Chapter 20 - Seraphina’s pov
[if you don’t like pov skipp this Chapter you lose nothing it only shows how his mom side of that time period]
[Seraphina’s POV]
After my son requested to begin his training, I decided there was no better time than now. The day had finally come for him to take his first step toward strength.
According to the maids, he had gone to breakfast with Amy and was now heading toward the training ground.
I paused my work for the morning. Rare, but necessary.
Still, I couldn’t abandon everything completely.
"Selena."
She arrived immediately, kneeling with perfect discipline.
"I will assign you a long-term task," I said calmly. "There is no danger involved. No combat. If you wish to refuse, you may do so without hesitation. I will assign someone else."
Selena looked slightly surprised. Not at the mission—but at my tone.
"I understand, Matriarch."
"I want you to train my son," I said directly. "Until his awakening. Guide him. Correct him. Ensure he builds a proper foundation. If you accept, you will be responsible for his training completely."
Selena did not hesitate.
"I accept this duty. I will ensure young master’s training proceeds without issue."
I nodded once.
"Follow me."
⸻
When we arrived at the training ground, I immediately sensed something wrong.
A guard stood in front of my son.
Not protecting him—restraining him.
My eyes narrowed.
Before I could take another step, I was already there.
The pressure around me dropped instantly.
The guard froze.
I did not raise my voice.
"Explain."
His entire body stiffened before he spoke quickly.
"I—I found the young master wandering near the restricted training area. I attempted to remove him for safety, but—"
He stopped speaking the moment my gaze shifted slightly.
It was enough.
I turned to Gray.
He was unharmed.
That was all that mattered.
Then I spoke again, colder this time.
"Leave."
The guard nearly collapsed in relief before fleeing immediately.
I did not look at him again.
Instead, I lowered my gaze to my son.
"Are you hurt?"
He shook his head.
"I’m fine, Mom."
Only then did I relax slightly.
Amy arrived shortly after, watching silently but clearly understanding what had just happened.
I did not explain it.
There was no need.
⸻
I led them into the training room.
This place was not for beginners who played at strength.
It was for those who intended to build real power.
Gray looked around with curiosity. Amy followed beside him, already acting as if she belonged there.
I allowed him a moment before speaking.
"Choose your weapon."
Gray did not hesitate long.
"Sword."
No greatsword. No bow. No dagger.
A simple answer.
Good.
I handed him a wooden sword.
"Strike."
He obeyed.
The first swing was weak.
Too much arm. No structure. No flow.
I watched without speaking.
Again.
Better—but still incomplete.
Again.
He was learning quickly. Not naturally talented in form, but aware of his mistakes.
After several attempts, I finally spoke.
"Good. Now listen carefully."
I stepped closer.
"A sword is not an object you hold. It is an extension of your body."
My voice sharpened slightly.
"If you treat it as separate from yourself, it will always be weak."
I placed my hand near his posture, adjusting him slightly.
"Your power does not come from strength alone. It comes from coordination. Foot, hip, core, arm—one movement."
Then I stepped back.
"Again."
⸻
He continued.
Dozens of swings.
Mistakes repeated. Adjustments made. Then corrected again.
Slow progress—but real progress.
Selena quietly began observing and assisting as I moved toward Amy’s side, correcting her fundamentals as well.
This was only the beginning.
There was no need for advanced techniques yet.
Only foundation.
Without it, everything else was meaningless.
⸻
Hours passed.
Eventually I left them under Selena’s supervision and returned to my work.
But even while working, my thoughts occasionally drifted toward them.
Especially Gray.
He was still young.
Still soft in some ways.
But his determination was real.
That mattered more than talent.
⸻
Days turned into weeks.
The pattern continued.
Training.
Rest.
Small moments of laughter between siblings.
Occasional visits to me when I had time.
I could see their bond strengthening with each passing day.
And that was acceptable.
More than acceptable—it was good.
⸻
Then came the day before the awakening.
At dinner, I noticed Gray was unusually quiet.
Not afraid.
Just... thinking too much.
I asked him directly.
"Are you worried?"
He hesitated.
"Yes... a little."
Honesty.
Good.
He continued.
"What if my talent is low? What if I fall behind?"
Amy immediately responded before I could.
"It doesn’t matter what you awaken. You’re still my brother."
I nodded slightly.
"That is correct."
Gray looked between us, then smiled faintly.
"Thank you... Mom. Amy."
That was enough.
⸻
The next morning came.
We gathered in the awakening chamber.
The awakening stone stood at the center of the room.
Gray stepped forward.
I watched carefully.
He placed his hand on it.
Mana surged.
The process began.
I observed silently.
A few moments passed.
Then—
He stepped back.
His expression was... downcast.
My heart tightened slightly.
Amy immediately reacted.
"It’s okay. Even low talent doesn’t matter—"
Before she could finish—
Gray smiled.
"I was joking."
A pause.
"I got SS+ talent... and three elements."
Silence.
Then Amy hit him.
I did not stop her.
He deserved it.
⸻
"Show me," I said calmly.
He lifted his hand.
Ice formed instantly.
Amy smiled brightly.
"We have the same element!"
Good.
Then I asked.
"And the others?"
He tried.
The second element activated—
But immediately his body reacted violently.
Blood spilled from his mouth.
My mind went cold.
"Gray!"
I caught him instantly before he fell.
His body went limp.
"Selena. Evelyn. Now."
I carried him without hesitation.
No thoughts beyond one.
He was my son.
And he would not be lost.
⸻