“You were told not to be so impatient.” Ivad smacks Sers on the neck. “We should wait until everyone gets back. Think about Maki for a moment.” My sister-in-law has my brother completely under control because the moment she speaks, Sers immediately quiets down and stops insisting that I tell him everything first.
Once I confirmed that I was perfectly healthy and that there hadn’t been “too many dangers,” they calmed down considerably. I’m not sure whether I should consider the fact that a tiny mistake during my fight against Quilo and the grade 5 monster could have cost me my life as something very dangerous.
“Thank you, Ivad.” I smile at her, and my gaze immediately drops to her belly. “At least I didn’t arrive too late for the birth of my nephew.” I’m glad I haven’t missed something that important.
“According to the doctors, I should be giving birth soon, maybe in another two or three weeks.” She answers. Sers hugs her warmly, and I can see the deep love in his eyes when he looks at the future mother of his child.
“It seems there’s quite a gossip in the family.” My words leave them somewhat confused. The loving couple still hasn’t noticed someone approaching. I raise my head, they follow my gaze, and we all see someone flying directly toward us.
My grandmother stops in front of me. Time seems to freeze as she stares at me for several seconds without moving or saying anything, wearing only a complicated smile. “Are you alright?” It’s such a simple question.
“Better than ever.” That’s actually true. During the trip, I had time to read all the notifications, and I was genuinely surprised. Coming close to death and fighting stronger opponents always gives my abilities a tremendous amount of experience.
Grandma Rita slowly approaches and gives me a warm hug. “I’m glad to see you came back in one piece, little one. Your parents, Ritmo and his wife, and some very special guests are on their way.” She’s already taken care of everything. All that remains is waiting for everyone to gather.
We’re going to have a welcome meal, but I’m a little concerned about that last part: “very special guests.” The way she said it felt different. Who could be so special? Who are they? I rack my brain trying to think of someone, but nobody comes to mind.
“I’m truly happy to see you again, Maki. There wasn’t a single day when I didn’t think about you before going to sleep.” Grandma taps my forehead with her finger. “Let me finish the final details of your welcome. I’ll be back in less than an hour.” She leaves just as quickly as she arrived.
I sit down in a chair and watch my brother joke around with Ivad. Seeing them this happy makes me smile from ear to ear. I decide to review my abilities again, and my smile grows even wider when I see the increase in levels.
Maki: 17 years old. – Ruby Rank.
ABILITIES:• Death Sharpness (IV) – level 17 → level 21• War Architecture (IV) – level 14 → level 18• Deadly Arcane Construction (IV) – level 12 → level 17• Personal World (IV) – level 10 → level 12• Thundersnow (IV) – level 13 → level 18• Dimensional Step (IV) – level 7 → level 9• Advanced Vital Synthesis (IV) – level 9 → level 15• Crushing Zone (III) – level 20 → level 20• Electric Serpent Field (IV) – level 3 → level 8• Gravity Overload (IV) – level 6 → level 11
Laws and Pseudo-Laws:• Yin-Yang Law: Life and Death.• Heavenly Dominion Law: Space.• Dragon Law: Gravity.• Absolute Frost Law: Ice.• Eternal Edge Law: Sharpness.• Personal Rhythm Law: Electricity.• Pseudo-Law.
Draconic Dominion (Special Banner) – Rank 3
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Not all of those levels came from fighting my last two opponents. The dungeon contributed a great deal as well, and even the people who sent me there indirectly helped me gain some levels.
Death Sharpness is still quite far from level 40, yet at the same time it’s my closest ability to reaching it. My eye twitches in frustration when I see an ability still sitting at Rank III. I haven’t evolved it yet because I’m still trying to fuse it with my Personal World and Electric Serpent Field. I need to continue practicing with my ice mana.
Perhaps these peaceful days in my hometown will be the perfect opportunity. I don’t know if I’ll find this much peace to train anywhere else, and I have no desire to leave my territory right now. I considered going to greet Susan, but it would probably be better to simply call her and tell her everything that happened.
“I told you, he’s gotten even stranger than usual... he keeps staring at the sky.” Sers whispers to Ivad.
“You do realize I can hear you?” I lower my gaze with a sigh. “By the way, when did you become a ruby rank?” That surprised me when I first sensed him, although afterward it didn’t seem that unbelievable. Both he and Ivad were very close to advancing when I left.
“Recently... less than a month ago. I’m still getting used to my new body.” He looks a little frustrated, but I can also see the pride in his words after reaching ruby rank.
“It seems I reached ruby rank before you. I hope you don’t resent your younger brother for surpassing you.” I tease him. I can see a vein bulging on Sers’ forehead.
“You’re a freak. I can’t compare myself to you.” I didn’t expect that answer. The old Sers would have challenged me to a fight instantly. Now his responses are much more reasonable.
I burst out laughing. “Come on, let’s work up a sweat while we wait for everyone. The best way to get used to your body is through combat.” I rise from my chair and crack my neck and wrists.
Ivad immediately understands my intentions. She gives Sers a small push. “Don’t overdo it. Stop acting like children.” She moves several meters away and steps into the area around the fountain where we always celebrate events. She activates her defenses to avoid being caught in any collateral damage.
“Don’t worry. Just basic mana enhancement. I only want to see if his weapon handling has improved.” I shout to reassure her. I have no intention of going all out either. I don’t want to ruin the garden and get scolded by my parents.
“Ready?” I ask Sers. My beloved Thundersnow Fangs feel slightly eager in my hands.
I don’t receive an answer. Instead, I have to raise my sword to block an incredibly lethal strike. I don’t have enough time to properly position my body, and the force behind Sers’ attack breaks my balance and forces me back several steps.
My brother takes advantage of my surprise and continues pressing the attack. Does he not care about my life? His next strike is aimed directly at my neck. Would I survive if my head were separated from my body? That’s a question I don’t want answered today.
I manage to deflect Sers’ axe at the last instant at the cost of losing my balance once again. A kick comes straight toward my face. I have to roll through the air, and his foot brushes against my ear.
I almost manage to regain a stable position, but before I can, an axe threatens to split my chest in half. I block the attack with both swords. I can see Sers clicking his tongue in annoyance after failing.
My brother spins on his axis to generate additional momentum for his next strike. I block it and use that same momentum to launch a counterattack. Sers barely manages to dodge one sword, while the other is stopped by his axe.
“Got you.” I murmur in my mind. I’ve already won the momentum battle. Now my speed and superior weapon mastery will overwhelm him. It happens exactly as I predicted. It only takes about two minutes to completely dominate him. He resists as best he can, using that massive axe as a shield and attacking whenever he sees even the smallest opening.
My brother’s axe doesn’t arrive in time, and my sword stops less than a centimeter from his neck. “Looks like I win.” I tell him with a broad smile.
Sers doesn’t look disappointed. Instead, he wears a proud smile. “It’s still incredible to see how perfectly you control your body and swords.” We both put away our weapons.
“By the way, when are they going to heal you? You’re already a ruby rank. With a good doctor, you should be able to recover your arm.” Sers has learned to fight with one arm, but using such a massive axe is far easier with both.
“The doctor will come next week to treat me.” Sers glances toward Ivad. “I want to hold my son or daughter for the first time with both arms if possible.”
“You’ve become quite the man, brother.” I place my hand on his shoulder as we walk back.
“You’ll be a good father too, and the girls will make wonderful mothers. I’ve noticed strong maternal instincts in them ever since they started living in our territory.”
My arm freezes in place as I stop walking. The girls are living in our territory?