The Return

AUTHOR'S P.O.V:

When a mana beast reaches a certain level, they can pass on their 'Essence,' or ability to be more specific, to one person. These people are known as Beast Tamers.

The level of all mana beasts varies, and for some, it is solely determined by their desire to become strong.

This is extremely rare, as mana beasts are generally aggressive and prefer to pass on their Essence to their kin. There is also a small chance of acquiring the Beast Essence from a beast's mana core dropped after their death. However, most mana beasts destroy their mana core along with their Beast Essence when they are killed.

There was another ancient method a mage can use mana beast without becoming a tamer. That method is called Summoning Magic. A prospective mage must first form a contract with the mana beast before summoning it. The contract, however, can never be made on an equal footing.

This method was abandoned hundreds of years ago because the contract was made with the mana beast's side having much authority over the mage because the mana beast's mana does not normally deplete when the ritual is performed, whereas the mage's magic depletes as the contract is made.

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ETHAN ASHER'S P.O.V:

It took me and Eve a week to travel through the Elven forests and mountains.

We yearned to keep an eye on the tent from mana beasts as the nights passed. But eventually, we both slept together without realizing it. Well, it was weird but it made us connect.

It continued as her growing more comfortable around me, at least comfortable enough not to get embarrassed every time she woke up or speaking to me.

She was, to put it mildly. she comes off as socially awkward, and she doesn't seem to hold back her words.

But as she began to become comfortable around with me, even teasing me about the way I talk, our conversations became more natural and there was less awkward silence.

Fortunately, my concerns were unfounded. I'm just grateful to have someone like Eve by my side.

Fortunately for me, my friend Jin here acted as a catalyst for me and Eve to bond well. I'm grateful for that, Lil Jin!

Jin grew to be approximately twenty to thirty centimeters long. Although he was still as slender as before, his golden scales were far more eye-catching now.

The scales on his forehead were a different shade of gold. Compared to the other scales on his body, the gold shined dazzlingly like multi colour flares.

With each breath he took, the scales grew even more radiant, and his previously murky eyes, became much clearer. Not to mention that he appears to absorb my mana in order to cultivate his mana core. .

Whatever happens, I just hope he grows stronger and healthier. So, I aided him to have as much as he needs, thinking that I have another reason to become strong.

We had all come this far and were now standing at my house's door.

"Hey Eth! Don't you wanna open the door?" Eve inquired as she noticed me standing and staring at the door.

To put it simply, this was a mixed feeling of happiness and sadness.

I never had the opportunity to say "I'm home" in my previous life because I never had any. Now, in this life as Ethan Asher, even though the Ashers adopted me, I grew in here, trained in here with my family. So, even If I find my real origin, I will always be an Asher, no matter what!

"Phyu!" As Jin sounded and curled up towards my hands, "Eth! Will your parents be uncomfortable with you bringing a girl here?" Eve asked as she saw me spaced out.

"What? No! If that's the case, why would I bring you along with me in the first place!"

"So...why are you standing here without entering?" She inquired.

"It's just that I'm feeling nostalgic!"

While I was speaking with Eve, the doors swung open with a loud thud. A young lady gracefully embraced me in the centre of the entranceway.

I quickly raised my arms to get Jin out of harm's way, but the wind quickly escaped from my mouth, and I couldn't save myself.

Eve looked at us with bemusement.

We were both silent for a moment as the young lady gently stroked my grown silky black hair while my gaze was fixed on her body.

"Lil Man! You are late kid!" Eve stood silently, she said.

"Its good to be back sis!" I replied with a smile. "Now how about you let me go?"

"Phyu?" as Jin rose his body by sitting at my head, "Hm...Eth? who is she?" Eve asked me.

As the young lady released me from her tight hug, "You must be Evana! My name is Alice Asher, and I'm Ethan's older sister! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"When did you get back here, Sis?"

I was surprised to see my elder sister after three years. The last time was the year I returned home after my first adventure with Mr.Blue Grim.

"Are you Eth...Ethan's sister? Ethan's Wow, I never knew!" as Eve said.

Wow, I never knew!" as Eve said.  Well, from now on, you are one of us Eve...!" Alice said as she rushed both of us inside the house.

Jin gripped my head tightly without slipping off the force, and Eve appeared to be confident as well.

***CHAPTER 40***