[Chapter 9 - Alea Iacta Est : The Die Has Been Cast Pt.2]

As my gut tightened from there being nothing left to vomit I held myself up weakly as I stared at the ground panting heavily, my eyes and nose both running. From above I heard my mother speak in an emotionless and deadpan tone.

"You have learned something that is both difficult and important. Up until you have been rather sheltered to the realities of how things work because I wanted you to have memories of something to fight for and protect. I am not sure how that choice will turn out in time but for now you must learn something. To live is to take from others. Reality is cruel and the world is grotesque. Rest a moment and gather yourself in the time it takes me to unload the horses, after that I expect you to be ready to help me make camp." I felt a hand brush gently through my hair as she walked away.

I then proceeded to assist my mother in pitching two tents as well as preparing a proper fire and area for the horses. Since our journey was extended and this was to act as a base camp she seemed to have packed decently comfy. But it didn't matter. As I lay on a makeshift bed of blankets and pelt in my tent I drifted into the silence of the night. I have not spoken much since the instance with the goblins only parting my lips in simple replies or to declare understanding. Both my mind and body alike felt exhausted once more. The images of the goblins' bodies flashed over in my mind as I closed my eyes fighting desperately for sleep. After what felt like an eternity, it came, though it was in short bursts.

As the sun began to rise I did the same. I had barely slept and the night felt long, though my mind and body still ached I was ready to do something other than lay around.

After sluggishly getting ready I walked out to my mother preparing a breakfast of meat as well as various vegetables. We mostly ate in silence with the exception of a brief explanation that all future meals will be gathered on our hunts. After readying ourselves and securing the horses my mother began to trace a symbol on the ground with her wand.

"Conceal" a glowing light formed on the ground in the shape of the symbol she traced with her wand. She then proceeded to repeat the process two more times uttering the words "Barrier" and "Protect".

When she was done she raised her wand and spoke "Domain of Light". As she did the 3 symbols grew brighter before a slightly tinted triangular barrier began to form around our encampment. Once it was formed the symbols brightness began to fade. Once they disappeared the barrier softly flashed then vanished as well, as did the entire encampment as well as my mother.

While I stood there in awe my mother began to appear walking from where the camp was, appearing from thin air. As she did I softly spoke

"Perception"

When I did the same usual white text on purple backing appeared , except this time it was smaller and was stuck in the top right corner of my vision.

<<Skill: (?) [Domain of Light] ?/? - Mana:? - Allows the user to create a barrier that provides stealth and protection through the use of ???.

<Notice: Skill could not be fully evaluated as [Perception] can only properly skills up to (E).

When I was awake last night I took the time to read over all my current skills. I figured something like this would happen but I wanted to confirm it myself. Although I was slightly happy because now I could ask my mother. It might be stupid or strange but I never had a mom before and I like making the most of the one I have now. No…, no thinking about my previous life.

"What was that?" I spoke up.

"It is what is called a dual layer skill. Allow me to explain. Magic and Spells. These terms essentially mean the same thing ; the act of channeling and manipulating mana into a specific outcome via a connection to the World System, or, skills. These connections can be strengthened by leveling your skills, yes, but also by understanding them. Studying mana and studying your skills through experience and grit. When you do, you'll reach new levels of proficiency that allow you to acquire skills that depend on other skills, also known as skill layering. Domain of light uses rune magic as a way to turn the light magic into an invisible and protective barrier. Because Rune Magic and Light Magic are two separate classes, it is a dual layered skill."

"That's amazing" I said in awe

She broke her normal callus concentration with a small smile "In time Elly. But know that this is why despite having technically stronger skills than an opponent, you can still end up on the losing front due to a gap in experience. Multi layered skills are often complex, problematic and uncertain compared to typical skills. That is why we are here, to get you that experience."

Her smile began to fade into a defeated frown "Normally you would get to attend an Academy and learn all of this but due to the mistakes of your parents you cannot, and I am sorry for that."

My body froze and I stared back at her like a deer at the sound of a broken branch. It was new for her to even talk about this type of thing but to apologize. I couldn't help but feel…confused. I wasn't sure why she was. I honestly loved my life. I could never have dreamed of something like this before and I wouldn't change it for a moment.

"For what?" I said, smiling awkwardly.

My mother did the same before saying gently "Thank you". After a brief moment she regained her composure "Now then, ready yourself for our first hunt. Today, we cross the river for the first time." as she spoke she walked to and past me towards the river and trees.

That's right. I don't want this life I love to change and to do that I need to get strong. Strong enough to protect the things dear to me. My mothers plan of giving me something to protect in order to fight had worked.

As I thought that I felt my mind begin to clear and my body strengthen as I followed in her footsteps.