Sebastian pushed the bowl of instant noodles aside, the bland taste lingering in his mouth, but his mind was elsewhere. He wasn't thinking about food. He wasn't even thinking about the exhaustion from his earlier training. His thoughts were consumed by what he had learned, by what he had now—a system, a weapon, and a skill. He had been given the tools to change his life, a chance to become something more.
With renewed purpose, he stood up and made his way to the backyard, where his mother's grave lay. The rain had begun to drizzle, light droplets tapping against the stone as he approached. Her resting place was simple yet dignified—a grave of grey marble surrounded by blooming flowers. A slate attached to the stone bore an inscription that never failed to stir his heart.
[Issabella Nightshade]
2985 - 3024
She died as a hero while protecting others from a Rank 5 beast while being Rank 3, showing her courageous and helping nature. We pray for peace in your afterlife.
Below the inscription, a silver medal gleamed softly in the rain—a symbol of her bravery and sacrifice, a reminder of everything she had given.
Sebastian's chest tightened as he knelt before the grave. He placed his head gently against the cold stone, imagining for a brief moment that he was resting in his mother's lap. The emotions that he had been holding back broke free. He wept silently, tears mixing with the raindrops on the earth below. He missed her so much—her warmth, her guidance, her strength. But his tears weren't just for sorrow; they were a release, a shedding of the weight that had been dragging him down since her death.
Between the sobs, he began to speak, his voice soft but filled with determination.
"Mom, I wish you were here to see this," he whispered. "Something amazing has happened to me. I've received a system that gives me quests and rewards. I've completed my daily quest, earned a weapon, and learned a skill. Close combat, and I've already upgraded it to Rank D." His voice grew stronger with each word, the determination in his heart reflected in his tone.
"I'm going to start my training today, right here, in front of you." Sebastian stood up, the heaviness in his chest slowly lifting. He wasn't just talking to a gravestone. He was talking to the memory of the woman who had raised him, who had sacrificed everything to protect him and others. He wouldn't let her sacrifice be in vain. He had a new purpose now.
He equipped the gauntlet and took a few steps back, positioning himself in the open space of the backyard. As the rain began to fall harder, Sebastian focused on the Close Combat skill he had learned from the system's book. The knowledge rushed into his mind, guiding his movements with precision. He threw a punch, feeling the system's guidance refine his posture—his hips rotated just right, his wrist snapped into place perfectly. He repeated the motion, each punch growing sharper and more powerful.
He didn't stop there. He ducked, dodged, and shadowboxed, imagining an opponent in front of him. He practiced counters, quick turns, and swift attacks, his movements becoming smoother with each attempt. The gauntlet boosted his strength and endurance, allowing him to push further than he thought possible.
For an hour and a half, he trained, the rain soaking through his clothes, but he barely noticed. He was lost in the rhythm of his training, his mind focused on only one thing—becoming stronger. His muscles ached, but the burn only pushed him to go harder. He had no time for weakness. Not anymore.
Finally, he stopped, his breath heavy but controlled. His body was exhausted, but there was a fire burning in his chest, a hunger for more. He wiped his face, rain and sweat mixing together, and turned to his mother's grave, a soft smile playing on his lips.
"I love you, Mom," he whispered. "I'll see you soon. I promise... I'm going to bring Dad back, and we'll both come to see you."
Sebastian turned away, the promise solidified in his heart. He would only return to her grave once he had fulfilled his vow. The road ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to face whatever came his way. He had no choice but to succeed. He couldn't afford to fail.
Back inside his home, Sebastian stripped off his wet clothes and took another bath, the warmth soothing his aching muscles. As he stepped out, he felt lighter, more free than he had in a long time. Training at his mother's grave had been the release he needed. The pain of her loss still lingered, but it no longer weighed him down. Instead, it fueled his resolve.
After changing into dry clothes, he tossed his wet garments into the dryer and stretched. The rain had finally stopped, but the sky outside remained a dull grey. The quiet of the house settled around him, but the silence didn't feel as suffocating as it once had.
His stomach growled, reminding him that it had been hours since his last meal. He didn't have the energy to mess up another meal. Instead, he decided to head to the small restaurant across the street.
As he walked outside, the air was fresh and cool from the rain. Sebastian took a deep breath, enjoying the moment of peace as he made his way to the restaurant. When he arrived, the place was almost empty, the earlier downpour having kept most people away. He chose a table in the rightmost corner, where he could quietly observe the room.
A waiter soon approached him. "Sir, are you ready to order?"
Sebastian glanced at the menu, his hunger growing after the intense training session. "Do you have any specialties?" he asked.
The waiter smiled. "Yes, sir. We make the best vegetable broth in all of Eclipsia."
Sebastian, famished from his training, nodded. "Bring me three servings of vegetable broth and some mashed potatoes."
The waiter quickly took his order and disappeared into the kitchen. Minutes later, Sebastian was served a piping hot meal, the rich aroma filling the air. He dug in, savoring each bite. The broth was flavorful, a blend of spices that warmed him from the inside.
By the time he finished, he felt satisfied and recharged. He paid the bill—170 global coins—and left a generous tip of 30 coins, thanking the waiter before heading back home.
His path was clear.
And he was determined to walk it—no matter what.