When I awoke, I found myself in my room, the familiar shadows sprawled across the walls like dark, silent watchers. For the moment, I was alone, and the world outside was cloaked in the velvet of night.
"What happened?" I murmured, my voice barely a whisper as I tried to piece together the fragmented memories of what had transpired before.
[Host, you fainted due to a critical depletion of your mana points.]
"But I thought I told you to alert me when something like this happens," I said, my words laced with anger, directed at the system.
[Yes, but you did not enable the alert function for mana points; it is only active for health points.]
The system was mocking me, I was sure of it. But my silent accusations were cut short as my mother entered the room. Seeing me awake, she let out a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world, and she sat beside me, her presence a bittersweet comfort.
"Finally, you're awake, Jade. I was so worried about you. I was moments away from taking you to the hospital if you hadn't stirred," she said, her hand gently caressing my hair.
"Ah, Mom, don't worry. I'm fine now," I reassured her, but inside, I blamed her, though I dared not voice it for fear of her reaction.
"I'm sorry, Jade. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have challenged you like that," she confessed, guilt etching her features.
"Don't worry about it. In the end, it did more good than harm. I've improved, after all. How long was I out?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
"Oh, well, you've been unconscious all weekend. It's Sunday evening now, and tomorrow is Monday."
"What? Mom, you're joking, right? I've been asleep all this time?" I exclaimed, stunned.
"Yes, it's true. And dinner is ready, so you'll come down with me to eat, and then you'll go back to bed. Tomorrow, you're going to school," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"But Mom, I thought you'd let me rest, and I'd go back to school another day," I tried to persuade her.
"Oh no, you're not missing school tomorrow. Otherwise, Raven will be all alone," she said sternly, as if Raven's solitude was the most crucial matter in the world.
Why am I not surprised? My theory is confirmed; she must truly love Raven more than me.
"Why do you always talk about Raven, Mom? I thought you'd say that school is important, but it seems to me that for you, Raven is more important than school and even me."
But what I encountered was the terrifying gaze of my mother, which silenced me immediately.
"Jade," she began, her voice a mix of sternness and concern, "your exams start tomorrow, and I've already told you that I don't love Raven more than you. I love both of you equally." Her words were firm, but in her mind, a different narrative played out. "How could I let Raven be alone at school? What if she met someone, fell in love, and left Jade behind? I can't let that happen. I must secure my future daughter-in-law."
Seeing the anger in her eyes, I didn't dare say anything else, even though I couldn't understand how she could be so fond of Raven, whom she had only just met. Then, together, we left my room for the kitchen to eat. We dined, and after 15 minutes, we finished our meal and cleared the table. We returned to my room, and I lay down, ready to sleep.
"Goodnight, my heart," my mother said, planting a kiss on my forehead.
"Goodnight, Mom," I replied with a smile before closing my eyes.
The last thing I remember was my mother turning off the light and leaving, gently closing the door behind her. Sometimes, I think she really resembles my mother before my transmigration, especially in personality. Then, sleep took me easily.
Morning arrived swiftly, and as usual, the sun's rays woke me. Seconds later, my mother's voice echoed.
"Jade, get up and get ready."
I rose and went about my morning routine, then dressed, went downstairs, and had breakfast with my mother. Now, with my bag slung over my shoulder and shoes on, we left the house. In 20 minutes, we were in front of the school, except Raven was there, standing by the school gate. When she saw us, she smiled and approached.
"Good morning, Mrs. Smith, good morning, Jade," Raven greeted with a smile.
"Good morning," my mother and I said in unison.
"So, did you sleep well, Raven? Are you ready for the exams?" my mother asked enthusiastically.
"Yes, don't worry, I'm ready. After all, you and Jade helped me a lot last week," she said, gratitude shining in her eyes.
"Don't forget that it's also thanks to your own efforts," I said with a smile.
Hearing my words, both Raven and my mother smiled.
"Well, I won't stay any longer. After all, you have exams, and you can't be late. So, good luck with your exams, and see you later," my mother said, waving goodbye.
We quickly waved back before heading to class. Along the way, Raven began to speak.
"By the way, Jade, what did you do on Saturday?" Raven asked, her curiosity piqued as she tilted her head slightly.
"Oh, nothing special. Just the usual training with my mother. Why do you ask?" I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, but a flicker of unease danced in my heart.
"It's just that... it seems you were unconscious for the entire weekend," Raven said, her tone shifting to one of serious concern.
I was taken aback. How could she know that? If Raven had visited, surely my mother would have mentioned it.
"How do you know that, Raven?" I asked, my surprise evident in my voice.
"Oh, you don't know? The bracelet I gave you is linked to mine. It alerts me if you're unwell or in danger, and vice versa. It's the same with yours," Raven explained, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
That revelation stunned me even more.
"Why didn't you tell me the bracelet had that function, Raven?"
"I just... didn't have the time to mention it. But don't try to divert my attention. What happened on Saturday?" she pressed, her worry barely concealed.
"It's nothing, really. I just used too much mana and fainted, that's all. There's no need to worry," I reassured her, reaching out to ruffle her hair, which only made her blush deepen before she swatted my hand away.
"Who said I was worried about you, dummy?" Raven retorted, picking up her pace, her cheeks still flushed with color.
"Wait for me, Raven!" I called out, quickening my steps to catch up with her.
We arrived in class and took our usual seats together. As I sat down, I heard the whispers of the students and even saw someone pointing at Raven and me before exclaiming, "Why do they both have a couple's bracelet?"
At that moment, I felt a wave of astonishment wash over me, and I blushed. A couple's bracelet? I turned my head to look at Raven, but she averted her gaze, looking out the window with cheeks as red as mine.
Just then, Mrs. Pauline entered the room with a smile on her face, much to the dismay of most students.
"Are you ready for the exams? Because we are about to begin," Mrs. Pauline announced with a smile that seemed to know more than it let on.