9 Coming home

Mael ran and saw the glowing portal when they were nearing the dungeon's exit.

"Here we go!!!" Mael said before jumping, and they exited the glowing portal, seeing many surrounding soldiers. The dungeon gate began to close, emitting a bright light. All became silent for a moment when the presence of Mael sank in. They all cheered.

"The young master is alive! He came back!" cheered Maledic.

Whaaaaa!!!!

Woooohhhhh!!!

The cheering was loud, surprising Erza, and due to the stirring emotions she felt inside, she couldn't help but feel excited to meet her son. She unmounted off her horse and hurriedly ran towards Mael.

"My son is alive! Make way!" she yelled.

"Move! Make way for Lady Erza!" helped Maledic.

The soldiers moved aside as they made a path for the two of them.

"Soldiers! Line up! Attention!" said Maledic.

Mael put the kid down and ran towards his mother, who was running between the soldiers that lined up. "Mael! My son!" Erza threw away her helmet.

"Mom!" 

"Son!" she yelled with teary eyes and punched him in the stomach as soon as they met.

"Mom-"

Huk! Mael gasped for air, thrown off.

"What were you thinking?! You jumped into the dungeon all by yourself! What if you didn't come back?! Why can't you at least let me protect you as your mother?! That's not bravery, Mael! That's foolishness! And that foolishness will kill you someday!" she bellowed in anger. Mael kneeled on the ground, gasping as much air as he could.

'That punch surprised me a bit. It was the least that I expected. She made a surprise attack that even I thought would never happen. The pain in my abdomen is excruciating. It hinders my breathing, and my abdomen feels stiff due to the sudden impact.' Mael thought. Slowly, he grasped the dirt on the ground and stood up slowly.

"By the way, soldiers! Hand salute!" she said as she saluted Mael.

Mael was still confused by what it was about and lifted his head while Erza continued her speech. "For saving people selflessly, for the bravery you've shown. Now I proclaim you the hero of our land! Mael of Golden Valley!" she yelled and raised his hand.

Mael awkwardly raised his hands and stood amid the crowd as he witnessed all the soldiers hail his name. They were raising their weapons way high as they cheered. 'This is beyond my expectation. Well, at least let me cheer them up so I will bolster up their high morale.' Mael thought. 

"Arrrrrrrggggggg!" Mael replied with a shout, uplifting the mood of the crowd.

Arggggg!!!

Roar!!!

They yelled even louder than before, more deafening than Mael, who flashed a victorious smile. His hand that was so numb by his mother's grip was lowered, and he caressed it. 'So mom is angry. I will let her cool down a bit so she could exhaust her anger. I didn't regret my decision to lure them back to the portal, for I think it was the best option. I just have to be careful next time not to make her angry at me again.' he thought.

Mael looked at the back of his mother as she moved forward, and he was amazed by her aura. 'She has higher proficiency when it comes to aura than my father, but father was more proficient in weapon techniques. I see, maybe mother is lying low right now. I wonder what would happen if my father was here. It would be better if he is. I can only think of my incompetence when he was compared to me, and all I could do was aim higher and reach higher than him. Protecting everyone is burdensome, but it will be easier if I have the power to back it up. Dwight academy! You wait for me! I will join you in the future!' he added.

Erza gave Maledic an order, and she went back to her war mount. "Soldiers! withdraw!" Ezra yelled for them to go back to town. Mael immediately searched for the girl he saved and saw her running.

"Daddy!" 

"Anna! Oh, my child! I thought you were dead!" the old man broke down and cried.

"Daddy! He saved me! I woke up and-" she rapidly talked, but his father silenced her.

"I know. I know," he said as he combed her golden hair.

"By the way," he immediately turned to Mael, who approached them.

"Thanks for saving my daughter. Oh- and how rude of me! I'm Vanz Aldougs, assistant to King Leomurd Ainztain. Yes, the king himself. As our agreement, I will happily serve you and your house, Lord Mael Kael of Golden Valley," he added, bowing down to Mael. The man showed him his kingdom crest, a symbol of his legitimate position as the king's right hand.

"At ease, Sir Vanz! You have a great offense to me because you didn't give the details of your daughter's appearance. Luckily, I saved just the right one! I wondered what reaction you would have if I was mistaken and brought you a different girl. If that happened, It wouldn't be my fault, anyway, yeah?" Mael said, and Sir Vanz nodded quickly.

"It was a great disaster! Thus, I punish you by going to my house and eating dinner with us tonight," Mael threatened him and went to Erza to ask for her permission, whispering the details of his plan, who then nodded in agreement. Mael hastily went back to Sir Vanz.

"As for the details of your new job, well, we will discuss it at my house. Shall we?" he laughed and turned to ride the mount that they prepared for him. 

Vanz carried his daughter in his big arms and rode home along with the army, and while they were marching home, Anna leaned closer to her dad's ears. "Dad! This person was a bad person. I will bet my birthday gift on that!" and Sir Vanz laughed.

"It's not needed, Anna. But if your hunch is correct, I will double your present!" 

Maelrode his horse silently.

'If I am stronger by now. The dungeon will not pose a problem. If I can monopolize the [Limit breaker] then, It will be a feat to take. I would train harder to be able to handle it. If controlled by not being excessive, then maybe it is not called [Limit breaker] but something else like calm [Limit breaker]? It has a very violent aura but, I will be able to monopolize its strength. Making its setbacks became lower in its effectiveness- if controlled. That will be part of my research in the future.' He thought. 

Erza watched his contemplating son and thought, 'My son was able to survive the dungeon without using [Limit breaker] but his strength. I can only watch my boy grow up and become a man. Someday, he will be greater than his father. Melvin will be happy to see him grow up. Melvin, wherever you are right now. Our boy is getting stronger. He will fulfill his duty to save us one day. The ones who the creator himself chose.' 

Mael and the army were nearing the town's west gate. They marched towards the streets, and the people cheered for them. Some opened their windows, and most lined up beside the road, releasing floating lanterns. Anna and the soldiers watched in awe. Sir Vanz was having a conversation with Erza and Maledic while they sat on the carriage together. "Wow! Look at that, daddy! They are floating!" Anna pointed at the lanterns.

"Yes, Anna. It's my first time seeing something this pretty," he said in awe.

"My son made it when he was six," Erza said proudly.

"Say what!?" Vanz said, surprised.

"Yes, and he gave one to every household. He used the money he gained from selling his potions. He's a great alchemist, by the way. He loved enchanting random objects when he was twelve," she sighed. "I miss the old days. When he was still crawling at his crib and peed in his bed," she added, happily.

They marched, and the people sang a melodious song for them. A piece of victory and safety, coming from a bloody battle. Mael felt happy to protect his people and didn't regret it at all.

"Look at that, Mael. They are the people whom you saved. Be proud of yourself! You are the one who led the troops that saved them, right?" said Erza.

"My feat was not even worth mentioning. If I can control [Limit breaker] then-" 

"Then what? It's impossible to control [Limit breaker]! Don't you think about experimenting when your life is on the line? One mistake will lead to your death!"

"Hump, it is not impossible, mom, but I won't be reckless, I promise! I am still not able to save many people because of my incompetence. I will get stronger someday as I train, but it can wait. Let's take this step by step, shall we?" 

"Okay! Okay! I believe that you are the only one who can learn the secret of [Limit breaker]." 

"Really!? I won't let you down!" Mael replied happily. 

"I believe in you! Chosen one!" Erza said while her eyes were closed.

"Chosen one!?" Mael said, bewildered.

"Forget about it. It's not important. Let's drink tea after we arrive in the mansion, shall we?" 

"Yes! Let's do that!" Mael replied.

After minutes of riding, they finally arrived at the mansion, and the head maid and maidservants approached them before the big steel gate with a family crest in the center. "Welcome Lord Mael, Lady Erza, and their guests! We've prepared some tea in case you're all tired," the head maiden bowed down.

"Good! Prepare cozy rooms and meals for our guests immediately," said Erza. 

"As you wish, my lady!" she bowed again and left.

"As you can see, we're not as wealthy as the king, but I hope you still enjoy your stay in our humble home," Mael said and turned to their butler. "Maledic, please guide our guests. Let's meet in the dining room later. Now, if you'll excuse me," Mael went to his room. He grabbed the golden stone from his backpack and put it in the hidden chest under his bed.

"Mael, the guests are now waiting downstairs. You might want to come out this instant," his mom said from the outside.

"Coming!" he answered back, grabbing the golden stone. Mael changed his clothes into sleepwear and exited his room. He hurriedly walked in the stairs, and the guests changed their clothes into sleeping wear as well. In the living room, Sir Vanz, Anna, and Erza were sitting on the couch, while Maledic stood behind Erza and the maids poured them some tea. "Looks like you've waited for so long!" said Mael.

"Oh, no! We're just sitting here for an hour. It's just a breeze," said Erza before taking another sip of tea.

"I'm sorry! But let me get to the point. I want to be an adventurer!" he frankly said to his mother.

"If you want to be an adventurer, then I recommend you to-," said Vanz, but Erza cut it.

"NO." she yelled firmly, crushing the teacup in her hand. The hot tea drenched her hand, stinging from the burn, but she didn't mind it.

"After all that happened, you still want to be an adventurer?" she exclaimed, wiping her hands with a cloth.

"Mom, hear me out first. Have you seen what happened when these gates were left open? We know that the only way to close them is by killing their bosses. And I want to eradicate every last one of them to make the kingdom a safer place. Plus, I want to investigate what is happening in Lumia. At least to atone for the ones I didn't save. At least I can save the others," he said persuasively.

"Son, you don't have to take the blame for everything that happened. You are just a teenager! You're supposedly attending school next year!" she said in a loud voice. 

"Mom, at least let me help them, even for a little," he said, forcing himself to smile. Erza sighed at her son's tenaciousness.

"I really can't predict my son's mind, and thus I surrender," she said, closing her eyes. 

"Okay. But promise me after one year, you will come back and attend school. Promise?" she said, offering her pinky finger. 

"Mom, this is a child's promise-making," Mael retorted.

"Who cares? As long as it's a promise," she said seriously. They both touched each other's pinky, and Erza took a deep breath.

"Okay, I will go to bed earlier. I'm fatigued from our battle; I might sleep instantly. You take care of our guests, okay?" she then pats his shoulders.

"Good night, mom!" 

'What a clever fella. He will get stronger if he becomes an adventurer. At least he will be stronger before the Dwight academy entrance exam. Hump, nice thinking. Let us see how strong you will get by only using techniques.' Erza thought. 

Meanwhile, Mael and his guests were left alone in the living room.

"As I was saying earlier, I could recommend you to-," Vanz said, but Mael cut him.

"No. I want to be undercover while investigating," he said.

"Ho! Ho!" Vanz yelled as he knew the perfect plan. "How about you change your appearance?" Chapter 9

Mael ran and saw the glowing portal when they were nearing the dungeon's exit.

"Here we go!!!" Mael said before jumping, and they exited the glowing portal, seeing many surrounding soldiers. The dungeon gate began to close, emitting a bright light. All became silent for a moment when the presence of Mael sank in. They all cheered.

"The young master is alive! He came back!" cheered Maledic.

Whaaaaa!!!!

Woooohhhhh!!!

The cheering was loud, surprising Erza, and due to the stirring emotions she felt inside, she couldn't help but feel excited to meet her son. She unmounted off her horse and hurriedly ran towards Mael.

"My son is alive! Make way!" she yelled.

"Move! Make way for Lady Erza!" helped Maledic.

The soldiers moved aside as they made a path for the two of them.

"Soldiers! Line up! Attention!" said Maledic.

Mael put the kid down and ran towards his mother, who was running between the soldiers. "Mael! My son!" Erza threw away her helmet.

"Mom!" 

"Son!" she yelled with teary eyes and punched him in the stomach as soon as they met.

"Mom-"

Huk! Mael gasped for air, thrown off.

"What were you thinking?! You jumped into the dungeon all by yourself! What if you didn't come back?! Why can't you at least let me protect you as your mother?! That's not bravery, Mael! That's foolishness! And that foolishness will kill you someday!" she bellowed in anger. Mael kneeled on the ground, gasping as much air as he could.

'That punch surprised me a bit. It was the least that I expected. She made a surprise attack that even I thought would never happen. The pain in my abdomen is excruciating. It hinders my breathing, and my abdomen feels stiff due to the sudden impact.' Mael thought. Slowly, he grasped the dirt on the ground and stood up slowly.

"By the way, soldiers! Hand salute!" she said as she saluted Mael.

Mael was still confused by what it was about and lifted his head while Erza continued her speech. "For saving people selflessly, for the bravery you've shown. Now I proclaim you the hero of our land! Mael of Golden Valley!" she yelled and raised his hand.

Mael awkwardly raised his hands and stood amid the crowd as he witnessed all the soldiers hail his name. They were raising their weapons way high as they cheered. 'This is beyond my expectation. Well, at least let me cheer them up so their high morale will be bolstered up.' Mael thought. 

"Arrrrrrrggggggg!" Mael replied with a shout, uplifting the mood of the crowd.

Arggggg!!!

Roar!!!

They yelled even louder than before, more deafening than Mael, who flashed a victorious smile. His hand that was so numb by his mother's grip was finally lowered, and he caressed it. 'So mom is angry. I will let her cool down a bit so she could exhaust her anger. I didn't regret my decision to lure them back to the portal, for I think it was the best option. I just have to be careful next time. Better not to make her angry at me again.' he thought.

Mael looked at the back of his mother as she moved forward, and he was amazed by her aura. 'She has higher proficiency when it comes to aura than my father, but father was more proficient in weapon techniques. I see, maybe mother is lying low right now. I wonder what would happen if my father was here. It would be better if he is. I can only think of my incompetence when he was compared to me, and all I could do was aim higher and reach higher than him. Protecting everyone is burdensome, but it will be easier if I have the power to back it up. Dwight academy! You wait for me! I will join you in the future!' he added.

Erza gave Maledic an order, and she went back to her war mount. "Soldiers! withdraw!" Ezra yelled for them to go back to town. Mael immediately searched for the girl he saved and saw her running.

"Daddy!" 

"Anna! Oh, my child! I thought you were dead!" the old man broke down and cried.

"Daddy! He saved me! I woke up and-" she rapidly talked, but his father silenced her.

"I know. I know," he said as he combed her golden hair.

"By the way," he immediately turned to Mael, who approached them.

"Thanks for saving my daughter. Oh- and how rude of me! I'm Vanz Aldougs, assistant to King Leomurd Ainztain. Yes, the king himself. As our agreement, I will happily serve you and your house, Lord Mael Kael of Golden Valley," he added, bowing down to Mael. The man showed him his kingdom crest, a symbol of his legitimate position as the king's right hand.

"At ease, Sir Vanz! You have a great offense to me because you didn't give the details of your daughter's appearance. Luckily, I saved just the right one! I wondered what reaction you would have if I was mistaken and brought you a different girl. If that happened, It wouldn't be my fault, anyway, yeah?" Mael said, and Sir Vanz nodded quickly.

"It was a great disaster! Thus, I punish you by going to my house and eating dinner with us tonight," Mael threatened him and went to Erza to ask for her permission, whispering the details of his plan, who then nodded in agreement. Mael hastily went back to Sir Vanz.

"As for the details of your new job, well, we will discuss it at my house. Shall we?" he laughed and turned to ride the mount that was prepared for him. 

Vanz carried his daughter in his big arms and rode home along with the army, and while they were marching home, Anna leaned closer to her dad's ears. "Dad! This person was a bad person. I will bet my birthday gift on that!" and Sir Vanz laughed.

"It's not needed, Anna. But if your hunch is correct, I will double your present!" 

Mael rode his horse silently.

'If I am stronger by now. The dungeon will not pose a problem. If I can monopolize the [Limit breaker] then, It will be a feat to take. I would train harder to be able to handle it. If controlled and not excessive, then maybe it is not called [Limit breaker] but something else like calm [Limit breaker]? It has a very violent aura but I will be able to monopolize its strength. Making its setbacks became lower in its effectiveness- if controlled. That will be part of my research in the future.' He thought. 

Erza watched his contemplating son and thought, 'My son was able to survive the dungeon without using [Limit breaker] but his strength. I can only watch my boy grow up and become a man. Someday, he will be greater than his father. Melvin will be happy to see him grow up. Melvin, wherever you are right now. Our boy is getting stronger. He will fulfill his duty to save us one day. The ones who the creator himself chose.' 

Mael and the army were nearing the town's west gate. They marched towards the streets, and the people cheered for them. Some opened their windows, and most lined up beside the road, releasing floating lanterns. Anna and the soldiers watched in awe. Sir Vanz was having a conversation with Erza and Maledic while they sat on the carriage together. "Wow! Look at that, daddy! They are floating!" Anna pointed at the lanterns.

"Yes, Anna. It's my first time seeing something this pretty," he said in awe.

"My son made it when he was six," Erza said proudly.

"Say what!?" Vanz said, surprised.

"Yes, and he gave one to every household. He used the money he gained from selling his potions. He's a great alchemist, by the way. He loved enchanting random objects when he was twelve," she sighed. "I miss the old days. When he was still crawling at his crib and peed in his bed," she added, happily.

They marched, and the people sang a melodious song for them. A piece of victory and safety, coming from a bloody battle. Mael felt happy to protect his people and didn't regret it at all.

"Look at that, Mael. They are the people whom you saved. Be proud of yourself! You are the one who led the troops that saved them, right?" said Erza.

"My feat was not even worth mentioning. If I can control [Limit breaker] then-" 

"Then what? It's impossible to control [Limit breaker]! Don't you think about experimenting when your life is on the line? One mistake will lead to your death!"

"Hump, it is not impossible, mom, but I won't be reckless, I promise! I am still not able to save many people because of my incompetence. I will get stronger someday as I train, but it can wait. Let's take this step by step, shall we?" 

"Okay! Okay! I believe that you are the only one who can learn the secret of [Limit breaker]." 

"Really!? I won't let you down!" Mael replied happily. 

"I believe in you! Chosen one!" Erza said while her eyes were closed.

"Chosen one!?" Mael said, bewildered.

"Forget about it. It's not important. Let's drink tea after we arrive in the mansion, shall we?" 

"Yes! Let's do that!" Mael replied.

After minutes of riding, they finally arrived at the mansion, and the head maid and maidservants approached them before the big steel gate with a family crest in the center. "Welcome Lord Mael, Lady Erza, and their guests! We've prepared some tea in case you're all tired," the head maiden bowed down.

"Good! Prepare cozy rooms and meals for our guests immediately," said Erza. 

"As you wish, my lady!" she bowed again and left.

"As you can see, we're not as wealthy as the king, but I hope you still enjoy your stay in our humble home," Mael said and turned to their butler. "Maledic, please guide our guests. Let's meet in the dining room later. Now, if you'll excuse me," Mael went to his room. He grabbed the golden stone from his backpack and put it in the hidden chest under his bed.

"Mael, the guests are now waiting downstairs. You might want to come out this instant," his mom said from the outside.

"Coming!" he answered back, grabbing the golden stone. Mael changed his clothes into sleepwear and exited his room. He hurriedly walked in the stairs, and the guests changed their clothes into sleeping wear as well. In the living room, Sir Vanz, Anna, and Erza were sitting on the couch, while Maledic stood behind Erza and the maids poured them some tea. "Looks like you've waited for so long!" said Mael.

"Oh, no! We're just sitting here for an hour. It's just a breeze," said Erza before taking another sip of tea.

"I'm sorry! But let me get to the point. I want to be an adventurer!" he frankly said to his mother.

"If you want to be an adventurer, then I recommend you to-," said Vanz, but Erza cut it.

"NO." she yelled firmly, crushing the teacup in her hand. The hot tea drenched her hand, stinging from the burn, but she didn't mind it.

"After all that happened, you still want to be an adventurer?" she exclaimed, wiping her hands with a cloth.

"Mom, hear me out first. Have you seen what happened when these gates were left open? We know that the only way to close them is by killing their bosses. And I want to eradicate every last one of them to make the kingdom a safer place. Plus, I want to investigate what is happening in Lumia. At least to atone for the ones I didn't save. At least I can save the others," he said persuasively.

"Son, you don't have to take the blame for everything that happened. You are just a teenager! You're supposedly attending school next year!" she said in a loud voice. 

"Mom, at least let me help them, even for a little," he said, forcing himself to smile. Erza sighed at her son's tenaciousness.

"I really can't predict my son's mind, and thus I surrender," she said, closing her eyes. 

"Okay. But promise me after one year, you will come back and attend school. Promise?" she said, offering her pinky finger. 

"Mom, this is a child's promise-making," Mael retorted.

"Who cares? As long as it's a promise," she said seriously. They both touched each other's pinky, and Erza took a deep breath.

"Okay, I will go to bed earlier. I'm fatigued from our battle, and I might sleep instantly. You take care of our guests, okay?" she then pats his shoulders.

"Good night, mom!" 

'What a clever fella. He will get stronger if he becomes an adventurer. At least he will be stronger before the Dwight academy entrance exam. Hump, nice thinking. Let us see how strong you will get by only using techniques.' Erza thought. 

Meanwhile, Mael and his guests were left alone in the living room.

"As I was saying earlier, I could recommend you to-," Vanz said, but Mael cut him.

"No. I want to be undercover while investigating," he said.

"Ho! Ho!" Vanz yelled as he knew the perfect plan. "How about you change your appearance?"