"Dad knew about it? And you know about it too?" I say, my face puzzled.
Mom sighs and pulls a chair out from the dining table. "Come sit down, we'll talk," she says, patting the chair's seat.
I slowly walk to the chair, thinking about how they know about this. I haven't told Mom, and Dad died many years ago.
I take a seat and pull the chair in, while my mom sits directly across from me.
She rests her hands on the table and joins them together. "Masa, are you able to manifest the Reaper's magic?" Her voice is stern.
Since my mom knows everything, there is no point lying. "I can't fully control it. It's like it has a mind of its own. But I have accidentally used it in dire situations," I say.
My mom lets out a sigh. "Well, it won't be easy controlling such terrifying magic." She pauses. After a long silence, she continues, "M-Masa, you must promise me that you won't let the magic consume you. If you do, you will become a monster that yearns for human souls." Her voice trembles, and her hand shakes.
I nod. "I promise, Mom. I will always be Masa," I say, assuring her. I then continue, "But why was I the one to manifest the Reaper's powers?" I ask with curiosity.
"That is because there are three main reasons. First, you need to possess no magic, because your current magic will internally fight against the Reaper's magic, which ultimately just gets you killed. Secondly, the Reaper chooses his host as he wills." Mom takes a deep breath. "Finally, you must be a descendant of the Yoshikawa family."
I almost fall off my chair when Mom mentions the last reason. Everything else makes sense. "But- but- why a Yoshikawa?"
"Sorry, I don't know the full details, only what your dad told me," she murmurs.
"Your dad's family has been guarding the Reaper's Orb for generations and lives in seclusion away from civilization. From what your dad told me, only two people so far were able to wield Reaper Magic, and now you're the third wielder, after almost two and a half centuries!" She exclaims, "The ones that wield the Reaper's power are also known as Yoshikawa's Reaper."
I lose myself in thought, trying to digest what Mom had told me.
"Are you alright, Sweetie?" Mom asks worriedly as she observes my expression.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I didn't expect all of this." I take a deep breath and continue, "Where are the Yoshikawa people now? And how did you guys meet?" I ask.
"I don't know the location of the Yoshikawas." All of a sudden, Mom gets all happy and giddy. "I remember like it was yesterday! I worked at a Magic Hospital as a doctor, and your dad came in injured. I treated him, and we fell in love at first sight!" Mom says with lovey-dovey eyes.
"Later, your dad told me that a royal learned about the Reaper's power and came to his village to seek it out. They defeated the guards and stole the Orb." Mom catches her breath and continues, "Then your dad went on a journey with two of his friends to retrieve the Orb, but unfortunately, his two friends died. He was able to get the orb back," she says mournfully.
"Your dad was so heartbroken that he didn't want anyone else dying to protect the Orb. He took the responsibility upon himself to protect it and let others have a purpose in life beyond defending the Orb. He never returned home and started a family with me in a village far from the capital and away from his old home," she adds.
I go back into deep thought, and after what feels like a long time, I snap out of it and ask, "So what I don't understand is, how did Dad know I was Yoshikawa's Reaper?"
"I didn't believe it at first. Your dad told me that the Orb reacts by getting warm and emitting light when near its host. When you were a baby and crying, the Orb would glow slightly and get warm. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence. But he explained that when the power fully manifests, the Orb turns from pure white to a sinister dark," Mom says, now accepting who I've become.
I hold my Orb in my hand and close my eyes. I promise, Dad, I'll protect everyone just like you wanted.
"Masa, you've had a long day. Eat dinner and go to bed," Mom orders.
I nod, agreeing. Anyway, I'm hungry and tired.
The next two days were the weekend. I wanted to go to the capital, but Mom insisted I stay in bed.
-After the weekend-
The next day, I walked into school, still feeling the effects of my injuries but determined to push through. The first thing I noticed was that the rubble from the attack had been cleared away. New frameworks for repairs were already being set up, and the school was bustling with activity as workers and students alike worked to restore our school.
I make my way to class, still thinking about everything that happened. When I enter the classroom, the atmosphere is tense. Everyone seems to be on edge, whispering among themselves.
Everyone crowds around Kajiwara and Aimi, eagerly asking about the rumors of the fight with the cult members. Though people know I was involved too, there's a noticeable fear surrounding me after what happened with Kajiwara the other day. Even Professor Akagi seems wary.
Professor Akagi walks to the front of the room, her usual stern expression even more serious than usual. The class falls silent almost instantly and return to their seats.
"Class," she begins, her voice steady but heavy with concern, "I have some serious news to share. As many of you might have already heard, we were attacked yesterday."
A murmur runs through the room, but she raises her hand to silence it. "I am relieved to see that none of you were killed. Specifically, Masa, Aimi, and Kajiwara, your presence here today is a great relief."
I feel a weight lift off my shoulders, though the relief is mixed with guilt for the trouble caused.
"But there is more," Professor Akagi continues. "During the attack, the Heart of the Abyssal Wyrm was stolen."
Gasps echo around the room. The Heart is a powerful artifact, and in the wrong hands, it could spell disaster.
"This artifact was held in a magical box beneath our school for a reason," Professor Akagi explains. "Its power is immense, and we cannot let it fall into the wrong hands. We believe the cult responsible for this attack intends to use it for nefarious purposes."
The room falls silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
"We must be vigilant," Professor Akagi said. "Our first priority is to ensure the safety of our school and its students. Secondly, we must recover the Heart before it is too late. Masa, Aimi, Kajiwara, your roles are crucial. You have experience fighting the cult, and your knowledge will be invaluable in our efforts."
I exchange a glance with Aimi and Kajiwara, feeling a mix of determination and dread. This time, we will prevail and defeat the cult members.
After class, Professor Akagi approaches us. "Masa, Aimi, Kajiwara, please come with me," she says, her tone firm and commanding. We follow her to a secluded part of the school grounds.
"So as you know, you three will be part of the Assault Team against the cult. We need you three to be at your strongest, so we are having you trained by the current heroes of the Aozora and Minazuki families, Kaito and Sora."
Kaito is the older brother of Aimi, the one I saw when I took Aimi to the hospital. I hope he doesn't know that I kind of got her hurt because of me.
"So, have you guys found the cult's location?" Aimi asks, her voice full of concern as she crosses her fingers.
"Unfortunately, we don't have any clue where their hideout is," Professor Akagi replies, clearly frustrated.
I intervene in the conversation. "Sorry, but how will I train with a broken arm?" I point to my arm sling.
"Don't be such a stick in the mud, Masa!" Kajiwara laughs with his arms crossed.
I roll my eyes visibly. It's not like I asked for a broken arm.
"Alright, kids, you'll start your training tomorrow, so be ready!" Professor Akagi smiles at us and waves as we start to leave the school premises.
"Hot buns! Get your fresh, steamy, sweet hot buns!" a street vendor calls out.
Kajiwara's eyes instantly light up. "I'll see you knuckleheads later!" he says, taking off at lightning speed.
"Kajiwara—wait—" Aimi tries to call out, but it's too late; he's already been lured in by the sweet buns.
An awkward silence falls between Aimi and me. "So, you probably need your rest. We'll start our training tomorrow," I say, feeling a tingle in my stomach being alone with Aimi.
"Oh yeah, that's fine. Come over to my place and we'll train," Aimi replies with a smile.
Thinking about it, I realize I've never been to Aimi's place before. I wave at her and start to walk away.
"Oh, by the way, Masa—do you want me to walk you home with your broken arm and everything?" she calls out from behind.
I turn around and smile. "Oh, don't worry, I'll be fine. My house isn't that far." I lie, hoping she won't notice the hesitation in my voice. To be honest, I'd appreciate Aimi's company, but I don't want her to see the rundown shack where I live, far from the capital.
I start to walk away in the opposite direction from where Aimi heads back home. I feel a sense of relief that she didn't press further about walking me home.
As I walk about halfway home, trying to ignore the ache in my arm, I can't shake the feeling that someone is watching me. I quickly turn around, scanning the area for any signs of a stalker, but find nothing out of the ordinary.
As I walk up the hill toward my house, I finally see it in the distance. Suddenly, I hear the sound of leaves rustling nearby. I stop in my tracks, my senses on high alert.
As I walk up the hill toward my house and finally catch sight of it, I hear leaves rustling nearby. Panic sets in as I worry that the cult members have found my home. I'm terrified that something might happen to my mother, who is alone and unable to defend herself. I can't let my only family member get hurt.
I close my eyes, concentrating on sensing the Repear's powers within my heart. I visualize its magic flowing through me like a peaceful river. Suddenly, I feel the power coursing through my body.
When I open my eyes, a fierce energy surges through my palms, while the magic's menacing aura and bloodlust ooze into the air.
As I release my power, a figure emerges from the bushes. It's too shadowy to make out clearly, but it's definitely coming towards me.