NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19: Homecoming – A Silent Triumph
[Date: March 9, 2025]
[Time: 5:30 PM]
[Location: Outside the Awakening Dungeon Venue]
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The sun was sinking toward the horizon, painting Kolkata's sky with warm shades of gold and crimson. As Ankush stepped out of the crowded awakening venue, he noticed the gentle breeze brushing past his skin. It felt strangely calming, carrying away the lingering tension and noise from within. A faint smile crept onto his face as he took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air after the suffocating, judgmental atmosphere inside.
Outside, a huge crowd had gathered, families anxiously awaiting their children's results. Ankush's eyes quickly searched the familiar faces until he found his parents, standing patiently beside a banyan tree that had survived decades of changes. Monika Halder was visibly tense, her hands tightly gripping her saree's pallu, eyes darting anxiously. His father, Ramesh Halder, stood composed, though subtle signs betrayed his hidden nervousness—his fingers fiddled restlessly with his shirt sleeve.
As their eyes finally met, relief washed over Monika's face, lighting it up instantly.
"Ankush!" she called out, her voice trembling with both anxiety and hope as she quickly approached him. "You took so long! How was it? What profession did you awaken?"
Before Ankush could respond, his father placed a firm hand on his shoulder, steadying him gently.
"Son, tell us—how did it go?"
Ankush smiled softly, feeling the warmth of their concern wash over him, easing his tense nerves.
"Well," Ankush began cautiously, "I awakened as a Magic Engineer."
His parents paused for a second, exchanging a surprised glance. Then a bright smile bloomed across his mother's face, and tears of relief instantly filled her eyes.
"A Magic Engineer? Ankush, really?" she asked, voice quivering with excitement. "That's wonderful! Such a valuable profession!"
Ramesh chuckled heartily, nodding in approval, his eyes glistening proudly. "Indeed, Magic Engineers are always sought-after. What's your level?"
Ankush hesitated briefly, a playful smile on his lips as he observed their expectant faces. He took a deep breath and said calmly, "Level 8."
For a second, silence hung in the air. His parents exchanged startled glances. Then, his father's face lit up with genuine joy, his earlier calm vanishing as he burst into laughter.
"Level 8! That's incredible, Ankush! Not many ordinary students can even reach Level 7, let alone Level 8! You've done brilliantly, my boy!"
His mother instantly embraced him, her grip so tight it felt as if she feared letting him go might cause him to disappear. Her voice trembled slightly, filled with deep, unrestrained pride. "We always knew you could do it, Ankush! We're so proud of you!"
As Ankush felt his parents' warmth and genuine pride, a quiet ache pulsed gently in his chest. They were happy with this level alone, oblivious to the extraordinary feat he had truly accomplished. How would they react if he told them the truth? Would their smiles grow even brighter, or would disbelief cloud their joy?
For now, he chose silence. The revelation could wait—he would reveal it gradually. After all, he didn't want to overwhelm them.
"Thanks, Mom, Dad," Ankush whispered, hugging his mother back warmly. "I'm glad you're proud."
They finally separated, and his father patted him again, laughing joyfully, "Tonight, we celebrate! Your mother will prepare your favorite dishes. Come, let's head home!"
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[Returning Home – Evening Streets of Kolkata]
They began walking toward their modest family vehicle parked a short distance away. His father had an old, reliable mana-powered sedan—a basic model, but practical enough for their needs. Ankush watched as his father calmly unlocked the door, inserting a small, glowing mana stone into a slot, activating the engine instantly with a gentle hum.
The streets were bustling as usual, yet there was a subtle magical vibrancy now, unlike anything Ankush remembered from his previous life. He marveled at the countless vehicles that glided smoothly on the roads—motorcycles, scooters, even buses—each powered by softly glowing mana stones instead of noisy, polluting engines. The air was clean, refreshing, entirely different from the world he once knew.
"Dad," Ankush asked curiously, settling comfortably into his seat, "how often do these mana stones need replacing?"
His father smiled softly, eyes still on the road. "Usually about once a month. They aren't expensive, but the higher-quality ones last much longer. Unfortunately, those higher-level stones are quite expensive, beyond the reach of ordinary folks like us."
Monika interjected with a gentle chuckle. "Yes, but now we have a Magic Engineer in the family! Maybe someday you'll be the one to craft mana cores or mana-powered vehicles!"
Ramesh laughed softly at his wife's enthusiastic words. "Don't burden him already, Monika! Today's his awakening—let him enjoy this moment."
Ankush smiled inwardly at his parents' innocent banter, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. If only they knew the truth—he could do far more than just craft mana stones or basic mana engines. With his current capabilities, constructing things that this world considered impossible was already within his reach.
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A Quick Stop – The Mana Stone Market
The sedan soon stopped by a small mana-stone shop lining Kolkata's bustling streets, vibrant even as the evening deepened. The market buzzed with conversations about awakenings, monster hunts, and daily life—mundane yet comforting in their familiarity.
His father stepped out briefly, returning with a small bag filled with low-grade mana stones. Ankush watched him quietly, mentally calculating how effortlessly he could replicate or even vastly improve these stones using his new profession.
He refrained from mentioning it yet, simply noting the information for future reference.
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[Arrival at Home – Evening, 6:45 PM]
Soon, they reached their familiar three-storied house, warm and inviting beneath the twilight sky. Ankush stepped out, breathing deeply, absorbing the gentle familiarity of his home. His mother hurried inside, eager to prepare a celebratory meal, while his father calmly locked the vehicle, placing the remaining mana stones carefully in storage.
Once inside, Ankush retreated to his room, closing the door gently behind him. The quiet comfort of his personal space embraced him. The shelves filled with magical engineering books and constructs felt different now—more meaningful. Every blueprint on his desk, every scroll on his shelf, felt alive, filled with potential. He smiled softly, his heart racing with excitement.
This wasn't just a return home. It was the beginning of something extraordinary.
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[Dinner Time – Celebration and Reflection]
Dinner was especially lively that evening. His mother had prepared his favorite dishes, their aroma filling the room, the table laid out with love and care.
"Eat plenty," Monika encouraged warmly, serving him extra portions of curry. "You'll need strength for tomorrow. A new awakened needs proper nutrition!"
Ankush laughed softly, feeling an odd warmth from her affection. "Thanks, Mom. It's delicious."
His father nodded approvingly. "Indeed, your mother has truly outdone herself. Today's special, Ankush—you deserve it."
Their pride filled him with quiet happiness. Yet, as he chewed thoughtfully, Ankush found himself lost again in his thoughts. They were celebrating a simple Level 8 awakening. How much greater would their joy be if they knew the truth?
He chuckled softly at the thought, drawing curious glances from his parents.
"What's funny, Ankush?" his mother asked warmly.
"Nothing," he replied with a faint smile, shaking his head gently. "Just thinking how lucky I am."
His parents smiled brightly, mistaking his meaning. "We're the lucky ones," his father replied warmly.
Ankush nodded quietly, finishing his meal. The truth could wait. For now, this simple, heartfelt moment was more precious than any glory he might achieve.
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Dinner concluded with joyful conversation and laughter, leaving Ankush deeply content. As he returned to his room, the moon had risen, casting soft silver shadows through his window. He stood there quietly for a moment, gazing at the night sky.
This was his beginning—a quiet, unnoticed start to a journey that would shake the very foundations of this new world.
But for tonight, he was simply Ankush Halder, the pride of two loving parents.
And that was more than enough.