"Good!" I praised Mia as she conjured a stone boulder of nearly her size before her. "Now, try launching a stone projectile."

For the past year, I have been practicing magic alongside Mia. However, ever since Hanna started school, we haven't been able to train together with her. But, with summer vacation, comes Hanna's return. She just completed her second year at school and will be coming home soon.

During our training sessions, we discovered that Mia is an Earthen mage, much like Leon. Hanna and Emma possess water magic while I possess fire and wind magic. Even though these affinities aren't hereditary, it's not unusual for children to develop the same affinities as their parents.

However, I believe that my two distinct magical affinities are a result of my reincarnation. Perhaps they are remnants of my previous life that was ultimately insignificant.

As I witnessed Mia launch her spell, I observed it carefully. She's getting better at manifesting and refining her earth magic. I thought. Her first attempts at conjuring earth were very deficient, the stones were fragile and crumbled to dust almost immediately. However, with persistent practice, she has managed to enhance the quality of her stones, making them more resilient.

I turned towards her and motioned her to launch another. However, her attempt failed and the earthen attack shattered into pieces in the air. Upon witnessing this, Mia expressed her dissatisfaction with a grumble.

This was no accident nor a lack of skill. She's more than capable to be messing up like this. Judging by her facial expression it seemed something was troubling her. Approaching her, I asked, "What's wrong?"

"Well. . . It's just. . . I was hoping to develop a different affinity." she said, averting her eyes. "Maybe something more similar to yours. . . Earth is just. . . so boring."

Oh, I get it. A lot of people think that earth magic is the lowest affinity someone could have developed. But in reality, earth magic could be considered the strongest if mastered correctly. This fact has been proven in past history. But people still hold the idea that earth magic is just plain and boring. Maybe Mia is one of those people and doesn't see herself mastering it to such a high degree.

"Mia," I called out to her. As she lifted her gaze toward me, I proceeded to ask, "Do you think I'm strong?" while maintaining direct eye contact.

"Of course you are, I've seen your duels with Father," she replied, looking down at her feet almost as if putting herself down.

"Then, would you believe me if I told you that I was almost killed by an earthen mage?" I asked in earnest, as it is not a story I would casually share. Especially with Mia, who is still very young and may find it distressing, traumatizing even, to take in. Nevertheless, I need her to see that greatness is attainable even with limited skills.

"I. . .uh. . ." she let out, glancing back at me with a startled expression as she stumbled over her words. Uncertain of how to react to what I had said.

"He was. . . really powerful," I remarked. "His display of magic was unlike anyone I've ever seen. It was great, greater than mine even," Remembering my battle with him, I couldn't help but acknowledge how he was able to transform the very landscape of the cave through his magical power, as though it had a life of its own. "And he only had an affinity for earth."

"If he was that powerful, how did you beat him?" she wondered, tilting her head inquisitively.

"Even though he didn't show it, I'm sure he took pity on me. Which led to his defeat," I had sensed some level of restraint during the confrontation, despite his menacing warnings and hostile gestures.

Ultimately, it was my renewed sense of purpose and determination to return home, which was revitalized by Amarok, that enabled me to unlock the power of black lightning and come out victorious in the end.

"But still, I'd have to train for years to get to that level," she said, persisting in her doubt. Additionally, the earthen mage had only gained a significant amount of strength after taking a mana enhancement drug which boosted his capabilities beyond all natural limits, leading to long-lasting damaging effects on his body.

"It doesn't matter if the abilities you have are considered weak," I told her. Comforting people is not my strong suit but I can still try. "You can become strong in your own right. Don't let the opinion of others hold you down."

"I can try," she responded not convinced by my words.

"HEY!!! Arata! Mia!" exclaimed a loud and cheerful voice. The familiar tone caught our attention, prompting us to turn our heads. Looking back we saw Hanna approaching us having just arrived home from school.

"You seem happy," I remarked as she halted directly in front of us attired in her school uniform.

"Yeah!!!" she replied, vigorously nodding. "Guess what I just learned!" reclining back she placed her hand on her chest, showing a sense of pride.

"How to style your hair?" I answered, having observed that her hair was currently styled in a braided ponytail.

"Nope,"

"How to put on makeup?" answered Mia noticing her unblemished complexion as well as a faint blush on her cheeks.

". . . No."

"How to shower?" I said getting close to take a sniff. "You smell better than you used to," I pointed out. Is that perfume? I questioned myself.

"NO!!!" she protested while smacking me on the head. "I already know how to do all of that!" she retorted with anger. "Since both of you guys are way off I'll just have to tell you," she continued, regaining her earlier enthusiasm. "I learned internal mana control," she said while striking a 'cute' pose.

Hearing her words, I was somewhat taken aback. I know she likes to practice the sword. Possibly more than me. So her achieving internal mana control is impressive. She turned thirteen not too long ago. That's the average age at which a person who wishes to become a swordsman learns to do so. Any younger than that and they're considered talented. For humans that is, other races have their own rate of growth.

"That's great," I told her. "You must've worked really hard."

"That's it! That's all your gonna say!" she said in shock.

"Was that not enough?" I questioned.

"Well. . . Aren't you proud of me?" she asked quietly. Even with her makeup on I could tell that her cheeks had gotten a bit brighter.

"Isn't our parent's approval you should be looking for?" I asked. Overall, yes, I am proud of Hanna but I'm just curious as to why she wants mine.

"I haven't told them yet," she said, averting her gaze. Speaking awkwardly she added, "I wanted to tell you first."

"Is that so?" I murmured to myself, more than to her. "Well if you really want to know. Yes, I am proud of you," I told her, showing a smile.

"Hm," she let out, awkwardly turning her head away. "N-No hug?" she asked, her tone sounding gentler than it did before.

"Ha!" I chuckled. "Aren't you a little too old for that?" I jested, never anticipating that Hanna would desire that from me.

"Tsk!" she clicked her tongue in annoyance. "You don't have to be a jerk about it!" she exclaimed with irritation, turning her back in a huff. "I just thought that since we haven't seen each other we could've spent some time together like we used to," she murmured with a tinge of sadness as she strode away.

"Wait!" I called after her, firmly grasping her arm and bringing her to a halt before she walked away entirely.

"What!" she retorted, without bothering to turn back and face me.

"I never said I wouldn't give you a hug," Without delay, I swiftly yanked her arm, forcing her to spin around, and enfolded her in my embrace. "I missed you, sister."

"Well. . . You're still a jerk!" she stated as she returned the embrace. During the hug, I noticed that Hanna was slightly taller than me.

"Come, Mia, now it is your turn," I spoke as I released my grasp on Hanna.

"Okay," after my statement, she quickly embraced Hanna and uttered, "Welcome back sister," Wow, Mia is pretty short. I thought, looking a the scene before me.

"It's good to be back," Hanna replied before letting go.

"Yoo, Hanna!" hearing Leon's voice from afar we all redirected our attention toward him and witnessed both him and Emma heading toward us."Hanna! I'm glad you're back!" he expressed, halting in front of us as he and Emma each took turns embracing her as a welcoming gesture.

"So? How was school?" Asked Emma as she closely examined her daughter.

"It's the same as always," Hanna responded with a heavy breath. "Boring!" she exclaimed. "Except that I learned internal mana control!" she declared regaining her excitement.

"Really!" said Leon with a hint of astonishment. "I can't believe my two kids beat me in that regard. I should've taken school more seriously," he muttered, more to himself than to us.

Leon did go to school for a few years but never took it seriously. He was the type of kid that craved adventure. Once he was a teen he dropped out and went to Canavar where he met Emma, my mother, and the rest of the party.

"I don't know. . ." Emma began. "Is this really a good thing? What if Hanna wants to go adventure and gets injured or. . . Worse." she said, giving me a rapid glance as she spoke.

So, what happened to me still haunts her to this day. Emma, as a mother, is just worried about her daughter's safety, Canavar is a dangerous place after all. And after what happened to me, she has every right to worry. The thought of losing a child, I'm sure she doesn't want to bear the same pain again.

"Well, it's definitely not a bad thing," Leon reassured. "Look at it this way. . . She can now gain the necessary strength to protect not only herself but us as well."

"Hm?" Emma remained silent for a moment as she pondered his words, then quickly shook away her worries. "Yes you're right, I don't know why I worry so much," Emma gazed in Hanna's direction and uttered, "Listen, honey, whatever you choose to do in life know that I'll always support you," She then shifted her focus to Mia and me. "That goes for you guys too."

I was somewhat surprised by her comment that both Mia and I remained silent in response.

"Well. . . Now that that's out of the way. . ." Leon started to say. "Hanna! Me and you! Come on!" Leon's voice was full of enthusiasm as he lifted her up from the ground. "I wanna see what you got!"

"W-What!? Right now!?" Hanna exclaimed anxiously as Leon carried her away to entertain in a duel.

"And there he goes," Emma stated disapprovingly.

"Oh?" Mia said with interest. "I wanna see!" she proclaimed, trailing Leon and Hanna closely.

Well, no use standing around. I pondered. But before I was able to walk off I felt a pair of arms embracing me tenderly from behind. Soon, I recognized the person and voiced out, "Mom?"

"Mom, huh?" Emma chuckled softly as her cheek brushed against mine. "You usually call me mother."

"What's wrong, Mother?" I asked gently, while holding onto one of her arms that was tightly wrapped around my neck.

"Hehe!" She giggled again and then retorted, "What?" speaking sarcastically. "Do I need a reason to love my children?"

"Hehe," I let out a nervous laugh as I felt somewhat embarrassed due to her behavior.

"Come on," she spoke, releasing her hold on me. "Let's go check on your father," she said softly with a bright smile on her face.

As we walked together I felt strangely happy. I finally regained something I once lost. When I woke up in this world I felt all alone. Emma, Leon, and Hanna were there. But I just pushed them away and told myself that they weren't my real family.

But as time passed I got attached to them and saw both Leon and Emma as my parents and Hanna as my sister. Later came Mia and Flare too. I was able to fit in as a part of the family. I grew happy again.

But. . . Deep down I feel a tinge of guilt. I robbed them of their real son. Who the real Arata was supposed to be, who he was supposed to become, will forever be a mystery. I wonder. . . If I ever tell them the truth. . . Who I really am. . . Will they still see me as a part of the family. . . Or will they toss me aside?

"What's wrong, Arata?" asked Emma who came up right in front of my face. "You seem a bit. . . Sad," she pointed out as her expression turned to one of worry.

"Eh?" since I was deeply immersed in my thoughts, I failed to perceive her approach, which left me slightly stunned. "Oh. . . Uh. . . I-I'm fine." I responded in haste.

"Well, if you say so," As she spoke, her hand traveled up to tousle my hair, her fingertips gently grazing my scalp. A soft smile tugged at her lips before she turned her attention back to the lively scene before us. My eyes followed hers, just in time to watch Hanna's blade miss its mark and send her sprawling to the ground. "Be careful you two," she reminded, her voice tender as she gestured toward them.

As I saw Emma's expression and behavior toward me I came to a conclusion. I can't let Emma find out the truth about me. Her pain would be too great, and it would spread like wildfire through Leon, Hanna, and Mia. Their pain would only work to amplify mine even further. I can't have them suffer because of me. Some truths are better off hidden. It is the only way to protect them, even if it means shouldering the weight of their worries alone.

"I give up!!!" Hanna's exclaimed. Her head hung low as she plopped down onto the floor, beads of sweat trickling down her forehead. She gulped for air, her heaving chest rising and falling with each strained breath. Exasperated, she threw back her head and let out a long, anguished sigh.

Leon's gaze lingered over Hanna's figure. "Sure, you've gotten stronger," he commented, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "But you still have a lot of work to do if you want to catch up to me."

"Arata is the one who I want to catch up with, not you," Hanna replied.

"HUH!!!" Leon's eyes widened in shock and his mouth fell open as he heard her words. He stood there frozen, staring at her in disbelief. Slowly, he turned to me, his expression unchanged.

Meanwhile, I shifted my attention, pretending not to have heard a word and I tried to hide my embarrassment.

"Are you okay? Father?" Mia's voice pierced through the tension in the air.

His lips parted slightly, revealing a small smile that hid his true feelings. "O-Of course I am," he said, trying to sound sincere but failed to hide the pressure in his voice. "I'm totally not bothered that my daughter views her brother as a person to catch up with instead of her own father," he spoke quickly all in one breath. The pressure getting heavier. "Nope! Not bothered! Not bothered at all!"

"Calm down, dear!" Emma said, reaching out and tugging on his ear.

"Ouch," as Hanna approached, her face winced in apparent pain and one hand clutched her shoulder. "Father doesn't hold back," she said, her voice little more than a whisper.

"He never does," I replied, my voice heavy with the weight of familiarity. Placing my hand on her shoulder, I focused my mana until a green aura surrounded it. The magic ebbed and flowed, washing over her, leaving her feeling better than she had moments before. As the aura dispersed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. It has been a while since I'd last used my healing magic, but I'm glad to see that it's still effective as ever. "Better?"

As her cheeks began to turn red, she nodded in appreciation and let out a soft "Hm hmm." She then stumbled over her words, trying to express her gratitude. "Th-Thank you-"

"You stink," I said, bringing my hand up to pinch my nose. "You shouldn't wear perfume while training. And with your messy hair, you look terrible," I continued, taking in her appearance. "Just look at your face, the makeup you had on is smeared all over the place, You shouldn't even wear makeup in the first place- Urgh!!!" I let out, grimacing. Bending over, I gasped for breath as the impact of her fist crashed into my stomach. Warmth spread throughout my body, and I stumbled backward

"Shut up!!!" she yelled angrily. Her eyes blazed with fury as my muscles tensed in anticipation of her next move. I shrunk back behind Mia, feeling my fear taking over. "Come here!!!"

"You misunderstood me, sister-" I blurted out, panic rising in my chest as we went in circles around Mia. "I just meant that-" I stumbled back to avoid her punch. "I'd like to take in-" Another blow came at me, but I ducked just in time. "Your natural beauty," I finished, gasping for breath.

"HUH!!!" she let out. Her face flushed with heat and her body tensed up. "Really?" she asked, placing her hand on her chin, projecting an air of shyness. What's with the change in her mood all of a sudden? I thought.

"Yes!" I exclaimed, nodding my head up and down rapidly like an enthusiastic bobblehead. "Isn't that right Mia?" I asked as we exchanged glances.

"Yes," Mia agreed, frightened to deny my words. "Brother is right. You are very beautiful, sister," she added.

"Well, if that's the case. . ." she began, her eyes darting to the ground, her shoulders slumped, and her voice trailed off apologetically. "I'm sorry."

"You know what," I began, then fell silent for a moment. As I pondered my own words my fingers unconsciously danced across my chin. "Now that I think about it, I take it back."

"Y-You!" she said, clenching her hands in anger once more. "HAAA!" with a fierce cry, she charged forward, running past Mia. "Take this!" Before I knew it, she was on top of me and raining down punches.

"Wait!" I spoke as my body tensed. The adrenaline inside me spiked as her fist flew toward me. "It was just a joke!" I said quickly, trying my best to block or dodge her attacks.

"Hanna!" Emma called out, rushing over and lifting her up by the waist. "That is no way for a lady to act!" she reprimanded.

Hanna pivoted on her heel with a flash of anger in her eyes. "It's all Arata's fault!" she seethed, jabbing an accusing finger in my direction.

My jaw dropped in disbelief. "Me!?" I retorted, unable to hide my shock. "Hanna's the one who jumped me," I pointed out, looking at Emma hoping to set the record straight.

Hanna scoffed, her arms crossing over her chest. "I did it because you were being mean to me!" she exclaimed, averting her fiery glare away from my direction.

"Both of you, stop it!" Emma's eyes flared with fury as she looked us up and down. "Hanna don't hit your brother!" she demanded then snapped her head to me. "And Arata, be nice to your sister!"

"Sorry," Both Hanna and I spoke simultaneously. Instantly lowering our heads in apology. Fear coursed through us as we quaked under our mother's wrathful mood.

Emma let out a heavy sigh as her anger died down. Then stared at us with her usual gaze. "I expected this sort of behavior from Hanna, but not you Arata," she said in disappointment.

"What?!?!" Hanna's jaw hit the floor, shocked by Emma's words.

I could tell Hanna was on the verge of getting upset, so I decided to apologize. "I'm sorry, sis. Don't take everything I say so seriously. Know that I'm only messing with you."

With a huff, she turned her head away, a slight frown on her lips. "Fine, I'll accept your apology," she finally said not looking too pleased. Turning to face me once more she added, "But you'll still have to make it up to me."

Hanna's piercing eyes bore into mine, waiting for my response. My body felt heavy with exhaustion as I considered her request. With a heavy sigh escaping my lips, I reluctantly gave in. "Alright," I muttered, realizing it would be easier to comply than to make a scene. Hanna's face lit up in triumph as I gave in, and I couldn't help but feel like I had made a grave mistake. "What do you want from me?" I asked, already dreading the answer.

Hanna's devious grin was enough to know that I was in for a treat. "You have to do whatever I say for a whole day," she said with a smirk.

I wasn't sure how to respond but before I could say anything, Hanna proposed a condition. "But not today. Since the day is almost over, whenever I say the day is you'll have to agree."

"Well, now that you guys have that settled," Leon began to say. "How about a rematch?" Leon's eyes glinted as he spoke, his gaze locking onto me. I felt a thrill of anticipation rushing through me at the challenge in his voice.

"If you insist, I guess I have no choice," I replied, my competitive spirit already beginning to take hold.

As Leon tossed me the practice sword that Hanna had used earlier, a familiar voice echoed through the air.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Whatever it is you're going to do, it'll have to wait," came Creon's voice from out of nowhere. "Father has called a family meeting. We should go see what he wants," seriously, where did he come from?