep controlled, like a calm sea that could swallow you whole if disturbed.
And lastly, a man with silver eyes and a scar down his cheek stepped forward, resting a hand on his staff.
"Darren Holt," he said with a grin. "Manifester, like Alina. Don't worry, I'm the friendly type."
He crouched slightly, smiling at me. "So you're Virel, huh? Heard you're trying to train early."
I blinked. "Dad told you that?"
"Of course he did," he laughed. "He wouldn't stop bragging. Said his son's been practicing since he could walk."
Dad scratched his neck, pretending to look embarrassed. "Well, he's got potential."
I could tell Mom was about to comment on that, but she let it slide for now.
The group gathered around the table, and soon, laughter filled the room.
Old memories spilled out tales of monsters, raids, and lost relics from years gone by.
Ronan slapped my father's back. "Remember the time in Frost Hollow? You almost fell off the cliff trying to save me!"
"I didn't almost fall," Dad protested. "You tripped and grabbed my leg!"
Everyone burst into laughter. Even Mom smiled and I couldn't help but laugh, too.
It was strange, sitting there among people who had lived as adventurers real warriors of the outside world. Their presence stirred something inside me.
That old, restless feeling.
The urge to fight, to explore, to prove myself.
Lyra caught me staring and smiled knowingly. "You'll grow into it one day. You've got that same spark your father used to have."
I blinked. "You think so?"
"Oh, definitely," she said. "Though, you'll need a lot more muscle before you start throwing swords around."
Scarlet giggled. "Or he could just train with us! I can teach him how to enhance his body with mana!"
Mom shot her a warning look. "No teaching my son dangerous techniques until he's older."
Scarlet stuck out her tongue. "Fineee."
The night went on, laughter and stories blending into one warm, familiar atmosphere.
For the first time in a while, I felt something stir in my chest not mana, not magic… but excitement.
Maybe this world wasn't done testing me yet.
---
When everyone finally settled down for the night, I sat near the window, gazing at the stars.
Five powerful adventurers people my father once fought besidenow sat under our roof.