Chapter 21: Returning home

Words : 1300 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 21 - Returning homeAlex, unaware of the commotion that he had caused at the union, returned home after keeping his outfit back in the system. The sky was already dark by the time Alex arrived at their house; only a few working street lamps and lights from the windows of nearby houses and the moon provided visibility for this part of Balon city. As he had inherited the memories of the previous Alex, he was now familiar with the various routes of this part of the city and knew where not to pass to avoid encountering those scumbags that hid in quiet alleys and waited for unlucky people. Not that he was afraid of them, he just didn't feel like dealing with anyone today since he was in a good mood. Although he didn't manage to increase his strength after killing magic beasts for the whole day, he had gotten a very useful spell that would save him a lot of trouble in the future and had made a huge sum of money from selling his gains as well! Thinking about this, Alex had a wide smile on his face as he pushed the door of his house open and stepped in. "I'm home!" He announced as he entered. "Big brother, you're back!" Emily's eyes lit up when she saw Alex and ran toward him. "Where did you go? I thought you weren't going to come back." Emily arrived in front of Alex and said with a pout on her cute face. "I was out for some work, did you miss me?" Alex said with a small laugh while rubbing her head. "Don't mess up my hair, you made everyone wait for you for dinner." Emily protested but didn't move Alex's hand away. Their mother stepped out of the kitchen after hearing their voice. "You're back; go wash up and come down for dinner; I'll set the table soon." She smiled at him before going back into the kitchen. " Alright Mom," Alex replied and immediately headed for his room while Emily stayed in the living room. "Emily, come help me set up the table for dinner." "Okay!" Alex could hear his mother's and sister's voices as he entered his room and closed the door. He dropped the old backpack he had gone out with on the side before dropping it on his bed and gazing at the ceiling of his room. No one knew what he was thinking as he just stayed like that. After some time, Alex raised both hands in the air and looked at his palms; they were neat and smooth. He balled them into fists after staring for a while, a smile on his lips while his eyes shone with determination. Some minutes later, Alex had already washed up and changed into new clothes. He was currently seated with his family at the dining table as they ate their food while making small talk. It was usually Emily asking lots of questions while their Mom constantly reminded her not to speak with food in her mouth, their father just listened without contributing. "I heard from some people that the academy is hosting a small competition to pick students who will represent them in the all-academy star competition. I want to watch and cheer for Big Brother!" Emily suddenly voiced out. "Emily! Swallow your food before talking!" Their Mom said helplessly. "I don't think the academy will allow spectators from this competition since it's for deciding candidates, you can just wait for the main competition and cheer for me there. I'll win first place for you." Alex turned to Emily and smiled. The girl's eyes grew larger with excitement. "Really?" "Yes, really," Alex replied confidently. The two parents watched in silence as their kids conversed happily. Their mother had a small smile on her face while their father just gazed at them with a conflicted look. They were done eating after some time and Alex's mother asked Emily to help her with the dishes in the kitchen. Alex was about to return to his room and read some books but stopped when he heard his father's voice. "Alex, come sit with me in the living room for a minute." Alex turned back and saw his father walking toward the living room, he followed without saying a word. Both of them sat opposite each other with the table between them, there was silence for the following seconds before Alex's father broke it with the sound of him clearing his throat. He gazed at Alex for a few seconds before opening his mouth. "I heard from your mother that you finally reached the Adept rank." He spoke softly. "Yes, that's true," Alex replied. He noticed his father's lips trembling after he said that, and his eyes flashed with multiple emotions at the same time; he was obviously forcing himself to stay calm. "Hmm, that's good to hear. I'm proud of you, son." His father said slowly after a while. Alex felt something inside him after hearing his father's words. From the memories of the old Alex, his father rarely spoke but was still very kind to him. He had seen how his father looked at him with sorry eyes in the past as if it was his fault that Alex wasn't able to make any progress; the old Alex must have wanted to hear those words for a long time. "Why are you crying?" Alex was pulled back to his senses by his father's sudden question. He was stunned and touched his face, only to feel the wetness on his face. 'Why am I crying?' Alex was equally confused as to why he was crying. He didn't feel sad or any negative feelings, he could even be said to be happy because of the ticklish sensation that he was feeling in his stomach. "It's nothing, thanks, Dad." Alex said while wiping his face with his palm. The latter gazed at Alex for some time, an almost unnoticeable smile hooked his lips for a split second before disappearing the next moment. He stood up, walked over to Alex, and patted him on the shoulder. "Work hard, son. If you need anything at the academy, feel free to tell me and I'll definitely get it for you." His father said seriously before walking away. Alex stared at his retreating back and couldn't explain what he was feeling, he could only sigh and stand up to go to his room as well. Just before he left the living room, his mother appeared. "Don't mind your father's behaviour, he always had a hard time expressing himself. Don't tell him that I told you this, he cried so hard after I told him that you broke through." His mother said with a soft giggle, she had whispered the last part. Searᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Now, off to your room; young mages need rest." She touched Alex's face gently and smiled at him before walking off, not giving him a chance to respond. Alex could hear her giggles even after she had returned to the kitchen. "I guess some things never changed," Alex mumbled to himself, his mother's actions reminded him of his mother in his previous life. 'Young mages need rest huh? But I'm a core mage and can go a few days without sleep.' Alex thought to himself as he silently made the decision to read the whole night. Got to use every chance to gain exp points!

Chapter 21: Returning home

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