Chapter 4 : Celebrating For The First Time In A While

Time flies past, and it was now more than a week later after we visited the Guild. After all this time, I'm trying to know how to activate the [Aetherial Manifestation]. For example, that night after visiting the Guild, I repeatedly said "Activate" while lying on my bed, however it didn't work.

I repeated it until I became frustrated that I groaned loudly my Mom who would go to her room peeked at my room to see what I'm doing. I became so embarrassed and hold my head for a few minutes. I tried thinking other ways for another hour until I became exhausted and slept.

I continued to find other ways to activate it but to no avail. Well, I suppose it will soon enough. Maybe I need to find a trigger? Well, whatever that trigger might be, it might show soon.

As I was thinking that, Dad came and asked me, "Zen, what do you want on your birthday? I was thinking of giving you an accessory, but I think you might want something. You could ask me anything you want, I will try to give it"

Hmm... something for my birthday, huh? I haven't celebrated my last birthdays in my past life, but I guess I would again here. What could I ask though?

I thought for sometime then said, "I would register as an adventurer after I turned 12, so could I ask you a weapon?"

Dad thought about something and asked, "A weapon, huh... Do you already have something in mind?"

"A short sword could suffice for now, but I also have this weapon in mind," I said as I got a paper and a quill to draw. What I draw was a gun—a revolver, to be exact, and it's parts.

I can still remember all its parts and how does it work, so it's easy to draw. After all, I really like guns that I have so many guns I remember. I draw the blueprint carefully and gave it to father.

"This is a weapon I call a gun. I think if you show this to a blacksmith, he could understand how this works with the explanations I wrote here," I said to Dad who looked at the blueprint interestingly.

He then nodded and said, "This is an interesting weapon. I'd like to see how it works after it's done. I can buy you a sword for your birthday, but forging this thing will take two or three weeks to complete. Are you alright with that?"

"Yes, that is okay," I said to Dad. I'd really like to thank them for readying my birthday. Mom and Algen also asked me on other days before Dad, too.

After that, they began to arrange my birthday for 3 days. I have told them I don't need a large birthday party, and they said they wouldn't invite that many to begin with.

And then the day of my birthday came. I woke up early, because I need to ready. I go to the bathroom to bath, and after bathing I stared at the mirror for a while after dressing myself.

"I'm not my past life self anymore. I am now Zen Akroth, and J would live my life to the fullest," I repeated the promise I made after my first day in this world. While yes, I remember my past life, that was only a memory of the past.

After changing to my clothes, I got down and was greeted by them, and we got the carriage Dad rented. He has a carriage, but that one is used in his business so we haven't used it.

When we're in the venue, I have been greeted by my friends and their parents. I haven't met them up until now, however I have my memories of them. What's sad is, my best friend haven't gone to my party because they relocated to the capital for reasons.

After all the greetings, they began giving me the gifts they prepare. They gave me accesories, garments, and one even gave me a magic item called Item Bag, which can carry items by enchanting it with spatial magic to enlarge the inside. He also told me it can fit 4 carriage inside, so it must be really expensive.

I made sure to thank everyone with their gifts. However, after the visitors gave me their gifts, my family then gave me their gifts.

"Zan, happy birthday. This is the sword you wanted. it's made by one of the best blacksmiths here in Negissa," Dad said as he smiled and gave me the sword.

Just from seeing its beautifully made scabbard, I knew they were expensive. Also, this is quite heavy I'm doubting if I can really swing this thing. And it even came with a sword belt, huh?

Then Dad said, "I am also hiring you a tutor for you to learn basic swordsmanship. He'll be teaching you two weeks from now."

I was speechless at how he's quick to act. I've never even asked for a tutor and he already hired one.

"Thank you very much, Dad! I'll be sure to treasure this!" I happily said to Dad as I hang the sword on my waist. After that Algen came next.

"Brother, happy birthday! I prepared these for you!" he said while grinning widely and gave me a bracelet. I happily accepted the bracelet. When I tried to wear it, the bracelet let put a shining pale-blue light then disappeared.

I was shocked when it glowed, and Algen said, "Ehehe, that was enchanted by magic which calms your mind. I asked Mom to buy me this because Imbecame interested in it. I hope you like it!"

"Why wouldn't I like it? Of course I will happily accept this," I said while holding the bracelet. Then, Mom came next.

"Happy birthday, Zen. This maybe something I didn't buy, but I hope you like it," Mom said while giving me a ring.

I looked quizically at it. Mom then added, "I got this from when I was young and adventuring, in one of the dungeons I challenged, and I got it as a reward for defeating fhe boss of that dungeon. That... has the power to forcefully transfer you to a safe area if your life is in danger, and revive you if, only if, you died once.

"But please, always make yourself safe, alright? I know you want to become to become an adventurer, so I will support you. Always."

"Mom... thank you. I will treasure it," I said as I put the ring in my right forefinger. I don't know Mom was an adventurer when she was young.

After that, the party resumed until it became dark, and the guests have gone home.

"I really was thankful to have a second chance to live," I murmured as I hay in my bed, exhausted. I thought of all the things that happened in this day, then my thoughts continue to drift until I fall asleep.