Chapter 85: Chapter 85: System's Heartbeat

Kriz's finger passed through the rabbit as if it were air, eliciting a gasp of surprise and confusion from him.

"What...?" he stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Elio couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Seems like your rabbit has a sense of humor, Kriz. It's playing with you."

The others burst into laughter as Kriz stared at his rabbit, frustration but also admiration dancing across his face.

"Well," he finally said, crossing his arms with a huff, "at least I know we have something in common. We both love a good joke."

The rabbit appeared to wink at him, prompting even more laughter from the group.

♢♢♢♢

One day earlier...

Lena couldn't help but marvel at the changes the additional mana had brought to their lives.

That night, as she tucked the younger ones into bed, Lena paused at each bedside. The children slept peacefully, their breathing deep and regular, free from the coughs and respiratory difficulties that were once so common.

In the now-empty room, Lena sat on the edge of Elio's bed, gently caressing his pillow.

"Come home soon, my son," she whispered. "Your family is waiting for you."

Finally, Lena retired to her own room. She lay down in her comfortable bed, closing her eyes and allowing herself, for a moment, to imagine a future where Elio returned home, safe and sound, to stay.

With that comforting thought, Lena drifted off to sleep.

Life had improved tremendously for Elio's family, but the absence of their son and brother was a constant reminder of the price of that comfort. However, with each day that passed without bad news, hope grew stronger.

♢♢♢♢

The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Lena awoke. For a moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the comfort of her new bed, a luxury that still surprised her every morning. She breathed deeply, savoring the fresh, abundant air that now filled their home.

"Do you think Elio is eating as well as we are on the wall?" Brenda suddenly asked, her voice laden with concern.

A momentary silence fell over the table. Lena felt her heart constrict, but she forced herself to smile.

"I'm sure he is," she responded confidently. "Your brother is important now, remember he told us that many people know him now. He'll be taking good care of himself."

"When will he come back?" Rian asked, with the innocence typical of his age.

"On his next vacation," Lena promised, silently praying it would be true.

♢♢♢♢

After breakfast, the children dispersed to carry out their daily tasks. Lena watched with pride as Brenda and Jacky sat at the new study table, their heads bent over scrolls they couldn't afford before.

In the backyard, Lola was practicing with a wooden sword, her movements more fluid and confident thanks to better nutrition and the clean air she now breathed.

Lena made her way to the main room, where they now had a small altar dedicated to her husband's memory and Elio's protection. She closed her eyes in a brief prayer.

"Watch over our son," she whispered. "Bring him back home safe and sound."

♢♢♢♢

As the sun began to set, Lena realized they were short on food for tomorrow's breakfast. She decided to go get what was missing.

As she approached the door, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Elio and the day's tasks, the sudden sound of knocking jolted her from her reverie. It wasn't the gentle tap of a neighbor or the rhythmic knock of her son. This was different. loud, insistent, almost threatening in its urgency.

Lena froze, her hand hovering over the doorknob. The knocking came again, even more forceful this time. The wood seemed to vibrate under the impact, and Lena felt a chill run down her spine. Who could it be at this hour? And why such urgency?

She glanced back at the kitchen, where the younger children were still cleaning up after the evening meal.

Taking a deep breath, Lena straightened her back and smoothed her apron. Whatever was on the other side of that door, she would face it with the strength Elio had always admired in her.

The knocking came a third time, so powerful it seemed to shake the very foundations of their door. Lena's heart raced, but her hand remained steady as she reached for the doorknob.