“How strong are you dad?” It was an innocent question, yet Eric’s flinch couldn’t escape Matthew’s eyes. Matthew mentally sighed himself for asking as he already knew he wouldn’t like the answer, but it was something he would find out eventually. Also his hopes weren’t high in the first place seeing the lack of grandiose in his home compared to nobles he has met from his past.

Scratching the back of his head and caressing his turquoise beard it took a few moments before Eric replied. “Honestly…although I feel slightly embarrassed telling you this, it doesn’t really matter in the end."

“Strength isn’t everything son. Although it certainly helps if you have no equal in the world, but if you have no friends to back you up…” Eric gave a suggestive smirk, and Matt could only roll his eyes in response.

“Anyways I’m no magician, and I only have ordinary talent in Aura Strengthening. Being a 5th stage [Warrior], I’m only as strong as the average soldier. Still at the very least I can protect you and your mother from a common bandit.” Eric observed Matthew’s face for any sign of disappointment, but finding none he released a mental sigh.

“Matthew on the other hand, you’re an absolute genius. I’ve never heard of a ten year old reaching 2nd stage [Fighter], especially considering I haven’t properly taught you the beginning steps…” Eric gave a hearty laugh as he slapped his son’s back, and the room reverberated with a meaty slap.

An ordinary man would’ve surely fallen, and Matt would’ve too if it weren’t for the fact he was training with his dad nearly every day. The first two stages of Aura only set up one’s foundation, and provided no strength benefits. This didn’t stop a small groan from escaping Matthew’s lips.

The day after Rebecca’s visitation, Matt decided to write his thoughts and future plans in a journal. The material was nothing special, with dark brown leather as the cover and dull pieces of parchment inside. It’s not like Matt had an eidetic memory, and one of his main concerns was forgetting vital pieces of information that may benefit himself or others.

From detailed information on various monsters, to a list of milestones Matthew planned on accomplishing in this life. Excluding defeating the Demon King, the very first objective is mastering magic. A common misconception among non-magic users is identifying someone with the title wizard as powerful.

Sure he got the title, but being a wizard only means you have the ability to cast slightly more advanced spells. Matt struggled to even learn them due to not receiving formal training, and had to rely on paying other magicians to teach him.

There were too many hardships placed on his path, too many regrets that could’ve been prevented if he were just a little bit wiser or – Matthew blinked twice as he realized he zoned out again. Matt only did this when people kept talking too long and its contents were boring, or irrelevant. He got too lost into his thoughts, however Eric kept blabbering on like he didn’t notice.

“–which is why I will be sending a letter to the Royal Academy where your talents will be further developed. You still have a couple years till leaving us though, and much more to learn. I have high expectations for you son.” As Eric spoke he placed both hands on Matthew’s shoulders, and looked him straight in the eyes.

“I won’t let you down father.” Matt could taste the irony as he spoke, as he has said a similar line only to go back on that promise. He shook his head before he got too muddled with his thoughts, and realized Eric was now at the entrance of his room.

“Although I’m old, I’m not senile to the point where I can’t notice my own son is practicing magic. I can’t believe you were lucky enough to be born with a mana heart and veins, since your mother and I can’t cast any magic…” What followed were some hushed whispers and the continued stroking of Eric’s beard. He promptly left the room to his office, leaving a somewhat shocked Matt staring at the door.

Honestly Matthew felt like an idiot. It was only a matter of time before his parents would’ve become suspicious of him. Every day he would stay in his room training behind closed doors, so the fact his father checked on him while he was training isn’t surprising. The reason Matt was shocked however, is due to his stupidity of secluding himself from his family to train. There was really no real reason to be doing it in the first place, as it’s not like it would affect his progress in anyway.

Also he felt like he truly wasn’t appreciating his new set of parents. One of Matthew’s many regrets in his former life was his treatment towards his family. Being a typical hot-blooded teenager, Matt obviously wasn’t interested in the family trade and ran away to become a mercenary. That one bad decision was the start of it all, and it still left a sour taste in his mouth. Matthew got up and looked out the window towards the garden situated at the back of the house. The sun was exceptionally bright, and his mother and various servants were working hard caring for the various bushes and plants.

In the center lied a rectangular area about 15 meters in width and length, with 2 pathways on the western and eastern sections that led into the garden. In the middle of this area was a pool surrounded by wooden tables, chairs, and benches and it was here that some servants would relax while enjoying the scenery.

This would be where Matthew planned on training from now on. It would be killing three birds with one stone as he’d be able to interact with his mom as she took breaks, practice magic and aura, and enjoy nature while he’s at it.

A few moments later Matt found himself in front of the pool where he sat down and practiced his Aura. The few servants on break were surprised by their young master’s sudden intrusion, as he has never visited the back of the manor before. Jessica strolled into the area to take a break, and then noticed her son sitting by the edge of the pool in deep concentration.

She simply dragged a chair over, and sat down as she observed Matthew. A small smile crept onto her face, and before she knew it she fell asleep. The servants not wanting to disturb this scene of serenity quickly left back to work, leaving the pair to bask in the sun’s warm embrace.