Chapter 4584: Precious Gifts (Part 2)
Chapter 4584: Precious Gifts (Part 2)
"Speaking of Zogar, he told me about his little ’hero mom’ program, and I’ve prepared a couple of gifts with Solus’ help that I hope you like." Lith handed the Dryad two gift-wrapped objects.
One of them was clearly a book, while the other was small and round.
Ryssa unwrapped the book first, and found herself staring at the words "Void Magic for Mommies" written in bright colors. On top of that, the cover depicted a cartoonish Dryad struggling to conjure small spells.
"If this is supposed to be me, it’s quite accurate." Ryssa glared at Lith for a second before bursting into a laugh. "What is it, exactly?"
"A simplified version of the Void Magic textbook with only chore magic exercises." Lith replied. "Since you don’t have access to any elemental pair with true magic, Solus and I thought you could use a bit of extra help.
"Unlike the rest of our students, you have never practiced fake magic, and we know how traumatic the transition from true to fake magic can be. We prepared this textbook so you can practice with chore magic as much as you want while you’re still getting used to casting fake spells.
"On top of that, if you ever evolve into a Titania, you’ll have no trouble converting everything you learn about Void Magic into true magic spells."
"Thank you!" Ryssa hugged Lith and kissed his cheeks. "Thank Solus a lot for me. What about this?"
"Something you have to promise me you won’t let Duke study." Lith replied as the Dryad unwrapped an elegant, delicate bracelet. "It’s something Solus and I Forgemastered for you.
"It channels the light and earth elements to form Light Mastery constructs with inferior offensive power but unparalleled defense."
"I’m not a Light Master." Ryssa shrugged. "How am I supposed to use it?"
"The bracelet will conjure the constructs. You only have to use your willpower to shape them however you want."
The Dryad activated the artifact and a solid sphere of light formed around her hand. Then she had it take the form of a golden dome, a sword and a shield, and all the things she wished could have done while the Master fought for her and her son’s lives.
"Thank you, Lith. This is a magnificent gift." Ryssa said. "I promise you I won’t let anyone study it."
’We used our best cloaking runes, but better be safe than sorry.’ Lith thought as he nodded and smiled at the Dryad.
"You must tell us everything, Ryssa." Kamila said. "How is Dhiral doing?"
"Great. More than great, actually." She sighed. "While I was terrified and shaken from the brush with death, he was happy as a clam. Dhiral hit Zogar’s books like they were fairy tales and replayed the fight over and over until he was too tired to continue.
"He improves with every try, and when he doesn’t, he goes back to the books until he finds his answer and then starts over again. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if he could take the admission exam at four."
"That’s great." Lith said, but the word he truly meant was ’terrifying’. "How is Dhiral’s core?"
"That’s the only good news in my situation." Ryssa replied. "Thank the gods he’s just at the bright orange. He doesn’t have much mana, and if not for the Rune Stores, he wouldn’t be able to practice half as much as he does."
"About that." Lith scratched his head in embarrassment. "The Rune Stores are very useful to beginners, and many people in my family could use a set of their own. Do you mind if I ask Dhiral for a lot of them?"
"Did you come to visit me because you were worried about me or just to make this request?" Ryssa tilted her head with curiosity, with no judgment or anger in her voice.
"We came here to visit you." Lith raised his hands with the palms out. "The Rune Store’s request is the Dragon in the room. I just want to get rid of it, or I won’t enjoy our time together. If it’s too much, feel free to refuse."
"It’s not a problem." The Dryad chuckled. "I was just curious. You’ve already pleasantly surprised everyone by calling Zogar, Duke, and me a few times for a casual chat. And now this? You’re a Tiamat full of surprises, Lith Verhen."
Ryssa led the Verhens to Dhiral’s room, where the little boy read his magic books in front of a small inner garden he used to test his abilities.
"Uncle Lith! Hi!" Dhiral jumped at his neck.
"Hi, young man. I missed you too. Are you having fun?"
"A lot." Manohar the Second opened his copy of The Basics of Magic and showed Lith the many notes and addenda that filled the third column of the book. "Uncle Zogar is the best."
"I’m sorry to bother you, but I’d like to have a lot of Rune Stores sets." Lith said.
"For who?" The young boy asked.
Lith started with Aran and Leria, and Dhiral gladly delivered. Then he asked more for Garrik, Ryla, Solus, Tista, himself, the magical and Emperor Beasts, the triplets, and Selia and her children.
Lith left his parents, Rena, and Senton last, whispering their names in Dhiral’s ear to keep the secret of their Awakening.
"Are they practicing magic like Mom?" Dhiral asked.
"Yeah, but they are embarrassed about their poor skills and would like to keep it a secret until they get good." Lith nodded. "Are you okay with that?"
"Not really." The young hybrid sighed. "I’m consuming a lot of mana, Uncle Lith. Making so many Rune Stores means no energy to play today."
"Another time, then." Lith nodded.
"No need. You help Mom, I help you." Dhiral had noticed both the book and the new armlet at Ryssa’s wrist.
He created the last batches of Rune Stores, ate a lot, drank more, and fell asleep.
"Thanks for not using Invigoration or mentioning it." Ryssa lifted the baby boy and carried him to his bed, tucking him in before pulling the curtains closed.
"Please, I haven’t forgotten about our agreement, nor would I ever be so reckless as to give Dhiral an opportunity to study a breathing technique." Lith replied.
Ryssa invited her husband to join them, but sadly Marth was busy. She then led her guests to the garden, where they had tea and biscuits. They talked about their kids, their worries for the future, and the massive workload they had.
"Gods, being the Lady of the White Griffon was already a full-time job. Now that I also have to study magic, I feel like my soul is being sucked out." Ryssa sighed.
"Tell me about it." Kamila sighed harder. "I have to study magic, take care of three baby-sized cyclones, and work as a Constable. I use Invigoration more often than I sleep."
"I hear you." Lith pinched his nose in frustration. "I have so many things to do for my extended family and the Kingdom on top of taking care of my beautiful wife and adorable children that I wish a day lasted forty-eight hours."
"What a charmer." The two women chuckled.
"Speaking of your extended family, how are things going with Althika?" Ryssa asked.