03 — The House I Will Leave Behind

One late afternoon, I sat alone in the library, a book lying open on my lap.

For some reason, that afternoon felt like the final page of a story I wasn't ready to close.

My eyes kept drifting toward the window more often than the text. Outside, the sky was calm. The sunlight slowly faded, leaving behind a pale orange glow that slipped through the glass. A gentle breeze stirred, making the thin curtain in the corner sway softly.

And for some reason—

my chest felt tight. As if something was about to happen.

Something that shouldn't.

Yet would happen anyway.

Suddenly—

Ding!

The sound was clear and crisp, not painful to the ears. It didn't come from outside. Nor did it echo inside my head.

Instinctively, I turned.

In the empty air, right beside the bookshelf, a transparent screen appeared out of nowhere. Floating silently, as if it had always been there.

I froze.

—

[System — Important Message!]

※ Episode 01 will begin

Main Quest: Go to Aetherium Magic Academy and register yourself

Time Remaining: 3 days

Description:

It's time to stop hiding behind the quiet comfort of your home and begin your own version of the story.

Reward: ???

––

I stared at the screen.

"Episode…?" I murmured.

"…What?"

Before I could even process it, another line of text appeared.

Additional Message:

If you attempt to run away, you will still be dragged into the flow of the story.

However, once this episode ends,

you will be free to choose your own path.

I stared at the screen for a long time. Too long—until the ticking clock on the wall sounded louder than usual.

I went silent.

"…Huh? What is this supposed to be!? At least explain where I even am."

Ding!

The screen trembled slightly, then new text appeared.

[System — Message]

Even if I told you, you would only try to run away.

The letters slowly faded, and the screen vanished as if it had never existed.

"Damn it."

"What am I supposed to do now?"

...——★——...

A few minutes later…

I looked back at the orange sky outside the window.

"Wait… the system didn't actually say I had to go to the academy, did it?"

I paused. Then an idea suddenly crossed my mind.

What if I just don't go?

If I run away, I'll get dragged in anyway.

So what's the point of trying, when I only have three days left?

For a moment, I almost smiled.

If it would drag me back no matter what… then this was just another cage.

DING!

––

[System — Message]

Hey.

I know what you're thinking.

Don't try it. Or I will punish you.

––

The screen shook harder than before. At the same time, a sharp pain pierced my cheek.

"Agh—!" I instinctively grabbed it.

"This… hurts."

A few seconds later, the screen disappeared again.

Silence returned to the room.

I let out a long breath, letting a few curses slip before closing my eyes and forcing my thoughts to calm down.

"Fine," I muttered.

I stared at the empty space in front of me.

"I'll go. But don't expect me to play along with your script."

To be honest, I didn't want to go back there.

Not because I was afraid.

But because I'd already been through it once.

I sighed.

"Argh… reliving those gloomy days again…"

The evening sky looked peaceful—an odd contrast to the thin, hollow smile on my face.

I stood up from the chair. If there was no other way, delaying things would only irritate me more.

Right then, I decided to find Papa and Mama—either to take care of the academy registration or atleast ask for their advice.

I knew I should be calmer. I'd survived things far worse than this.

But this body… reacted faster than my thoughts.

Still, as I walked, a strange question crossed my mind.

If this really is a story…

Then what role am I supposed to play?

The protagonist?

Or just the first victim?

But didn't the system say I'd be free after this?

What did that even mean? Why force me now if I'd be free later?

.

.

.

— ◼ —

This time, nothing felt light.

Not like it usually did.

The moment I told them I planned to enroll in the academy, I regretted it.

Not because they rejected me—

but because Mama's expression changed instantly.

She wasn't angry.

She wasn't disappointed.

It was a mix of worry and sadness—

like someone who had just lost a fragile peace they had carefully protected.

That was when I realized something.

I wasn't the one being hurt.

I was the one hurting her…

Mama fell silent for a moment, then spoke in a gentle voice that almost shook my resolve.

"You've only been awake for four weeks," she said softly.

"Isn't it too soon… to leave again?"

It didn't sound like a prohibition.

And because of that, it hurt even more.

Her hand rested lightly on my shoulder.

"Wouldn't it be better to rest a little longer… or stay with Mama for a while?"

My heart beat a little faster.

I knew she was right. And because she was right, I didn't answer immediately.

Not because I didn't know what to say—

but because somethings simply couldn't be answered with words.

I managed a stiff smile.

Honestly, the part about 'stay with Mama'

almost made me nod in spite of myself.

Not because I changed my mind—

but because part of me wished I could stay.

Thankfully, Papa stepped in before my emotions slipped any further. His voice was low, but firm—enough to pull me back to my original resolve.

"Calm down, dear…" he said gently.

"Our daughter has already made her choice."

Papa let out a short sigh before continuing.

"We can't force our child to stay."

His gaze softened as he looked at me.

"I understand how you feel… but now, she has her own determination"

Mama looked at him, her eyes starting to glisten.

"Chel… but he just woke up… I don't want—"

Papa gently cut her off and kissed her hand.

"Don't think about that.. Calm yourself… and trust our child's decision."

Mama fell silent, then let out a quiet breath.

"…Maybe you're right."

She slowly walked away.

Only then did I realize my breathing felt heavier—not because I was afraid of the academy, but because I knew that from that moment on, I had chosen to leave something comfortable behind.

Papa looked at me and gave a small smile, gently patting my head.

"Alright. Don't overthink it. I'll take care of the rest. If you're truly serious… we'll leave in two days."

With that, he followed Mama out.

——★——

Somehow… in the end, I was given permission.

Not because Mama had fully calmed down,

but because Papa never stopped talking.

His voice stayed low and gentle, constantly soothing—

as if he were negotiating with something fragile and ready to crack.

"Come on, dear…" he said softly.

"Don't make that gloomy face."

"You'll just make our child feel guilty for the rest of his life."

Mama stared at him.

For a long time.

Then she sighed—soft, but heavy.

"You really…" she said at last, resigned.

"Always know how to make me lose, don't you?"

Papa smiled sheepishly, like a child caught cheating.

"Hehe. Experience," he said lightly.

"Since you used to win all the time."

Mama finally looked at me and gave a weak smile.

"Alright," she said at last.

"I will support our child."

Papa smiled in satisfaction.

But when he saw Mama's faint smile, an idea suddenly crossed his mind.

He leaned in slightly, his tone turning playful.

"Hey, Cass… there's something I want to tell you."

Mama looked at him suspiciously.

"What is it?"

Papa whispered into her ear.

A moment later…

Mama's face turned bright red.

She tried to stay composed, but the embarrassment was obvious.

"What are you thinking?! Don't say things like that at a time like this!"

I could only stare at them in confusion.

Papa chuckled at Mama's reaction, then glanced at me.

"See? Just a few words, and your Mama's already back to nor—"

"You idiot!!"

Bugh!

Mama punched Papa in the chest.

He froze for a second… then collapsed flat onto the floor.

"This… is why this trick… is extremely risky, kid… don't… copy Papa, okay…" he muttered weakly, struggling to breathe.

"Shut up! Th-that's your own fault!"

Papa could only raise a hand weakly, wearing a crooked smile.

"Heh… at least your Mama's not gloomy anymore…"

Mama let out an annoyed sigh—then finally laughed softly as well.

Mama walked over to me, then slowly crouched down.

For a moment, she hesitated—her fingers curling slightly, as if choosing her words carefully.

"After your Papa talked things through with me…"

she said softly, her voice still a little shaky,

"I finally made up my mind."

She placed her hand over mine, warm and gentle.

"Mama will always support you," she continued, offering a small, sincere smile.

"And I'll let you choose your own path."

Her thumb brushed lightly against my knuckles.

"…Everyone has their own road to walk," she said quietly.

"Right?"

I fell silent for a moment, then smiled.

For some reason, hearing that made the weight on my chest slowly fade away.

Papa, still sprawled on the floor, added weakly,

"But if you ever need to try something… different, just go for it. Even if… the result… ends up like Papa here."

Mama shot him a sharp glare.

"Quiet."

"Hehe… sorry" Papa replied weakly, still smiling.

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

The warmth of the house returned, just like before.

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