23 Chapter 23 – First meeting (1/2)

Walking at a decent pace behind Yuki, Adam was currently reminiscing on his past 12 days of training.

From the first day that he began training he had felt something different. In his past life, though he wasn't fit, he had tried exercises. The feeling of working out was a rewarding sensation of gradual progression.

Though it was not visible on a daily basis the pain and exhaustion that a workout brought were indicators of the body developing.

In his training sessions, Adam not only felt this pain and exhaustion but he could also feel the magicules in his body actively moulding it. This was a completely different feeling. If the reward felt from a normal workout was 1 then the feeling that he got while training was 100.

It was a kind of euphoric feeling of accomplishment and progression that he could not put into words.

On top of this, his body itself was growing at an incredible pace in strength. Not everyone can get used to carrying twice their weight within twelve days and not overwork their muscles in the process.

This would be utterly inconceivable with his previous worlds standards.

While he was rejoicing over his recent accomplishment, they had already reached the dining room and sat down in their respective spots on the low lying dining table.

They ate their dinner with a few idle conversations. When they were done Adam asked Yuki: ”Mother what good news do you have?”

Yuki loved to joke and over exaggerate sometimes so he wasn't raising his hopes too high. He was treating the matter very casually.

”Hehe, you don't seem to be very optimistic about what I'm about to say.” She giggled because she understood what he was thinking.

”Mother you always do this. I'm used to it by now.” His voice had a hint of resignation in it.

”Oh ho. This time is different! I really do have good news. I found someone.” Seeing how sure he was that she had no good news, she blurted out a bit of the secret that she was trying to keep.

”Found someone? Who were you looking for? Oh! Mother did you perhaps find a person who will adventure with me?!” It had been a while and he had been solely focusing on his training these past few days. The thought of finding a member to join his party had completely slipped his mind.

”Aaaah, I let it slip…” She pouted. Obviously sad at her inability to keep up the mystery. ”It's all okay though. Yes, I found someone who fits my… I mean… our requirements.” She fumbled a little.

”Mother.” He shook his head.

”What?!” She gave a stern glare, trying to hide her embarrassment at her earlier slip-up.

”Nothing. So who is it?” He brought back the topic they were discussing.

”That's a secret. You will find out when you go pick them up tomorrow.” She said with an air of mystery.

”Tomorrow? That quick?” Surprise evident in his voice.

”Yes, so rest well tonight. You can go pick that person up in the morning.”

”I will follow your instructions. Thank you, mother.”

”Good. There's no need for thanks between us. It is only such a small thing. You are my son, so of course, I would gladly help.” She said with pride.

”Thank you, mother. I am not worthy of the love you give me.”He looked down then said. He knew that she just asked him not to thank her but her words and actions had truly touched him.

She had gone out every day after working at the lodge to search for this person, it was all for him and yet she treated it like it was only normal.

His heart had long since promised that he would do everything in his power to protect and repay this wonderful mother of his.

A soft and warm gentle look overcame Yuki's face. She lifted his face with her two palms and met gazes with him. ”You are my only son. If I don't love you, then who will I love?” It was such a simple statement but it held so much care and affection within.

Adam did not know why but these words caused his mind to go blank and his lips to quiver. If he had lost any more control, his eyes were bound to release tears.

'I can afford to disappoint the world. I can even afford to disappoint myself. But if I ever disappoint her I will have truly lost all respect for myself. I can no longer afford to be mediocre. I need to be better. To give her the pride to say that she raised me.'

Everything he had done and the goals he had set till now were all things he did for himself. However, he had now gained an additional reason to be great. His path as an adventurer was chosen.

Now, he would do everything in his power to reach the pinnacle of this path. To bring glory not only to himself but also this outstanding mother of his.

It was a simple reason but the strength that it provided to his resolve was incomparable.

Calming down, he spent a few more minutes in conversation with Yuki.

”Enough, you should sleep early today. You have a very big day tomorrow.” Yuki cut the conversation short.

”All right. Goodnight mother.”

”Goodnight dear.” This was the first time she had called him 'dear' but neither of them noticed it. Unknowingly they had gotten closer.

....

The next morning. Adam was already awake when Fen walked into his room.

Fen was almost frightened to death when she saw a silhouette standing in the darkroom, looking straight at her.

”Aaaaaahhhhh!!!”

Her animated and exaggerated response sent Adam into a fit of laughter while she came over to him and kept lightly thumping his chest with her curled up fists.

The loud scream had alarmed a few other girls working nearby so they came to check up on her. Seeing the scene of the furious Fen and laughing young master, they figured that he must have teased her so they all let out relieved sigh's and went back to work.

The two finally calmed down after a while.

Adam decided to skip breakfast and go directly to the spot his mother had given him directions to the previous night.

Fen informed a few of the girls to report to Yuki about Adam's plans and quickly followed after the fast-paced young master.