A/N : My laptop started working and I have fixed previous two chapters, you all can re read it, it's now grammar mistakes free
Adios~
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"All of you have passed this test. Congratulations," Reynold said and applauded, and Tom joined him.
Jake and his friends smiled happily.
"Now let's discuss your mistakes," Tom said, and Jake and others became attentive.
All these years, they had done it many times. Every time they sparred, Tom and Reynold would point out their mistakes at the end.
"Jake, your approach was good but it will only work with beast below C rank beasts, B rank beast and above already have enough intelligence to know when its a trap or not " Tom advised, looking directly at Jake.
Jake nodded in understanding. He was aware that this approach could sometimes get overshadowed by more intellectual opponents.
"Emily, excellent strategy with the wind-guided arrow. However, be cautious not to become overly reliant on a single technique. Variety and unpredictability are crucial in a battle," Reynold offered his feedback.
Emily acknowledged the advice with a grateful nod. She understood the need for versatility in combat.
"Jimmy, your strength and aggression are commendable, but remember that brute force alone may not always be enough. Consider refining your movements and incorporating more finesse into your attacks," Tom suggested, addressing the straightforward approach Jimmy often took.
Jimmy scratched his head but nodded in agreement, showing a willingness to improve.
"Mark, your handling of the spear has improved significantly. However, don't forget the importance of defensive maneuvers. It's not just about striking; knowing when to defend is equally vital," Reynold pointed out.
Mark appreciated the guidance and made a mental note to work on his defensive tactics.
"Each of you has shown tremendous growth, and your strengths complement one another. However, continue refining your skills, and never underestimate the importance of continuous improvement," Tom concluded the feedback session.
With the evaluations complete, Tom and Reynold offered words of encouragement to the group. They emphasized the importance of teamwork and mutual support, highlighting that their journey had only just begun.
"Tomorrow, all of your cores will fully mature. Come to Tom's house, and there we will check your affinities and core energy," Reynold said, and the group parted.
Upon returning home, Reynold told Jake to meet him in the garden.
Jake nodded, changed his sweat-soaked clothes, and then went to the garden.
"Jake, tomorrow your journey will start," Reynold said as he gestured for Jake to sit on a chair.
Jake nodded as he took a seat.
"Your mom and I have something to tell you," Reynold took a deep breath and said seriously.
Jake raised his brows and asked, "What is it, Dad?" while mentally wondering if their families had found them and were now coming to take them back.
"Listen, Jake, the thing is..." Reynold became serious and paused.
"The thing is what, Dad?" Jake frowned as his dad stopped midway.
"The thing is... your mother is pregnant," Reynold's serious demeanor suddenly melted away as he jumped and hugged Jake.
"Ehh?" Jake's mind went blank, suddenly being hugged and hearing his father's words.
Coming out of his stupor and resisting the urge to thrash his dad, he said, "Congratulations, Dad," as he hugged him back.
As Jake and his father shared a moment of joy, the garden gate creaked open, and Sera, Jake's mother, walked in with a warm smile.
"I see Reynold couldn't keep it a secret any longer," she said, her eyes twinkling with happiness.
Jake, still processing the news, managed to stammer, "Mom, you're pregnant?"
Sera chuckled at his surprise and nodded. "Yes, Jake. You're going to have a little sibling."
The realization dawned on Jake, and a mix of emotions washed over him. Excitement, surprise, and a sense of responsibility all mingled within him.
"Congratulations, Mom!" Jake exclaimed, hugging Sera tightly. "This is amazing!"
Sera laughed warmly and ruffled Jake's hair. "We thought it's time to share the news with you. Tomorrow, as your core fully matures, it marks a new beginning for all of us."
Reynold added with a grin, "Your journey doesn't just include exploring the world; you'll also be an older brother soon."
The family sat together in the garden, sharing stories and dreams, contemplating the future that awaited them. The news of a new addition to their family added a layer of warmth and hope to the already joyous occasion.
As the evening sun cast a golden glow over the garden, Jake couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the supportive and loving family that surrounded him. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter in his life, both as a maturing individual and as an older brother.
The next morning, Jake woke up with a renewed sense of excitement. The first thing he did was run to his mother and found her calmly sitting on a chair while his father was talking to her stomach.
It was a funny and heartwarming scene that made Jake chuckle. He thought, 'It wasn't a dream.'
"Good morning, Jake. Come and say good morning to your little sibling too," Sera smiled, inviting Jake to join them.
Jake approached, gently touched his mother's stomach with his head, and mumbled, "Good morning, little one."
Sera smiled warmly and ruffled Jake's hair affectionately.
"Now go and get ready. We have to leave for Tom's house, in case you've forgotten," she reminded him.
After a quick moment of bonding, he headed to get ready for the day ahead.
Jake, Sera, and Reynold, after getting ready, headed for Tom's house. They walked slowly, and Sera frowned, saying, "Sheesh, I am not so fragile, you know." Jake and Reynold awkwardly laughed, and then they exchanged mischievous smiles.
Jake nodded, and his father, seizing the opportunity, picked up Sera in a princess carry, starting to walk towards Tom's house.
Sera, momentarily stunned after Reynold suddenly picked her up, came out of her stupor and started protesting, "Rey, let me walk on my own."
Reynold shook his head, indicating he wasn't going to listen to her. The villagers who observed the scene smiled, causing Sera's face to turn red with embarrassment. She hid her face and mumbled, "It's all your fault."
Jake gave a thumbs up to his dad while carrying the stuff his dad was carrying earlier.
Soon they reached Tom house and Reynold then carefully helped her stand up, Jake too rushed to help, Sera sighed seeing Dad and son duo but she was also feeling happy with all the care she is receiving.
KNOCK KNOCK
After knocking on the door, they waited and Tom opened the door and welcomed them .
Reaching inside they saw Jake's friends and Johnny and Nina.
Johnny stood up and greeted them while Nina came and hug Sera.
Tom then enters with two crystal balls.
"Here it is the appraisal crystals" Tom said as he placed them on the table.
Appraisal Crystal are usually available in Awakening temples but since Tom has them the group decided to come here instead of going to crowded temple.
"Come on Emily , you first" Tom said gesturing towards Emily.
Emily nodded and placed her hand on the first crystal, after a second the crystal started shining cerulean , seeing this Tom nodded and said " Your Core is Mana core Emily".
Emily nodded , her parents smiled happily, Mana core is considered best among all cores after all.
Emily then placed her hand on the second crystal, after a second two symbols appeared inside the crystal, Tom looked at the symbols and then remarked " Wind and Ice affinity".
After knocking on the door, Tom opened it, welcoming Jake, Sera, and Reynold into his house. Upon entering, they found Jake's friends, Johnny, and Nina already present.
Johnny stood up to greet them, and Nina approached Sera with a warm hug.
Tom re-entered the room, holding two crystal balls in his hands.
"Here they are, the appraisal crystals," Tom announced as he placed the crystals on the table.
Appraisal crystals, typically found in Awakening temples, were essential for determining one's core and affinities. However, since Tom possessed these crystals, the group decided to opt for a more private appraisal here instead of a crowded temple.
"Come on, Emily, you first," Tom said, gesturing towards Emily.
Emily nodded and placed her hand on the first crystal. After a brief moment, the crystal began to shine cerulean. Observing this, Tom nodded and declared, "Your core is a Mana core, Emily."
Emily nodded in acknowledgment, her parents beaming with pride. A Mana core was considered one of the best among all core types.
She then moved to the second crystal, placing her hand on it. After a moment, two symbols appeared inside the crystal. Tom examined them closely and remarked, "Wind and Black Ice affinity."
The room buzzed with excitement as Emily's friends and family congratulated her on her impressive core and affinities
Next in line was Jimmy, who confidently approached the crystals. Placing his hand on the first one, the cerulean glow enveloped the crystal, signifying the Energy of his core. Tom examined the results and announced, "Jimmy, you have a Mana core."
A grin spread across Jimmy's face as he received cheers and applause from his friends. He then proceeded to the second crystal, where two symbols materialized after a moment. Tom studied them and declared, "Sound and Lightning affinity."
Excitement filled the room as Jimmy acknowledged his new-found abilities. His friends offered him hearty congratulations, looking forward to the unique skills he would develop with his Sound and Lightning affinities.
Mark stepped up next, placing his hand on the first crystal. The pitch black glow confirmed the Energy of his core. Tom revealed, "Mark, you have a Abyssal core."
Mark nodded, pleased with the result. As he moved to the second crystal, three symbols appeared this time. Tom examined them closely and announced, "Frost Blaze, Water affinity"
The room fell silent for a moment, absorbing the significance of Mark's powerful combination of abilities. His friends and mentors congratulated him on his exceptional affinities and the rare Abyssal core.
Finally, it was Jake's turn. Placing his hand on the first crystal, the cerulean glow enveloped it, indicating the Energy of his core. Tom stated, "Jake, you, too, have a Mana core."
Nodding in acknowledgment, Jake moved to the second crystal. This time, three symbols appeared inside. Tom observed them and revealed, "Void, White Lightning, and Light affinity."
The room filled with a sense of awe and admiration as Jake's friends and family celebrated his unique combination of affinities. The presence of Void affinity marked him as an extraordinary individual, and the addition of Lightning and Light affinities added layers of complexity to his potential abilities.
Jake smiled slightly, expecting this result as he has used Falsify to change his information to his liking.