The ride back to Canridge City was fast.
Isho watched as these mages scrambled to prevent Hardy's body from decaying. They even tried to fix Jeran's arm, but more attempts were useless.
The man didn't bother too much about it, after informing them that there was someone who would fix it for him at the Region Capital.
Reith was placed in a room on the mini Wave Cruiser, and Isho sat, watching him.
Thinking of how Reith had placed himself in danger just to save his life made Isho rile up with a strange emotion.
The urge to become stronger grew in him.
Seeing Reith heal the problem with Jeran, he had known that his friend was created for greater purpose.
But if Isho kept getting into troubles he couldn't fix, then one day, Reith might actually die while saving him.
He didn't like this idea.
"Urek, I want to grow stronger." Isho raised his head to the ceiling of the room.
To grow stronger, he looked at his palm, that was the only way.
To stand against the strongest and protect his friends, it was the best way.
The little bird on his shoulder chirped enthusiastically as if responding to its owner's desire.
At that moment, Isho noticed a movement with Reith's finger.
"He's awake?"
Reith turned to him with a smile as soon as the statement left his lips.
Then he opened his lips, "Let's get stronger together. Isho." He said in a breath, before closing back his eyes.
Isho's eyes brightened up. In this moment, two brothers unrelated by blood made a promise that would last for ages.
To get stronger, to defeat evil, and give their all to protect their families.
By the time they arrived at Canridge City, Reith had woken up. The doctor said something about it being Hana depletion, and he needed to recuperate.
Reith only nodded his head, accepting to take the right precautions.
As soon as the doctor left the room, Jeran walked in.
Reith raised his brow, wondering what the man wanted to do. A moment passed, and then Jeran bowed his head.
"Master Jeran." Reith shot out of his bed in an instant.
"Don't stop me from giving my thanks, kid, or I'd kill you." Jeran lowered his voice, causing Reith's voice to hang. If you wanted to apologize, then why are you being so hostile?
"The healers wanted to know who it was that saved me. If you hadn't redirected the water hana to my wounded area, I'd have died of Hana stroke. The worst case scenario would be the destruction of my cultivation progress. So, I give you my thanks." Jeran said with a calmer tone.
Reith merely stood, frozen on the spot, then he smiled.
"It was nothing, Sir. Jeran. You were on the verge of giving up your life for my friend and I. If I could do more, then I would have."
There was a soft confidence as Reith spoke, and he sat back on his bed.
Jeran raised his gaze.
"You aren't a scum." The man nodded his head, and then he walked out.
Reith's face lit up and then he decided that doing good was really something that paid off.
After some light stretches, Reith stepped out of the Wave Cruiser, and a wave of fresh air hit him square in the face.
The harbor was filled with people, and Reith saw that the entrance of the warehouse was blocked by a long line of tapes labelled with the words, 'crime scene.'
"So they finally found out." Reith whispered, and he looked closely at the people who had gathered, and he could hear it–the sobs and tears, and guilt clawed in his heart.
With the activation of his core realm, he was a fully pledged mage, even though he had no qualifications. A mage should be able to fulfill responsibility and protect the weak.
It was like everything reminded him of his weakness, and it was stifling.
"Let's go." Jeran walked to his side, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder.
Reith nodded. There was no use sulking over spilt milk.
"Where's Isho?" His eyes searched for his friend.
Jeran looked at him.
"He mentioned something about needing to see his family before he leaves with me. I'm sure you need to do the same."
From the corner of his eyes, the bloody crime scene came into view, but Reith turned his attention, and then he exhaled. If he wanted to make a difference, he would need to grow stronger.
His journey would have to begin at the Regional Apex Academy.
"Meet me at the academy by noon. The awakeners from other cities must have reached the region central by now. We don't want to be delayed any more." Jeran explained and Reith gave a nod.
Reith took off, running back to the church.
He was excited. Safe to say, he now looked forward to him.
"Ma." Reith yelled out as soon as he arrived at the church door.
"My ears are still at their peak, Reith. You don't have to shout." A woman sauntered out of a room holding a kitchen spoon. She looked no older than thirty.
Before Reith could speak, an elderly man chuckled out.
"Kala, you can't hear the excitement in his voice? Your little son has something to tell you."
"Humph!" Kala frowned. She walked closer to Reith and hit the wooden spoon on his head.
"Before you tell me anything, you little rascal," Kala pinched his cheeks, "Where were you last night?"
Reith struggled.
"Wait Mom, that's what I want to tell you." He said, after pulling his face from her iron grip.
Kala rested her palm on her waist.
"Okay? Tell me then." She narrowed her gaze at him for a moment, and then a smell entered her nostrils, causing her to rush back into the kitchen.
Reith looked at the elderly man.
"Thank you." He mouthed, before rushing after Kala.
His eyes widened when he saw what was laid on the table. It was some sort of lunch box, she preparing for someone to leave?
"Mom?" Reith's voice broke.
Kala turned to him with tears in her eyes.
"I know about you going to sea, Reith. I saw the news."
Then she rushed to embrace him.
"I'm glad you are alright." She said, with tears dripping down her eyes.
"Your school sent us a letter. I'm proud of you."
Her hug tightened, and Reith merely stared, overcome with emotions. He didn't know what to say.
Then he closed his eyes and hugged her back.
"When I come back, Mom, I'd build us a real orphanage dedicated to the Church."
Kala chuckled.
"I know you will."
Reith's grandfather stood by the door, capturing the moment. He could remember a certain scenario like it was yesterday.
It was the day Reisa had brought Reith to Kala, and they had accepted him into the orphanage. It was an action they would never regret.