TSFA l CH 97

Chapter 97

***

First fight with Bania

It was the first time Ryan had ever fought with Bania.
He was lying on his bed, pouting, mumbling to himself.

“…You’re not going to apologize?”

“What are you talking about?!”

Rivan carefully came into the room and spoke, making Ryan sit up.

“Why would I apologize when I didn’t do anything wrong?”

“Ah—sorry, wrong word. Not apologize… I mean, are you not going to make up with her?”

“What’s the bunny doing?”

“I think Alex went to comfort her. They’re talking right now.”

“…”

“Remember, big brother—you said you’d always assume there’s a good reason for whatever Bania does.”

“Yeah, but I really can’t accept it this time. Listen.”

Ryan remembered Bania shouting when she saw Alex holding a wooden sword.
She had panicked just from the sight of Alex holding it.
From their argument, it seemed like Bania wanted Alex to grow up without ever smelling blood in his life.

“In the previous timeline, Alex died.”

“What?!”

Rivan’s jaw dropped.

“Bunny told me all sorts of things, but she barely talked about Alex. Isn’t that strange for someone she cares about so much?”

“Maybe… she didn’t have anything to say?”

“Exactly. Either it was too painful to talk about… or in the last life, Alex wasn’t with her and didn’t survive.”

“Hmm… I bet your crazy father kicked him out for being powerless.”

“Right. And from the way Bania clings to Alex now, I doubt he just ‘kicked him out nicely.’”

Ryan frowned, remembering how Bania shook in fear.

“She started trembling just from seeing Alex hold a wooden sword, right? Then it’s obvious. In the previous life, maybe their father made him hold a real sword and… got him killed.”

“…What’s wrong with your dad?”

“Why are you acting surprised?”

“Anyway! If you’ve figured that out, then just go along with Bania’s wishes. If Alex’s death is her trauma, then just keep him away from swords.”

“But knowing that actually makes me understand her less.”

“Why?!”

“Sure, she’s happy to see her dead brother alive again and wants him to live happily this time. I get that. But is controlling his life like this the right way?”

“…”

“Bania remembers everything, but Alex remembers nothing. She might be protecting him out of kindness, but if she shows it so openly, how confused will he feel?”

“…That’s true…”

“Alex has his own life. He should choose what he wants to do. He needs to face challenges, get hurt, and cry sometimes—that’s how you grow up.”

Ryan understood her feelings but couldn’t agree with her methods.

“Knowing the future doesn’t give you the right to wrap someone in cotton forever. That’s not raising a child—it’s playing with a doll.”

“…Yeah, you have a point…”

Just then, there was a small knock.

Alex came in.

“Um… Dad, I have something to say…”

“Oh! Yeah!”

Ryan quickly got up.

***

Climbing the back mountain

Ryan and Alex were climbing the back mountain—without telling Bania.

“…So, my sister says I can do whatever I want, as long as I don’t touch a sword.”

“If you want to, you can hold one. What do you really want?”

“Well… earlier she showed me an academy application form.”

Alex’s cheeks turned red, and Ryan smiled when he saw his interest.

“I’ve always wanted to go somewhere with lots of friends. But the academy is expensive…”

“Why are you worrying about that?”

“Because you work so hard to earn money—fighting monsters and all…”

“…Right.”
(“Let’s not tell Alex I’m actually scamming Duke Basenberg by selling magic stones. That’s not good for education.”)

“You don’t need to worry. I can easily support you.”

“Thank you… But I still feel like I should do something useful for the family.”

Alex sighed.

“If I became a knight like you or Kali, I could make money. That’s more useful than just studying.”

“…What the hell? Why is a twelve-year-old talking about being ‘useful’?”

Ryan realized instantly—this came from what their father had said.

“What did Duke Basenberg say to you when he kicked you out?”

“Uh—no, nothing…”

His reaction said it all.

Ryan remembered his own childhood—being told he was useless every time his powers didn’t appear.

“Alex.”

Ryan stopped, turned him around, and grabbed his shoulders.

“Whatever he said, erase it from your head. That man’s words are garbage—worthless.”

“…”

“You have a sister who loves you and me to protect you now. Don’t think of him as family, and don’t let his words stick with you.”

Ryan patted his head with a gentle smile.

“You’re still a kid. You don’t have to achieve anything yet. You don’t need to prove you’re useful or earn money. Just try anything you want and find your talent. Grow up strong.”

“…Ah.”

Alex’s eyes filled with tears, then he smiled brightly.

“…Yes!”

“Good! Then are you ready?”

“Yes!”

Alex wiped his eyes, grabbed… the wooden sword!
(The one Bania threw away—he picked it up and brought it here in secret.)

“My sister’s too overprotective. I’m taller and bigger than her now.”

“Exactly! People will think you’re made of glass at this rate.”

“I’m a man, so I should at least know how to protect myself.”

“That’s the spirit!”

Ryan figured they might as well practice since they had the sword.

“Hi-yah!”

“…Yeah, no talent.”

Just one swing, and Ryan could tell Alex had zero sword talent. His stance, balance—everything was a mess.

Ryan sighed.
(“So that’s why Bania didn’t want him touching a sword… she knew.”)

Still, Alex grinned.

“Am I… good at it?”

“Let’s focus on the academy.”

“Huh?!”

“These days, scholars are the trend. You can hire fighters instead of being one.”

Alex realized his skills had been judged and looked disappointed—but quickly perked up.

“I’ll at least build some stamina!”

“Alright! When you swing, keep your legs and waist still—only move the sword…”

The lesson began.

***

The bear

“Alright, swing again—whoa?”

“Whoaa?”

They both froze.

Why?

Because a bear was staring right at them from a distance.

A huge, male bear. Just out of hibernation—hungry.

“Wha—AAAH!”

Alex tripped and fell in panic. Ryan stayed focused on the bear.

Weapon: wooden sword.
(= basically nothing.)

Option 1: Fight barehanded → X
Option 2: Use his ability → O

But… Bania had asked him not to reveal his powers to Alex yet, to avoid hurting his feelings.

Ryan gritted his teeth. This was bad.

The bear charged.

He had no choice—he was going to use his upgraded power: Instant Death, Stage 2.
Now it could kill anything within 10 meters instantly.

He stepped forward, making sure Alex was behind him.

“Dad!”

The bear dropped dead mid-charge.

Ryan pretended to be surprised, poking the bear.

“It’s dead?! Must be a heart attack. You know, animals just out of hibernation can’t handle sudden warm weather…”

He said whatever came to mind.

“Phew, that was close, right?”

Alex just stared at him.

Ryan prayed silently:
(“Please… don’t notice. Please be a normal kid…”)

Alex asked quietly:

“…Are you… an able user?”

Ryan closed his eyes.

(“…Crap.”)