His father, his name is Jason, is a man with a tall, sturdy physique. His muscles used to bulge in his arms, and his body could make even a young man feel envious.
But that was before the illness struck him. His former self is now gone, leaving only a man laying in a bed.
He can only do small activities inside their house. He doesn't need help just to clean the house, go to the bathroom, or eat, though he has to do all of that extra slowly and carefully so as not to drain his energy.
Because of this, he can no longer do his former heavy work, which was not a problem for him before. His body weakened, his muscles replaced by a frail frame, his light diminished. And Ethan feels sad seeing him like this.
Jason has been taking care of Ethan since he was a baby. Buying him things like toys, food, or clothes that he wanted with the money he earned from working extra hard. Ethan found out that sometimes he pretended to be full so that he could eat more.
Ethan loves his ill father very much. That's why he thinks that just climbing a Tower full of monsters and other dangers is worth it if he can find the cure for him.
Ethan knocks on his father's bedroom door. "Dad? Are you awake?"
Jason rolls over slowly. "Ethan? Yeah? I'm awake."
It was still night when he returned to his apartment. Time seems not to pass too long outside the Tower. He enters his father's room, turns on the light, and sits beside his bed.
"Dad, there's something I want to tell you."
Hearing Ethan's serious tone, Jason sits up against the wall. "What is it?"
Ethan stares at him for a moment. He takes a deep breath, then starts talking. The faster he says it, the faster he thinks this problem will be resolved.
"I received the Invitation."
Jason's eyes widen. He knows what the Invitation means. But his shock doesn't last long, a moment later he is calm again and smiles as he usually does when talking to Ethan.
"I see," Jason said.
That reaction surprises Ethan. He blinks a few times quickly. "You…" he's lost for words because he was expecting a scolding. But instead, he receives a smile from his father.
Jason smiled before saying, "I already knew you were meant to become something great. And that Tower is one of the ways to achieve greatness."
"N-No. I don't want that greatness. I just want to go into the Tower to find the cure for your illness."
Jason smiled, then a series of coughs escaped his mouth. After the coughing fit ended, he began to speak again.
"You shouldn't have to worry about me, son. I am ready to accept my fate."
"Don't talk like that, Dad. You will be healthy again once I find the cure. And don't worry. The Agents will provide for all your needs once I leave."
Jason kept smiling. Ethan didn't know what he was really thinking, but at least it was something happy because he kept smiling like that.
But then, his smile dimmed. He said, "I also want to tell you something."
Ethan frowned. "What is it?"
"I… I'm not your real father."
Ethan froze. His lips parted and trembled. His eyes stared in disbelief at Jason.
But Jason himself didn't feel any better. Regret was clearly visible in his eyes as well, which were now starting to water. He knows that this day would come in due time. But he can never be ready for it.
"Wh-what?" Ethan said.
"I'm sorry, Ethan."
Ethan once again could only remain silent. The words hung in the air, echoing in Ethan's mind as he struggled to process the revelation.
But in the end, was it all important? Jason had taken care of him as if he were his real son. Sacrificing a lot for him. Did the fact that he is not his biological father matter now?
No. It's not. Ethan knows that it's not important. He's just shocked.
Ethan let out a long breath. "It's okay, Dad. It's not important now."
Jason's smile returned. "I'm glad you said that. Do you want to know how I found you?"
Ethan shook his head. "No. Like I said, it's not important now. You're still my dad and nothing will change."
Hearing that, Jason nodded. The sign of relief returned to his face.
Ethan and Jason had dinner together after that conversation. They talked for a while as they ate before Jason went back to sleep. His body was already feeling so tired.
Before closing his eyes, he gave his blessing to Ethan. Saying that he should do his best and take care of himself.
There was only a slight feeling of worry in his voice, which surprised Ethan a little. He thought that talking about this with him would be difficult. But it turns out it all went smoother than he thought. Even the fact that they are not biologically related didn't feel like a big issue.
Ethan packed his stuff. Jane said that he should only bring a few things so Ethan did just that. He brought some clothes that he thought would be useful for him to wear while exploring the Tower.
He brought his old jacket made of water-resistant material, gloves, a pocket knife, and boots.
Jane said they could only provide a few things for him outside for free. Some Invited who have enough money could buy more preparations like something extraordinary like a Tower Gear – gear that can only be obtained inside the Tower – or even guides who are Invited who have entered the Tower and came back out to help them.
Ethan, of course, didn't have that kind of money. He already received medical treatment and life insurance for his father and that was enough.
Furthermore, he has his Mythical-grade Talent, and an extraordinary Gear.
Gears are divided into 5 ranks: Initiate Relics, Ascended Artifacts, Transcendent Treasures, Eternal Enchantments, and Primordial Paragons. The lowest rank is Initiate Relics, and the highest is Primordial Paragon.
Ethan sat on the bed. Jane said that he could see his own Rune if he concentrated deep into his mind. So he did just that and summoned his Rune.
A moment later, several lines of dim gold letters appeared in his vision.
Name: Ethan Holmes.
Rank: Initiate.
Title: Aspirant.
[Talent]
Talent Name: Soulweaver (Mythical-grade).
Talent Abbility: Soul Manipulation, Soul Sense.
Talent Stage : 1
Soul Essence: 0/5000.
[Attributes]
Strength: 21
Agility: 25
Energy: 30
Charisma: 19
[Gear]
Aetherbow.
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