18 Elena's Choice

Looking downwards at his mother's skinny and frail figure, Austin was overcome with despair.

He had mistreated her greatly.

Going missing for an entire month, Austin knew how Elena would react but choose to do so anyway. It was not his intention to depart for so long, but he could have prevented entering the star constellation if he was more sensible and did not lose himself in wild excitement learning the five spellbooks. Though he still felt the gains were of insurmountable worth, Austin was feeling regretful, wishing he could turn back time and redo his decisions.

Austin had always been compassionate, it was the very thing that drove him to desire strength. In his old world, he had grown tired of the unceasing fighting, witnessing the innocent die and so many around him die miserable cruel deaths.

His sole goal in life was to put an end to it all, and he accomplished what was thought to be impossible. Further, he did so without making his name known, giving away all due credit. What he wanted out of his actions was not fame nor recognition, but to simply satisfy his morality.

Despite his carefree personality and dreams of exploring the world, Austin could not ignore evil and injustice around him. He always intervened when he saw unnecessary suffering, helping those who needed help. It was the reason why Austin had taken in Dominick and the homeless children that would later become recognized as heroes. He did not consider their potential or worth, purely feeling sympathetic for their pitiful circumstances.

Giving people happiness in their most dire times, it was a feeling of fulfillment that authenticated his existence. But don't get this wrong, Austin did not care at all for evildoers, only those that were a victim of the cruel world.

Perhaps if he did not have the power to do so, he would not have such an overbearing sense of responsibility. But Austin could not condone himself for living selfishly, disregarding everything around him.

The one thing Austin hated most was disappointing those that care for him, and he had done exactly that to the person who loves him the most.

Holding his mother in his arms, Austin tenderly wiped the hair stuck to her face. Elena's hair was usually silky and clean as she cared for it on a regular basis. Right now it was dirty and rugged, having lost much of its rich, healthy color. It added to her feeble appearance, which painfully showed Austin how hard she must have pushed herself.

"I'm sorry mother..." Whispering, Austin made a promise to never put his mother in such a state again. He tightly clutched Elena's body, making sure she was comfortable and could fall soundly asleep. Although her weight was hard for a child to bear, nothing would stop Austin from letting her go.

Thus, time passed just like this. Elena rested in her child's warming hold. Her complexion had turned many shades healthier with blood returning to the previously pale areas of her face. She rhythmically breathed in and out with a slight smile on her face.

Scant gusts of wind blew in from the window and a chill breeze brushed softly against the mother and son pair.

~The Royal Residence~

When Austin's aura appeared in her detection field, Elizabeth immediately jumped up. Her elation boiled over and she was just about to leave for the Royal Library before stopping in her tracks. Noting Elena was there as well, she knew the two needed a moment to themselves.

Elena was Elizabeth's closest friend. Apart from her daughter and Austin, she was the only person allowed into her room. Elena was not bound to the role of a maid but only chose to serve her because of their close bond. In their long history, they share many cherished memories together and held each other dear. It was not by mistake that both of their children happened to be born on the same day.

Over the past month, Elizabeth was extremely worried and could see the dreadful pain Elena was going through. Seeing how she was only getting worse each day, Elizabeth wanted to go and talk to her and reassure her many times

But Elizabeth did not know what to say that would comfort her. Elena was not someone that would be calmed in such a situation with flowery words. She thought she'd be able to help her by quickly finding Austin. But even after going to great lengths, Elizabeth was unable to do so. It was the first time in a long period she had felt so frustrated.

Although she had many questions to ask and also wanted to see Austin, Elizabeth knew it would be best to hold back for now. She was glad Austin came back and all her worries until now disappeared. Even though Elizabeth wanted to possess Austin to some extent, it was mostly due to having a likability for him that she has never found in any other men. She was not obsessed over him like Elena would be as a mother.

Thinking of the other person that desperately needed to see Austin, Elizabeth vanished in her room.

Back in the library, night had passed with neither Austin or Elena moving from their spots. Elena had fallen deeply into sleep, giving her body its long-overdue rest. Austin was feeling sorry the entire time but was happy he could redeem himself by giving her a place to lean on. Enduring Elena's weight that was slowly crushing him in agony, Austin never moved a single muscle, allowing her to sink entirely into his embrace and have a very comfortable sleep. Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click www.novelhall.com for visiting.

...

Light broke through at the dawn of day. The sky was no longer cloudy and looked clear as crystal, signifying the end of tumultuous times and the beginning of something new.

After a long slumber, Elena had thoroughly recovered.

Apart from her messy and dirty appearance, the color of her skin and breathing had all returned to normal.

Roused by the sudden brightness, she opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Austin's smiling face right above hers.

"Good morning Mother. Sorry for making you worry." Austin said in a joking but hearty tone, trying to downplay the throbbing stings in his body.

Waking up to his voice, Elena did not become particularly dazed or surprised. She merely smiled and said in response, "It's good that you're back son."

Before Austin coerced her into sleep the day before, Elena had enough time to accept the reality of him returning. Her thoughts ran at a million miles per second, but she simply did not have the energy to move or speak anymore.

Now that he was back, she only wanted to forget the misery of the past month and enjoy the present.

The two stared at each other with warmth, enjoying the moment before Austin had to speak out. "Since you're up now Mom can you move... Ah, you're heavier than you look. Haha, good thing you went on a diet otherwise I would not have been able to hold you for so long." Austin winced with a forced laughter. He was making fun of her skinny body from having barely eaten anything.

"You're a man aren't you? How could you complain about such a thing? Hmph, good luck finding a lady in the future with that attitude." Elena snarled in response but straightaway got up, glancing over Austin's body to check his condition. Seeing he was fine, she sighed in relief.

The two of them had gone back to their lively way of talking, treating their heavy feelings as a passing breeze that had come and gone with the wind. They both had buoyant expressions on their faces.

Austin moved the small stool and sat down on it, leaning against a bookshelf.

He began talking about all the things he had experienced in the past month. He decided to only tell his mother and no one else. Partly because he needed her to fake a reason as to why he was gone. But mostly because there was no one else he trusted more than her and knew she would only have his safety in mind.

Entering the hidden room, finding out he had all six Magical Attributes, learning five Rank 0 spells in two days, being taken to the star constellation.

Elena's eyes widened and her fingers trembled in disbelief with each line spoken by her son. She thought he was pulling her leg but knew what she was hearing was real seeing the seriousness in his gaze.

By the end, Elena had to take a deep breath of air to calm herself down. She quickly understood the severity of the situation. Until now, she never thought Austin was any different from other children but this view was completely shattered. He was a freak that should not belong in the world... Though it did not change her love for him. He was still her most important child.

Adopting a similar serious expression, Elena said to Austin, "We will not serve the Krashal Family anymore. We will find another home to live in with your Father."

Unperplexed, Austin replied, "Is it because of-"

"Your condition is the main reason. I must say, you are way too weird. Are you really my son?" Elena teased in an exasperated tone. "I can't believe what I'm saying, but you have become a Bronze Class Mage. Don't you know how old you are?

However, there is no chance you will be able to advance any further staying here and that will be dangerous in the future, so we must find somewhere else to live."

Elena walked up to Austin and patted his head with a loving smile. "Another reason why we should leave is that I want to spend more time with my son."

"Will that be ok?" Austin asked with concern.

"Elizabeth is my friend, she will respect my decision," Elena said with confidence. "Let's go back to the Residence now, I'm sure that girl is dying to see you."

Reminded about Laura, a tinge of sadness flashed in Austin's eyes. He got up from the stool and they walked towards the exit.