Chapter 5: Athena's Return and Old Man Ying's Farewell

The evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the house as Athena returned home from Imperial College for the holidays. The entire family gathered at the front gate to greet her, excitement palpable in the air. Light,Su Hongxiu ,Su Xuanhua, Ye XinXia, and their parents all stood eagerly waiting.

Athena stepped out of the car, her face lighting up with a smile as she saw her family. She had grown more confident and composed over the past year, a testament to her time at the prestigious college. Light couldn't contain his excitement and sprinted towards her, jumping into her arms with a joyful laugh.

"Athena! I've missed you so much!" Light exclaimed, hugging her tightly.

"I missed you too, little brother," Athena replied, ruffling his hair affectionately. "It's good to be home."

They made their way inside, where a sumptuous dinner awaited them. The dining table was laden with a feast, the aroma of various dishes filling the air. The family sat down together, eager to catch up on the past year.

"So, Athena," Su Xuanhua began, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How was it at Imperial College? You've been there for a whole year now."

"Yes, tell us everything," Su Hongxiu chimed in. "How is the college? Are the students strong? Average? Super strong? And what's your rank among them?"

Athena smiled as she took a sip of her drink. "Imperial College is as amazing as I expected. It truly lives up to its title of No. 1. The students are strong, very strong. On average, they're a force to be reckoned with. As for me, I'm proud to say that I'm in the top group among the newcomers."

The family erupted in cheers and applause, congratulating Athena on her achievements. Light beamed with pride for his sister.

Their father, Sun Jiexi who rarely showed emotion, couldn't hide his satisfaction. "You've done well, Athena. We're all proud of you."

Their mother, Mei Maya added, "It must have been challenging. How did you manage to balance everything?"

Athena's smile widened. "It was tough, but I had great mentors and friends who supported me. The coursework is intense, and the training sessions are grueling, but it's all worth it. I've learned so much about magic, strategy, and even teamwork."

Ye XinXia, who had always admired Athena, leaned forward eagerly. "Did you get to see any high-level duels?"

Athena nodded. "Very few. The high-level duels are something else entirely. The skill and power on display are incredible. Watching them was both inspiring and humbling."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, with everyone sharing their own updates and stories from the past year. Laughter and warmth filled the room, the bond between them as strong as ever.

As the night wore on, the family retired to their rooms, but Light and Athena lingered outside under the old oak tree in the courtyard. They sat on the soft grass, the cool night air filled with the sounds of rustling leaves.

"Athena, I want to show you something. Can we go to the treehouse?"

Athena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "The treehouse? It's been months since I've been up there. Sure, let's go."

They made their way to the old oak tree in the courtyard, its branches sprawling wide and sturdy. The treehouse, built by their father when they were children, had been a place of countless adventures and secrets.

As they climbed up, Light felt a rush of nostalgia. The wooden planks creaked slightly under their weight, but the structure was as solid as ever. They settled inside, the evening breeze gently swaying the branches.

Athena looked around, a smile playing on her lips. "I can't believe this place is still here. We had so many good times up here."

Light nodded, his eyes bright with excitement. "I know, right? It feels like just yesterday we were playing pirates and wizards."

Athena laughed. "You were always the wizard, casting spells with your stick wand."

Light grinned. "And you were the pirate queen, always bossing us around."

They both laughed, the memories bringing them closer. After a moment of comfortable silence, Light's expression turned serious.

"Athena, I've been thinking a lot about my awakening," he said, looking out at the stars. "I want to awaken the Space Element."

Athena raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Dimensional magic, huh? You do know that only 1 out of 400 advanced magicians can awaken it, right? And yours is just first awakening."

Light nodded. "I know. But I believe in myself. I have this feeling, this unshakable belief, that I can do it."

Athena sighed, but there was a hint of admiration in her eyes. "You should focus on elemental magic, Light. With our family's top resources, you could easily awaken the lightning element. If an awakening fails, the dream of becoming a magician vanishes. I'm not saying you will fail, but the chances of awakening Space Element is extremely slim at the basic stage."

Light met her gaze, his eyes unwavering. "I know the risks, Athena. But I have to try. I believe in my luck."

Athena studied her brother, noting the fire in his eyes. "You've always been determined, Light, but there's something different about you now. Something... stronger."

Light smiled, thinking of the little loach pendant around his neck, hidden beneath his shirt. It had become his luck bringer, a symbol of his unyielding determination.

Athena placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I believe in you too, Light. You have the strength and determination to achieve great things. Just remember, you don't have to do it alone. We're all here to support you."

Light smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort. "Thanks, Athena. That means a lot."

They sat in silence for a while, the night sky above them filled with twinkling stars. The bond between them felt stronger than ever, a testament to their shared experiences and dreams.

As the night grew colder, they reluctantly made their way back to the house. Light felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. With his family's support and Old Man Ying's legacy of totem beasts guiding him, he knew he could face any challenge that came his way.

A month passed, the days growing warmer as spring approached. Light felt a sense of urgency growing within him. His magic awakening was less than two weeks away, and he wanted to seek guidance from Old Man Ying, his mentor and the one person who believed in his potential to lead the Totem Tribe.

One evening, with the sun setting and painting the sky in hues of orange and red, Light decided to visit Old Man Ying's cottage nestled in the mountains. As he approached the familiar wooden house, he felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding. The air was heavy, the usual lively sounds of the forest eerily silent.

"Old Man Ying?" Light called out as he entered the small, cozy home. There was no response. His heart pounded as he moved through the rooms, finally finding the old man lying on a bamboo bed in his room, his frail body barely moving.

"Old Man Ying!" Light cried, rushing to his side. The old man's eyes fluttered open, and a weak smile crossed his face.

"Ah, my boy, you've come," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Light knelt beside him, gripping his hand tightly. "Of course, I've come. I wouldn't leave you alone."

Old Man Ying's eyes, though tired, still held a spark of warmth and wisdom. "Light, my time has come. But there's something important I need to tell you."

Light's throat tightened with emotion. "Please, don't talk like that. You're going to be fine."

Old Man Ying squeezed his hand weakly. "Listen to me, Light. You are the new leader of the Totem Tribe. You have the heart, the spirit, and the strength to fulfill the dream I have carried all my life. The totem beasts need to be known and accepted by everyone. Only you can make that happen."

Tears streamed down Light's face. "I promise, I won't let you down. I'll find the totem beasts and honor your legacy."

A look of peace settled over Old Man Ying's features. "I know you will, my boy. I've seen the fire in your eyes, the determination in your heart. You are destined for greatness."

As the old man's breaths grew shallower, Light felt a profound sense of loss wash over him. "Please, don't leave me," he whispered, his voice breaking.

Old Man Ying's eyes closed, a peaceful expression on his face. "I'm not leaving you, Light. I'll always be with you, through the pendant and in your heart. Remember that."

With those final words, Old Man Ying took his last breath, his hand slipping from Light's grasp. Light felt a surge of grief and a deep, aching emptiness. He held the pendant tightly, feeling a warmth spread from it, as if Old Man Ying's spirit were merging with his own.

The little loach pendant began to glow softly, and Light felt a connection forming, binding it to his very soul. It was as if Old Man Ying's essence was merging with him, giving him strength and a renewed sense of purpose. Light could feel the old man's wisdom and power flowing into him, filling the void left by his passing. It was a bittersweet comfort, knowing that his mentor would always be a part of him.

At that moment, Light felt a sudden, intense warmth spread through his chest. The pendant glowed softly, and a faint, mystical light enveloped him. He could feel the pendant merging with his soul, binding to him in a way that was both profound and unbreakable. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever experienced—a deep connection to something ancient and powerful.

Light closed his eyes, letting the feeling wash over him. He could sense the presence of Old Man Ying's spirit, guiding him, reassuring him. When he opened his eyes, he knew he was no longer the same. The pendant had become a part of him, a symbol of his promise and his destiny.

Determined to honor Old Man Ying properly, Light began to dig a grave near the clearing where the old man had spent so many of his days. With each shovelful of earth, memories of their time together flashed through Light's mind. He worked tirelessly, driven by a sense of duty and love.

Once the grave was prepared, Light carefully placed Old Man Ying's body inside, arranging the leaves and flowers around him. He stood by the grave, his heart heavy, and whispered, "Thank you for everything. I will never forget you."

Light then wandered through the mountains, collecting flowers to adorn Old Man Ying's resting place. He chose the most vibrant and beautiful blooms he could find, wanting to give his mentor a tribute worthy of his greatness. When he returned, he arranged the flowers around the grave, creating a beautiful, colorful blanket over the earth.

As the sun began to set, Light finally made his way back to the city. The journey felt longer, his heart weighed down by grief. When he reached home, the sky was already darkening, and the first stars were beginning to appear. He walked in, his face a picture of desolation.

His mother, Maya, immediately noticed his distress. "Light, where have you been all day?" she asked, concern etched in her voice.

Light looked at her, his eyes red from crying. "Old Man Ying... he's gone," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

Hera's face softened with sorrow. "Oh, Light, I'm so sorry." She pulled him into a comforting embrace, and he clung to her, needing the support.

His sisters Su Hongxiu, Su Xuanhua, Athena, and Ye XinXia gathered around him, each offering their own words of comfort and support.

Su Hongxiu knelt beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We're here, Light. We know how much he meant to you."

Su Xuanhua added, "He was a great man. His teachings will live on through you."

Ye XinXia, who had always been a quiet, supportive presence, offered a gentle smile. "We'll honor his memory together."

Athena, seeing Light's distress, wrapped her arm around his shoulder, pulling him close. "You are not alone, Light. We're all here for you."

Athena, who shared the same room with Light, sat with him that evening, letting him talk about Old Man Ying and their times together. "He was more than just a mentor to you, wasn't he?" she asked gently.

Light nodded, tears welling up again. "He believed in me when no one else did. He taught me so much about the totem beasts, about life."

Athena squeezed his hand. "And you'll make sure his teachings live on. You have that strength, Light."

They paid their respects to Old Man Ying, standing in silence for a long moment.

In the quiet of their shared room, Athena sat beside Light on the bed. He looked so small and vulnerable, a stark contrast to his usual confident self. Athena gently pulled him into her arms, his head resting against her bust.

"You can let it all out, Light," she whispered, her voice soothing. "I'm here for you."

"I'll find the totem beasts and honor his legacy." Light said.

"I know you will," Athena replied, her voice filled with unwavering belief. "You have the strength and determination to do it. And we'll all be here to support you every step of the way."

Athena continued to hold him, gently stroking his hair. "Rest now, Light. Tomorrow is a new day, and you have a bright future ahead of you."

Light nodded, exhaustion finally catching up with him. He nestled closer to Athena, feeling safe and loved in her embrace. The warmth of her body and the rhythmic sound of her heartbeat lulled him into a peaceful sleep.

The next day, Zhang Xiao Hou, Light's close friend, came to visit after hearing the news. He found Light sitting in the garden, lost in thought.

"Hey," Zhang Xiao Hou said softly, sitting beside him. "I heard about Old Man Ying. I'm really sorry."

Light nodded, trying to hold back his tears. "Thanks, Xiao hou. It's just... I feel so lost without him."

Zhang Xiao Hou put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "He believed in you for a reason. You have a destiny to fulfill. And I'll be here to help you every step of the way."

Light looked at his friend, feeling a spark of hope amidst his sorrow. "Thank you, Xiao hou. I know I have a long road ahead, but with friends like you, I know I can make it."

They sat together in silence, the bond of their friendship providing a small but significant comfort to Light in his time of grief. The loss of Old Man Ying was a heavy blow, but with the support of his family and friends, Light knew he could carry on, honoring his mentor's legacy and fulfilling the promise he had made.

Light knew that the path to becoming a great mage was fraught with challenges, but he was more determined than ever. With his family by his side and the legacy of Old Man Ying guiding him, he felt ready to take on the world.