CHAPTER 9: FAMILY RE-UNION.
Translator: Exquisite Monarch
Rai Bin was a short, stumpy boy with delicate features. His long white hair, just like Rai Jin's, flailed in the wind. Both brothers had inherited their hair color from their father, Rai Manyan. But while Rai Jin had taken after their father's tall and gaunt stature, Rai Bin leaned toward the shorter side. That did nothing to diminish his beauty, though—he looked like a small, handsome, male version of their mother.
"What are you doing playing all by yourself?" Rai Jin asked, patting his younger brother on the head.
"The other boys won't play football with me," Rai Bin replied.
"Why not?" Rai Jin asked.
"They say I'm weird." He answered nonchalantly as he kicked the ball forward and ran after it.
"Weird? How?" Rai Jin asked, confused.
"Not just me, our whole family. They say Mum is weak because she can't use magic. Most of their mothers, even if not full-fledged mages, can at least use one or two elemental spells. They also say I'm weird because I walk alone and don't go to school anymore. I just follow Mother around," Rai Bin explained, kicking the ball toward his brother.
"That's only because we don't have enough money right now. Don't listen to them, they're just kids being kids," Rai Jin replied, stopping the ball with his leg.
"I'm also a kid, remember?" Rai Bin shot back.
"Ha ha ha, sorry! I often forget. You act older than your age. Sometimes I wonder who the elder brother really is, me or you," Rai Jin laughed.
"Don't worry," Rai Jin continued, his expression softening. "When I become a mage, I'll work as a hunter. Then we'll finally have enough money for you to return to school and for us to live better. Okay, Rai Bin? Besides, you're much smarter than those kids who never miss a single day in class."
Rai Jin knew how hard things were on Rai Bin. Even as young as he was, the boy could read situations well. He had even offered to stop schooling until they had more money. Sponsoring Rai Jin's tuition at the Magic Academy was no small matter, especially when they also had to worry about rent and food.
Truthfully, Rai Jin admired his younger brother. Rai Bin was far more reasonable than him, reasoning had never been Rai Jin's strength. He was a brute, and he knew it.
"They also said something about you," Rai Bin continued as they passed the ball back and forth. He stopped, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Rai Jin immediately grew cautious. He knew that grin, it always meant trouble.
"What did they say about me this time?" he asked, stepping closer.
"Nothing much. Just that you look like an old man, with the white hair and all," Rai Bin replied casually.
"What?! Old man? You've got the same white hair, so how come you're not an old man?" Rai Jin demanded.
"I don't know. Go ask them," Rai Bin said, already clutching his ribs with laughter.
"It's not funny! Someone needs to teach these kids some manners. How can they call a handsome, youthful man like me an old man?" Rai Jin said, combing his hair back dramatically with his hand.
"Just play the ball," Rai Bin chuckled, trying to hold back more laughter.
He kicked the ball forward, dribbled past Rai bin, and scored neatly between the two sticks that marked the goalpost.
"And that's an amazing goal from Old Man Rai Jin!" Rai Bin teased, bursting into laughter again.
"Oh, really? This 'Old Man' is about to show you what he can do with his big old hands!" Rai Jin shouted, chasing after him.
Rai Bin bolted away just in time.
While the two played and laughed, their mother Murana stepped out of the house to call Rai Bin in for food. But she stopped when she saw them together. Standing silently at the doorway, she watched her sons laugh and run with carefree smiles. A tear rolled down her cheek, warmth spreading through her heart.
'How I wish you were here, Rai Manyan… to see our children like this. Despite everything they've endured, they can still laugh so freely. I know you'll return one day. Until then, I'll keep caring for them.'
She wiped her tears and smiled softly.
"Rai Jin, Rai Bin, food is ready!" she called, waving at them.
"You heard Mother! Race you to the house! One, two" Rai Jin shouted, already sprinting.
"Hey, that's cheating! You didn't count to three!" Rai Bin yelled, chasing after him.
At the table, Rai Jin stuffed his mouth eagerly. "Mother, this hot pot tastes really good today. Rai Bin, if you can't finish the Kung Pao chicken, make sure to pass it here."
"Keep your hands to yourself," Rai Bin replied, glaring at him. His brother never let him eat in peace.
"Okay, boys. No one should talk while eating. That's terrible manners," Murana scolded.
"Sorry, Mother," they chorused.
Still, Rai Jin kept sneaking glances at Rai Bin's chicken. For some reason, it looked much more appetizing than his own.
While eating, Rai Jin spoke with his father in his mind. Rai Manyan could not yet share his son's senses, the crystal had no true connection until Rai Jin's nebula was activated. Still, his father's voice echoed clearly in his thoughts.
* How is your mother doing?*
"She's fine, Father. But she misses you a lot. Sometimes I hear her crying alone, calling your name. Things have been really hard on her. I just want to become strong enough to take away her suffering," Rai Jin replied in his heart.
* Everything will go well, son. Tomorrow is the day you've been waiting for. Don't worry too much.*
* I can't wait for you to awaken your magic tomorrow. Once your nebula activates, the crystal will let me share your senses. I'll finally be able to see you all again. Being apart from you has been torture.*
"You don't have to worry, Father. I've grown even more handsome than you. And Rai Bin, can you believe this?—already has a bunch of girlfriends. He told me while we were playing earlier."
*Ha ha ha! That's my boy. Already a menace at such a young age.*
"Rai Jin, I heard the Magic Awakening is tomorrow," Murana said cheerfully as she ate.
"Yes, Mother. The summer break is over—it's happening tomorrow," Rai Jin replied.
"I wish you the best of luck, son. No matter what happens, know that I love you very much, whether you become a mage or not," Murana said warmly.
"Don't worry, Mother. I'll awaken a powerful element and become a mage. Then I'll get us out of this rundown house, punch the landlord's face in, since I can't use magic on him and then find you and Rai Bin a better place. Isn't that right, Rai Bin?" Rai Jin asked, turning to his little brother.
"Hmm," Rai Bin replied vaguely.
"You'll also get to go back to school soon. I'm sure your many girlfriends must miss you," Rai Jin teased with a grin.
"What? No! My baby is too young for that. He doesn't have any girlfriends," Murana said quickly, looking at Rai Bin, who turned his face away in embarrassment.
"Ha ha ha, don't be so sure, Mother. Your little baby is growing into a little devil," Rai Jin laughed.
"Is that true, Rai Bin?" Murana asked sternly.
"I suddenly feel very sleepy, Mother. I think I'll go to bed," Rai Bin mumbled before hurrying off to his room.
"You haven't even finished your food!" Murana called after him.
"I'm fine, Mother!" came the reply.
Rai Jin burst into laughter. His mother only looked at him, bewildered. Little did she know that her innocent "baby" was already the alpha male of his class. Many of his male classmates hated him for stealing their girlfriends' attention.
"And I'll just take this—" Rai Jin said, reaching for Rai Bin's leftovers, only to have his hand slapped away.
"Eat your own. He might get hungry later," Murana said firmly, folding her arms.
"But he said he's fine, Mother," Rai Jin whined with puppy eyes.
"Don't give me that look. The food I served you is enough to feed seven Rai Bins, and you still want more."
"It's because I'm a big boy, Momma."
"Precisely. So as a big boy, learn to manage," Murana replied.
That night, Rai Jin lay in bed with a full stomach that still craved more. His mind, however, was restless.
Tomorrow was the Magic Awakening.
He remembered his promise to his mother. Even though she expected the worst, he vowed to make her proud.
In this society, intelligence no longer meant much. That era had long passed. Now, what truly mattered was magic.
Magic was power.
Magic was respect.
"I will become a great and powerful mage," Rai Jin swore to himself. "And I will crush anyone who dares to stand in my way—be it magical beasts or humans. Starting with Lin Wei and Lin Kai."
Translator: Pao Pao
*[Hot pot]: also known as "steamboat," a modern Chinese dish consisting of a simmering soup base in which raw meats and vegetables are cooked.
*[Kung Pao]: also known as "Gong Bao," a spicy stir-fried chicken dish with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers.