Dust still hung in the air, debris scattered everywhere. The guards approached Evo's location, visibly stunned.
— Captain, is this… normal? — one of the knights asked beside him.
— You're asking if this is normal?... Not at all! The amount of mana and destruction here—this shouldn't even be possible. — he replied, scanning the area, trying to make sense of what happened.
As they drew closer to where Evo stood, the sight became even more unbelievable.
— Even the rune barrier—a novice would struggle to break—turned to dust… — the captain murmured, incredulous.
— Young Master, are you all right?
— Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for guarding me while I advanced. — he said with a faint smile, nodding in gratitude.
— I'll stay here a few more minutes, until my body adjusts to the power I received.
If you wish, you can set up camp here—it's already late, and I plan to leave early.
— As you wish, Young Master. If you need anything, call for us. — the guards turned and began clearing the area to make camp.
Evo's Perspective
Rolling up his sleeve, a tiny white serpent came into view, curled around his wrist, eyes closed as if that spot were its home.
— And you, little one… how did you end up here? — he said, gently stroking the small snake, which rubbed against his fingers in return.
Looking toward the shattered tree that had once stood beside him, he wondered aloud:
— Were you up there, perhaps? — he asked, as if the creature could understand him.
Curiosity gleamed in his eyes as he activated the [Eyes of Pride].
[ Analyzing Target... ]
[ Information Available ]
Name: Elemental Serpent
Age: Hatchling
Sex: Female
Existence: Beginner
Element: [ Awakening in Progress → 70% ]
Rarity: [ Ancient ]
Description: Elemental Serpent — a creature born from rare concentrations of pure and raw energy. Few have ever been seen since the dawn of the world. They are born without an element and must absorb elemental energy to claim one as their own. It is said that, in the Era of Gods, there once existed a King Elemental of their kind.
Evo nearly choked in shock as he read the description.
— What?! Elemental Kings?! — he exclaimed, startled.
— Elemental Kings are considered myths! People think it's nonsense, just old tales… but this information—this breaks every known belief! Hahahahahaha! — he laughed, half in disbelief, half in awe.
— So they grow by feeding on mana… and she's already at seventy percent awakening. Where could she have absorbed that much energy? — he muttered, eyeing the serpent curiously.
A sudden realization struck him like lightning.
— Wait… could it be? — he glanced around before finishing his thought. — My class advancement!
— She must've absorbed the excess mana that gathered during it! And since I was right beneath the tree where she rested… she ate straight from the source! Hahahaha! You greedy little thing, was it tasty? — he teased, scratching her chin gently.
— So what should I do with you, hm? Want to come home with me?
The tiny serpent brushed her head against his arm, as if nodding in agreement.
— Perfect! Let's eat and rest until morning.
Grrrr…
— I'm starving… haven't eaten in three days. — he grumbled, rubbing his stomach.
— Oh! Let's give you a name before that. It'd be rude for you not to have one, right?
— Hmmmm… — he thought for a while.
— How about Kalythra? It sounds strong—and it suits you. — he said, tilting his head.
The little serpent nuzzled his arm with more energy, as if happily accepting the name.
— Wonderful. Now, let's check my status! — he said, licking his lips.
— Status! —
[ Divine Status ]
Name: Daniel Roberts → Evo Eylam
Age: 17 → 15
Race: Human
Class: New → Bard of Time
Existence: Beginner → Progress: Level 70
Level: 17 → 31
Experience: 750 XP
Title: [Blessed by Time] → 20%
Strength: 24 → 52
Dexterity: 22 → 50
Perception: 33 → 64
Intelligence: 25 → 51
Charm: 25 → 60
Luck: 7 → 10
Skills: [Basic Sword Art] → 35%, [Eyes of Pride] → 11%, [Future Prediction] → 13%
Authority: None
Element: None
Quest: Active Mission — Awaken your Element within 30 days
Reward: +4 Levels & +30% Title Growth in [Blessed by Time]
Penalty: Lose 5% of base stats
— Fiuuuuu… — he whistled, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
— Man, this is amazing. My stats more than doubled… Hum? A Class? That's new. — he scratched his head, thoughtful. — Hmph! I'll figure it out later. — he shrugged and kept reading.
— And this— a mission? Awaken my element?
— I was planning to do that at the academy anyway. Free levels, huh? Hihihihihi. I've got plenty of time—no way I'm wasting this chance. — he laughed softly.
— Too bad my skill proficiencies didn't rise, only the title did. Well… — he sighed — it was never going to be easy anyway. I'll have to train more to improve.
— All right, let's eat and sleep. — he said, pulling a sandwich from his storage ring.
— Want some, Kalythra? — he asked, offering it toward her.
The serpent ignored him completely and went back to sleep, coiled around his wrist.
— Guess not, haha. — he chuckled and started eating.
Some time later...
— Arrrgh… so sleepy. Guess I'll nap too. — he murmured, eyes slowly closing.
The Next Morning
Everyone packed up and began their journey toward the Eylam family estate.
Walking along, Evo lifted his sleeve slightly to check on the little serpent still asleep around his wrist.
— Hihihi, sleepyhead… — he whispered with a grin.
Hours later, they arrived at the gates of the mansion.
— It was a pleasure accompanying you, Young Master. — said the captain, extending his hand.
— The pleasure was mine. Thank you for everything. — Evo replied, returning the handshake.
Once the knights departed toward the barracks, Evo entered the castle, admiring his mother's garden—always in bloom, just as she liked it.
At the entrance, a maid awaited him.
— Welcome back, Young Master Evo. The Madam is expecting you in her office. — she said, bowing politely.
— Thank you. — he replied with a small nod.
As he walked down the corridor, he spotted Babel leaning against the wall, arms crossed and a pout on her face.
When she noticed him, she gave him a quick up-and-down glare.
— Hmmm? What's this girl up to now? — he thought.
— Hmph! At least you're in one piece. — she muttered, turning and walking away.
— Ahh… — he sighed, scratching his head. — At least just admit you were worried. — he continued toward his mother's office.
At the Office Door
Toc toc!
— Come in!
Evo opened the door—it creaked softly.
Like a cat leaping at its prey, a blur tackled him with surprising force.
— Evvv! My baby, you're back!! — cried Noeli, wrapping her arms tightly around him, refusing to let go.
— I'm home, Mom. — he said, stroking her dark hair affectionately.
She pulled back slightly, holding his shoulders, scanning him head to toe. He chuckled.
— Hahaha! You're just like Babel. I'm fine, really! — he said, spreading his arms.
Noeli nodded, satisfied.
— Good! And congratulations on your advancement. Keep growing stronger—I'm so proud of you! — she smiled warmly.
— Thanks, Mom. But… — he tilted his head — I'm curious about something.
— Oh? What is it, dear?
— What's your level of existence? I've never asked before, but now I'm really curious.
Evo had never used the [Eyes of Pride] on her—both out of respect and fear that she'd notice.
Noeli grinned playfully, hands on her hips.
— Try to guess. — she teased.
— Hmmm… judging by everything I know, Mom's incredibly strong. She wouldn't manage the household or train me so brilliantly otherwise… Based on that, I'd say she's at least… Master class? Yes, probably. — he thought, analyzing her carefully.
— Based on my calculations, you might be… Master class? — he finally said, expectant.
Noeli smiled wider and raised one finger—pointing upward.
— No way… Glup…
— Grandmaster?! — he asked, stunned.
She nodded proudly, striking a confident pose.
Evo, however, could only think:
— Monster… — cold sweat ran down his neck.
— Hey! You were thinking something rude, weren't you?! — she accused, narrowing her eyes.
Evo shook his head frantically.
— Hmpf! Fine, I'll let it slide—because I love you. — she said, squinting playfully.
— Whew… that was close. — he muttered, relieved.
Then she stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
— Happy birthday, my baby. I love you so much. — she said, squeezing him.
— Huh? — Evo blinked, confused, then realization hit him.
— Oh… it's my birthday!
He returned the hug with equal warmth. They stayed that way for minutes, mother and son sharing a quiet, heartfelt embrace.
Two weeks passed swiftly. The day of Evo's departure for the capital's academy arrived.
He packed his bags carefully and descended the stairs, where his mother and sister waited.
— The day has come, Ev. — said Noeli softly, her tone tinged with melancholy.
— Yes, Mom. I'm leaving now. — he said, embracing her.
— Babel, come here. — he beckoned.
Babel, eyes full of emotion, hesitated before stepping forward.
— Listen, sis. While I'm away, take care of Mom for me, all right? — he said, hugging her close.
Babel buried her face in his chest, dampening his shirt slightly.
— Come visit us during the holidays, okay? — she murmured softly, eyes red and teary.
— I will, I promise.
— Hmph! You better. Until then, I'll protect Mom! — she said, puffing her cheeks.
— Adorable. — he chuckled, squeezing them gently.
— Mom, I'm heading out. — he said, kissing her forehead.
Evo walked to the entrance, where the carriage and escort knights awaited.
— Shall we depart, Young Master? — asked one of the guards.
— Yes, let's go.
Before stepping inside, he looked back one last time—his mother hugging Babel tightly as they watched him leave.
— Hmmm… until next time. — he whispered, taking a deep breath as he entered the carriage.
Their farewell was silent, but the weight of distance already pressed upon their hearts—each longing deeply for the day they'd meet again.