C2 The Departure

"Al, come down and eat first before heading to the ceremony!"

"Coming!"

I came running down and went to the table.

"Where's father?"

"Eat slowly or you'll have a bad stomach, you don't want to ruin your special day right?"

Mother sat in front of me after she placed the cup of water near me. She placed both her arms on the table while holding her head happily looking at me like she always does.

"Your father went with his party to clear a nearby field dungeon.", she added.

"Is uncle with them too?"

"Of course, it's their party's rule that they won't be starting any quest if the party is incomplete."

"Oh right.", I replied.

I finished my meal and waited for a few moments so that I can bid farewell to father as well. And because I had a bad stomach.

"Aaaargh..."

"What did I tell you?", mother said frowning.

She smiled and walked towards me placed both her hands on her chest and started chanting.

"Oh divine one, hear thy one's call; You who destroys and creates; Grant me the power to help thy Kin..."

"Cure."

A magic circle began forming above me. Light particles circled around me while my body started to be covered in a warm light. My stomach instantly felt normal again.

Mother is a level 51 Priest and was originally a part of father's party. Until they had me and agreed that my mother will lay low to look after me. Mother back then is a full support Priest, which specializes in support skills like Heal, Cure, and buff skills like Strengthen which boosts one's striking power and overall physical strength.

The door suddenly opened.

"Yo Al!"

It was father. He's a level 68 Swordsman and the leader of their party. He specializes in short-range combat and has mastered his unique skill, Rage. He's considered one of the most strongest adventurers in our village due to his tower accomplishments and the number of field dungeons his party defeated.

"Another bad stomach eh?", he said smirking.

"I hate myself.", I replied still laying my head on the table.

Mother laughed uncontrollably but still in a beautiful way. Bewitched, father and I joined and went for a good laugh ourselves.

---

"Goodbye, mom!"

"You take care and have fun."

"I will", she replied in a sweet and mild tone.

"Tell dad I'll be home as soon as I can!", she added as she ran away waving.

"Hey, Isha! Are you going to pick up Al?"

"Yes!"

"Let's pick him up together then!"

"Hello, Mrs. Dail!"

"Oh hi there Jun! Are you going to the ceremony too?"

"Of course I am. I promise father that I will be a great Sorcerer someday!", she replied cheerfully.

"That's beautiful. Can you do me a favor and look for Isha too?"

"That would not be a problem because Al is also with us!"

"Oh hoooo...", said Mrs. Dail teasing Isha.

"Mom!!" she exclaimed

The two girls then continued walking. The villagers gleefully greeted the two on their way.

"Good luck out there!", one farmer shouted.

"Thanks!", Jun yelled back.

"Oh, is it this time of the year?", said the passing lady waving.

Isha smiled and waved back.

"Everyone's energetic as ever!"

"You bet!"

"Hey Jun, have you seen Rey and Andre?"

"Ah, those two.", she chuckled and crossed her arms.

"Andre insisted that he will take over his parents' business and won't be an adventurer."

Jun snapped and added, "Rey, on the other hand, said he will not be able to join this time because of his injuries. Injuries my ass! I'm sure he's just chickening out!"

Isha laughed and replied.

"Mind your language Jun! A beautiful lady should refrain from using such words."

"You're more beautiful than I am. And I think yours got larger huh?", Jun playfully babbled.

"What are you talking about Ju.."

Isha responded but she stopped talking midway after seeing Jun's naughty face while looking at her chest. She blushed and covered her chest in response and said.

"You have big ones too Jun!"

"Sure! But yours are gigantic!"

"It's Jun as usual."

They have reached their destination without knowing it. Standing in front of the house is Al's mother. In her mid 30's, she radiates a beauty that is a sight to behold. She even is comparable, maybe even better, than the younger teens.

"Another giants spotted!", Jun muttered and greeted back.

"Looking great Mrs. Gran!"

"Oh Jun!" Isha replied in silence.

"Good day Aunt Arryn. Is Al still there?"

Arryn was about to answer when the door suddenly opened.

"I going now, father!", Al shouted from the front door.

"What happened to your father?"

"Ah mother, he had a bad stomach. Pfft!"

Al burst into laughter. Her mother smiled as she shakes her head. He then wiped his tears and saw the two girls.

"Yo! Jun, Isha!"

"Nice physique you got there!"

"Really?"

Al looked over himself.

"I think training with father is finally paying off."

He regularly trains with his father. They always spar with wooden swords. And sometimes hunts wild animals in the nearby forest. He also was regularly cutting down wood for their household use.

Al started to walk towards Isha and Jun while tying his long black wavy hair. He puts his hands on his waist and leaned forward toward Isha.

"Too close!", she said to herself.

"You're kinda red Isha, are you okay?"

"No-nothing!"

She covered her face with her hands and ran to Jun's side. Al pulled back scratching his head in confusion.

"How naive my little boy is.", Arryn thought holding her face as she looked at them.

"We'll be leaving now mother!"

Jun and Isha hurriedly bowed their head to Arryn when they saw Al walking outside and quickly followed him.

"Protect Jun and Isha at all costs!", Arryn shouted in a sweet serene voice.

"I will!", he replied waving behind his back.

As they continued to walk, Al slowed down and let the two girls catch up. He cleared his throat and asked.

"How are you feeling Isha?"

"Don't worry about me, I think it's just the hot weather.", she responded in a weakened voice.

"It certainly is hot today."

Jun frowned while looking at them.

"A simpleton and a timid, what a worst combination"

"Haaaaaah...", she whispered in exhaustion.

"Are you under the weather too Jun?"

"No no, don't mind me."

"Oh okay."

"Where's Andre and Rey by the way?"

"Andre wants to carry their family business. And Rey? Just ignore that spineless idiot!"

"Ha ha! He's still the scaredy one huh?"

Isha wanted to start a conversation with Al, she began to speak.

"Wa-what emblem are you going to get Al?"

"Me? I will be a Fighter and eventually reach the Swordsman. It's the most logical path for me considering my training with father."

"And you?", he inquired back.

"I wanted to support you and Jun."

"Ah, a priest then, like mother."

"Jun?", he added looking at her waiting for an answer.

"I will become a Sorcerer."

"I see, so you're holding up to your promise to the old man."

Jun looked far away, nodded, and smiled.

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Up Next: To The Ceremony!