It's only been a couple of days that passed ever since I found the books my father left for me to read. The information I've learned so far is that the M-Cells must be gathered at a certain point anywhere on your body in order to cast magic.

  I made sure to practice in my room without my mother knowing because I'm unsure how she'd react if she ever saw me practicing magic... But nonetheless, I had to learn in order to protect this world in case anything bad happens again.

  I closed the black book I was reading then getting off the bed as I stood still at the center of my room, a sigh coming out to prepare myself for the better or for the worse.

  Slowly, I leaned my right arm out while making sure my palm is faced upwards, closing my eyes while concentrating hard enough. The energy of my Magic Core was strong... I can feel remnants of the magic power I had from my previous life.

  Carefully, I gather a small amount of M-Cells in my body, redirecting it towards my right hand while making sure I remain control. The hard part is you need tremendous amount of focus in order to maintain the M-Cells in place, if not, it would temporarily immobilize you for a few minutes.

  The only reason why I find it difficult today is because of my reincarnated body. Compared back then, I did it with ease considering how I was used to it because of being an adventurer. But not doing it for the past few years has made me rusty it seems. Unless something else entirely is making me weak...

  For a split second I felt my concentration loosen due to the thoughts I had, making me immediately go back to focusing on what I had to do. I even felt the paralyzing shock that father wrote if you ever lose concentration. Seriously, how did he find all of these himself?

  And surely enough, when I had gathered the M-Cells at my right hand. I spoke a magic skill that was pretty basic to use and was the easiest one of them all:

  "Fire Wisp."

  I opened my eyes after I spoke, feeling the M-Cells beginning to manifest the magic I had casted. A medium sized flame that was resting on my hand, a success that I didn't expect to happen. But there is one thing I noticed.

  "Is this bigger than back then? Or am I seeing things..."

  I was unsure if the flame was bigger than before. I remember that it was a tiny flame when I was starting out back then when I was a bit older. Or is this one of the effects of being reincarnated?

  Sure enough I didn't think much of it and shrugged it off. Most importantly, I managed to cast magic even after reincarnating, I was worried I would fail considering my lack of training...

  Then a thought came to my mind; Should I try launching this?

  No no no, I shouldn't, worst case scenario is I burn the house down accidentally.

  "I should put this out now before mother comes home."

  The way to dispel magic was pretty simple though, splitting the M-Cells back in the body to where you gathered them from, cancels the magic if it doesn't have enough M-Cells to get energy from.

  Which I did successfully. The flame disappeared as I sighed in relief, slowly tumbling backwards and laying down on my bed while feeling satisfied about the progress I made today. Considering how it was better than the past few days, this was a huge success.

  "It looks like someone studied well."

  A womanly voice spoke. Immediately, I sat up and looked to where the voice was, and it was from my door, opened with my mother standing just outside my room. I couldn't tell what she was feeling since she had the same warm smile and expression she always gives me.

  I nervously asked. "Hello mother... Um... How long were you watching me?" While also letting out a nervous laugh.

  She answered instantly. "Ever since you stood at the center of your room... Let's have a chat."

  This doesn't sound good...

  I thought to myself as I nodded after she finished speaking, moving away on the bed to make some space for her to sit down as she did. The tension was rather awkward... I didn't know what to make of it and I had the expression of a scared child.

  "Toki..." She called out to me rather gently, but to me, I know it isn't good especially with what I experienced previously in my life.

  A few minutes earlier, Oracle's POV.

  A sigh of relief came out of my mouth after finally finishing another job, it's been a while since I started working again but it's been fun especially when I get to hangout with my old partners.

  I looked at the front of our beloved house, a soft smile on my face every time I come home to see my lovely child. I do wonder what he does most of the time whenever I'm not home. I did try getting him into playing games or watching TV but he said he prefers to read... My son is such a smart kid, just like his father.

  I walked to the front door, unlocking it and entering inside as I closed the door behind me while locking it, activating the security system again once I got inside.

  "Toki I'm home!" I spoke out loudly enough for him to hear at the second floor of the house, but he didn't come running down which made me worried. I took off my shoes and put them aside at the entrance.

  Until I felt a sudden amount of magic energy coming from his room, it was faint, little even but something must have happened.

  I dropped my bag down on the floor near the entrance while running up the stairs to come check on him. I was sure that no one could enter our home... Unless...

  My thoughts swirled, worried that my son might be in danger but I was confident that nobody would dare set foot in our home especially with our security system. Composing myself and calming down, I walked to his room slowly, knocking on his door.

  "Toki? Are you there?"

  I asked but no answer, worried that there might be something happening, I opened the door slowly and cautiously.

  And when I did, I was surprised. Toki was lifting a flame that was even bigger than his hand. If I remember, that was the move Fire Wisp that we learned when starting out magic basics.

  But how could he...

  I thought to myself while watching my own child focusing intensely, he didn't even hear me or noticed me yet. Then at the edge of my sight, I saw what looked like books. Books that was similar to my husband's secret workplace.

  Wait... He found it? Did he stumble upon it by accident?

  Many thoughts were in my mind, worried and scared for the future of my own child. Because this was the only will that my husband had left for me in the letter... For him to have a normal life and to not follow his footsteps.

  Being a hero is not an easy task, it never was. I've known since I was my husband's partner during his time as a hero. And what he went through, the emotional trauma and physical pain he had to endure was stressful enough.

  I couldn't let my son be a Hero, I didn't want him to experience what his father had to go through. So I'll put a stop to this before he ever does.

  After watching him dispel the magic and seeing him lay down on the bed, I called out to him with the same expression I use to his father whenever I felt the necessary to be serious.

  "It looks like someone studied well."

  I said with a calm tone. He suddenly sat up on the bed and looked at my directly in the eyes, while he did, he asked how long I was standing here which I replied.

  "Ever since you stood at the center of your room... Let's have a chat." This was it, the conversation I needed to have for my child. Even if he's a child, he is smart like his father so he should understand completely.

  I walked towards him as he made some space for me, sitting down next to him as I rest my hands on my lap. I had to tell him right here and right now.

  I look at him while calling out his name in a more gentle tone. "Toki..." He looked at me nervously, and replied with a question. I could tell how nervous and anxious he currently is.

  I continued speaking, asking two questions, to get some confirmation first. "When did you find those books and how long have you been practicing on magic?"

  "Um... A few days ago I found the books while reading the manga you mentioned how you and father met. And when I was returning the volume I finished reading I saw a shelf opening a passage way towards father's workplace. That's how I found it... And I only started practicing magic after I found the books too. I saw his letter for me as well." He said without any hesitation. Showing how he isn't lying.

  Although I did tell my husband how stupid it was to place the button behind there... He never listens.

  I sighed, then asked another question to make sure. "Then why are you learning magic Toki?"

  He was about to speak but hesitated, it was as if he knew the answer but was unsure about telling it to me. I hoped that if anything the reason wouldn't be becoming a hero. Which I was wrong.

  He answered confidently while looking serious. "To be a hero."

  I knew it...

  I thought to myself, my expression saddened and worried, before answering. "Toki... I know you want to be a hero but your father explicitly told you not to be. I was told by your father to watch over you and to protect you because he doesn't want you to go through what he did. So please Toki, don't do it, for me and for your father."

  I was almost about to tear up. I couldn't bring myself to see him gone like his father did as well. And while I was caught in the midst of my thoughts, he answered.

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  "I know mother... But I can't help myself if father had done it as well. I'm sure he had his reasons to be a hero. And I have mine too."

  "And what's that?..." I asked while looking at him.

  "To protect you and to help everyone live peacefully." He answered, for a split second I could've sworn I saw Rin's image from my son. The answer was similar to how his father told me his reason was as well.

  My eyes softened, before beginning to sob uncontrollably. I didn't want my son to be a hero at all... But he reminds me of his father a lot that I couldn't help it. I hugged him tight while making sure he felt comfortable at the same time as he hugged me back.

  I even felt his hand patting my head which reminded me of when he was a toddler patting me on my head at the time his father sacrificed his life.

  I've never felt this happy to see my son being such a kind soul. I pulled away from the hug while wiping the tears I had before telling him.

  "Then I want you to do this before you become a hero... Have a normal life first Toki, don't be like your father who became at such a young age."

  "Father was a hero at a young age?" He asked while having a shocked expression. I can understand the reason why since for your childhood to be wasted like that is cruel.

  I chuckled while nodding, smiling softly as the tears finally stopped, answering his question. "Yes. Your father was..." I hesitated, unsure if I should tell him the truth about his father or not. And I chose not to, continuing to speak. "Excuse me, became a hero at the age of ten years old. Because of how intelligent and strong he was. His family and many people saw his potential to be a hero, even his magic capabilities was beyond anyone's imagination."

  "Really?! That sounds awesome!" My son exclaimed while having an impressed expression, I can almost even see the stars in his eyes while he did so.

  I giggled finding it adorable as I nodded. "It is isn't it? Your father is an amazing man after all! He contributed so much in the technology today, inventing weapons like the Fire Magic Arm!"

  "That's... That's the name father came up with?" He said now sounding unimpressed because of the name, which I felt the need to agree, looking rather disappointed.

  "Sadly yes... Your father wasn't good at naming things. Have I ever told you that your name was my idea?" I said proudly.

  "Really? What was father going to name me then?" He asked excitedly, even though he looked forward to my answer... I wasn't really fond of the names Rin was going to give him.

  "Destro, short for Destroyer. Intel, short for Intelligent. And Rin Jr."

  "...I think I prefer the name you gave me mother." He said while sounding disappointed about the names his father was going to give him.

  "I can understand that..." I answered.

  The both of us looked at each other and shared a laugh. I never expected a mother and son bonding time can be this fun and relaxing... I never experienced this when I was a child so to be a parent and to do this. I'm grateful.

  "Let's go eat Toki, I forgot I brought pizza for dinner!" I said happily, eager to have some slices already.

  "Really?! I'll go get some!" He immediately got off the bed and ran out of his room. I giggled seeing how needy he was when it came to pizza ever since he first tried it out.

  "He really is like you dear." I said while looking above, knowing that he's finally resting peacefully. I wish you were here so we could have some family time like this... But that wish is too good to be true.

  I got off the bed, standing up, not before fixing his bed up because of how messy it is, as well as grabbing the five books his father left for him and putting it on his desk so it would look more tidy.

  As I got out of his room, my phone suddenly rang. Someone was calling me and I brought my phone up, answering it as I leaned against the wall.

  "Yes who is this?"

  'Oracle!'

  One of my close friends called out to me in the phone, it's been a while ever since I got into contact with them so this was a surprise.

  "Oh Mana! It's been a while! How are you doing in the task force?"

  'I have something to tell you... Not many in the task force figured it out but I did. And I'm doing well thank you for asking but this is no time! I'm in a rush and I'll end this call immediately.'

  "Then?..." I was rather confused why she's in a rush, maybe she's on a mission.

  'It's Rin... There's a possibility he's alive.'

  "...what?"

  —

  The day after, Toki's POV.

  The talk me and my mother had last night was... Shocking. I didn't expect her to accept my reasoning easily. It was odd as well, I thought she would scold and hit me than hearing me out. She's not like the mother I had in my previous life.

  It was early in the morning, 7 AM to be exact, and I looked at the side to see the books were stacked properly on my desk. Then suddenly, my mother's face appeared.

  "Morning Toki!"

  I was caught off guard since I was still half asleep by then, so seeing her early in the morning was surprising since she usually leaves to go to work.

  I groggily sit up on my bed, yawning slightly as my hair was very messed up. I looked at my mother who was wearing a light purple shirt, some shorts and her purple hair was tied into a pony tail. Is she planning something?

  "Come on Toki, change your clothes since we're going out jogging!" She exclaimed happily. It was rare for mother to be at home this early so I asked.

  "Shouldn't you be at work mother? I though you'd left already."

  "Something came up so I'll be staying at home for a while! Which means more mother and son bonding time!" She said excitedly, then going to my wardrobe and bringing out a shirt and some shorts for jogging as she continued. "Change your clothes and I'll be waiting outside!"

  She said before leaving my room. I admit, I didn't expect for her to make me come with her as well. But I also needed some exercising so it shouldn't hurt.

  After a few minutes passed by and I got out of the house with mother waiting for me. She walked towards the front door and locked it while also activating the security system. I also brought her a white jacket since it was freezing this early... I also had my own jacket which was colored blue.

  "Thank you Toki! Now are you ready?" She asked while putting the jacket on, her legs beginning to move swiftly. I couldn't help but feel like my mother is athletic or rather physically gifted. The way her feet was stepping on the ground, made no noise whatsoever.

  I snapped out of my thoughts before looking at her and nodded. With the both of us heading out of our front yard and beginning to jog through out neighborhood.

  —

  After half an hour and maybe a few minutes of jogging, me and mother stopped at a park where a playground was nearby. Currently, my mother was talking to the other neighbors that were jogging as well. I looked at the playground to see some kids at my age playing and having fun.

  Though it wasn't really up to my standards to play right now, so I made sure to bring the black book with me just in case I get bored. I found a bench where a tree was also covering it to give some shade, sitting down close to where my mother and the other women were talking.

  I opened the book and continued reading the part where I left at; How Healing with M-Cells Work. I was nearing the end of the book, I only needed a couple more pages before I finish it and continue the other books my father finished. Then I heard a voice.

  "That looks interesting!" A voice came from behind, a kid, almost my age, seemingly dressed like they were jogging as well. He had golden short hair, colorful enough that it looks shining, their skin almost ivory maybe. But one thing that separates his features was his eyes. No, his pupils.

  His pupils were not normal, it looked odd. It was green with the design that looked like a capital S and a vertical stroke at the middle of it. It looked interesting for some reason. As I responded back to what he said.

  "Yeah it is. I'm just reading since I don't feel like playing..." I responded normally.

  "I see... I'm hooked. I want that, can I have it?" He said, but something didn't feel right about when he asked me. I was unsure at first but I didn't want a stranger to give my father's work.

  "Sorry... I have to return this later and I have to study. So I can't give it to you. Besides my mother would get mad." I declined politely, not wanting to anger him since he is a kid after all.

  "...oh." Was what he said. I looked at him to see that his expression was rather puzzled, as if he didn't expect me to deny him. Then his expression changed, smiling brightly rather than being annoyed. Moving around and sitting beside me as he spoke.

  "You're interesting! Can we be friends? I'm Cash!" Unexpected greeting from him and how he wanted to be friends was something I couldn't believe myself. But at the same time. I was very happy to see someone wanted to be friends with me.

  Without hesitation, I nodded quickly, smiling brightly as I responded. "Sure! I'm Toki. Nice to meet you Cash." My first friend after all this years of being prevented by my mother to go outside unless I'm with her. I may just have a normal life after all before I become the hero...

  After we exchanged our greetings, me and Cash would read the book together. Since he was curious about what I was studying, I never expected it to be fun learning magic when you're doing it with someone else.