Ankit’s mother gently picked him up once again and carried him inside the house.
Meanwhile…
Sore was left standing alone in the garden.
He scratched the back of his head and let out a helpless sigh.
Inside the house, Ankit’s mother carefully placed him on a chair.
“My little Ankiii…” “Sit here for a while.” “I’ll make something delicious for you.” Ankit smiled warmly.
“Okay…
Mom.” As his mother walked toward the kitchen, Ankit rested his chin on his hand.
Someone in my previous life once said…
“Life is a circle.” No matter how much you try to escape it…
One day you’ll find yourself back in the same situation.
He sighed.
And now…
It’s happening to me for the second time.
Dad will come back…
Mom will still be angry…
And somehow…
I’ll end up calming her down again.
A few moments later, his mother returned carrying a plate of freshly prepared food.
Just as she placed it on the table…
A voice came from outside the front gate.
“May…
may I come in?” Sore sounded unusually cautious.
Ankit’s mother folded her arms.
“Come in?” Her eyes narrowed.
“You think it’s that easy?” Before the situation could become worse…
Ankit put on his cutest smile.
“Mom…” “It’s okay.” “You can let him in.” “I’ve already forgiven him.” “After all…” “He’s my Dad.” “And…” “You’re the sweetest mother in the whole world.” The moment she heard those words…
Her expression completely melted.
She immediately hugged Ankit tightly.
“My precious Ankiii…” “My little boy is so kind…” “So understanding…” “If my son says it’s okay…” “Then it’s okay.” Sore quietly stepped inside the house, trying not to make a sound.
He let out a small sigh of relief.
Saved…
again.
But before he could relax— Ankit’s mother turned toward him with a smile that sent chills down his spine.
“Don’t misunderstand.” “I only let you in because our son asked me to.” “It doesn’t mean…” “I’ve forgiven you.” Sore forced an awkward smile.
“…I’ll take that as progress.” The next morning, Ankit happily finished his breakfast.
With a bright smile, he looked at his mother.
“Mom…” “I’m going to Grandpa’s house today.” “Alone.” His mother smiled proudly.
“You already know the entire village, don’t you?” Ankit nodded confidently.
“Of course.” “I’ve explored almost every corner of it.” His mother gently patted his head.
“My son really is a smart boy.” After breakfast, the whole family sat together for a while.
Sore suddenly stood up and picked up his sword.
“I have to leave.” “I received reports from several villagers.” “Some Magic Bulls have wandered out of the forest and entered the village.” “I’ll be hunting them today.” “It may take me quite some time before I return.” Ankit’s mother’s expression immediately became serious.
“Just promise me one thing.” “Don’t get yourself badly injured.” “You know…” “If anything happens to you…” “I won’t be able to bear it.” “And besides…” “There’s no one else who can take care of me the way you do.” Sore smiled warmly.
“I know.” “I’ll be careful.” After a brief silence, Ankit’s mother frowned thoughtfully.
“Still…” “This feels strange.” “Magic Bulls usually hunt wild animals deep inside the forest.” “They have no reason to come this close to the village.” She looked toward the distant forest beyond the fields.
“Our village is located near both the forest and the border of the kingdom.” “If the situation becomes dangerous…” “Don’t try to handle everything by yourself.” “We can always send a request for reinforcements to the capital.” Sore nodded.
“Don’t worry.” “I won’t act recklessly.” After reassuring his family, he fastened his sword to his waist and walked out of the house, leaving Ankit and his mother watching him until he disappeared into the distance.
After Sore left for the forest, Ankit stood up with a smile.
“Alright, Mom.” “I’m heading to Grandpa’s house now.” His mother smiled warmly.
“Okay, my little Ankiii.” “Be careful on the way.” “I will!” Ankit waved his hand and walked out of the house.
As he made his way through the village, he couldn’t stop thinking.
Magic Bulls…
Those are incredibly dangerous and extremely rare magical beasts.
How could they possibly wander into a village like this?
According to the books I’ve read…
A Magic Bull is worth a fortune in the market.
And for members of the Magic Guild…
It’s considered an A-Rank Quest monster.
He suddenly blinked.
“…Wait.” “I don’t think I’ve ever told you about the Magic Guild.” “Well…” “In this world, the strongest mages—also known as Mana Magicians—have established official guilds throughout the kingdom.” “There are only four official Magic Guilds in this entire country.” “Only high-level Mana Magicians and Sword Magicians are eligible to register with them.” “For almost every magician…” “Joining one of those guilds is a lifelong dream.” He paused for a moment.
“…Oh.” “You probably don’t know what a Sword Magician is either.” “A Sword Magician is someone who channels their mana into their sword.” “They infuse their elemental power into every strike, turning an ordinary blade into a magical weapon.” A proud smile appeared on his face.
“My dad is one of them.” “The villagers often say…” “All four guilds have already sent invitation letters to him.” “But…” “For some reason…” “He has always refused to join any of them.” Ankit looked toward the distant forest.
Still…
If even Magic Bulls are coming this close to the village…
Something doesn’t feel right.
A strange feeling tells me…
This might be the beginning of something much bigger.