n

n

nHealth: 126

/126

nMana: 266

/266

nStamina: 206

/206

nStrength: 63

nMagic: 133

nEndurance:103

nResistance: 133

nFocus: 02

nSorcery Lv 16, Meditation Lv 09, Swordsmanship Lv 11, Axemanship Lv 04, Spearmanship Lv 04 Shield Mastery Lv 08, Pain Resistance Lv 03

nLesser Heal, Heal, Holy Light, Detoxification, Cold Whisper, Mend Bones, Dispel, Protection, Magic Barrier, Stone Skin.

nZaos sighed when he heard that voice. If he had only learned that earlier, he would have increased his health quite a lot in the last year…

nWhile Zaos was only running to increase his physical strength, all the gear he was carrying was putting too much strain on his body. As expected, it was too soon for a seven-year-old boy to wear so many pieces of armor. Despite that, Zaos wasn't stopping. Every time he began to hear and feel the bones of his legs cracking more than they should, he would use Mend Bones and solve the problem… for a few minutes.

n

"This is worse than I thought…

" Zaos said and then fell on the grass.

"I only lasted for twenty minutes, and I failed at using Mend Bones while I was running… I need to improve my concentration.

"

nThe only way for Zaos to do that is to keep trying, so the results will only show up in a few weeks. Hopefully, Zaos's body won't be ruined now that decided to increase the pace. Regardless, after cleaning his equipment from the sweat and dirt, Zaos stored them in the storage room. Now it was time to take a shower and then rest his body while he meditated. However, Zaos stopped when he approached the living room and heard some voices.

n

"Are you okay with that, my lady?

" Jeline asked.

n

"Yes… there is no need to make this situation become even worse due to my feelings,

" Lyra said.

"You don't need to keep Nyana hidden anymore. Raise her as you see fit in this house.

"

nZaos opened his eyes widely in surprise when he heard that. It looked like his mother finally sorted out her feelings. Still, it would be bad for him if Lyra decides to leave. He had no idea how the society of that world threatens women who want a divorce. Even if they have a reason to ask for it.

n

"But, about you and the young master…

" Jeline said.

n

"Nothing will change,

" Lyra said.

"I always knew that Laiex already had someone else in his heart when our parents arranged our marriage. While I thought things would improve between us eventually, that was just my naive way of thinking. Regardless, I am thankful for him since we have a son, and I don't wish for anything more aside from seeing Zaos growing up strong and healthy.

"

nIn the end, it looked like Zaos's assumptions were correct. Still, he couldn't accept how things were… while he was thankful that his mother decided not to let the problems affect Nyana's life, Lyra was the one who suffered the most. That wasn't fair… and yet, Zaos couldn't think of any other solution… Even though it looked like his mother's health was getting worse day after day, even though he used healing magic on her several times every day.

nAfter cleaning his body, Zaos began to wonder what he could do for his mother. Until now, he has been working hard to one day follow what that voice said and for his own future. Still, now he wants to do something for the only person in the world who loves him unconditionally. Yet… he couldn't think of anything aside to try hard and become someone she could feel proud of.

n

"This seems so small…

" Zaos muttered when he arrived in his room.

n

"Zaos, please, come here,

" Lyra said.

nThat was unusual. Lyra never calls Zaos to her room. She always shows up on his when she wants something. Regardless, Zaos obeyed, and then when he crossed the door, a blue amulet appeared in front of him. It was a focus amulet…

n

"A late birthday gift, Zaos,

" Lyra said.

"You wanted another, right?

"

n

"Mom…

" Zaos said.

n

"Sorry for not being able to give one to you every year,

" Lyra said.

"Those are hard to find, and I have to be careful with the finances of the house.

"

nZaos dropped his head, and Lyra put the amulet on him. His mother even went as far as apologizing… even though there was no need to apologize. Zaos didn't feel like he deserved to have such a good mother. He couldn't do a single thing for her…

n

"Thank you, mom,

" Zaos said.

n

"There is no need to thank me,

" Lyra said.

"Parents have to help their kids on the path they want to follow.

"

n

"I will make sure to make you proud,

" Zaos said.

n

"You already make me proud and happy,

" Lyra said.

"But you still can do more, Zaos.

"

n

"I am not sure what else I can do…

" Zaos said.

n

"Just like parents need to guide their kids, big brothers should help their younger siblings,

" Lyra said.

nZaos froze when he heard that… It looked like Lyra already knew that Zaos was aware of the whole situation and about Nyana. In the end, he couldn't muster a single word.

n

"It is okay, Zaos, if there is someone at fault here, that someone is me,

" Lyra said.

"I always did what I was told and ended up invading the life of someone who already loved someone else. While I don't regret that since I have you, it was something that I brought upon myself. So, learn from me, Zaos. Do whatever you think is right, and don't be afraid about the outcome. Follow your heart to the very end because you might not have the same luck as me.

"

n

"Yes, mom,

" Zaos said and then hugged his mother tightly.

"I love you.

"

nAfter hearing that, Lyra trembled a little, but then she returned an even tighter hug to Zaos. At the same time, he began to feel her tears falling on his head, but that wasn't a problem. Zaos just learned how he could demonstrate how thankful he was to his mother. Some people say that words can be empty, but Zaos just discovered how they could be incredibly powerful.

n