Chapter 53

“Big brother… can, can we play again…?”

Starl suddenly asks timidly.

The girl bit her lips nervously, begging.

She was concerned that Rain wouldn’t agree.

Of course, Rain doesn’t have a heart of ice.

While smiling wryly, he grabbed Starl’s waist and made her sit on his arms.

“What does little Starl want to play today?”

With his answer, Starl and the others immediately smiled in utter happiness. The other kids immediately encircled him, took his hands, and dragged him away. Lafetti who was walking beside Rain could only watch as he was pulled by the excited children towards an empty lot. Her expression was gentle as she watches him run around with a smile, no less childish than the children he was chasing.

“Hello, Lafetti,”

“Vakni,” Lafetti turned around, only to see a woman with a stunning appearance for her age. She was slender and fit-looking. In human comparison, she appeared to be in her early thirties with startlingly green eyes and emerald hair, which was mostly seen among the Amani Lamians.

She was Vakni, and Starl’s mother.

“I’ve never seen Starl so happy before,”

Vakni said with a sweet smile as she watched Starl, her beloved daughter running around, with Rain behind her, chasing. Her laughter echoed in the entire tribe, like summer rain and you could even hear it from a mile away. And every time she heard her daughter’s laugh, she felt as if the entire world brightened much more than usual. It was as if her sound lifted a veil from her eyes and allowed her to see the world more clearly. And she loved it. She had never seen her so happy before, not until Rain had come.

And she was very grateful for his existence.

Just like what others say, Rain was like the rain that ushered new life into the world. It gave all of them a new beginning, like flowers budding after the rain—refreshing, and carrying with it, was the most beautiful rainbow. Their future.

“She’s been so cheerful, that’s for sure,”

Lafetti smiled faintly.

“She’s not the only one that had changed though… you have changed as well, Lafetti,” Vakni muttered.

“I did?”

Lafetti sounded surprised.

Vakni smiled. “Yeah. You’ve been smiling much often lately…and your aura, they turned more gentle and warm compared to before. Look, don’t you think the other children now approach you more often now?”

“…perhaps, and I think it’s not a bad change,”

Lafetti shrugged her shoulders.

“Indeed, it’s not. Thank you…”

“…??”

Lafetti glanced at Vakni, not understanding what she was saying thank you for. However, Vakni didn’t say anything and just continued watching and listening to her daughter’s cheerful laughter.

It seems like her Chief’s decision to let Rain stay peacefully in the tribe, completely unlike how the men were treated when they had to kidnap some before, was the right one.

Rain, was better or worse, a real member of their tribe now. And although he was a human, in the eyes of the entire tribe he was their one and only treasure… just look at the children’s laughter, no human or beings can make their dull, boring and dreary tribe to have some colors again, especially in this isolated hell-like place.

Many Lamias shared the same thought as Vakni as they watched Rain and the children play happily, without a care of the world.

Their laughter brightens the village even more and warm love spread through every corner of the tribe.

… …

Rain looks at the grey-colored stone in his hand. It was a pale grey stone like ashes were gathered together, squeezed tightly, and molded into this shape. Unlike other stones, he had seen, however, the ash-colored stone’s texture was soft and seemed to be malleable.

“So this is the Magic Stone?” he asked curiously.

Threia nodded.

“That’s right. Just hold the stone and it will automatically transfer magic power through your veins. It will have a sense of invading your mind, but you cannot block it. Calm down and you needed to let it go inside of you, understand? After a full circulation, it will open your mana veins completely, and you will then be able to use magic.”

Rain nodded her head as she turned towards Threia. Her scent lingered around him, something sweet and flowery like jasmine. She always had this kind of smell around her, and the black marking-like tattoos on her body made her look somewhat wild.

The black tattoos that look-like tribal markings reach until her cheeks run through her neck, shoulders, chest, and then abdomen. Rain didn’t understand its purpose but he was told that it was a necessity for those who took up the shaman position for the tribe. Perhaps, there was still a much more important purpose for them aside from just having religious and traditional functions?

She had ash-gray hair, from what he was told, she originally possesses emerald hair like the other Amani Lamians, but turned ash-gray after the succession ceremony or something. As for reason, Rain didn’t know, not like he was interested to know. Though, curious but not so much interested. Now, combine with stormy gray eyes, sweet lips, porcelain skin, and luscious curves, her beauty and appearance can certainly rival Zarda.

Zarda came over and pulled Rain lovingly, stroking his hair, “It would be somewhat painful, but you need to hold on.” she warned softly. Worry filled her eyes.

“It will?”

Rain asked, worried.

Zarda smiled helplessly, “It is. And perhaps, it would not be as simple pain—mana awakening is done at childhood for human beings for a reason. But you, you’ve passed the suitable age,” she sighs. “We’re not really that knowledgeable about Human Being’s Awakening Ceremony, but you might as well brace yourself. No matter what happens, we are here…okay?” she kissed his brow, causing a fleeting annoyance to appear inside of Lafetti.

But she’s now better at holding her emotions than before. Lafetti walked towards Rain with a sweet, gentle smile.

“Everything’s going to be okay. I will always be here, I promise you.”

She smoothed her hands across his back, drawing him close. She then rested her hands on his cheek, cupping his face.

“After this, your dream will come true, right?”

“I’m not scared,” Rain grinned boyishly.

“I know you’re not,” she kissed his brow, then the tip of his nose. Her hands slipped up to his neck and leaned closer.

She kissed him gently, still aware that the others are watching her enviously, and she felt proud. Though she can feel the Medusa's gaze boring on her, she didn’t care. She took a slow, leisurely pace, seemingly seducing Rain with softness. And as usual, his body easily responded, molding to hers.

A heat boiled up inside her abdomen, but Lafetti held it on and break the kiss. A long string of saliva could be seen connecting both of their lips, as she pulled back, her forehead leaning against his.

“Well, that’s enough and let’s do it, shall we?”

Zarda sigh and glared at Lafetti.

Lafetti shrugged and placed one last kiss on Rain’s lips before stepping back. She didn’t walk far away, however, as she wanted to see to it that there’s no harm whatsoever for Rain. She knows that this is quite a sensitive operation since Zarda and Threia were not used to helping a human open their mana veins. Especially, not a human that had already gone past a suitable age.

This might become dangerous for him, the backlash of magical power is not something a human being could endure.

However, she has no choice. Despite the danger, Rain’s dream is to be able to use magic—which she was not sharing the same excitement. It’s just magic. Even without it, Rain’s prowess in battle, and his steadily growing strength is something a normal human would already feel envious of.

Magic is just an add-on and is not something really important—well, a human being’s persistence in magic is something very common. They seem to value it a lot. And for a Magic Race like them, who, since birth is already blessed with magic, would have a hard time understanding this kind of fixation.

What’s more important to note is that Rain’s way of awakening is not something that is usually done by humans. Well, aside from the age restriction, there’s also the fact that the awakening is done through the power of their Gods—a Church, or God’s Temple so to speak. And it surely is done at the same time when they check their Professions or Classes.

Without the so-called magic artifact, Status Tablet that they used to clearly measure one’s status and skills, they wouldn’t know what kind of Class he would have—Zarda thought Rain might have an Assassin-Type Class. But how could such a shameless class be suited for her Rain?

That’s impossible!

He looked more like that of a Knight, or a Hero, whichever regardless wouldn’t change his standing on her heart.

It’s just that, the Awakening Stone might affect Rain, and his personality and character. And this was what worries Lafetti.

Even still, the moments she found something wrong, Lafetti would certainly crash that stone into ashes—even if that stone is a precious relic for the Tribe. Nothing is important as him. And he is certainly more valuable than that piece of rock!

Zarda was certain that Rain already had a Class, but they wouldn’t be able to confirm it without the so-called Status Tablet. However, not like it was important. As long as Rain can protect himself, there’s no greater than that—whatever his class. The only thing that worried Zarda, Lafetti, Threia, Stagna, and Drova was the fact that if Rain had indeed already possessed a Class, then him having a blocked Mana Veins is suspicious.

It must have been a scheme made by someone, trying to bury his talent and potential. And with the fact that Rain was left in this dangerous place without any memories, someone must have been trying to kill him. And this is more important to them than anything. No one has the right to touch even the strand of his hair. Or else, they would show the world what Amani Lamians can do once again!

“You know what to do, Rain?”

Zarda turned towards Rain, her expression soft and gentle as she lovingly stroke his hair.

Rain took a deep breath, calming his taut nerves. He was nervous…excited? He gripped the fist-sized gray stone in his hand and closed his eyes. One second, two seconds, three seconds… splash! Rain suddenly felt his hand started to heat up. Though, not burning hot but enough to make him sweat. Then, suddenly a warm current began to enter his veins from the stone, like water flowing through a canal, he could feel something entering through his skin—this is…

Magic Power?

Rain wondered as he felt a familiarity coming from within.

Within his body appeared a golden stream, which Rain could clearly feel, spreading randomly within his muscles, bones, and veins. Circulating within him and slowly strengthens his fragile veins cycle after cycle—he felt a comfortable sensation washing through him.

Several feet away from Rain, Lafetti, Zarda, Threia, Stagna, and Drova was watching him with anxious expressions. Their hands clenched tightly, their knuckles turned white.

You can do it...!

Large beads of sweat could be seen coming from his forehead and face, but there seemed to be no signs of danger, making them somewhat relieved. However, suddenly, just as they heave a sigh of relief after seeing Rain’s calm aura—a sudden change occurred.

Agony!

It was a heart-piercing, lungs shredding type of agony. Rain suddenly felt like his head was being split open. A surge of powerful force violently rushed inside his body. Though his body was fragile, his mind was completely conscious. The pain felt like it would last an eternity. He rather be dead than endure it any longer.

“Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!”

Rain let out a piercing scream. He stumbled forward, then collapsed to his knees. He breathed heavily, and sweat glistened on his brow. Then, finally, he fell to the ground, crouching in pain. Blood spewed out of his mouth, dying the ground beneath him bright red. His eyes snap open, and they were bloodshot, his body felt like it was stabbed over thousands of times.

“RAIN!!”

Lafetti who saw Rain and heard her cry felt as if the world stop and color instantly drained from her face. Without saying anything, she pounced at Rain, trying to kick, well, slap the stone away with her tail and save him—but at this moment,

“Stop, Lafetti!!”

Threia appeared in front of her, her expression serious and grave.

“You can’t disturb him!”

“Scram Threia!!!”

Lafetti roared in anger. Her eyes bloodshot, and she looks like she was going insane. Rain’s cry of pain is still echoing in the entire place, just hearing his scream made Lafetti lose all her mind and her heart felt as if being stabbed by a thousand blades.

“Can’t you hear his pain?! You bastard let me go!!” Lafetti struggled within Threia’s constrain and tried to rush towards Rain but the shaman's strength is above that of Lafetti, and only less inferior to that of Drova.

“Stagna! Drova, restrain Lafetti!”

“But Threia… Rain!”

“We can’t do anything! If we disturb him now, he will lose all his chances of awakening his mana veins! It would be a failure!” Threia gnashed her teeth, trying to restrain Lafetti with all she’d got. But Lafetti’s strength is becoming stronger, and it was above what she had expected. Hence, she’s losing control.

Drova and Stagna were hesitant. They could see Lafetti’s eyes and they couldn’t help but still. It’s a desperate obsession that can’t be stopped by anything. Rain’s pain seemed to have been channeled into her, causing her to feel it as well.

They would never have thought that their younger sister would have fallen to a human boy to this degree. They truly have underestimated her obsession with him. And yet, when they saw her like this, they couldn’t help but feel somewhat envious as well.

Love.

This is what Love is.

Though, too much and overboard, it is still Love.

“I don’t care!! Let me go now! I said let me go! Rain!! Rain!!”

Lafetti grit her teeth and tears started leaking out from her eyes. She looked up with tearful eyes and tear-stained cheeks, then stared at Threia stubbornly, which made Threia afraid of looking at her eyes.

“Just calm down, Lafetti!”

“Can’t you hear his cry?! No, stop it! I don’t care if Rain can’t use magic! He doesn’t need it!! Just, stop it!!”

Rain’s cry pierced through her very being as if someone was gouging her heart. It was painful, very painful. She wanted to pull him, to stop him, to protect him. She would never want anything like this to happen.

She could no longer suppress the pain and made a helpless and heartbroken cry. She extended her hand, but she was still a few meters away from him. More so, she was now slowly being drag away by Threia. Her long tail thrashed around, but it was being held by Threia’s tail, coiling around Lafetti.

Stagna and Drova glanced at each other, then both of them went towards Lafetti and help in constraining her.

“You! Do you know what you’re doing!? Can’t you hear his scream?!!!”

Lafetti roared in anger.

“That’s enough, Lafetti!”

Zarda finally made a sound. Her face and expression was serious and dyed with a painful expression. However, she was calm.

“I told you, this wouldn’t be an easy matter…and Rain knows this as well. But he still continued.”

“But Rain will die!”

“He will not!”

Zarda gnashed her teeth, then bit her lips.

“Trust him!” she said with clear anxiety and worry on her face.

She looks down at him and crouched towards him. Blood continued to spread through the ground, and Zarda had the urge to slap the stone away from his hand just like Lafetti, but she bit her lips and stops herself from doing anything rash.

Rain would be sad if he would not be able to use magic. He will. She had seen how his eyes sparkled with the mention of magic, and how his expression lightens up when he did. Rain loves magic, and Zarda and the others know that. How sorrowful would he become if he was unable to use it?

She reaches out, and with trembling hand enclosed his fist that was loosening slowly, and the ash stone might roll out of it.

She closed his fingers gently, “Rain, you can do it…I know you can,” she said with a trembling voice.

Rain look at her, his bloodshot eyes look terrible as it was covered with blood-like tears. However, his lips curve upwards, but it seems like he didn’t have the strength to say something anymore. And Zarda felt even more painful. She then pressed his temple with her finger and instantly, the world spun and the sky turned dark.

“This is the only thing I can do…”

All light was suddenly sucked out of the world.

Rain closes his eyes, and he lost consciousness. Then, immediately after—

Crack.

A series of crackling noises ripped out of his body.

Black chains-like tattoos appeared at the top of his skin, becoming real as time passed by.