Chapter 9 - The Mentor's Arrival

As we return home, the evening has already fallen.

Shiro walks next to me, his shoulders a little less tense than they were a few hours ago. It seems that the conversation with our father has brought him at least some relief. The expression of sadness that was once so prevalent in his eyes has disappeared.

I can't help but watch him as he walks beside me, his steps less heavy, less filled with anger and self-doubt. It's as if he's taken a first step in a new direction, and that step makes me hope that he'll be able to pull himself together again.

"Mother has probably already prepared dinner." I say to break the silence.

Shiro just nods, and together we enter the house. The warm lights inside and the scent of fresh bread and stew greet us. Our mother is in the kitchen, and it's clear she's happy to see us back.

"How was the trip?" she asks when she notices us.

"It was good." Shiro answers calmly. His voice sounds less tense, and I take that as a good sign.

As we sit down for dinner, our mother continues. "So, what did you do today?"

Shiro, who had been deep in his thoughts just a moment ago, looks up. "We went to the guild." He finally responds. "It was really interesting."

"Interesting?" our mother asks with a smile. "That sounds promising. Tell me more."

Shiro thinks for a moment, then begins to describe the encounter with the adventurers. He talks about how they showed him different weapons and told stories of their battles. It almost sounds as if the thought of learning something from these adventurers has reignited a spark of enthusiasm in him.

Then, our mother looks at me.

"You're so quiet, Sota." She says with a smile, looking at me. "What about you?"

I shrug, a slight smile on my lips. "I was more of a listener." I say.

I'm still thinking about the demon attack. So the demons are becoming more aggressive. How much time do I really have?

Our mother nods, then takes our plates. "Well, I'm glad you're both doing well. But I heard there's something we need to talk about. Something about your magic, Sota."

My eyes widen. What does she mean by that?

Before I can say anything, Shiro speaks, as if he had the same thought. "What about him?"

"Well." Our mother says with a smile."There's someone we've hired for you, Sota. A mentor who can help you develop your abilities. She's a mage and will be here soon to help you."

I'm surprised. The idea that someone was specifically hired to help me feels both exciting and strange.

"She'll come to show you how to control and develop your powers." Our mother continues. "It won't happen right away, but with the right help, you can do it."

Shiro looks at me. A strange feeling flashes in his eyes, maybe jealousy or interest. He doesn't say anything, but his gaze speaks for itself.

"I'm sure you'll learn a lot from her." Our mother says, as if she noticed my uncertainty.

"She'll be staying with us while she trains you. I hope that's okay."

I shake my head. "Of course not a problem!"

After dinner, we both go to our room. Since the mentor needs a room, Shiro will sleep in my room for the time being while she stays with us.

Shiro and I sit on the edge of the bed. I notice that he keeps glancing at me as if he's trying to figure out how to say something.

"Sota." He says finally, his voice soft, almost hesitant. "I wanted to apologize."

I look at him in surprise. He meets my gaze, his eyes looking somehow uncertain, almost vulnerable.

"I'm sorry for everything." He mutters, as if the words are hard to grasp. "I pushed you away because I was scared. Scared that you'd eventually be better than me, that you'd be stronger because you have that magic and I don't."

I take a deep breath, trying to understand what he's saying. "You don't have to be scared." I say calmly. "I don't have more than you. You're my brother. Just because I have magic doesn't mean I'm better."

Shiro looks down, as if he's caught up in his thoughts. "But sometimes it feels like that." He whispers. "I always wanted to be the strong one. The one who looks out for you, not the one who's left standing in the shadow."

I shake my head. "You're not in the shadow, Shiro. You're the one who's always helped me. Who protected me. Magic doesn't make us special. You're just as important to me."

Shiro lifts his gaze, and I see the relief in his eyes, though he still can't quite grasp it. "You really mean that?"

"Of course." I reply.

I finally lie down, and Shiro lies next to me and pulls the blanket over himself as well. A few seconds of silence pass, then I hear his soft murmuring: "Thanks, Sota."

"No problem." I mumble back, my eyes slowly closing. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." He replies. And then, he too falls into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight comes through the window, Shiro and I are woken by our mother's gentle calls. "Sota, Shiro. You have to get up. The mentor is here."

I blink and quickly sit up. A light thrill spreads in my stomach. It's a strange feeling, knowing that today someone will come to help me control my powers.

"Hurry up, get dressed." Says Shiro, who's already awake and sitting up.

He's finally back to his old self. I can't hold back anymore. I go to Shiro and hug him. "I'm so happy that everything is back to normal."

Shiro hugs me back and says. "Me too, Sota."

A short time later, we stand in front of the door, which creaks slightly as it opens. Our mother steps in, and behind her stands a woman in a cloak. Her hair is brown.

"I'm Reina." The woman says with a smile that immediately makes me trust her. "I was asked by your parents to help you, Sota."

I nod and smile back, even though I'm nervous. "It's nice to meet you."

Reina looks at me a little awkwardly. "You don't have to be so formal!"

She's very nice. "Okay!"

"It won't be easy." She says. "But together, we will unlock your magic. I know you have the potential in you, Sota."

Shiro looks at me thoughtfully for a moment, then looks at Reina.

"She'll train you, Sota. And I'll support you, no matter what happens." He says, almost as if he needs to reassure himself a little.

"Thanks, Shiro." I say, trying to shake off my nervousness. I feel a little more secure knowing that we're all back together as a family.

"Well." Says Reina with a slight smile. "I guess it's time to get to work."

It's finally happening. I'm one step closer to my goal.