Inside the forest, sitting crossed-leg on one of Igorlas' branches is none other than the defeated Alden.
He is currently meditating, but of course, that is just a facade. Right now, Alden is inwardly having a heated discussion with his partner-in-crime, the system.
'Have you gathered enough data to analyze it this time?'
[It is impossible, Alden. Target 'Liam Dane Drukas' didn't even move this round, analysis on his martial arts is not possible.]
'Damn, did you at least get the strength level he exert this time?'
[Possitive. It still remains unchanged from the previous battles, exerting exactly 20 strength levels at all times.]
'Tsk.'
Unlike what everyone thought, Alden has not given up at all.
Ever since the first day of challenge, he has spent all his time in battle mainly to gather information on his dad's stats and technique.
Can't see his status window? Just let him hit me and analyze his force. Can't rival his technique? Analyze it and develop countermeasures moves. Alden has never been the guy who relies on winning by physical force to begin with, he uses his head and sly tactics. That is why system, aka the analyst, is a perfect tool for him.
Unfortunately this time, it was a bad match-up. Facing an overwhelming SS power, his strategies are worth less than trash. Liam didn't even move most of the time, simply because he didn't need to. His control of strength was also unmatched at every moment, never going overboard and hurting his son too severely. So all the time spent analyzing his battle prowess has basically gone to waste.
Alden could only click his tongue and plan for another route.
'Any possible strategies?' He asked.
[Yes, only one. If you successfully awaken the attribute, 'Inner Qi', it could be used as a hidden card to increase your chance of victory by 1.3% for one battle only.]
'I know already, I am trying right now. It is impossible.'
Currently, Alden is also trying his best at opening the pressure points according to Liam's previous instructions. If he succeeds just once, he should be able to open the 'Inner Qi' stat permanently and leveling it up more efficiently from there. This is a very crucial stat for any close-range combat, so learning it is always a high priority on his agenda. The problem is, he couldn't.
The curse didn't seem to only block his mana sense, it actually blocked all energy inside Alden's body. That is why he was so weak as an infant, it was literally restricting his life energy! But he had somehow unknowingly broken that restrain and is now living normally, so Alden thought that with hard work, he could break this barrier too.
Although it was impossible for mana, which was an external thing. In theory, qi energy, which is an inner energy, just like the life force, should also be able to breakthrough. But that is just in theory, and the current Alden is struggling to even sense his pressure point, unable to follow Liam's instructions.
'What will my chance of victory increase to once I awaken this attribute?' He asked, seeking for external motivation.
[1.31%]
'Damn you!'
The result backfired. This means that without anything significant as a trump card, his current chance of success was a flimsy 0.01%.
Alden immediately gave up on his meditating posture and slumped down completely on the branch, feeling very tired.
At first, it was just a challenge. Being someone who never backed down, even in his past life, Alden was not afraid. On the contrary, he was a bit excited even. But after challenging his dad nonstop for a weak with no progress, he is understandably feeling a bit down. It was a feeling of being powerless.
"Igorlas, will you evolve into a dryad and helps me fight dad?" Alden whispers nonchalantly with a smile.
Talking to Igorlas always helps calm him down, mainly because she is a really good listener. But Alden is not insane, Igorlas is really a magical tree that is sentient, and she has always been very kind.
A small branch next to Alden moves slightly in response. It curved around a bit with the mysterious purple energy and then reaches out to poke him slightly in the face. Alden chuckles.
"I am joking, Igorlas, it is okay. Just talking to you is really comforting."
"Oh? Am I interrupting something?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice chimes in, pulling Alden's mood down instantly.
"Oh auntie, is dinner ready? I'm sorry, I didn't notice the time." A bit startled, Alden sat back up, preparing to leave. His eyes not looking straight at Idril.
But before he could jump down, Idril had already flown up and sat on Alden's shoulder, she sighs.
"No no, it will take a while more, let's talk a bit first. Igorlas, be a dear and keep this a secret, while you?"
The whole tree shakes, its layers of leaves sway lightly in agreement. Every greenery in the forest is under the protection of the fairy queen, so they naturally love her very much, even the mighty Igorlas is not an exception.
'Traitor…' Alden sulkingly thought to himself as he leans back into a more relaxing position. If he's going to argue, it is better to at least felt comfortable while doing it.
"So, what is on your mind, auntie?" Alden casually asks, still avoiding her eye contact. He already knows what Idril wants to talk about, but he wishes to avoid it if possible.
"Will you still keep trying?" But Idril had other ideas, she immediately got to the point.
"Haahh, no auntie. Why do you keep asking me this? It has been a week now, do you wish for me to fail that much?" The annoyed Alden spoke.
Idril has been asking the same question for 7 days, and Alden is nearing his limit. He doesn't really mind being looked down upon as he could always just proves them wrong later. But being sneered at by his own family is pretty hurtful. He is already the underdog, if someone doesn't support him, they could at least not make fun of him.
Idril listens to Alden's feisty attitude with a sad smile. She understand the impact of her action, but she couldn't help it, it was her way of expressing concern. She decided to just ask the question on everyone's mind.
"Why?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Alden tilted his head.
"Why are you even trying so hard? Isn't it just guidance that you could seek anytime, anywhere else? I mean, the gods will not disappear anywhere, so why are you forcing this?"
"..."
Idril's question was on point. Alden has already noticed this flaw in his stand, just wanting to go really much is not a proper excuse, it is rather spoiled. But he had also already prepared an answer, it was just not a really good one.
"...Won't our family suffer a curse or some divine punishment if I don't go immediately?" Alden said nonchalantly, hoping she would take the bait and didn't pursue the matter any further.
"Lies. We already know you read about our past in the books, Al, we just didn't feel the need to ask. Heroes are not scared of those things, and we are a family full of heroes."
"..."
Alden cussed in his mind. Again, Idril's words are on the money.
The three of them are all famous heroes of Pridevion back in the day, so stories on their journey are not lacking. Well, mostly for Sylvia and Liam, Idril is the powerful tag-along that appeared in some of the stories. Even in the manor, they still kept some records that are just collecting dust on the bookshelf, and Alden had already read all of them. Even if he didn't, just walking down Dreycott, someone would randomly praise either Sylvia or Liam, so he couldn't be unaware.
Their feats could only be described as legendary. They even once go up against a goddess. And although the match was undecided, just going fighting against a god is an achievement worth praising for thousand of years.
This is a family that even the gods are wary of.
Alden sighs, he knew there is no beating around the bush with Idril anymore, so he honestly speaks.
"It is because of my instinct, auntie." He casually spoke.
These words understandably astounded Idril.
"...Seriously, just because of that?" She spoke with a weird expression. But Alden didn't mind, he had his reason.
"Yes, my instinct is telling me that I am weak. Without my family name and protection, I will just lie down and wait for death." Alden spoke in a low voice.
"... You are being too harsh."
"No, auntie. That is the truth. As you just pointed out, our family is one full of heroes, don't you think they will laugh at me if I introduce myself as a member?"
"That..." Idril speaks hesitantly. "... It is not your fault, Al."
The fast-rising tempo of the conversation indeed makes her a bit nervous, unable to react. Alden chuckles a bit in satisfaction at the usually snarky aunt of his showing a rare unsure side. But he was not done yet.
"Is it the curse's fault then?" He hammered the nail in the coffin.
"..."
Silence.
Idril's face paled quickly, it was now her turn to avoid Alden's sight. An understandable reaction, since he just casually touch on a taboo topic of the Drukas.
Even till now, no one has told Alden that he is cursed. They just kept treating him with love and care, not once showing any contemptment and would sometime makes even Alden forget about his condition. But the System didn't, and the fact that he is unable to wield mana stayed.
Although he didn't know why that is, Alden was more or less okay. It sure is regretful, but he was used to living without mana for 17 years already and is just grateful that no one's discriminating against him in the second life.
But that doesn't mean that he could just stay pitiful like this.
Alden speaks, breaking the heavy atmosphere.
"I knew already, auntie. It has been a while now." Alden spoke casually, he does not need any pity at this moment. "I am very thankful to everyone for taking care of me, but I can not remain powerless like this. At my age, dad is already on his way to protect the world, while currently, my most important schedule daily is to take a relaxing stroll in the forest."
"..." Idril still maintained her silence, listening carefully.
"This, is not the real world, auntie. Even you guys knew it, that is why you gifted me the means to protect myself on my birthday, is it not?"
This has always been Alden's true feeling, but it is also something pent up. He just felt like it was the right time to put his thought into words and he is glad that he did. At the moment, Alden felt quite relaxed, it is the feeling of the fog occupying his mind being cleared one by one, his future goals gradually becoming firmer.
He continues, declaring his intention.
"That is why this will be my first adventure. My instinct is telling me that I will gain strength after this trip, so I will go. I will become stronger, auntie. For myself and for the family. That is what I have decided and why I will not give up. So you should stop trying to persuade me."
He was no longer talking to Idril specifically, it was more like he is hardening his own resolve. This is what Alden has decided, and he felt a little happy making it clear.
It was now getting pretty late, but no one moved. They could not see the sunset this deep inside the forest, but they could see the sky changing its color. Igorlas used her power to light up some of the surrounding leaves for them.
"... I see. You are carrying a lot on your back, Al." After a bit of silence, Idril finally spoke.
"Not really, it is the bare minimum I suppose." Alden judged subjectively, to which Idril smiled in response.
"Okay, I understand. I will no longer stop you." She nodded. "Let's head back now, dinner should be finishing up."
"Yes, you are right. Goodbye for now, Igorlas." Alden patted his friend and jumped off, with Idril still sitting on his shoulder with a hand on her chin. "Let's head back now."
They calmly walked back to the manor. The air was still silent, there is no more chit-chat the whole way, but Alden could understand why. He just put Idril in a very difficult position with his speech, so he didn't wish for an answer or anything. It was just talking out loud his resolve, and that was enough.
But before they could even walk out of the forest, Idril speaks up again after a while of pondering.
"Return here tonight," She stated so casually, making Alden confused. "we going to escape."
"What do you mean?"
"I've decided to help you, stupid niece. We will head off tonight." Idril smirked.
***
Later that night, it was around 12 pm. After dinner, Alden excuses himself to head to bed early. Since his schedule lately is mostly training and battling, this was not out of the ordinary, and they too, soon ended the day. Of course, Alden himself has other plans.
He is currently packing up the rest of his stuff in silence. Because this was Alden's first trip away from home, he packed like he was moving house.
'System, am I missing anything?'
[Yes, Alden. There are still, 'Backup pants', 'Monster Encyclopedia, by Eleanor Griffin', and 'Small bean pot' remaining on the checklist, yet to be packed.]
'Oh right, right.'
Although he has gone overboard, the person in question didn't feel like it at all. Everything is put conveniently in the storage bracelet, so Alden always thought that he is missing something.
'Maybe I should bring the big bean pot too?' He anxiously asked.
[It is not recommended. The difference in size is negligible and does not affect the nature buff you will receive.]
'... Alright, then that should be it.'
Alden is feeling nervous. He is a bit scared of the outside world after being sheltered for so long. He even imagined himself triggering a race mutation right after stepping out, making him sweat bullets while having dinner.
But after a while of just standing idly, he slapped himself and resolutely forced open the door. The plan was to sneak out quietly through the back garden, then into the forest. Because the big manor only has 5 residents, It shouldn't be hard and he shouldn't meet any trouble along the way.
Yet, he did. Right away in fact.
With only his eye peeking out from the door, Alden has already met Jenny's sight. She was already there, sitting gracefully with her usual emotionless face in the hall, opposite Alden's room. Jenny just looks up and stares straight at him, like she had already expected this.
The air froze in an instant before Alden retreated and hurriedly closed the door.
'Damnnnn, what was that?'
He was very startled and blood has already left his face. Luckily, because of the bracelet, Alden didn't have to carry a travel backpack with him, so it shouldn't look that suspicious. But meeting Jenny's all-knowing eyes right now is not a good experience, he immediately felt his plan was ruined.
However, before Alden could come up with a solution, Jenny knocked lightly on the door.
"Haah, you don't have to be so afraid, young master. Master Liam has ordered me to keep your escape a secret and escort you to meet up with Lady Idril. So if you are done, we should head out now." She spoke tiredly.
Alden breathes a sigh of relief, but a question immediately pops up in his mind. He cautiously opens the closed door and asks.
"Dad knows about this?"
"Yes, it seems that he had expected this and worked with Lady Idril." Jenny replied with a smirk.
"...How about mom?" Alden started to sweat.
"You should wipe that dangerous thought out, that is impossible." Jenny too, started to sweat.
"..."
"..."
"We should move quickly." Alden suggested and immediately headed to the first floor.
"And quietly, young master." Jenny followed closely behind.
***
They didn't meet any more troubles along the way and escaped safely to the forest. Idril was already waiting for them at Igorlas.
"Took you long enough." She spoke with an annoyed voice.
Idril is famous for her love for sleep, so it is clear that she is in a bad mood right now. But Alden just smiles at her, he appreciates this giant backer very much.
"I was worried I didn't pack enough, so I took extra care." Alden replied shyly.
"Hmm? You packed? Isn't this a quick come-and-go trip to the tower?" Idril titled her head.
"Tsk, I will be taking the trial, remind you. You can never be too careful."
Jenny smiles softly at Alden's words.
"It is very surprising that you are born cautious, both Master Liam and Lady Silvia have a very reckless personality."
"Well, I am weaker than them." Alden replied casually while double-checking his luggage.
"That is true, well, I will be heading back now. The master asked me to give you this." Jenny spoke as she took out a folded black cloth and handed it to Alden.
"It is a hooded cloak made from the skin of a beast king. It is very sturdy, but more importantly, it should keep you safe and hidden in your travel. Although I doubt you will need it since Lady Idril is here, but just to be safe."
Alden receive it with a gratified nod and Jenny smiled in return. She then quickly heads back to the manor without further words, at a very quick pace at that.
"So, shall we, Al?" The bored Idril asked with a yawn.
Alden smiled as he put on his cloak. It is pitch-black in color, with small, elegant golden vines embroidered at the rear. Contrary to Jenny's words, this beautiful thing will absolutely attract attention, but Alden didn't really mind, he will be traveling with Idril.
"Okay, let's go auntie! Ehrm, did you already called fairy carriage or something?" He asked the obvious question.
"What? Why are you speaking like a noble now, fufufu." Idril laughed at her niece's silly question. She then raised her hand a bit, and the air surrounding was sucked in a little by little. It was the action of gathering mana. She continues to speak in the meanwhile.
"The Drukas don't travel on carriage, that is for idle people. We simply arrived."
Idril then gently touches Igorlas' big trunk with the hand conjuring mana. This is something that Alden has witnessed once before.
A beautiful red flower immediately appeared, answering her call. This time, its size is ginormous, enough to gulp down 2 full-size adults.
It was like a portal, and Alden could see the other side.
Their destination was another forest, but even through the thick green foliage and dark night, the top of a grand and magnificent tower could be seen glimmering mysteriously.