The Strongest Spellblade

“Talk to me son, why do you want to keep the egg? Ignoring your mother isn’t a good idea,” my father said.

“I know it doesn’t make sense. It isn’t the most optimal decision, but there is a connection between me and the monster inside the egg,” I replied.

“That is the result of the ritual. Think logically.”

“So, you agree with her?” I asked.

“Not completely. A strong monster companion can provide great synergy in combat. But the risks are equally as high. It isn’t your power, your status. It is something else that isn’t you.”

“But people use swords. And there is a risk of removing the skill,” I countered.

“A sword doesn’t think on its own, unless something has gone very wrong with a sword. Ultimately it is your decision. But having a pet is a burden. As the bond deepens, if it is targeted you will be targeted as well. It creates a gap in the defenses that your soul creates. It would be a risk removing it, but we would get the best System Priest and Healers. But if we are going to do it, it needs to be soon,”

“But I could train the monster to be strong?” I asked.

“You could. But ultimately that is the monster becoming stronger, not you. Basically you are forced to do twice the work, in exchange for a critical weakness, and a synergy that might not even come to be. While your mother is headstrong, she isn’t wrong about the risks of keeping that egg,” my father said.

I was silent for a minute and then shook my head. “I feel it, in here. I know it is meant for me,” I replied and my father let out a sigh and shook his head as well.

“Then we shall wait for y our mother to return. May the System have mercy upon all of us,” he said. Time went by. After half an hour my mother finally returned.

My mother walked back into the hospital room, looking much more worn down and exhausted. Even after the battle when she had first shown up, she didn’t look as worn out as she did now.

“Did you talk with your father, Justin?” she asked me.

“Yes. But I want to keep the monster. There are risks to removing the skill and it is my decision,” I replied. It was a bit foolish, but it would be nice to have a companion I could absolutely trust. I had been thinking about this, it was something that other people didn’t normally do. It would be something that was me and not my mother.

“Darren. I am disappointed,” my mother said.

“Don’t blame me. I told me all the downsides, but your son was adamant,” he replied.

“Truly, does my word and opinion mean so little to you?” my mother asked me.

“Its…I can’t explain it. I just don’t want to give it up. I know it isn’t the smartest decision. But I want to see where such a path leads. And it is a strong monster.”

“A Winged Serpent. A powerful monster skilled in Alchemy. If I had to pick a monster I would pick that one, but it is still monster and a weakness. Weaknesses are to be cut away without mercy,” she said.

“It won’t betray me,” I said.

“My son. A sword in one’s hand is a true companion. One that you can trust and rely on. But a pet, even a strong one is an external source of strength. Like those dwarven contraptions. When it truly mattered they were completely useless. When I fought the leader of the Dark Cabal and he brought out a Winged Serpent to fight me, it was useless. Only the strength of your sword arm and skills matters. The further you place your sources of power from you, the more tenuous they are,” my mother explained. I closed my eyes. She was right, but I could feel the monster in the egg.

“I know. But I make my own decisions,” I declared and looked back up at my mother. If I was afraid to speak my mind, then I would never become a Supreme Legend.

“I am not telling you, I am ordering you, my son. Are you truly going to go through with this?” my mother asked.

“Yes,” I declared, but my voice was a bit shaky. I was defying my mother. The entire room was dead silent. No one dared to breathe or move. After that singular moment, the tension seemed to leave the air.

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“At least you have a stiff spine. Very well. Since you are old enough to decide things on your own, then you don’t need me. If you graduate the top of your year from this place, you will be rewarded. I will make arrangements. But I will not be here.”

“What?” I asked in shock. She really was leaving.

“I am descending. To find the bottom of the dungeon. No longer will I be around to aid and shield you my son. Since you are old enough to make your own decisions, you are old enough to accept the consequences, that will come with them,” my mother declared.

“I…”

“Don’t apologize. Apologies are for when you screwed up. You chose to make the decision to keep that egg against my wishes. To embrace weakness and mediocrity. A pet is nothing but a leash around one’s own strength. And now I have removed a lasting weakness in my heart. It is good to be able to let go,” my mother had a smile, which was far more terrifying than her glare at the moment.

“That is going a bit far,” Darren said.

“Perhaps, but I detest lies and falsehoods. The schemes of people who think they are clever, but they aren’t. Like you, with your little maneuvers.” I looked at my father who had closed his mouth. “Oh, I know quite a bit. You think I am not aware of your subtle manipulations or plans. It is cute you thought you were manipulating me in any way. But I don’t do anything against my will, even with your impressive skills. Thinking you could manipulate me made you amusing and the confidence made you attrative.” My father had completely tensed up as my mother looked back at me.

“Before I depart there is something you should know. It is unfortunate, I didn’t kill the Legend Xanatos. He is the one who cursed you. The leader of the Dark Cabal,” my mother said while looking back at me.

“What is the Dark Cabal?” I asked nervously.

“A group of crazy people that enjoy suffering and terrorism. They are degenerate scum of the lowest order. Unfortunately, this Xanatos has escaped my ability to track him. While he is heavily injured most likely after our clash, he will return.”

“Can’t you finish him off?” I asked.

“Now you want my help? But you won’t listen? No. I have done all I can for you. Now that you have chosen your own path, it is clear I am not needed. You can fight your own battles without me supervising your life. I only give you his name so that you are forewarned and can make preparations with your...pet. This might be the last time we see each other. I love you, my son. And I hope you succeed.”

“That’s it?” I asked with a growing sense of dread. Despite arguing with my mother, I never thought she would just leave me. I couldn’t believe it was happening so suddenly.

“Yes. That’s it. Do you have any words before I depart?” my mother asked me. My mind was racing. I didn’t know what to say for several seconds. She didn’t say anything, waiting for my last words to her before she left.

“I hope you find what you are looking for in the dungeon. I hope you return. I love you mother,” I replied. There was a lot more that I wanted to say, but didn’t know how to put into words. She gave me a short nod and turned to leave and then paused before looking back at me. “Here. If you graduate at the top of your class, you can read this, otherwise burn it,” she pulled out a thin book and held it out. I carefully took it.

“You are trusting me?” I asked with hesitation.

“Yes. Consider it a test if you want. A test of character. Read that when you graduate, it contains the path to my tier 6 skill and my insights on other key skills and classes. If you truly want to become a Spellblade like me, it will help you on your path. It is meant as a reward for your success and I don’t trust leaving it to someone else to give you.”

“Thank you,” I replied softly.

“I have made bad decisions in the past. I hoped to spare you from such things, but sometimes the best teacher is life itself,” my mother said, getting in the last word before she turn and left the hospital room. I looked over at my father who let out a long sigh.

“What did she mean about schemes?” I asked.

“Being stripped of my position in Terander was planned. I hope to one day to reforge the Eldarin Empire, but without the slavery,” he added on the last bit after a couple seconds of hesitation.

“What?!” I was getting surprised by parents today.

“I have ambitions my son. Ambitions to unite the world! To bring the Eldarin people to new heights. To drive back the darkness of the world! Well, in time you will see. I will be here at the College for the next year. After that I will be departing to start my conquest of the world.” I didn’t know what to say to that. What do you say, when your father tells you he plans to conquer the world?

“Um, good luck?” I hesitantly said. He just smiled at me and then left the hospital room. I lay on my bed for several minutes not knowing what to think. The fact my father had some crazy plan for world conquest and reforming the Eldarin Empire was hard to process. What was I even supposed to do hearing something like that?

“You aren’t going to tell me you are some super warrior reborn are you?” I asked Healer Melon, his bald head glinting from the ceiling lights.

“No. Just Healer Melon. And…well, that was brave of you,” he said. I knew he wanted to say something else. Like how I was being an idiot, wanting to have a pet. But it would be a companion. I never had a friend, and it could be one that would keep up with me and stick around no matter what.

My parents, for how large their ambitions were, ultimately were solitary people in many ways. With my mother it was obvious, she just charged through everything without regard or consideration. I saw this solitary nature with my father today. He had left his old family and life behind to pursue world domination. It sounded crazy, but for some reason, I felt he had a chance of pulling it off.

Letting out a sigh, I let myself sink into the hospital bed and fluffy pillows. Today had been too much. I thought I made the right decision, but I wasn’t sure anymore. My mother was leaving. I rubbed the ring on my hand, not knowing if I should take it off or not.