[Siegfried POV]
I can't believe this is happening. My mother, Frieren, was pregnant. I mean, seriously, she is going to have another child. I knew that life would bring surprises, but this? This was beyond anything I could have anticipated, like finding a dragon in your teacup!
The initial shock is slowly giving way to a whirlwind of emotions. It's like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. On one hand, the idea of having a new sibling was fascinating. On the other hand, there's a knot of apprehension twisting in my stomach. I mean, the Era Meteor event was looming on the horizon like a giant, ominous shadow.
Trying to make sense of this revelation, I turned to my parents.
"So, Mom, Dad, is this for real? Am I dreaming?" I asked, my voice betraying my disbelief.
My father, with a gleam of mischief in his eye, chuckled softly. "Nope, this is real. I may be an old man, but I've still got some surprises left in me."
This old geezer. After all these years, his cool swagger is still going strong. So much so, that I am frustrated with not having the drive to win any women for years.
"Seriously, Dad? You're 75 years old and yet you have the time and energy to do the deed?" I asked, my eyebrows climbing towards my hairline.
"Yep, it's true," He winked at me, clearly enjoying the confusion on my face. "And I guess you are going to be a big brother soon. Isn't that exciting?"
"Yeah, I supposed you're right..."
The reality of the situation began to sink in. The vision of a new sibling was both compelling and daunting. The excitement of the unknown future mixed with the stress of the upcoming occasion, left me in a state of perplexed anticipation.
"Mom, Dad," I called out, my voice a bit steadier now, "I don't how to say this, but guys know that the Era Meteor event coming soon, right?"
"Yes, we're aware of that," Mother acknowledged, tilting her head. "What about it?"
Hmm, how do I bring this up without revealing too much? I couldn't just blurt out the promise she made to the hero party like in the main story, or she'd question me about how I knew.
Testing a different approach, I carefully asked my mother a series of questions.
"Well, you and Dad mentioned reminding Sir Eisen and Heiter about the event, right?"
"Yeah, we did."
"Okay, but is there anything specific you two want to do with them during that occasion?"
"Anything specific, huh? Let's see... I remember discussing with your father and the party about a perfect spot to watch the Era Meteor event."
Alright, it seems we're on the right track. I just need to...
"However, considering I'm pregnant right now, it's a shame we might not be able to do it."
What?! You've got to be kidding me. The timing... it's going to be a lot more complicated than I thought. How are we going to manage everything? I need to find a way to address this new development while preparing for the upcoming Era Meteor event.
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With the remaining months drawing closer, I managed to come up with an ingenious plan to address our current predicament. I spent countless hours brainstorming, weighing different solutions, and considering every possible outcome.
My main challenge was balancing the journey to the chosen viewing spot with my mother's current condition. The logistics were tricky, but I was determined to make it work. I started by preparing a detailed schedule to manage both priorities effectively.
First, I reached out to Sir Eisen and Heiter, carefully writing a message to notify them about the new development, and invited them before the event to help with the preparations.
"Congratulations on your mother's pregnancy, Siegfried," Sir Heiter declared as soon as they arrived at our home. "Her condition is such a surprise."
"It sure does," Sir Eisen concurred. "Anyway, what do you need from us?"
"Yeah, how can we help?" Sir Heiter chimed in, eager to assist.
Feeling grateful, I explained the plan to them. "My family and I need your help in our journey to a specific spot to view the Era Meteor event. Is that alright with you two?"
"Sure thing, Lad," Sir Eisen complied, nodding casually.
Sir Heiter chuckled lightly. "Just tell us the details of what to do and we'll follow it."
Next, I arranged for a carriage big enough to guarantee my mother's convenience during the trip. Making her walk would be exhausting and could harm the baby, so this was essential. I also procured a sturdy horse capable of traversing any terrain and brave enough to tolerate potential monster encounters.
"This is truly impressive, Siegfried," Mother remarked, inspecting the carriage. "Where did you get the money to buy these?"
Amused by his question, I answered, "There was a huge stash of treasure I had been hiding in the woods just in case I needed to purchase something like these."
"I see... That's rather resourceful of you," she affirmed, grinning at me proudly.
Lastly, I gathered the necessary gear and weapons for this event, making sure I was ready to protect my pregnant mother and feeble old father. To add more conservation, I also stocked up some potions and necessities like food and drinkable water.
"That's a lot of important stuff," Father commented, scanning the supplies on the table. "You have thought of everything, huh?"
"Of course, Dad," I replied while packing the items. "I'm doing whatever it takes for family."
"I see... Wait here," he said as he turned around and left the room. Moments later, he came back while holding a folded clothes. He gave it to me and declared, "Here, take this. It might help you in our journey."
Upon receiving the attire, I noticed something familiar. "Dad, isn't this your..."
"Yes, those were my clothes during my youthful days," Father confirmed. "I've always wanted to give it to you back then but you were rather busy with something.."
Is that so?" I murmured, looking at his blue tunic and white mantle.
Why don't you try it out, Siegfried," he suggested. "It would probably suit you."
Following his instruction, I nodded and tried to wear it in the other room. Afterward, I noticed how snug the fabric was on my skin and the mantle made my body warm and cozy.
"So, how is it?" Father inquired, waiting for my reaction.
I gave him a thumbs up and commented, "It is perfect, Dad. Ten out of ten."
"Hehe, I knew you would like it," he retorted with a prideful smile.
With everything falling into place, it is safe to say that we are all ready to face the challenges ahead. The stage was set, and we were geared up to take on anything that came our way, all for the family's sake.
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[Third POV]
As the sun rose on the day of the Era Meteor event, Siegfried and the Hero party began their journey toward the selected viewing spot.
While heading there, they had decided on a formation—Eisen took the front as the vanguard, Siegfried was in charge of the horse, and the remaining three—Heiter, Himmel, and Frieren—relaxed comfortably in the carriage.
The morning air was crisp and filled with diverse sounds during the travel—hooves clopping, wheels creaking, and the occasional clink of metal from their gear. Despite the cool breeze, there was an undeniable sense of excitement among them.
"How are you holding back there, Mom?" Siegfried called out, glancing over his shoulder.
"We're doing fine," Frieren responded, her voice calm and reassuring. "Just stay on this dirt path and make sure you turn left when you reach the fork."
While listening to her direction, Himmel looked over at his wife with a soft smile. "This is quite the adventure, isn't it? I never thought we'd be doing this again."
His thoughts drifted to the days of grand quests and epic battles, now just memories woven into the fabric of time. This was a rare treat—a nostalgic adventure, courtesy of his son.
Heiter, sitting across from Himmel, chuckled. "Ah, those were the days! It's impressive we're still at it despite the years stacking up."
"Absolutely," Himmel concurred with a hearty laugh. "It's wonderful to see that we're not too rusty to enjoy one last hurrah before the Era Meteor event, all thanks to Siegfried's efforts."
Siegfried, steering the reins with a smirk, tossed a casual response over his shoulder. "It's no big deal, Dad. I just wanted to make sure this experience was top-notch for everyone."
With that answer, Himmel and Heiter burst into heartfelt laughter. Their laughter mingled with the morning air, a satisfying symphony of camaraderie. Frieren, her heart swelling with pride, couldn't help but smile at the light-hearted exchange, savoring the moment.
"Hold on, stop," Eisen's voice cut through the merriment, his hand raised to signal a halt.
In response, Siegfried pulled on the reins, bringing the carriage to a smooth halt. "What's up, Sir Eisen? Is there something wrong?"
"Yeah," the dwarf replied, peering ahead with a furrowed brow. "I sensed something unusual up ahead. We should proceed with caution."
The group fell silent, their eyes scanning the road ahead. Siegfried, gripping the reins tightly with his right hand, summoned a bladed staff with his left. Himmel and Heiter, despite their age, readied themselves to protect Frieren, who was in no condition to fight.
Tension mounted in the air as Siegfried's elf ears twitched, picking up faint, strange noises.
"It's close," he declared, his voice filled with concern.
Grrrr...
A deep, ominous growl echoed through the forest, sending chills down their spines. Shadows flitted between the trees, and the underbrush rustled. Gradually, a huge Forest Wyrm reveals itself along with its wyrm underlings, seemingly drawn by the scent of a pregnant elf sitting within the horse carriage.
----------------------------------------------------
Faced with a massive threat and a bunch of minions, the party raised their guard. They didn't expect such a creature would appear suddenly, but it doesn't mean they won't fight back.
"Get ready, Lad! Here they come," Eisen alerted, his brow furrowing as he braced for battle.
Preparing his staff, Siegfried hardened his expression. "Understood. Let's make this quick."
With that reply, the dwarf warrior charged forward, promptly grasping his walking stick. The forest wyrm notices the intention, so it roared fiercely to command its underlings to attack.
"Oh no you don't!" Eisen shouted as he whacked the underlings but unintentionally let some of them through. "Crap! Heads up, Lad!"
"Sir Heiter, take the reins!" Siegfried called out as he stood up in the carriage.
Following the instruction, Heiter managed to seize the reins and maintain the panicking horse steady. "I've got it! Just handle those scary creatures!"
In response, Siegfried swung his bladed staff, expertly fending off the wyrm underlings that threatened the carriage. One by one, they got sliced and diced until only a few of them left.
The Forest Wyrm, seeing its underlings taken out by the two fighters, lashes out angrily with its massive claws and teeth. Eisen nimbly dodged the attacks and countered with a solid hit on the wyrm's head with his stick, stunning it momentarily.
"Now, Lad!" Eisen roared, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Siegfried, responding swiftly, channeled his mana into his staff and manifested a ball of red light on the blade's tip. Then, with a calm voice, he whispered, "Zoltraak."
VROOOOM!!
The red light erupted into a massive beam of pure destructive power, effortlessly penetrating the Wyrm's hard draconic scales. The devastating magic left a gaping hole in the creature's stomach, causing it to collapse with a thunderous crash.