Chương 46: Fear, Cowardice, and Lies

"Another day in paradise," Dan said as we got up in the morning. A Nurse rolled in a tray of food for each of us.

"I don't understand how they can make food so bland," I said.

"That's how it is," Sam replied while the conjoined people took turns eating. I had gotten used to it, but it had creeped me out at first.

"So, leaving any day now?" Dan asked me.

"When my mother returns, yes."

"It would be nice to get out of here one day," Sam said.

"Just need to slave away and raise the money," Dan added. I felt bad for them. When my mother came back, I would ask her if we could help these other children. After breakfast, I went to the common room to study while Tutor Damian supervised. While I was copying some runes, Tutor Damian got up. I glanced up and there was a familiar face sitting down in his place at our study table.

"Mother," I greeted her when she returned. I was studying in the common room under Damian's supervision. I did that in the morning and afternoon, while I spent the evenings working on sensory skills or Meditation. At meals, I would also chat with the Forgotten. The beast kids that had been around were gone, replaced with new ones.

"Any complications or issues while I was gone?" she asked me.

"No. The Healers have checked on me regularly, but there are no complications. Um, but I wanted to ask about the people I am sharing a room with. Could we help them out?" My mother just stared at me.

"What makes you think they need help?"

"Um, well, they are joined. They keep saying that they can't afford to pay for the surgery." My mother slowly shook her head.

"Son. While the Healers are stubborn, obstinate, and afraid of their own shadow, they don't leave children untreated."

"But there are other cases, the Forgotten. Allen the Allergic and Multi-Eye Marven," I said, and my mother nodded.

"These cases are incredibly complex. I investigated who you would stay with before I left. Allen's body is incredibly weak. He is taking nutrition potions and works with specialized skill Tutors to increase his Vitality. It isn't easy, but there is progress being made."

"You know these kids?"

"Yes. Do you think I would let you stay someplace dangerous or that I wasn't sure about?" My mother shook her head.

"As for Marven, he is a rare beast child that comes from a much different kind of monster than most are used to. The main issue is reconstructing his entire head without damaging his brain. They are waiting until he grows older while trying to figure out how to separate the eyes from the brain without killing him."

"Oh," I replied, not sure what to say.

"But then what about Dan and Sam?"

"Do you really want to know?" my mother asked me. What could be the problem?

"My son, you are innocent of a lot of things, including people who lie just to lie."

"What is he lying about?" I asked.

"A nurse mentioned the costs of this place when they brought me here."

"They can have the surgery; they are just afraid of dying. As for the nurse, she clearly doesn't understand or has the wrong information."

"What? It isn't because of the cost?"

"While this place is insanely expensive, it routinely helps children. Most of them lead productive lives in various support roles and in the nearby farming communities.

"The Five Star Institute of Healing never denies treatment to children."

"But there is a risk? And the children have to work off their debt?"

"There are risks with everything in life. But if they separate, one will probably lose access to their status, and losing access would shatter their soul. They are afraid that they will be the one to die. As for children working off their debt, they need a profession, and their parents aren't around. That means someone talks to them and gives them options. Most choose a quiet and simple life of farming, since the parents who abandoned them tend to be adventurers."

"What if they care a lot about each other? They have been together for a long time."

"That could also be the reason. But I find cowardice a better explanation than love most of the time. At least that has been my experience." Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

"Then why make a big deal about the cost?"

"Because they are cowards. Cowards do not say they are cowards. They do not wear a sign or tell people what they are. You can see it in their actions. That gnawing fear of the unknown. Not everyone is like us, afraid to step forward but still doing so regardless of the risks." I had gotten along with them. I didn't know what to think. That they had been lying the entire time, well, maybe not lying, but they clearly misled me.

"You wouldn't lie to me?" I asked hesitantly.

"It is not worth my time or effort to deceive you. I am many things, but I dislike lies and deception. It is probably the main thing I dislike about your father. He is ambitious, but all nobles are too proud of their social skills. As for the two boys you are friends with, you can go ask if you don't believe me, and ruin what friendship you have between all of you."

"They didn't want to label themselves as cowards," I muttered.

"Indeed. That is why I dislike nobles and people who try to talk their way out of things. The only truth is strength. You are strong, or you are weak. This is the honesty of the dungeon. There are no lies down there. Everything is out to get you. I love you, my son, but I will not coddle or shield you from the harshness of the world. I decided that once you were older than eight, your childhood was over."

"But they were nice." It was a lot to take in. I thought we were friends. I talked about my life outside this place. And Sam and Dan shared many parts of their lives growing up, and some interesting patients they had seen in the past.

"Nice people are often cowards since they must hide behind words, politics, and other such things. While most of the other legends are bastards in their own right, at least they own up to it. There is no hiding behind false masks."

"I…what now?"

"Now. You will register as an adventurer and go into the dungeon. You are to stay down there and fight for three months on your own."

"What? Really?" I asked in shock, and she nodded.

"I was younger than you when I went into the dungeon on my own. Whether you live or die, that will be up to you. If you can stay down there and thrive on your own for three months, then I will take a much closer hand in your training."

"What about your Squires?"

"Their ten-year period of service is over. They have left. Perhaps one day you will meet them again," my mother said.

"If you have or don't have the determination to go into the dungeon and kill monsters on your own, it is best we know as soon as possible."

"If I don't?"

"Then you don't, and you should consider another profession for your future. My love for you won't diminish. The only thing I expect from you is to be the best and work hard, no matter what you do."

"Even if I read poetry as my profession?"

"Someone has been talking with their father. Then you will become the best poet out there. I can't stand mediocrity, but I won't control the direction of your life. If you wish to become a poet, I won't stop you." That was surprising, but she seemed like a big believer in making my own choices.

"And if I wanted to lie around and sleep all day?"

"That is called nobility, my son. I might disown you if you wanted to become a noble," she said with a slight smile. She was teasing me, or at least I thought so. My mother was a very stoic individual, which made it hard to understand what she was thinking based on her expression. She pulled out a set of clothes for me.

"Get changed, basic but reasonably high-quality adventurer garb. You will be Justin, no last name. The Adventurer's Guild doesn't require it." I hesitated, and she turned around and looked away. I quickly got changed.

"Leave the gown. Someone will deal with it."

"The books?"

"Tutor Damian's responsibility. He will collect them, don't worry. Now follow," she said. She just walked straight out through multiple doors. No one stopped her or said anything. I followed right behind her. Once we reached the outside, there was a magical carriage waiting for us. We were on an island in the middle of a lake, with five enormous towers connected by various walls and buildings at the summit of the island's single large hill, making it look like a crown.

I quickly got into the magical carriage with my mother, unable to appreciate the breathtaking view of the farms and villages in the massive bowl-shaped location—an island in the middle of a gigantic lake, surrounded by mountains. The magical carriage set off.

"Um, so where are we going?"

"The nearest city is Monolith. I believe its claim to fame was the site of the last battle between the collapsing Eldarin Empire and a coalition of rebel forces," she said with a shrug.

"I only remember because several legends were involved in the battle. History is a good way to pass the time on long trips."

"So, I am going into the dungeon? Alone?"

"Yes. Without my support or name. You will be Justin, no last name. Before you risk your life further, getting stronger, it is time to see if fighting in the dungeon alone is something you can handle."

"You will not spy on me or something?" I didn't believe she would just let me go alone.

"Actually, I will via a Ring of Remote Awareness," she said, tossing a gold and platinum ring to me.

"Wear it on the other hand from your Ring of Concealment. It will hide itself naturally and allow me to always monitor you. Don't lose it."

"So, you can judge me constantly?"

"Of course. Even if you survive, I will grade you, my son. Life is a test, and I am just stepping in as a judge for this round." She then pulled out a set of light armor and a sword.

"Basic equipment. Well made, but it is nothing special for someone just starting. A better start than most people, but you aren't getting anything more handed to you." I put on the armor when the magical carriage hit the water.

"It can travel over the water as well. Don't worry. Who knows, one day, they may make something that flies. Now that will be a sight," my mother said. I carefully tightened the straps on my armor, making everything secure and leaving the sword to the side for now. It would be a hassle to attach it to my waist while in the magical carriage.

"Any other advice?"

"Don't die. I would prefer not to have to come and collect you either. So, try to get out of the dungeon at the end of the three months. Oh, here," she said and passed me a metal rod with glowing numbers imprinted on one side. It was the current time.

"It will let you keep track of time in the dungeon based on the location you enter. You can pull and twist one end to adjust the time manually if you come out somewhere other than where you entered." She then pulled out a pack and handed it to me.

"Your supplies. If you ration heavily, you will have barely enough for three months. You can find water down there, but the filter will make sure it is safe to drink."

"I…I will be back. Don't you worry!" My mother smiled at me.

"I believe in you. Now it is time to sink or swim." Well, it would still be a while until we got to the city, but it appeared she had given me everything she wanted to.