Chapter 37

Erica's perspective

My life has always been a bit too easy. I was able to use magic at the age of four, and my parents didn't even bother to apply a seal on me. So, I began to learn, to experiment, to explore—simply because it was fun. I crafted new spells no one had ever dreamed of: some hilariously whimsical, others dangerously groundbreaking.

Every time I showed my creations to my parents and teachers, they praised me. "A prodigy," they called me, showering me with admiration. But as the years passed, the spark of fun I once felt began to fade, replaced by a gnawing emptiness.

---

Life a Few Years Ago

"Argh! Why isn't it working!?"

I gritted my teeth, frustration boiling over as I tried to complete a spell. My mana surged, crackling like a storm, but the spell stubbornly refused to take form. I slammed my hand on the desk, glaring at the intricate circle drawn on the parchment.

"I'm the strongest prodigy in the world! I have to do this!"

That single thought consumed me, a poison lodged deep in my mind. Being the "best" wasn't just a belief—it was an expectation. If there was something I couldn't achieve, then who could?

I clenched my fists, but no matter how hard I tried, the spell remained unfinished.

---

The little girl in front of me tilted her head, her bright eyes filled with innocent curiosity.

"Hmm? Did you win? Or did I win?" Aleena asked softly, her cheeks faintly flushed.

Her childlike tone and genuine question tugged at something inside me. For years, I'd been chasing an answer to my doubts, my failures. And now, standing before me, I finally understood. The destined one wasn't me after all.

It was her.

Her raw potential, her boundless energy, her sheer unpredictability—this was what a true prodigy looked like.

"Huh? Teacher Erica?" Aleena's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I smiled and scooped her up, her light frame weightless in my arms.

"Congratulations, Aleena," I said warmly. "You won!"

---

After an exciting day at the academy, I returned home, humming to myself. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by Mama, her arms opening wide.

"How did my cute little Aleena do at school today?" she asked, pulling me into a warm hug.

"Today was great!" I chirped in my usual childish tone. "Aleena got praised a lot by Teacher Erica! She said I could become a really great hero one day!"

Mama's smile widened as she nuzzled her nose against mine.

"Aww! I knew it! My daughter is truly amazing!"

Her love and praise made me giggle, but then I felt it—a presence.

It was faint at first, but it grew steadily stronger, pressing down on the room like an unseen weight. The aura was similar to Papa's, but there was something off about it. It wasn't him.

The hum of a car engine cut through my thoughts, followed by the sound of it parking outside.

Mama seemed to sense it too. She quickly put me down and hurried to the door, with me trailing after her.

As she opened the door, the presence intensified. Standing on the doorstep was a tall woman with sharp eyes and a confident demeanor. Her mana flared subtly, enough for someone like me to notice, but it was controlled—almost too controlled.

"Ah! Miss Chris! Long time no see!" Mama exclaimed, her voice warm but a bit wary.

"Yeah," Chris replied, her gaze flicking briefly to me. "I was just passing by and noticed Alfred's house, so I thought I should pay him a visit."

Mama smiled politely. "Oh, I see. Unfortunately, he's not home yet, but he should be back soon. Why don't you come inside and wait?"

"I'd be glad to," Chris said, her lips curving into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

As she stepped inside, her gaze locked onto mine.

"Aww, what a beautiful little girl!" she said, her tone light and friendly. But there was something about her smile that made me uneasy.

"Is she your daughter?" Chris asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Yes!" Mama replied proudly. "Aleena, introduce yourself!"

I hesitated, the weight of Chris's gaze making my chest tighten.

"M-My name is A-Aleena!" I stammered, bowing slightly.

Chris chuckled softly, but her expression remained unreadable.

"Such a sweet name," she said.

As Mama and Chris exchanged pleasantries, I kept my distance, studying the stranger closely.

Her aura was too polished, too deliberate. She felt dangerous.

And one question kept echoing in my mind:

Who is she?