Frans could not stand up. His aura was exhausted. But Ben was in a better condition & he was replenishing his aura slowly. But Frans was taken for healing. Ben was applauded by everyone. Now the students were really motivated. They had seen what a martial knight could do. The power Ben & Frans exhibited was beyond anything they had seen. Even though some of them came from influential & wealthy families, the upper level martials seldom wielded their power in front of non-martials, especially children. So they were seeing a fight of this level at such close range for the first time. This acted as a way to steel their resolve.
Ben was going with Mahaansh now. Ben asked "So, what is happening? Did that guy go back on his word?" He was concerned as their opponent was a martial entity. Mahaansh answered "No worries. In order not to arouse suspicion that entity is handling stuff through his subordinates. He is just making it so that we don't get things easy. So ensure that we don't pester him anymore! While he could understand the logic behind it, he was not really comfortable with it.
Ben muttered "One day I will make that old geezer cough up everything he has got!" when they were talking, they were standing in a short hallway. As Ben was talking the entire hallway became still. Mahaansh could see even the dust particles & light itself following a steady & stable path at least in that short hallway. This happened only for a fraction of a second. But it was enough for a top martial to note it. He remembered what Ivaan said. He was seriously considering whether to talk to him about it or not. But he decided against it. It is better not to overwhelm people with information.
Mahaansh said "Now, while I also want the same, I would hold my horses. He is a martial entity & someone who has considerable influence in certain circles. You better be cautious. Don't go around speaking about it, even by accident!" Ben took the advice seriously & nodded.
Soon Mahaansh along with Ben went to settle up the debt for the procedure they did on Ben. He had a balance of 10 million in his account which after settlement became 8 million.
Soon it was evening. He told his friends that there was something urgent he needed to do and he went ahead. He and his sister bought some snacks and certain dishes from the 'Barbos Restaurant and Bakery'.
When John and Malina came in the evening they were stunned by the dishes at the table. They wanted to reprimand Ben for spending money like this. But they did not do it in front of Miraya. Ben said that he wanted to speak with them after the dinner. After the dinner Miraya went to sleep as she literally ate too much sweet and was feeling sleepy. Soon John, Malina and Ben sat down. John started.
John: " Ben first of all we appreciate these things. We also want our son and daughter to grow up stand on their own. Giving us a treat from the most expensive and sought after restaurant is not something we are averse to. But not now. Not when you are at a phase where you need resources for your martial journey.
Malina: Yes Ben. We can't afford to waste money. We need you grow up. We will support you. Don't worry about the cost of implantation. We will work it out somehow."
Ben did not tell anything. He just opened his device and showed them his account. It showed a balance of almost 8 million. They were stunned. John and Malina closed and opened their eyes a few times. They looked at the screen and Ben.
Ben: " This is what I earned from the mission. So we can forget problems with my resources. Even if I were to learn two high level martial arts, it will only cost me another 4 million. What I want to talk about is restarting your martial journey.
John: What do you mean? We are done. We have you now. That is enough.
Malina: Yes. We have achieved whatever we can. Now it your turn.
Ben: No, I can't let you do that. Mom you are a peak martial knight now. Push towards the noble realm. Why don't you take some time off. I have emergency funds for the family. I will also have another mission. I can earn money. Father you also. Push towards the limit of noble realm. Please.
John: That is a tall order son. It is not so easy.
Ben: Yes, father it is not. But that does not mean that you should not try. You don't need to worry about my resources. I can handle it on my own.
Malina: Look at him. Being all confident when he got some money.
Ben: Mom, please enough is enough. You two have been working like this for the past 15 years. I know what you have gone through. I know you have been trying to save. So all I am asking is to take some from that savings. I can replenish it. It is just a push in your case. At the noble realm you don't have to work like this and you will get a better position at the company.
Malina: But….
John: Malina, I think he is right. In your case it is a final push. You can do it.
Malina: (Looking at John and then at Ben) Alright…. I will do it. I will try to achieve the noble rank.
Ben: You as well father. After mother succeeds, please try to elevate your realm as well. If possible, please try for the lord realm as well.
John: Ha ha ha…... It is not so easy my son. If lord realm was so easy, many would have achieved it.
Ben: Is it such a secret. No one is telling me.
John: It has its reasons. Don't worry about it.
Ben: Regardless, you two should seriously consider this. I can't let you hinder your martial arts because of me.
John: Now, don't say that. As parents we have some responsibility.
Ben: Alright alright. But you can't go back on your word."
Ben said good night to his parents and went to his room. He was going to study rigorously for his upcoming exam. John and Malina looked at Ben going up and then looked at each other. Their son's words had reignited the embers of their martial ambition that they had in their youth. John had decided to support his wife in whatever way possible.