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Varian carefully placed the black box on a desk and sat in his chair. He nearly forgot about it.
Now that he looked at it again, he realized he did not try opening it after reaching level 5.
"Gulp." As Varian stretched his palms to touch the box, he realized he was already sweating.
"Calm down. The worst is already behind me." He told himself and grabbed the box.
He slowly increased his strength.
Level 1…Level 2…Level 3.
The box refused to budge and only shook lightly.
Level 4…
Clang!
The sound of metal clashing against metal reverberated across the cabin.
Varian took a deep breath and increased his strength by a notch.
Level 5.
And—
Pa!
The box he tried to open for a year finally opened. Its contents were far less shocking than he imagined.
There were only four letters.
"Boo, how old are these letters and the voice recorder." He asked.
A blue light scanned them and Boo replied. "The oldest letter is 3 years, the latest is 1 year."
Varian's shoulders relaxed and he waved his hand.
He picked the oldest letter and read.
It was a handwritten letter. Varian smelled a faint, familiar smell from it.
"Happy birthday! I wanted to give this letter to you, but…isn't it more fun to have you read them all once you awaken?
Actually, I feel embarrassed to say this out. So after some time passes, I'd be fine if you read this.
You were getting tired after your daily training. I just awakened and I can't help you much.
But…you always help me.
So I decided!
I'll cook you healthy and delicious meals.
What if Amanda is not at home? We shouldn't be eating unhealthy food!
This is my gift to you for your 15th birthday.
Hehe. Are you moved? Touched?
So hurry up and awaken!"
Varian's lips curled into a smile.
Amanda got increasingly busy as they grew up. They had to eat the food cooked by bots. Sia said it didn't suit his body on multiple occasions.
Even though she denied it, Sia started cooking for him.
"I want to cook for Amanda. You can have a takeaway."
"Hmph! I-I will cook every day even if you don't ask. I'm practicing cooking so that I can cook Amanda good meals after her tiring work."
"Then why is every dish here Varian's favorite?"
"T-That's because, yes! Because I only know these dishes."
"She's cute." With a warm smile on his face, Varian reached for the second letter.
"Stupid Varian! Happy Birthday!
Why did you start growing tall all of a sudden?
Argh! Now I have to raise my head!
And your stupid smile!
I used to like watching your smile. Secretly, I stared at your smile a lot of times.
Now, you smile all the time.
…I am worried.
I know high school has been tough on you. But you are tougher.
You stood up against the bullies, but why should anyone bully you?
I beat up those guys.
Don't worry about anything. Just do what you want, I will do my best to help you.
…Even though the best I could do is stop some high school kids from disturbing you and take you to fight Level 0 monsters.
I'll do my best.
Taking you to fight level 1 monsters is too risky.
I-I am afraid.
Last time, you nearly died. I almost died as well.
I didn't tell you, but I still have nightmares of that day.
Nightmares where I failed to save you and watch you…
You can understand my worries, right?
Please don't do anything stupid.
That aside, now your 16th birthday gift is—
We're going to Emerald City for a tour! I won the tickets in a competition.
Let's enjoy!"
"I-I am…" Varian tried to say something, but no words came out.
His heart was growing increasingly warm yet heavy at the same time. Somehow, he managed to open the last letter.
"Varian, Happy birthday.
I should've known that finishing high school a year early with you is not a good idea.
The night outs are traumatizing. But anyway!
You can already fight Level 1s as an unawakened!
Even though you gave me credit sometimes, it's mostly you.
…And you smile all the time.
But I know you're hiding your pain behind that smile.
We confessed our secrets that day.
You were afraid of losing me, do you think I am not afraid of losing you?
Every day my power grows, I feel a sense of dread. I lose control sometimes, but when I am with you, I can control myself better.
So, yes! Don't get the wrong idea why I ask you to sleep in the same room sometimes!
I am sorry, but I almost used my powers once on you.
I wanted to reduce your anxiety about not awakening…But in the end, I couldn't bring myself to do it.
High school has been tough. Those people don't see the handwork you put behind your strength.
Even though you can now defeat almost every student in the school, they still treat you the same.
…I beat them up a few times.
Leave all that behind, here's your birthday gift.
Good news!
I have advanced to level 2!
Now we can go to Dungeons anytime you want and any times you want.
I am so excited!
I have bought entrance passes to Dungeon three days after your birthday.
Are you looking forward to it?
Then no one can call you those names again.
Happy 17th Birthday!"
Clap!
Varian folded the letter and clenched his fists. His chest heaved up and down as he tried to control his violent breathing.
17th birthday…that night, his mother died.
He recalled Roxana's words.
Sia was the one who killed the Fire Wolf.
Varian rubbed his temples and sighed deeply.
He was frozen in fear, Sia had to protect him and Amanda.
She couldn't save Amanda.
Varian had a guess in his mind.. But he looked at the final letter regardless.