Enigma of Sin

As Ezekiel held his wife's hand, he could see and feel her calming down. Once he understood she was ready to hear what her son had to say, Ezekiel nodded towards Kayn to continue.

"As I just said, I would like to become an adventurer, however, I would not leave home until I turn 14 in 4 months as this is also when Dad leaves. I would like to get as much training from him as I can before I go out alone.

"I know that I was originally supposed to go to the academy like Clem did at 10 years of age, but my core kind of ruined that plan. The fact that I'm so far ahead in knowledge and core strength now would only hold me back if I did go.

"I've reached the level of proficiency Master has asked me to reach, but I want practical use. I want to explore and discover for myself what I'm lacking so that I can improve." Kayn paused for a moment because he could see that his mother had a question.

"Lydia, has Kayn really reached the proficiency you set for him for the elements?" Zerana asked as she looked towards Lydia who had become more and more of a friend than an employee over the last few years.

"Yes, he has even almost mastered them to a certain extent up to the tiers he is capable of using, of course. He isn't quite there with deviant elements yet, but I can't provide him the proper education for them." Lydia said as she lowered her head. "However, as Kayn stated, practical use could solve this problem for him."

All three of them turned to look at Kayn again and he took this as his signal to continue.

"My plan is to travel to the borders up north near the Elven forests. According to the map, there is a medium sized town there with an Adventurer's Guild hub called Myrem. Myrem also has a single healer who I'm sure would be happy to have an assistant."

Kayn began to become excited as he continued to tell his parents and master what he hoped to do. Before he could continue though, his mother once again cut in.

"Well, if that's the case, Lydia could also go with you. She's a renowned healer, she could easily help you into the guild, and would even be able to continue instructing you while also keeping an eye on you!" Zerana liked this idea more than letting Kayn go alone.

"No Mom, I want to do this alone. I can't have someone holding my hand all the time. I won't even accept money from you or Dad to help me in this journey. I want to be able to provide for myself and find my own path.

"I plan to hide my identity while acting as an adventurer and only using my given name with the healer. No one will know who I am. This helps because first, they won't give me preferential treatment and second, I won't be at risk of being targeted to be used against you guys."

Kayn paused once again to see if he was going to be interrupted again, but seeing as how they were listening to him and saving their questions for later, he continued.

"I calculated that Myrem would be the safest place for me. It has all the opportunities I need, and it is far away from the borders of the other empires so I won't have to worry about a war. The elves keep to themselves and don't bother the town, and they even have a semi-steady trade cooperation. Also, if I need to come home, it only requires a month or so of travel by carriage, or two weeks or less if I hire a flying escort. Does anyone have questions I have yet to give answers to?" Kayn asked as he finished up his explanation.

"I'm fine with this. However, I'll be visiting the capital to find you an outfit for your adventurer identity. I will not accept without you allowing me to do at least this much. Do you have a color preference?" Ezekiel asked.

"Hmmm, black or dark purple are good. Thank you, Dad."

"I'm your master, not your parent, so I have no say in this decision, but I do approve of your choice. I would say that you should continue to further your healing arts though. I've seen you already formulating ideas and spells that not even I nor my colleagues have thought of. I expect great things from you in this field, so don't lose your way and become a pure brute please." Lydia stated since Zerana hadn't seemed to finish her thoughts on what she wanted to say.

"Quite the cheeky son, aren't you? Thinking you can say all of this and demanding we don't help you and just let you go." Zerana stated with a straight face.

Kayn gulped as he turned to look into his mother's eyes that seemed to want to punish him until he gave up on his idea.

"I will allow you to go on a few conditions. First, you must use a communication crystal to call me every week at least once, perhaps more.

"Two, you must take at least 50 silver coins. I will not allow my son to travel with no funds for his initial living situation. I also know Myrem has higher costs for things than what you saw in Corsa as I've been there before. So, while it's not enough to intrude on your desire, this will ease your mother's heart.

"Three, you must come back for your 16th birthday. I don't want to miss your growth because you're away for too long."

"Fourth, you must allow Lydia to escort you to Myrem. She doesn't have to stay once you get there, but I will not accept for you to travel there for the first time without someone with you. And I would rather it be her since I know and trust her.

"Lastly, no skirt chasing until after you turn 16 and even then, I advise against it." Zerana added more emphasis on the last condition than conditions 2-4, which Kayn found odd.

"Um, Mom, I have no plans to pursue anyone for a relationship or otherwise for quite a while. Plus, I'll be focused on my work, why would I pay attention to any girls around me?" Kayn asked with a hint of surprise since he didn't think his mother thought of him like that.

"Kayn, you are your father's son, not to mention my son. Your looks are off the charts already and you're not even fully grown. Could you not hear all of Clementine's friends calling you cute, mysterious, charming, and more? Not to mention, even though your father has remained completely loyal, he's quite the charmer and many women have fallen for him. So rather than you chasing them, they may be chasing you."

Kayn was flabbergasted by this. In his last life he never had that issue, he even thought his looks weren't bad in the past by any means.

'I guess I've underestimated the effects that having power and good looks has on people's mindsets in this world. I'll have to be careful, but this can also be good news for my future hehe.' Kayn thought to himself as his age caused his thoughts to run a bit wild at this point.

"See Kayn, that face right there. I can tell what you're thinking." Zerana frowned as she could tell just by looking at her son that his mind was in the gutter.

*Cough* Kayn coughed and cleared his throat before he spoke to try and clear up some of his embarrassment for being caught.

"Okay, I would be more than happy to follow all of the guidelines you have set Mom. Better yet, I'll call you at least twice a week or more since I'll miss you."

Kayn had a big smile as he looked at his mother who then smiled back, meanwhile Ezekiel pointed to himself with a "what about me?" look on his face.

"Dad, you can get in touch with me when you have a free moment and want to talk. I know you'll be busy, but I will always be more than happy to talk with my father.

"Also, Master, I will keep you up to date as well with my improvements, that way I can continue to get pointers from you. Plus, you are part of the family now, so of course I'll want to catch up on occasion! I only wish I had a better way to contact Clem, but since they don't allow for communication devices at the academy, I'll continue to send her letters."

Everyone seemed content with the way things turned out. Especially Lydia who felt that she had become an official part of the family. She had lost her own when she was just a child, so having one once again made her feel that a void inside her was filled. She would be more than happy to escort Kayn on his journey.

"Well, I guess that about wraps things up." Ezekiel stated it as a matter of fact. "However, since both Kayn and I will be leaving in around four months, I will be taking most of his time. There are a few intricacies I still haven't taught him. As for you son, prepare for four months of hell." Ezekiel's smile looked devilish to Kayn when he saw it.

'I know he's part demon, but my own father wouldn't kill me, right?'

This was the last thing Kayn thought before his father dragged him off for four months of the most intense training Kayn had ever been through.