Mimou
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Chapter 175 : Home
🕑 Added 2025-01-09 23:10:33 +0000 UTC« Chapter-174 | Index | Chapter-176 »
Sora sat cross-legged in the middle of the clearing, alone for a few minutes.
His gaze wandered to the sky, his thoughts drifting.
The weight he had carried for so long was finally lifted.
Rachel had often lingered in his mind during moments when he struggled to find the motivation to train or grow. While she wasn’t the main reason driving him forward, her presence had taken enough space in his thoughts that her absence now left a strange void he didn’t know how to fill.
'She’s gone.'
'I'm free now.'
'What will I do next?'
'I can help Alius. I can help Karim and the others.'
‘I can assist the New World Kingdom in the wars...’
‘I can look into Supreme Quests and see what they are about...’
‘I can even visit the Dark Elves Kingdom.’
Thinking of all the options he had, he shook his head.
'I don't want to do anything right now...'
The last thought caught him off guard. For the first time in years, he didn’t feel the need to push forward. There was no urgency to chase the next goal. All he wanted was to stay still and rest.
Feeling the call of his familiars, he turned his gaze toward them and removed the veils and barriers surrounding his allies.
One by one, the barriers fell, revealing the group who had waited patiently for him.
Alius approached first, flying quietly at the forefront. He didn’t say a word, but his eyes locked with Sora’s, speaking volumes.
Sora’s familiars followed closely, positioning themselves near their master in silence.
Even Sarsha, typically the loudest and most curious of them all, stayed quiet. Her wide eyes shone with questions left unspoken, as if she knew this wasn’t the time to ask them. She fidgeted slightly, but managed to remain silent.
Sora noticed Kara approaching quickly, her pace hurried. He stood up as she came closer.
Her face was full of tears, her usual composure replaced by emotions she rarely showed to outsiders.
She reached him in moments, throwing her arms around his shoulders and pulling him into a embrace. Her grip was tight, as though she feared he might disappear if she let go.
For a brief moment, Sora hesitated. He felt unworthy of the love and relief she was showing. But he still placed a hand on her back, returning her embrace. He didn’t say anything, unwilling to break the the silence.
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Alius watched the couple’s display of affection for almost a minute before clearing his throat loudly.
“Can’t you see you’re not alone here?” he said, feigning annoyance.
Kara pulled away from Sora, a soft smile on her lips as she noticed some light returning to his eyes.
After a moment of silence, Alius spoke again. “So—Ralph. I had planned to ask for your help to save Hope, but after all the time we’ve spent in Kara’s space, I feel my strength has grown enough to handle it on my own.”
Nyx and Hiyoko, standing nearby, both lowered their heads simultaneously. Despite their usual bickering, they shared a deep bond with their uncles' familiars and seemed to be unwilling to part ways.
Sora’s smile faltered. “What are you saying? We’re a team. Of course we’ll help you. What if they have someone who can counter your abilities?”
Alius sneered. “Don’t worry about me. You and Kara have already helped me more than enough.”
Sora thought back to their most recent spars and had to acknowledge Alius’s point.
Kara responded for both of them. “Thank you, Alius. Good luck with your quest, and don’t hesitate to call us if anything goes wrong.”
Her gaze shifted to the figure crouched next to Alius, absentmindedly playing with the grass. “And take Sarsha with you.”
Alius’s face twisted in displeasure at her words.
Sarsha, who had been bored moments before, looked up at the sound of her name. Her eyes narrowed as she processed Kara’s suggestion.
“What the hell? You resurrected me, and that guy killed me. Now no one wants to take responsibility while I just want to tour your kingdom! Alius is the shadiest person in your group. Why would I go with him?” she demanded, pointing accusatory fingers at Kara and Sora.
Turning to Sora, she grinned, “You’re my anchor! I can’t leave your side.”
Kara sighed, remembering the detail Sarsha had pointed out.
Alius, however, laughed. “So, your group gets to babysit her.”
Sarsha’s face turned red with indignation. “Humans really are despicable!”
Despite her outburst, Sora found his lips twitching into a faint smile. Her antics were a welcome distraction from his thoughts, even if only for a moment.
-------------------------------------------
After Alius left the group, Sora, Kara and Sarsha remained behind.
Kara looked at Sora, "Let's go back home."
Sora nodded. “Yeah. It’s time.”
He waved his hand, summoning a massive portal with the [Spatial Element].
A vortex of elements appeared in the air. Without hesitation, the trio and their familiars stepped through.
On the other side, they found themselves surrounded by the familiar sights of Ales, in France.
Sora inhaled deeply, letting the tranquility of the small town wash over him. For the first time in years, he was home.
“We haven’t been here for decades,” he murmured.
“Let’s go greet your parents,” Kara said, her smile matching the warmth in her voice.
Sarsha, on the other hand, looked unimpressed as she scanned her surroundings. “This is it? I thought you’d bring me to some grand castle or a bustling city! What am I supposed to do in this backwater place?”
Kara chuckled softly but didn’t bother responding, her attention already on the path ahead. Sora, too, ignored Sarsha’s complaint as they began walking toward the entrance of Ales.
As they walked, Sora felt a probing energy brushing against his group.
Without reacting outwardly, he turned to Sarsha. “Why don’t you return to Kara’s space?”
“I don’t want to…” Sarsha replied, noticing the change in his tone. “It’s boring in there!”
Sora sighed. “Sarsha, someone just scanned us, and our masks aren’t flawless. It’s not impossible for them to see through them if they have exceptional skills.” He saw the surprise on her face and added, “Please, just hide for now.”
Though clearly frustrated, Sarsha vanished into Kara’s space without further protest.
Sora pointed toward the city guards, where two female players stood. “Those players near the gate—they’re waiting for someone. The moment we arrived, they used a probing skill. It’s beyond what most players can do. They couldn’t see through our masks, but they’re definitely suspicious of us after we resisted their scan.”
Kara processed his words. “You’ve hidden us behind layers of mental power and mana since we left Japan… The only way to locate us is through a Supreme Skill. If they couldn’t see through us, they might ask for reinforcement.”
Sora shook his head in irritation. “People have been looking for me ever since I left the tower. The secrets of Ralph Eden aren’t buried deeply enough. Tracking my connection to this hometown wouldn’t have been impossible.”
He sighed, “I’ll probably have to abandon this identity soon. It’s become too well-known… and with Rachel gone, it might be time for 'Sora' to come back..”
The lighthearted atmosphere from earlier had completely dissipated. Kara glanced at Sora, her expression tinged with concern.
“Let’s check if my parents are okay first,” Sora said, ignoring the players at the city gate as he walked toward his family home.
As they neared the house, Sora’s steps slowed, his expression hardening. Two players, both level 150, stood outside on the sidewalk. Their presence immediately set him on edge.
‘Level 150… What are they doing here?’ His thoughts raced, and his fists clenched. He forced himself to remain calm. ‘This is a safe area. I can’t act recklessly.’
Activating his [Mana Eyes], Sora scanned the house. Relief washed over him as he saw his parents sitting at the dining table, enjoying lunch together. No visible threats were inside the house, and his parents seemed healthy.
His shoulders relaxed slightly, though his gaze remained cold. ‘They’re fine… but why are these players here?’
Kara, noticing his tension, squeezed his hand gently and sent him a message through their [Soul Link]. 'Let me handle this.'
Sora nodded, trying to relax as they approached the house. They both approached the house, and when they got too close, one of the players stopped them.
“Stop,” the player said. “Don’t come any closer. Please leave this area and don’t disturb this family.”
Kara tilted her head in confusion, her voice sweet. “Why? I’m just here to visit the couple living here.”
The second player crossed his arms. “We’ve been hired to protect this home from unwanted visitors. Only the residents and their friends are allowed to get past us.”
Still, Kara didn’t move. “Are people disturbing them often?” she asked, her tone sharper.
The first player frowned, and said, “Hundreds of players and journalists show up daily. They’ve tried every trick in the book to get past us. Please, just leave and don’t come back.”
Sora who followed the exchange was taken aback. ‘People have been bothering my parents… because of me. Damn it. I’ve been too careless,’ he thought, his fists tightening.
Without saying anything, he pulled out his [Mana Phone] and quickly typed a message to his parents.
[Hi dad, Hi mom. Please open, I'm in front of the door with Kara.]
A moment later, a reply lit up his screen...
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Comments
mimou
She has no clones. She used to switch between 'characters'
Virduckia
Didn't Rachel send some clones to the spirit and demon kingdoms?
mimou
People saw him enter that house! Will be explained in a while. They don't necessarily know they're family, but he has been seen there, like Kara. Some people could figure it out and sell the news
William newell
Why would people be bothering Soras parents if he is Ralph and no one knows he is sora?
