Reincarnation Of A Swordsman: The Omni Mage

After a long while of hugging, they pulled away, allowing Grace to study their faces making hers' light up with joy.

"I'm so happy you're both back," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of delight and mock reproach. "It just happened out of the blue. You must have been enjoying the academy so much that you forgot all about me."

Kyle shook his head fervently. "No way, Ma'am! We missed you dearly. It's just... we didn't have a way to communicate."

"Exactly!" Riya chimed in, nodding in agreement. "You have no idea how many times we wished we could tell you about what's been going on."

Grace's teasing smile softened. "True, I suppose you didn't have a choice. But still, it's good to see you both here again."

Kyle grinned. "Can we go home now? I've got some gifts for you."

Grace blinked in surprise before her cheeks flushed faintly. "Gifts? Kyle, you didn't have to!"

Before Kyle could respond, Riya elbowed him aside, not wanting to feel beaten. "Oh, please. I also got you some gifts! Let's go home so you can see mine too. And while you're at it, you can make us your special meal."

Grace let out a soft sigh. "As much as I'd love to, I'll be expecting more injured ones later today. Many of the villagers are preparing for the tower, and they went on an exploration just this morning."

Riya nodded knowingly. "Oh, it's that time again."

The mention of the tower stirred something in Kyle's curiosity, but he stayed quiet as Riya and Grace continued speaking.

Riya's tone turned reflective as she explained, "I grew up hearing about the tower. It's a major event that even our school discusses. I can't believe it's already here."

Grace nodded. "Yes, it's been a hundred years since the last opening. Everyone is working hard to prepare for it."

Kyle, now thoroughly confused, finally spoke up. "What's this 'tower' you keep talking about?"

Riya laughed lightly. "Oh, right. I forgot that you weren't from this world, so you wouldn't know."

She turned to face him bad began explaining"The tower is remarkable, Kyle. It's not just any building; it's a place of trials, rewards, and danger. Depending on how many floors you conquer, you're granted treasures, rare items, weapons, potions, techniques, you name it. It's said to adjust its trials to suit the stage of the person who enters, and it's open to anyone below the level of a Great Mage."

Grace interjected, her voice carrying a tone of caution. "The rewards are great, but the risks are equally high. Many who enter don't make it back."

Riya continued, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's not just about the treasures, Kyle. The tower is a test of willpower, intelligence, and skill. It's been a dream of many to climb it, even if only a few floors."

Kyle's mind considered the possibilities of the tower almost immediately. "So... that means we can join too?"

Riya's eyes lit up. "Yes! Mum, can we? Please?"

"Of course, why not? But I'll stay back." Grace replied.

Kyle frowned. "Why? Don't you want the treasures?"

Riya added. "Yeah, Mum. You're stronger than any of us. Wouldn't you be the best at conquering the tower?"

For a moment, Grace seemed lost in thought and her gaze felt distant. Then, she shook her head gently. "I have my reasons, and I'd rather not discuss them now. Don't worry about me."

Kyle caught the look on her face and decided not to press further. Instead, he decided to change the topic by asking, "But don't the villagers have another way to heal themselves? Surely there must be more options."

Grace's expression turned somber. "Unfortunately, no. Beyond some basic herbs they apply to their injuries, there's no real method of healing available to them. That's why I'm here, to do what I can for them."

Kyle's face broke into a wide smile. "Then I've got something that might help!"

He stepped back, raising his hands dramatically. In an instant, a flood of glowing potions spilled out from his inventory, shimmering in various shades of red and blue. Both Grace and Riya stared in stunned silence, their mouths agape.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"These… these are actual healing and mana potions," Grace murmured with a voice filled with awe. "And they're high quality too. Kyle, how did you manage all these?"

Before Kyle could respond, Riya crossed her arms and pouted. "Hey! You stole my idea! I was going to give mum potions too."

Kyle smirked playfully and crossed his arms. "Well, let's see yours then."

Riya's cheeks puffed in indignation. "You… rich bastard!" she exclaimed, adding a curse under her breath. "How in the world did you afford all of these?"

Kyle chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly. "I have my ways."

Riya rolled her eyes before face-palming dramatically. "Don't try to act cool. I know exactly where you got the money, it's from that blasted arena. If only I was as strong as you, maybe I could afford to pull off something like this too."

Grace, still inspecting the potions, finally looked up with a curious smile. "I see you have many stories to tell me."

Before Kyle could respond, Riya launched into an animated retelling of their time at the academy. "Oh, you wouldn't believe it, Mum. Kyle's been absolutely ridiculous.

During the Mid-Terms Exams, he scored the highest out of everyone. Outrageous scores, I tell you." She began telling her of his scores and how he smooth scaled through the tests."

Grace patted Kyle on the head with pride and said:

"I always knew you would be strong, Kyle."

Riya's smile faltered as she watched Grace's affectionate gesture. Not allowing herself to be outdone, she interjected quickly. "Well, for the record, I got second highest! And I scored a perfect mark in my Alchemy exams."

Grace turned to her with a warm smile and lightly kissed her on the cheek. "I'm proud of you too, Riya."

Riya's cheeks flushed slightly, but she grinned cheekily before pulling out her own gifts; a small crate of potions.

"I made these for you! They're high-tier healing potions, and I even added a little extra to the mana potions for quicker recovery."

Grace was full of joy as she accepted the crate. "Thank you both. These will be so helpful for the villagers. I can sell these to them at a fair price and ensure they have what they need for their explorations."

Kyle and Riya beamed at her gratitude. They decided to stay in the infirmary for the rest of the day to help Grace. As the hours passed, they entertained her with tales of their life at the academy.

They spoke of the intense training, their Electives, their mission exploration and the many battles they faced, each story managing to shock her more than the last.

By mid-afternoon, villagers began arriving at the infirmary. Many carried injuries from their morning exploration of the nearby forest, and Grace healed each one with her magic and the potions Kyle and Riya had provided.

For less severe injuries, she sold potions to the villagers, who were overjoyed to have access to such high-quality products. Some even bought extras to take with them for future explorations, their gratitude evident in their smiles and words.

By the time the last villager left, it was nearly 8:00 PM. Exhausted but satisfied, Grace turned to Kyle and Riya.

"Thank you both for your help today. It made everything so much easier. Let's head home."