Chapter 22 - choosing a weapon 1
[Gray’s POV]
After that, Aunt Evelyn continued praising both Amy and me for our talents. Eventually, she turned toward me with a teasing smile.
"So, little Gray, what’s your ambition for the future? With your talent, you can achieve many things. Maybe become a great hero or something. Do you already have a dream, or are you still figuring it out?"
I didn’t hesitate.
"Yes, I do have an ambition," I replied calmly. "But it isn’t to become a hero."
She blinked in surprise.
"Oh? Why not? Heroes are admired by everyone, you know."
I shook my head.
"I respect heroes and everything they stand for. But I could never become one."
"Why?" she asked curiously. "Heroes are stronger than ordinary people, aren’t they?"
I looked at her seriously before answering.
"They may be stronger physically, but heroes stand for sacrifice. They fight for everyone."
I paused for a moment.
"But I’m selfish."
My words drew everyone’s attention.
"I only care about the people precious to me. As long as they’re safe, nothing else matters."
I looked at Amy.
"If I had to choose between saving a million strangers and saving my sister..."
"I would save Amy without a second thought."
Amy’s eyes widened.
"It isn’t that I want those million people to die," I continued quietly. "But in that moment, my sister would always come first."
I lowered my gaze slightly.
"A true hero would sacrifice someone precious to save millions."
"But I can’t do that."
"So... I don’t think I’m suited to be a hero."
Silence filled the room.
Aunt Evelyn seemed genuinely taken aback by my answer.
"That’s... quite a deep way of thinking for someone your age, little Gray," she said with an amused smile. "But you’re right. Heroes are people who can sacrifice even their loved ones for the greater good."
She smiled warmly.
"But I don’t think you’re selfish."
"Hm?"
I tilted my head.
"You aren’t thinking only about yourself."
She giggled softly.
"You’re thinking about your family too."
"So perhaps..."
"...you simply want to become a hero for the people you love."
I froze for a moment.
Even Mother and Amy looked surprised.
The room became quiet once again.
Then...
A small smile slowly appeared on my face.
"Yeah..."
"Maybe that’s true."
I looked at both Mother and Amy before speaking firmly.
"My goal is to become strong enough to protect my family..."
"...and eliminate anyone who threatens them."
Aunt Evelyn’s eyes softened.
"Aww... what a good boy."
She gently ruffled my hair once again.
"Seraphina, you’re incredibly lucky to have a son like him."
She sighed dramatically before placing a hand over her chest.
"I’m starting to get jealous."
Then she looked at me with an exaggeratedly pitiful expression.
"Little Gray..."
"What do you think about becoming my son instead?"
"I’m all alone."
"Don’t you feel sorry for poor little me?"
The instant those words left her mouth...
The temperature in the room seemed to plummet.
Mother and Amy both turned toward her with identical deadpan expressions.
Even I could feel the pressure filling the room.
Aunt Evelyn stiffened.
A cold shiver ran down her spine.
"H-Hey..."
She laughed awkwardly while waving both hands frantically.
"Calm down!"
"I’m joking!"
"I wouldn’t dare steal your precious little treasure!"
Seeing her panic made me chuckle.
Then I smiled at her sincerely.
"I’m sorry, Aunt Evelyn..."
"But I have to refuse."
She pretended to wipe tears from her eyes.
"And why is that?"
I looked toward Mother.
Then toward Amy.
A warm smile naturally appeared on my face.
"I’m the lucky one."
"I was born into a wonderful family."
"My mother and sister are the best."
"I don’t think there’s a better mother or a better sister anywhere in this world."
"And..."
"I don’t think there could ever be a better family than mine."
Silence.
Once again...
The room fell completely silent.
Mother froze.
Amy froze.
Even Aunt Evelyn was left speechless.
Then—
"AAAAAH!"
She completely lost all composure.
"You’re too adorable!"
Before I knew what was happening, she pulled me into an unbelievably tight hug.
"You’re the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!"
"I can’t take it anymore!"
Unfortunately...
She hugged me so tightly that I could barely breathe.
"G-Guh..."
Mother quietly watched the scene for a few seconds before walking over.
Without saying another word, she grabbed Aunt Evelyn by the shoulder and effortlessly pulled her away from me.
"Are you trying to suffocate my son?"
Her voice remained calm as always.
But despite trying to maintain a stern expression...
She couldn’t completely hide the smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Inside her mind, my words echoed again and again.
My mother and sister are the best.
Without realizing it...
Her smile grew just a little deeper.
Eventually, Mother escorted Aunt Evelyn to the door.
Despite Evelyn’s endless complaints and repeated attempts to stay longer, Mother practically pushed her out of the room.
As she left, I waved happily.
"Goodbye, Aunt Evelyn!"
"Have a safe trip!"
She turned around dramatically, tears welling in her eyes.
"I’ll definitely come back and steal you someday!"
"Not happening."
Mother answered without missing a beat before calmly closing the door.
The room finally became quiet again.
After Aunt Evelyn left, Amy walked over and quietly sat beside me.
The playful smile she always wore had disappeared.
Instead...
There was only worry.
"Don’t use that dangerous ability again, okay?"
Her voice was soft.
Gentle.
But filled with genuine concern.
I smiled reassuringly and spread my arms.
"Don’t worry, Sis."
"Look."
"I’m perfectly fine."
I even turned around slightly to show her there wasn’t a single injury left on my body.
Instead of relaxing...
She puffed out her cheeks and lightly pinched my face.
"Dummy."
"I was worried."
I laughed helplessly.
"Sorry."
Before I could say anything else...
She suddenly wrapped her arms around me.
The hug wasn’t particularly strong.
But it felt as though she was afraid I might disappear if she let go.
I quietly returned the hug.
Nearby...
Mother silently watched the two of us.
A gentle smile rested on her face.
For moments like these...
She truly felt that every hardship she had endured throughout her life had been worth it.
After a few quiet moments, Mother finally stepped toward us.
"Now that you’ve awakened..."
"It’s time for you to choose your weapon."
I immediately became attentive.
"If you had awakened without any prior training, I wouldn’t have allowed you to choose one yet."
"You would first need to become familiar with different weapons and understand their strengths and weaknesses."
She looked at me with clear approval.
"But you’ve already trained."
"You’ve experienced the basics and developed enough understanding to make your own decision."
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"So..."
"Are you ready?"
My eyes lit up immediately.
"Yes, Mom."
"I’m ready."
She nodded once.
"Good."
"Follow me."
Mother led me deeper into the family estate.
We passed several heavily guarded corridors along with numerous defensive magic formations.
Eventually...
We stopped before a pair of enormous black doors decorated with elegant silver stars.
The Family Treasury.
Even the guards standing outside immediately straightened the moment Mother approached.
Without saying a word...
The massive doors slowly opened.