Chapter 18: The Drive for More
The night had settled deeply over the Augustine estate, and the echoes of the gathering still lingered in the air. Argus lay awake, his mother's familiar presence beside him in her chamber. Evangeline's arms were wrapped protectively around him as she slept, but his mind wasn't at ease. It had been hours since the celebration ended, yet Argus's thoughts raced with one clear desire: strength. He could feel it deep within—the urge to grow, to push past his limits.
Though Evangeline's hold was gentle, there was no escaping the weight of her love. Her warmth was reassuring, and yet, it was a reminder of the protection she constantly offered him. For as long as he could remember, he had been under her careful watch. He knew she did it out of love, but part of him craved the freedom to prove himself.
As the moonlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows on the walls, Argus finally spoke, his voice soft but steady.
"Mother?"
Evangeline stirred beside him, her dark eyes opening slowly. She didn't seem surprised to hear his voice, as if she had expected him to speak. Her hold on him tightened briefly before she loosened her grip, allowing him to turn and face her.
"Yes, my darling?" she asked, her voice smooth and comforting.
Argus hesitated for a moment, unsure how to phrase what had been on his mind. He had always been careful with his words around his mother, knowing the extent of her control over their lives. But tonight, something inside him wouldn't allow him to stay silent.
"I want to grow stronger," he said finally, his voice filled with quiet determination. "Stronger than I am now."
Evangeline's eyes softened as she studied him, her expression unreadable for a moment. She brushed a strand of his hair from his face, her touch gentle but deliberate.
"You are already growing, Argus. Faster than most," she replied, her voice carrying both pride and a warning. "You've achieved so much in so little time. Why do you feel the need to push yourself even further?"
Argus turned his gaze toward her, his eyes steady. "Because I'm not satisfied. There's more inside me—I know it. And I can't ignore that anymore. I don't want to just control this power. I want to master it."
Evangeline remained silent for a moment, her fingers lightly tracing his cheek. Her expression softened as she listened to his words, but there was an unmistakable intensity in her gaze.
"There is a time for everything," she whispered, her voice filled with both love and caution. "But if you truly feel this drive, then I won't stop you. Though you should know..." She paused, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I always planned to increase your training when the time was right. Your determination simply means I'll arrange it sooner than expected."
Argus blinked, surprised. "You already planned this?"
Evangeline's eyes glimmered with a knowing look. "Of course, my darling. I've always known you'd need something more. But there's no rushing power—you must be ready for it, and now, you've shown me you are."
The weight of her words settled over him, and despite the gentleness of her tone, Argus could sense the depth of her expectations. His desire to grow had only pushed the timeline forward. Yet, he knew his mother's love, however overwhelming, always had his best interests at heart.
"There is someone I trust," Evangeline continued, her voice softening further. "An old acquaintance from the East. She's one of the strongest swordswomen I've ever known, though her methods may be... unconventional."
Argus raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Unconventional how?"
Evangeline smiled slightly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "She's a bit of a drunkard, and her demeanor is rough around the edges. But make no mistake, she's deadly with a blade. Her name is Suzume, and she's the Guardian of the East."
Argus had learned about the Guardians from his tutor. They were the most powerful forces within the Alliance, tasked with protecting the central realm from both external and internal threats. Each Guardian held authority over a specific region, and Suzume, as the Guardian of the East, was one of the few entrusted with such immense responsibility. The thought of training with someone like her—someone who operated on a level far beyond what he had ever experienced—filled him with a thrill of anticipation. Evangeline's words about Suzume's rough edges and love of drink barely registered with him. Argus was already imagining what it would be like to train with a Guardian. The sheer weight of that title alone sent a thrill through him. Someone of her caliber meant serious progress—exactly what he had been craving.
"When will I meet her?" Argus asked, his voice laced with anticipation.
Evangeline gently kissed his forehead, her lips lingering for a moment. "Soon. I will arrange for her to come here, but you must be prepared. Suzume's training is not for the faint of heart."
Argus nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "I'm ready, Mother."
Evangeline smiled, though it was a smile laced with something deeper. "Very well. We will see just how ready you are."
She leaned in, pulling Argus into her embrace, her arms wrapping around him with both love and possessiveness. "But remember," she whispered, her voice soft against his ear, "no matter how strong you become, you will always be my son. My love for you will never waver."
Argus felt the intensity of her affection wash over him, but this time, instead of feeling confined by it, he let it ground him. He knew Evangeline's love was deep and all-consuming, but it also fueled his desire to grow. He would prove himself—not only for her but for himself as well.
The sun had barely risen when Argus awoke, the anticipation of what was to come already filling his mind. He moved quietly through the halls of the mansion, the soft light of dawn filtering through the tall windows. The maids were already busy with their morning routines, but Argus paid them little mind as he made his way to the training hall.
His thoughts were consumed with the idea of Suzume, the Eastern Guardian. He didn't know what to expect, but the thought of intense, focused training excited him more than anything else. For too long, he had felt like he was merely scratching the surface of his potential. Now, with the prospect of more serious training, he felt that his true journey was about to begin.
As he stepped into the training hall, the familiar stillness greeted him. The large, open space had become his sanctuary over the years, a place where he could push his limits without restraint. He closed his eyes, focusing on the void inside him. It responded instantly, swirling like a living entity, waiting for his command.
But today, he didn't force it. He let the void flow naturally, allowing it to move through him without resistance. It was a strange sensation—like a river flowing smoothly without obstruction. He was learning to trust it, to let it guide him rather than trying to control it with brute force.
As the void energy settled, Argus opened his eyes, feeling more connected to his power than he ever had before. He had grown, and he was ready for more.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Evangeline approached Argus in the library, her expression unreadable but her presence commanding as always.
"Suzume will arrive in a few days," she said simply.
Argus looked up from his book, his heart skipping a beat at the news. "Thank you, Mother."
Evangeline's eyes softened as she regarded him with deep affection. She leaned down, brushing a soft kiss on his forehead. "I expect great things from you, my love. But always remember, no matter what, you are everything to me."
Argus felt the warmth of her words settle over him, his resolve strengthening. "I won't let you down, Mother."
As Evangeline left the room, Argus leaned back in his chair, the excitement building inside him once more. The training would be difficult—he had no doubt about that. But it was exactly what he needed.
The path ahead was clear, and Argus was ready to face whatever challenges came his way.