NOVEL WEB Chapter 3: Growth
MC's POV
It was a purple streak cutting across the sky, heading straight toward the spot where Clara and I stood. As it drew closer, I could make out the shape of a purple disk with Mama standing on it. She waved at me, and within moments, the disk touched down. My jaw nearly hit the ground at such an unbelievable sight. For the first time, I truly understood the extent of magic's potential.
As Mama alighted from the disk, it folded on its own until it was no bigger than the size of a palm, floating back to her pocket. With a warm smile, she lifted me from Clara's arms and kissed my cheeks, giving me a tender peck on my lips. I smiled back, wrapping my tiny arms around her. Breathing in her scent, a wave of contentment washed over me. For the first time, I truly felt the joy of having a loving family.
Two Years Later
Two years had passed since my arrival in this world, and I had already begun mapping out my plans for this second chance at life. Such an opportunity was a rare gift, and I intended to make the most of it. My first priority had been mastering the language of this world. I worked hard to catch up, making my way to the level of a young magic student, eager to communicate more freely and understand my new reality.
Eventually, I learned my name, 'Ethan' the name that my mother had given me. In my previous life, I had lived only to the age of 25, but I had gained invaluable experience in hand-to-hand combat. With those memories intact, I made up my mind to develop my physical abilities early. Once I could walk and talk properly, I would begin training to strengthen this young body, preparing for whatever challenges awaited me.
The maids spoke often of the day every child's magic element was awakened. This event, which occurred at the age of ten, marked the beginning of a person's magical journey. Their excitement about my potential only fuelled my desire to prepare for the day when my own magic would emerge.
At two, I decided it was time to show signs of growth. After a breastfeeding session, I looked up at Mama, and with great effort, I murmured,
"Ma... ma..."
Mama's eyes widened with joy. "Aah~ Did you just say 'Mama'? Come on, baby, say it again!"
For hours, she continued to talk to me, delighted by every sound I made. I had no intention of revealing my memories of a past life just yet, but I appreciated the attention. Without a father in this life, my mother showered me with all the love she had, and I was determined to make the most of it.
After that, I would occasionally say "Mama," and each time, it would bring a radiant smile to her face. I was amazed by how such a simple act could bring her so much happiness. It was also then that I learned my mother's name, Eleanor Mistborn.
At Four Years Old
By the time I was four, I was speaking fluently and learning the alphabet with the help of Mama and the maids. Every time I grasped a new concept, they would praise me, and their adoration made me feel truly loved and cared for.
Mama, who appeared to be in her early twenties, was always patient with me. One day, I begged her to show me magic, and after a few requests, she finally relented. She took me to the garden, which also housed a practice arena. As we walked, I admired the castle, its towers rising against the backdrop of the snow-covered grounds, a constant feature of the Northern Glacial Region.
She set me on the ground and began chanting in a language I didn't understand. As I watched, I was stunned. Bluish-white particles gathered at her fingertips, slowly forming into a three-foot icicle. With a flick of her hand, the icicle shot forward, striking the wall thirty meters away at the speed of an arrow. I stood there in awe, my eyes wide, taking in the sheer power she wielded. She smiled at me warmly and said, "One day, you'll be able to do this too, when you grow."
We were about to head inside when loud laughter echoed from the castle's front gates. I saw an old man with a red beard and hair, about the same age as my grandfather, approaching with two children, around six or seven years old. When the old man spotted us, he came toward us with a curious expression.
"How are you, Eleanor? And who's this?" he asked, though I could tell from his gaze he already knew.
Mama smiled and replied, "He's Ethan, my son. Ethan, say hello to Duke Aelric Stormborne."
I was a bit confused but still managed to bow in the noble manner I had been taught. The little girl stepped forward, cupping my cheeks in her hands.
"Oouu, how cute! You'll be coming with me," she declared, her voice sweet but mischievous.
I winced at the pinch to my cheeks, but I didn't protest, not in front of the adults. Mama and Duke Aelric laughed at my displeased expression, while the little red-headed girl, Aurelia, continued to smile at me, her green eyes twinkling. She tried to act as a big sister by taking advantage of her age and height but I was not an average run-of-the mill little boy.
When the conversation shifted to the elders, I seized my opportunity. With a sly grin, I slipped away, my small feet carrying me quickly toward my room. I could hear the laughter of the adults fading behind me as I hurried down the hall, eager to escape the clutches of the little devil, Aurelia. But as I ran, an evil thought crossed my mind and I decide that one day, when we were older, I'd teach her a lesson she wouldn't forget.
As I returned to my room in the castle, my hand brushed against a bird sculpture embedded in the wall. The moment I touched it, I felt a strange vibration, and before I could react, a hidden compartment swung open. Startled, I leaned forward to take a closer look, but before I could fully investigate, a burst of blue light flashed out of nowhere, pulling me into a narrow, spiralling passage. The force was too sudden for me to resist.