NOVEL WEB Chapter 2 Thank You
Chapter 2: Thank you
"If it weren't for Earth's low rank, I would be able to live for much longer. I am not an eighty-year-old grandpa; my age is something you can't fathom, Max. You can imagine my surprise when I saw skyscrapers, the technology, and other stuff that you youngsters can handle effortlessly," Mateo explained.
He returned to Earth for his son alone. His world was weak, so his beloveds also couldn't follow him. And as Mateo spent years here, he became unable to leave the world again. That was because he broke the rules by abandoning his origin world.
Mateo was utterly separated from his beloveds. And before that, he couldn't breed with women he had genuinely fallen in love with.
It was as if Earth was jealous that such a talent had run away from him.
However, The Tower was omnipotent existence. On its floors, Mateo believed that he would be able to find a cure to his limits. That he would separate that link and become part of a world he thought genuinely as his home.
He kept climbing floors just for the sake of that treasure. But then, a miracle happened, changing all his plans.
"I understand, grandpa," Max nodded gravely, seeing through his grandfather's plight. "I will overcome all. I will also visit the families of your beloveds and check on them. Maybe I will get along with their descendants."
Mateo lifted his eyebrow, "You really want to follow my steps, huh. Already thinking of a harem!"
Max knitted his eyebrows as that wasn't what he had on his mind.
Mateo continued, "I shall pass you a golden rule, then." He firmly believed that his grandson took a liking to the harem, for Mateo indeed liked spiciness and excitement in his life, too, "Be wary of skirt storm."
"You mean, shit storm?" Max rolled his eyes.
"Skirt storm!" Mateo raised his voice a little, "If you chase too many, you will be unsure who to pick first! To avoid a skirt storm, you must be wary of it. You must control your schedule, nurture your relationships, and be direct as the man!
Never let your eyes be clouded by skirts…" Mateo uttered in a tone akin to whisper, sounding too convincing.
Max nodded as if he had received the greatest inheritance.
"You also be careful with our surname and my nickname. If you get my enemies on your tail, your whole journey will be dangerous," Mateo added something he should've said in the beginning.
He coughed before continuing, "You don't have to worry about your life for now. I've been in touch with the three families' movements. I've learned about their plan to raise Earth's level.
And while it might sound like a good idea, their selfish hearts surely aim for their own gain. I reckon their old heads have finally reached the limits of their lifespans. They've lived for too long as loyal Earth's dogs.
Their plan is to find as many compatible with mana humans as possible. For that, they used the trending games to form the first immersive game world. They will use various skills from the dungeon and other worlds to create the game world, invite players in, then find talents for their families.
Use them, Max! Those bastards tried to snatch you away from me when you were just a baby! Don't even feel conscious of using their game for your own gain! How you tread in that fake world and associate yourself with those families is all up to you.
I won't be in this world when you play around with their resources," Mateo laughed before extending his hand forward, "This is my last present to you. All my information and experience will be stored in your personal player's system.
It will mask your innate mana resource from the three families," Mateo grinned as he could imagine his grandson doing wonders in that fake world, then in the real deal.
Max stared in a daze at his old man.
In his eyes, various messages appeared.
[Max Ei Lv. 1 HP: 100/100 MP: 100/100]
"Your MP is actually much more than you see, Max," Mateo explained, "You will understand wholly in the fake world. For now, just know that you are a different breed than others."
Max nodded while reading other system messages.
[You have received a new skill from Mateo Ei.]
[Mana's Freedom(SSS) - You have unlimited control over your abundant mana resources. Mana around you bend to your will. You can shape your mana into any form you wish, only limited to your imagination.]
"Max…" Mateo's weak voice rang out in Max's ears. All system messages turned into a mist, revealing the old man's frail body.
He coughed blood while his skin turned saggier. He looked as if his whole life had run away from him. Such an appearance caused Max's heart to tremble with the pain he had never felt before.
He grasped his own chest, clutching his clothes, "Grandpa! That's too fast! I still haven't thanked you-"
"So… what… are you waiting for?" Mateo rebuked his grandson.
Max immediately replied, his voice loud like thunder, "Thank you for raising me… Thank you for not leaving me alone and always being by my side. You taught me so many things…" Max's tears crumbled down his cheeks, "You gave me freedom and a choice to be myself.
I choose to follow your steps, and I swear to keep that freedom."
Ding!
[Your [Mana's Freedom(SSS)] has reacted to your feelings.]
[You have created a new skill, Mind Control Immunity(SSS).]
[You have created a new skill, Mana Conversion(SSS).]
Mateo saw the birth of two new skills through his experienced eyes, his heart swelling with pride, "I can see it… I've been blessed to have you as grandson too, Max…"
And a few breaths later, Mateo closed his eyes for an eternity…
Max's cries filled the room, for he wailed for more than just an hour.