Chapter 315: Children
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 315: Children
Naturally, the settlement was abuzz once more. As soon as the news of the Alraune Jung Hayeon’s birth was announced, the tribe members gathered at the tent again. The expressions on the faces of the warriors and the mother goblins alike seemed to say they couldn’t tell if they were dreaming or awake.
It must have felt like only yesterday that they were suffering as a clan with no heir. Some had even pleaded with tears in their eyes, so it was no surprise to see them looking this way. Compared to other clans, three children was by no means a large number, but seeing the hopeful faces of my people, who were clearly looking forward to the future, filled me with a sense of satisfaction.
“A third heir!”
“The plant finally did it!”
We decided to name the child Lapura. It was only natural that many of the tribe members were shocked to see Lapura speaking and walking as soon as she was born. Jung Hayeon had yet to open her eyes, but Lapura was in my arms, staring blankly at the tribe members.
I, too, was overjoyed. But if I’m being honest, I also felt like I was holding a bomb. After seeing Lapura’s information, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of worry.
[Mythical Species - Demonic World Tree]
[A species passed down only through stories from ancient times. In truth, nothing is known about how this species came to be or how it exists. According to myths, one theory suggests it is the form the World Tree took after its corruption, while another claims it is a species that grows in a place called the Demon World, separate from this one. Said to bring ruin to the world, the power of this Demonic World Tree is best described as being in a league of its own. It has a powerful affinity for mana.]
[The subject is currently in an unawakened state.]
A Mythical Species. I had heard of Ancient Species, Forgotten Species, Special, and Rare, but this was the first time I had ever heard of a Mythical Species. The description of a species that brings ruin to the world was no exaggeration. Having looked inside Lapura, I could tell the description was no bluff.
The ominous mana and power within her body… despite having just been born, the strength she possessed was on par with our clan’s elite. It sounded absurd, but in her current state, her raw stats alone would overwhelm Kim Yoora.
The very fact that a one-year-old newborn possessed power comparable to elite Orc swordsmen was off the charts. And that wasn’t the only special thing about her.
I wasn’t sure if it was due to the unique nature of Alraunes, but Lapura was undoubtedly born having inherited a portion of her mother, Jung Hayeon’s, knowledge. The first proof was that she knew how to speak; the second was that she immediately called Jung Hayeon and me ‘Mother’ and ‘Father.’
In an instant, everyone was showering Lapura with blessings. Worried about Jung Hayeon’s condition, I quickly took Lapura back inside the tent, where I found Jung Hayeon already awake.
“Mother, you’re awake.”
The only thing slightly childlike about her was her imperfect pronunciation, but rather than seeming slow, it was actually cute. The expression on Jung Hayeon’s face, seeing her child for the first time, was colored with emotion. When she gently opened her arms, Lapura happily nestled into her embrace.
“Ah…”
The sight of her holding her child tightly while shedding tears was truly that of a mother. Because the birth had been so sudden, I had thought she might not develop maternal feelings, but it seemed my concern was unfounded.
“Did you name her Lapura, Taesung?”
“Yes.”
“I see. I love you. I love you, Lapura.”
I had also held Lapura tightly when I first saw her, but for Jung Hayeon, who had waited for so long, the emotion seemed even greater than mine. She rubbed her cheek against Lapura’s, touched her all over, and kissed her, continuously expressing her affection. Lapura remained expressionless, but she was smiling faintly as if she was pleased.
I didn’t want to interrupt their moment, but I leaned gently against Jung Hayeon’s side and slowly began to speak.
“Can you explain?”
I had wished for and created an eye that could see through a being’s essence, but of course, it couldn’t tell me everything. I had a rough idea, but hearing it from her directly would be the surest way to know.
“Ah. You must have many questions. It was my first time having a child, so I wasn’t certain either, but it seems this is how Alraunes have children. They don’t carry them in their wombs for over ten months, but in the process of Lapura coming into the world, I went through a process of passing on my knowledge and what I knew. Of course, you wouldn’t have been able to see it, Taesung.”
“Hmm…”
“Our spiritual bodies were connected. It happened in an instant, but it felt like I was with Lapura for over ten months with my eyes closed. Of course, we couldn’t speak to each other; it was a process of me sharing what I had with her… but I was aware of Lapura’s existence, and she was aware of mine. Right?”
“Yes, Mother. I was also able to learn how much you love Father. And about your way of life, as well.”
At Lapura’s words, Jung Hayeon’s face turned bright red.
“Did she inherit your memories?”
“Ah! She took some, but it’s not like that. This child doesn’t know about Earth. It’s very difficult to explain… should I say I helped form her personality…?”
“To say you shared the sustenance of your soul would be the most accurate expression, Mother.”
“Oh my. That’s right. Our Lapura is so smart, isn’t she?”
“Of course, Mother.”
I was finally starting to get a feel for what had happened and could understand everything. It had only taken a few minutes for Lapura to be born into the world, but to Jung Hayeon and Lapura, a very long time had passed. Furthermore, just as I had expected, she had inherited various things from Jung Hayeon. I couldn’t know exactly how much she had inherited, but she had likely absorbed most of what was necessary for survival.
For any species, the most important thing is survival. Jung Hayeon said she helped form her personality, but that was only the very first step. Lapura needed to grow a little more, see and learn various things, and learn how to control herself so she wouldn’t explode.
I was staring at Lapura with a somewhat serious expression when she, who had maintained a blank face the entire time, looked at me and spoke.
“F-F-Father… are you not happy that I was born?”
Of course, Jung Hayeon was also startled by her words and glanced at me nervously. My hardened expression from beginning to end must have been bothering her. I shook my head and took Lapura into my arms. She possessed a power that was hard to handle, but she was my child. Of course I was happy.
“No, Lapura. Father is also very happy that you were born.”
Only then did the two of them seem to relax their stiff expressions. It was probably best to postpone my worries for later, but for now, there were many things to test.
From how much power she currently possessed to whether she could control it.
“Tomorrow, I’ll need to take Lapura out for a bit.”
When I spoke, Jung Hayeon nodded. She must have known as well. That her daughter standing before her was no ordinary child.
When you thought about it, it was obvious. It might be an exaggeration, but depending on her growth, this was a power that could destroy the world. Just converting it into points gave a clear answer.
What Jung Hayeon had purchased from the Item Shop was a 5,000,000-point quest. Assuming the value of my Dainsleif was around 5,000,000 points, it was correct to think that the half-breed born from it would possess that level of power. Not only that, but Mystletainn had also aided in bringing Lapura into the world. It was easy to deduce that the combination of my customized species, the unique nature of the Alraune Jung Hayeon, and the one-time reward of being able to birth a half-breed had created this ideal result.
As various complex thoughts swirled in my mind, I embraced Lapura and Jung Hayeon together, and morning came. To be honest, I was in a daze. In the blink of an eye, I’d gained two children. One was the prince of an eastern city, and the other was a Mythical Species. After checking on Ratga with my own eyes, I confirmed that he, too, possessed no ordinary power.
The settlement was in a literal festival mood. A grand celebration was being held under the direction of Mev, the official mistress of the tribe, but this wasn’t a situation where I could simply enjoy the festivities.
I left my tent to see Jang Ye Ri and our son, Ratga, who were still staying in the settlement. After talking with them for a while, I returned to my tent and finished preparing with Lapura.
Jung Hayeon still needed to rest; it seemed the mental toll had been greater than expected. Thanks to that, taking Lapura outside became a task for me alone. In any case, as I stepped outside, I heard a familiar doll-like, familiar voice.
“D-D-Daddy!”
It was Laveua, my daughter with Mev. Come to think of it, I had been so preoccupied that the sisters hadn’t even had a chance to greet each other. I lifted Laveua into one arm and spoke to Lapura.
“Lapura, this is your older sister, Laveua. Laveua, this is your younger sister, Lapura. You can get along, right?”
“Yeah, Daddy!”
“Yes, Father.”
The difference in their tones was quite stark. Laveua had a complicated expression, while Lapura was looking at Laveua as if appraising her. In Laveua’s case, she was likely jealous, just as she had been when Ratga was born. She was naturally a bit possessive and was showing the typical reaction of a firstborn when a second child is born.
“Daddy! Hehehe… Yesterday, I…!”
She was anxious that I’d be taken from her. She was definitely clinging to me more than usual. She just kissed my cheek and hugged me tightly, but the fact that the two of them still weren’t making eye contact made me feel uneasy. Finally, as I stroked Laveua’s head, Lapura frowned for a moment and spoke.
“You are weak, sister.”
“Huh?”
Laveua stared at Lapura as if to ask what she was talking about. Laveua was by no means weak. Her magic training was showing remarkably good results, and her performance in mock battles was the same. Her attitude had improved since that incident, to the point that others in the tribe were closely watching her growth. But to Lapura, all of this probably seemed insignificant.
“Lapura.”
At my quiet word, Lapura bowed her head.
I couldn’t tell if she was deliberately provoking her or if she simply spoke her mind due to a lack of social experience, but it was probably the latter. This child was not even a year old. It was only natural that she’d be clumsy at distinguishing between what should and shouldn’t be said. Being a bright child, she must have known she had made a mistake.
“I’m sorry. Please forget it, sister,” she said again.
There was much to teach her. I let out a short sigh and spoke to Laveua.
“Laveua. Your little sister is apologizing. You should accept it, right?”
“U-un… Daddy.”
“Daddy has some business to take care of, so I have to go out with Lapura for a bit.”
“M-me too.”
I shook my head at Laveua’s words. It was unlikely anything would happen as long as I was there, but I had to consider the possibility that Lapura might go berserk. Tears welled up in Laveua’s eyes, but it couldn’t be helped. I held Laveua again, kissed her on the forehead, and continued.
“You remember what Daddy said before, right? Daddy will always love you, Laveua. Let’s go out together tomorrow. It would be best to yield to your little sister today.”
“O… o… okay…”
She had become quite patient. I sent the conflicted-looking Laveua on her way and began to head toward the Forest of Mist with Lapura.