Choosing a Path

Chapter 13 – Choosing a Path

A Crossroad of Power

I had both.

Aura Core. Mana Core.

Two sources of power flowing within me, two paths laid out before me.

But now came the real dilemma—

Which one would I choose?

Because I could only truly master one.

It wasn't just me—no one who awakened both cores could become the best in both fields.

The world had a rule.

A person who mastered both Aura and Mana would become an anomaly—a force so powerful that they could single-handedly disrupt the world's balance.

That was the explanation given by the author of this novel.

And so, limitations were placed on those like me.

I could either:

Become a top-tier swordsman and use magic as a small supporting ability.

Become a world-class mage and wield swordsmanship at a basic level.

I was stuck.

Magic was completely new to me—both for me as a transmigrator and for Edric's body.

But swordsmanship…

At least Edric had some experience with that.

Not that I had his muscle memory, but I could at least swing a sword.

And then there was Hero Leon.

He was just like me.

And he had chosen swordsmanship—

He conquered the world.

I was likely to follow that same path.

A Mother's Concern

Mother was watching me carefully.

Even though she had congratulated me, I could tell—

She was disappointed.

Maybe she had hoped I would become a mage.

She sighed softly, kneeling beside me. Her fingers brushed against my forehead, a rare moment of tenderness.

"Edric," she murmured, "do you know how rare it is to have both cores?"

I nodded slowly. "I do."

"Then do you understand why I'm telling you to consider magic?"

I hesitated. "Because it's stronger?"

She gave a small smile, shaking her head. "No. Because it's yours. It's something that lies within you, waiting to be nurtured. But if you ignore it—" she paused, pressing a hand against my chest—"it will wither away."

I swallowed. I had never thought of it like that.

Then, as if trying to lighten the mood, she smirked.

"Alright, let's test something."

She placed her hand on my chest again.

"Manifest something," she instructed.

"A creature, a mythical beast… anything in your mind."

"But," she smirked, "don't manifest something lewd."

…

My entire focus shattered.

"Moooooom!" I groaned.

She laughed.

"Oh, my dear son," she teased, "but aren't you the one who bought a succubus and had a long night of… fun?"

My face burned.

I slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Mom, please! It's embarrassing!"

She laughed even harder.

Her silver hair swayed as she threw her head back in pure amusement.

And at that moment, I realized—

She was truly the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.

Not just in appearance, but in the way she radiated warmth and love.

She smiled, then suddenly pulled me into a gentle embrace.

"Edric," she murmured, "even if you can't become a great swordsman or a powerful mage… remember, you will always be my son."

Her voice was soft yet firm.

"You only have to tell me your struggles, and I will help you."

My heart ached.

Because… she wasn't my real mother.

I wasn't Edric.

And yet—

Why did she feel like my entire world?

Before I knew it, my arms wrapped around her tightly.

I wasn't sure why.

But the words just spilled from my mouth.

"I'm sorry."

She said nothing.

She just held me tighter.

It was a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long, long time.

And from the corner of my eye, I saw my father watching us.

His eyes…

Were brimming with unshed tears.

Manifestation Ritual

After a while, Mother gently pulled away.

Then, she placed her hand on my chest again.

"Alright, Edric."

"This time, try to focus."

"Think of something—something grand."

"A mythical creature, a force of nature, a great phenomenon…"

I hesitated.

I was still confused.

I didn't know what to summon.

I had no knowledge of mythical beasts.

I wasn't a mage.

But what I did know…

Was that I wanted power.

Power to protect.

So, I thought—

'I want a creature that loves me as much as I love it.'

'Something that can protect me.'

'Something that can grant me power.'

I focused—

And then,

Nothing.

My mind was blank.

Mother sighed.

"You didn't think of anything, did you?"

I scratched my head.

"...Yeah."

She exhaled, shaking her head with a small smile.

"Alright. Then we'll do it my way."

She stepped back and suddenly drew a circle on the ground.

Once the magic circle was complete, she nodded.

"Edric," she said, "drop a single drop of blood into the center."

I hesitated, then pricked my finger.

A drop of crimson liquid hit the ground.

And then—

The circle began to shine.

Mother's voice was firm.

"Now, enter a meditative state and absorb the surrounding mana."

I closed my eyes and focused.

Then, suddenly—

A massive surge of energy erupted.

BOOM!