True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

Side Chapter - our budding mage

Rimuru POV

My mother, Aunt Tabitha, and Ellie eagerly settled themselves on the stairs leading to the backyard, The warm glow of the afternoon sun bathed their faces, their eyes alight with anticipation. Lily and Ciel, my two closest companions, stood side by side, their expressions adorned with proud smiles. The air was charged with excitement, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment as I took my place in front of them.

"So, what is it that you all wanted me to see?" I inquired, my voice laced with an eager curiosity. Their conspicuous enthusiasm had piqued my interest, and I couldn't help but wonder what surprise awaited me. Instead of answering my question directly, Lily simply beamed at me, her eyes twinkling with mischievous delight. The rest of the girls joined in, their faces mirroring Lily's radiant smile. Their cryptic behavior only served to deepen my confusion, causing a slight furrow to appear between my brows.

Without any warning, Lily suddenly erupted with excitement, her voice filling the air with exhilaration as she raised her arms high. In an instant, a colossal ball of water materialized before her, leaving me frozen in awe at her incredible display of magical prowess. The sheer size and elegance of the water ball left me breathless, my eyes glued to Lily as she effortlessly manipulated and shaped it into an array of mesmerizing forms. Her control over the element was nothing short of extraordinary, especially for someone as young as she was.

"What do you think? Aren't I amazing?" Lily exclaimed, her chest puffed out with pride and her nose held high.

Her exclamation summoned laughter from deep within me as I gazed at her with adoration, unable to resist the infectious enthusiasm that radiated from her. "You're absolutely right, Lily. You truly are amazing," I declared, my voice filled with genuine admiration. Pride and gratitude swelled in my heart, knowing that my guidance had played a part in her magical awakening. But I also understood the immense effort and unwavering determination Lily had poured into honing her skills.

"I've been practicing diligently," Lily affirmed, her smile widening. "And Ciel has been an incredible help," she added, gesturing towards her mentor.

Understanding the significance of Ciel's role, I nodded appreciatively. "I see," I responded, gently patting both of them on their heads. "You've both done a phenomenal job," I commended, causing a noticeable blush to grace their cheeks. Even Ellie, who had been watching the spectacle with wide eyes, furrowed her brows in a slight frown.

To the side, my mother and Aunt Tabitha exchanged sly triumphant smiles, their faces betraying the deep-rooted pride they felt for our budding mage.

"I want to become a mage too!" Ellie suddenly blurted out, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and sadness at not yet awakening her mana core.

Pulling my little sister closer into my arms, I comforted her with gentle reassurance. "Don't worry, Ellie. Everyone awakens their magic at their own pace. The right time will come for you," I whispered tenderly, hoping to alleviate her disappointment, even if just a little.

"But I want to be like you and big brother Art!" Ellie pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a perfect imitation of a baby bird.

"You will be, in your own unique way. Just keep practicing and never give up," I encouraged, offering her a warm smile fortified with confidence and determination.

"I will, big brother," Ellie replied, her despondency gradually supplanted by a glimmer of hope as she embraced me tightly.

Turning to Lily and Ciel, a slight shift in the atmosphere signaled a change in the conversation. Ciel's expression softened, her eyes filled with a mixture of seriousness and pride. "So, Lily, now that you have officially become an Elemental Witch, your training will become more rigorous. Are you ready?" Ciel asked, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and excitement.