NOVEL NEXT Chap 173: Until We Meet Again
Ivad gave me a few short lessons yesterday about controlling Imra—simple exercises to keep improving the use of this "new limb" I gained upon reaching the Sapphire rank. My control when it comes to keeping it suppressed is quite good, but trying to grasp objects or reach total mastery is a whole new world for me, something I'm only beginning to experience.
We spent a few more hours talking about our future plans and some childhood memories before finally saying goodbye. She was exhausted from the trip, and I needed to rest to wake up early tomorrow and head off toward my new adventure.
She and my brother will live in one of the most luxurious houses in our town. My parents easily agreed to let them move in together, and everyone is happy to have two new strong Sapphire ranks within the territory.
Sleep and I had a bit of a fight that night. I couldn't fall asleep for about an hour—my mind kept running, thinking about how soon I'd be leaving my home again and how many new experiences and stories I'd create in this new chapter about to begin. Eventually, drowsiness took over, and I slowly drifted off.
"Have you checked everything again?" My mother has asked me that same question three times in the past fifteen minutes.
"Yes, Mother, I'm not forgetting anything. Everything's already stored in my dimensional bracelet." I've given her that same answer just as many times. My father approaches and gently hugs her from behind.
"Baby, our son is mature enough not to forget anything." My mother blushes a little at his words. "He'll be leaving in a few minutes, so let's make the most of the time to say goodbye." My father gives me a wink, a half-smile forming on his face.
"You're right…" My mother lifts her eyes from the floor to meet mine. "Son… you're heading off on a new adventure. Promise me again that you'll take care of yourself, eat properly, and stay hydrated. We're going to miss you so much here. Don't forget to send us letters from time to time—we'll always love you and wait for you." Her voice trembles slightly as her eyes begin to glisten.
"I promise, Mother. I'll miss and love you all the same." I step forward and hug her tightly; she squeezes me so hard I think she might break one of my ribs.
"Son, have fun, make great memories in that big city you're going to. Life isn't just about training—enjoying time with friends is important too." It surprises me to hear that from my father, who lives for fighting. "You'll always have a home here. Come back whenever you wish—we'll always miss you." He hugs me tightly just like my mother did, then they head off to talk with Patt and his wife so I can say my last goodbye to my grandmother.
"Kid." My grandmother approaches with her usual smile after waiting for my parents to finish. "There's not much to say—your parents already said everything I could've said." She lets out a small laugh, and I can't help but laugh with her.
"Promise me you won't die. You must survive no matter what situation you find yourself in. Be the same cockroach as always and endure any hardship until you can see us again." Her serious tone makes her words feel heavy. "And please stop charming women with so much influence. I don't want to hear you got killed by some crazy one." I didn't expect that ending—she still insists I'm doing something to attract women.
"I'll survive at any cost, Grandma. You all do the same while I'm away." I don't plan to die young; there are too many places and foods in this world I still have to discover—and I haven't even eaten my favorite dish again yet. "I don't do anything to attract women; I must be cursed or something." My last comment makes both of us laugh, easing the mood.
"You're a hopeless case, kid." She shakes her head, chuckling. "Don't forget to stay in touch. If you have any problems, we'll do whatever we can to help. And don't anger your new grandmother—the Obsidian ranks are known to be very temperamental." I nod; I don't want to see someone that powerful angry either. We end with a long hug before heading toward the carriage.
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Sers and Ivad are already there, and they hurry to meet us. "It's finally your turn to go to school, Maki. It's a shame you couldn't say goodbye to Ritmo—he should be arriving soon. I'm sure he'd tell you the same thing: have fun and take care of yourself." Sers and I shake hands firmly.
"School is wonderful when you're surrounded by good people. Try to make good friends," Ivad adds with a smile. "And please, don't get anyone pregnant… that could shorten your time at school." For a moment, my mind goes blank. When I finally react, I just scratch my head and promise to be careful.
I try to ignore my grandmother's follow-up comment about how if my children inherit even half of my talent, it wouldn't be such a bad thing to start early. I know she's joking—or at least, I hope so.
I say goodbye to Patt and his wife, thank them for their kind words, and finally climb into the carriage with a lump in my throat. Matt is already waiting inside. "Ready for this new adventure?" he says, gripping my hand firmly. I nod in return.
We both lean out of the window to wave one last time. The carriage moves fast, and they soon disappear on the horizon. Matt and I spend most of the trip talking; I give him some advice on how to improve his mana and Imra control. For the rest of the trip, we remain quiet, and I focus on healing my cube bit by bit.
A day later, we finally reach Marril City. The Baron was away on urgent business, and his wife was too busy with paperwork, so I couldn't say goodbye. We went straight to the teleportation platform to head toward our next destination.
The sensation of jumping from one city to another remains a mystery to me. It lasts only a few seconds, but there's no way to describe it. My eyes take a moment to adjust to the new place as usual, and then we're there—Primaver City once again. Upon arrival, an attendant informs us that the jump to Skyblue City will be in about eight hours, leaving me little time to say goodbye to everyone.
I accompany Matt to his old home, which now belongs to my family. It's a modest but well-used property, with three houses and a small courtyard. My family will keep the main house, the Zumis family will take one of the others, and the last will serve as a hall for events or training.
Matt decides to stay in his house during school—he feels more comfortable there, and it's only about an hour's walk away. After helping him settle in, I head straight to the Solar family's house; the three girls are likely waiting for me in the training hall.
As I enter, I see Arisa training alone while Marga and Sol sit in a corner, sipping drinks and eating cookies. Arisa notices me first and uses her wind mana to fly straight at me. I could dodge, but I accept my fate instead. She hugs me tightly, and we tumble back a few meters.
"Hello, Arisa." The Count's daughter with the fiery orange hair looks at me up close, smiling brightly. "I'm glad to see you so healthy." Through my personal world, I can sense Marga and Sol closing in fast. They leap onto me together, showering me with hugs and kisses all over my face.
After about five minutes, I finally convince them to sit down. They don't want to move from on top of me, but I manage. The three sit together on one sofa, and I sit opposite them, close enough that their feet rest over my legs.
"So, we only have a few hours to eat and say goodbye. This sucks." Arisa is the first to complain, and the other two quickly agree.
"There's nothing I can do. If I don't teleport today, I don't know when I'll get another chance." I'd like to stay longer, but I can't. They reluctantly accept it. They don't want to go to a restaurant—it'd take too long to change, fix their hair, and travel—so they ask the chefs to prepare something special for the four of us instead.
The meal is delicious. The chefs of a noble house aren't any worse than those in the best restaurants. Once we're all full, we return to the same position as before.
"You must send us letters every fifteen days. One for each of us," Marga insists, already setting rules before our farewell. I'll be going to the teleportation hall alone—they don't want to come because it'll make them too sad.
"Yes, and don't forget to send us gifts for our birthdays and special dates," Arisa adds.
"And you must tell us if any girl tries to approach or steal you away. You're forbidden from leaving us behind," Sol says firmly. It's rare to see her so demanding. I can only nod and promise to do my best. They must've discussed this beforehand; when they decided to "share" me, they accepted that other women might appear someday—they just don't want to be forgotten.
It feels a little strange to me—this kind of polyamorous relationship. In my previous world, monogamy was the norm; polygamy existed in some religions, but it wasn't common. Yet, here, it's normal—and I'm already part of one.
"I promise I'll follow all your rules. I'll miss you all so much. If you ever have a problem, don't hesitate to contact me." I lean forward to kiss each of them lightly on the nose before leaving. "I'll always carry you in my heart and mind. Take care of yourselves."
All three look heartbroken. None of them stand up—they want to make this farewell feel short and lighthearted. Now it's time to head to Skyblue River City. A new chapter of my life awaits.