"How is she?"
"Asleep. I think the shock made her lose consciousness," Alden shifted uncomfortably on the stairs, facing Elara.
"She reacted just as expected. I'm sorry."
He sighed and lowered his head in shame.
"Oh, my poor boy. Come here."
The woman gave him a tight hug.
Alden thought he was undeserving of such affection.
Especially, after what he had just done to her daughter.
However, it seemed Elara did not hold it against him, for her doting warmth remained the same.
"I know you always have her best interest at heart. It saddens me that you c agree with each other."
Alden leaned into his adoptive mother's embrace, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
She rubbed his back gently, trying to calm him down.
Once again, he was reminded of how blessed he was to have a mother-like figure who cared for him, just like his deceased mom had. Although Elara would never be his biological mom, Alden was content to view her as a second mother.
After all, it was the least she deserved. She had saved him when he was at his lowest.
If that didn't deserve praise and commendation, he didn't know what would.
In addition…
Asterons knew how much of a hassle it was to raise him when he was younger.
'I don't envy her.'
He unconsciously cracked a smile.
She was certainly just as kind and warm as his beloved mom had once been.
So, Alden really had nothing to complain about.
Reluctantly, he extricated himself from his adoptive mother's warm and comforting embrace and headed down the stairs. Before he could take the first step, though… Elara's maternal hand stopped him in his tracks.
It rested on his cheek, full of gentle tenderness.
"Be safe, my boy. Come back to us in one piece."
A single tear escaped her eyes flowing down her cheek.
Alden choked back a sob and nodded firmly.
He hoped the action was convincing enough that it portrayed an outward confidence.
Internally, however, he was a mess of unease and apprehension.
After another brief hug, Alden descended the stairs, searching for Alistair's study.
***
The young man knocked on his adoptive father's office.
"Come in."
The Guildmaster's deep baritone echoed in response, muffled through the door.
Alden steeled himself and entered.
Alistair's study was small, composed of a simple desk and a chair, with several writing instruments and a light fixture on the old table. Several drawers and cabinets also occupied the space, giving it a cramped but homely feel.
"Ah! How did it go…?"
The Expert mage perked up, setting the scroll down to face Alden.
His voice then trailed off, noting the intense sadness in his son's eyes.
"...I'm sorry."
Alden apologised and cast his gaze toward the floor, beginning to feel numb.
"Don't be. I'm sure she'll eventually realise you had her best interest at heart."
The older man sighed.
Alden looked up.
The wrinkles on Alistair's forehead seemed to deepen, a silent manifestation of his sadness and stress.
A pang of guilt hit Alden as he gazed timidly at his adoptive father.
Maybe it was better that he was leaving… that way he could stop causing the others around him pain.
Maybe, his nasty neighbour had been right to refuse him aid.
Shaking his head, as his heart felt like it was being torn again, Alden saw Alistair snap back into focus and turn around, opening a specific drawer. After rummaging through it for a few seconds, the Guildmaster straightened and closed the container.
In his hands, he held a skill manual similar in appearance to [Haste] and [Shield].
The only difference, however, was that this cover was brown instead of grey.
"This is an Adept-ranked skill called [Dark Tentacles]. It came into my possession after someone bartered it for another skill I had. I was planning on selling it soon, seeing as no one I knew had awoken such an element, but I never got around to doing so. You were just in time."
Alistair smiled, extending his hand out for Alden to take the skill.
"It's a utility type, so it should be applicable in any situation. In theory, at least… It really depends on the person using it."
The Expert mage's demeanour slowly turned serious.
"Remember, son… there are no bad skills, only bad Users. To get the best out of a skill, study its limitations and examine its strengths. That way, you understand when best to use it, and when you absolutely shouldn't."
A barrage of advice flowed out of Alistair's mouth, ranging from simple survival tips to more practical counsel on mana manipulation and its deeper intricacies.
Alden couldn't help but chuckle, knowing this was the man's way of showing he cared.
Eventually, he smiled gently and said:
"Dad, it's okay… I'll be fine."
'Probably.'
The young man mentally added, leaving that thought unsaid.
He didn't want to jinx himself only to die a dog's death as soon as he entered the Wilderness.
'That… that would be ironic.'
…And slightly amusing, if not for the fact he had people waiting for him here, at home.
Coughing lightly, Alden watched his adoptive father's eyes widen, recalling something he had previously forgotten.
"Ah! I have something I want to give you. Go finish any last-minute preparations you have to make. I'll meet you at the front door when I'm done."
Suddenly very curious, Alden reluctantly left the Guildmaster to his own devices and ascended the stairs to his room, completing the finishing touches to his preparations. He woke Ignia up as well, and soon the young man and the phoenix were ready to leave.
Alden wore a simple lightless tunic and pants.
A set of leather armour covered his figure on top of that, adding an extra layer of protection against the Apocalypse's threats.
Descending the wooden stairs quietly, he found Alistair standing by the front door, holding a folded garment.
"Here."
The Expert mage offered it with a sad smile.
"This is the last memento I have of my father. It was his favourite cloak. I want you to have it. It should help keep you warm at night. Make sure to come back safe so you can pass this on to your kids, as I'm doing to you now."
Alistair tried to keep the emotion from his voice.
"Use it well."
Slowly, carefully, Alden extended his hands to grab the cloak, touched by the Guildmaster's gesture.
The mantle appeared pristine, though he noticed a few repairs here and there.
"Thank you."
Alden bowed his head, promised to do his best to ensure nothing bad would happen to the cloak, and gingerly slipped it on after straightening up.
Then… the time for the inevitable goodbye came.
He hugged Alistair and Elara one final time, hoping to transmit his gratitude for the years they took care of him. At the back of his mind, Alden heard someone sniffling, though he wasn't sure if that came from him or his adoptive parents.
After one final squeeze, Alden stepped back and disengaged.
"Stay safe. We love you."
The couple said as they moved out of the way.
"I love you too."
With that, Alden opened the door and left his sanctuary behind.
Ignia was perched on his shoulder.