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Ignis looked at the worried faces of his parents, his expression calm but resolute.
"I know you're both concerned about my safety," he began, his voice steady. "And I understand why. But you also know there are people out there with the strength of a mere trainee—those who haven't even become 1-Star Knights—risking their lives every day. They fight for better opportunities, for their families, for a chance at a future. Compared to them, I already have the strength to stand my ground—maybe even defeat a 2-Star Knight. I'm not going into this blindly."
He paused, letting his words settle, then continued.
"If I truly want to grow stronger—not just in power, but in will and experience—then I need this. I need to be tempered by real battle, by challenge and blood. Staying here, locked behind safety and comfort, won't make me stronger. I don't want to be some fragile vase placed on a shelf—protected, but useless."
His eyes softened slightly, a flicker of vulnerability beneath his determined gaze.
"I'll be honest… when I first thought of this plan, I considered leaving without telling you. Just writing a letter and disappearing in the night. But I couldn't do that to you. I knew it would worry you even more, and I didn't want to cause that kind of pain."
He looked between them, meeting both of their eyes.
"So I'm here, telling you directly. I need your blessing. I'm not asking you to say yes right away. Take some time. Think about what you experienced in your youth. Maybe—just maybe—you'll understand why I need to do this. And if you truly believe I'm not ready… then I'll wait. But I hope you'll see that this path is one I have to walk."
After finishing his plea, Ignis quietly left the room, giving his parents the space to think through everything he had said.
Silence settled in the drawing room as Alenna and Evan remained seated on the sofa, the weight of their son's words lingering in the air.
Evan ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply. "The news about him absorbing mana cores… it's incredible. But this request… going to Eldermere? I just can't bring myself to agree to it."
Alenna nodded slowly. "I feel the same. But… did you see the look in his eyes? That kind of determination… it's not something we can ignore so easily."
"I know," Evan muttered, his brows furrowed. "That's what makes this so difficult. If it were anyone else, I would've rejected the idea on the spot—again. But this time… I'm torn."
He leaned back, staring up at the ceiling, his thoughts churning. Alenna sat beside him, looking down at her hands resting in her lap, lost in quiet contemplation.
After several minutes of silence, Evan finally spoke again.
"By the way… do you remember how old you were when you first left home to become an adventurer?"
Alenna gave him a small glance, already knowing where this was going. "You know the answer. I was fourteen. We didn't have much, and whatever money we had was poured into my training as a 1-Star Vitalist. I left home to earn what I could and joined an adventuring party. There wasn't really another choice."
Evan gave a quiet chuckle. "And I left when I was sixteen. A full-fledged 2-Star Knight, itching to see the world and sharpen my blade."
They both fell quiet again, the memories of their youth flooding in with bittersweet clarity.
Evan let out a long breath, his gaze distant as he spoke. "Ignis has already made up his mind. And I don't think we should stop him. He's chosen his path—a path where strength is forged through battle and hardship. We both know how crucial it is to have a clear sense of purpose, a strong inner drive. If we deny him that now, we might crush the very motivation that fuels his growth. Even with his exceptional talent, without that fire… he might never reach his true potential."
Alenna exhaled softly, the sound filled with resignation. "You're right. As much as I want to keep him safe… we can't hold him back. It seems we don't have much of a choice. We have to let him go to Eldermere."
Evan gave a firm nod, his voice resolute. "Then it's decided. But I won't let him go alone. I'll accompany him—secretly. I won't tell him. I'll follow from the shadows, keep watch from a distance. That way, he'll have the freedom he wants, and I'll still be there if things ever get too dangerous."
Alenna looked at him, her expression softening. She gave a small nod, her eyes glimmering with quiet trust. "Yes… that's a good plan."
Together, they sat in silence once more—this time not burdened by uncertainty, but bracing themselves for the path their son had chosen, and the journey that lay ahead.
----
The next morning, Evan and Alenna made their way to the training ground, where Ignis was already deep in practice, flames flickering around him as he honed the Draconic Flame Technique. His movements were focused and fluid, every strike precise, his control over the blazing energy growing stronger with each breath.
Sensing their presence, Ignis paused and turned to face them. The flames around him dimmed and then vanished, as if responding to his calm demeanor. He studied their expressions for a moment, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"You've made your decision," he said quietly, not as a question, but as a statement.
Evan stepped forward and nodded. "Yes. We've thought about it, and we don't want to stand in the way of your growth. If Eldermere is the path you've chosen, then we'll support you fully."
A flicker of gratitude passed through Ignis's eyes. He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, both of you. I won't waste this chance."
Alenna walked up to her son and wrapped her arms around him in a warm, lingering embrace. "You've grown so much, my son," she whispered, her voice laced with pride and quiet sorrow. "Stronger than we ever imagined. Just remember—you'll always have a home to return to."
Ignis nodded against her shoulder, and for a brief moment, the weight of the path ahead seemed lighter.
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