Martial Arts Worlds

With a blood-red moon hovering in the air, the island of Nightingale was shrouded by the cloak of darkness that concealed its secrets from prying eyes.

Within the hall of the Abracadabra Castle, the sounds of celebration echoed through the halls, filling the air with joy and excitement.

Servants brought food and drinks to the guests who were gathered to watch the rise of the blood-red moon once again.

It was once again time for True Moon Fest, and nobles from all across the World Seas had come to witness its beautiful, prosperity-filled glow.

At the throne seat, Karl-Michael watched the festivities with a small smile on his face, as he was actually in a pretty good mood.

One of Abracadabra's children, Zeus, finally managed to defeat Kiernan's legendary record in the Game, something that took nearly a year to beat.

It had become a legendary record, as it took talented individuals, like the Abracadabra children, so long to beat it.

It made many Nightingale citizens interested in this Kiernan Hunter fellow, who brought so much headache to Karl-Michael.

"…"

Sitting while sipping on red wine, Bella watched the festivities with an unhappy expression, as she didn't like seeing her father so happy.

Sure, she didn't mind that he was happy, but it was clear that he was so happy because someone finally beat her son's time.

'Hmph, it took you guys a year. Give my son a year, and he'll make a time that none of you will even touch in your dreams!'

"Sis, how are you doing?"

Nevaeh sat beside her with a wry smile and knew that her mood was very sour currently, while her son, Zeus, was celebrating like there was no tomorrow, drinking till he was almost passed out.

"A year just for them to barely beat my son. I don't understand all this celebration from them. If my son was allowed one more try, he would destroy them!"

Bella said grudgingly.

"Your son is still a legend among the masses. You should be proud of him."

Nevaeh touched her shoulder gently.

"I am proud of him. I am not in a mood for these festivities. I will be heading back to my room."

Bella said, stood up, and headed out, her beautiful dress clinging against her motherly figure, and some noble men couldn't help but follow her with their hungry eyes.

Shortly afterwards, Bella returned to her room, closed the door behind her gently, and tossed her heels to the side before moving to the wardrobe.

She opened the wardrobe's doors, touched the shoulder strap of her dress, and was about to slide it off her body, but then, through a mirror of her wardrobe, she saw someone standing by the window.

"?!"

Bella took a heel from her wardrobe, and using it like a flying knife, she turned around and threw it towards the intruder.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in my room?!"

"Oh, shit!"

The figure dodged the flying heel urgently, which smashed through the window and into the city below.

Bella walked to him, about to punch him in the face, but then saw who it was and froze like a deer in headlights.

"Mom… It's me. Calm down, please."

Kiernan pleaded with a wry smile.

"K-Kiernan?"

Bella softly whispered, her heart swelling with warmth, and she immediately put him into a hug, holding him tightly as tears streamed down her face.

"Am I dreaming? Are you really here?"

She wasn't sure, so she sniffed his hair and breathed in his familiar scent, feeling like she was on cloud nine.

"Yup… it's me. C-can you let go of me? I can't really breathe?"

Kiernan cleared his throat, but she didn't let go of him, only loosened her hold slightly to give him slightly more breathing room.

Smooch~

She kissed him on the cheek and then hugged him with a bright smile, but then she realized something severe: him being here was dangerous!

Her eyes widened in surprise, she left the hug and looked lovingly into the eyes of her son, and then she said.

"You shouldn't be here! If my father finds out… you would be in grave danger!"

"I know, mother, but I need to talk with you about something—son, and mother stuff—my father, as dense as he is, cannot help me with this."

Kiernan said with a wry smile, stood up, and removed the red lipstick mark off his cheek.

"Oh?"

Bella's eyes brightened; she then sat down on her bed and patted a spot next to her, smiling with happiness as she never thought this day would come.

'It must be very serious, as he could've sent me a letter, but for him to come all the way here, through the dangerous World Seas, and into the place where he is very much hated.'

Kiernan sat next to her, fidgeted his fingers, and said with a sigh.

"I have a big problem, and I honestly don't know what to do. It's the first time for me to feel so lost, and I thought a woman, such as yourself, might have answers for me."

Bella listened, and then a very cheeky smile appeared on her face.

"Oh~ women problems? You have a sweetheart that you haven't talked to me about?"

Bella smiled so big that her cheekbones almost reached her eyes, and she already started to dream about grandchildren.

"Yes… unfortunately so. I met a girl, and things happened, where we ended up doing… you know."

Kiernan said with a sigh.

Bella's mouth opened so wide that you could fit an apple inside, and she let out a surprised gasp.

"Oh my~ W-well, did you use protection?"

"No."

"Oh… you… came inside?"

"Yup."

Kiernan scratched the back of his head.

Bella's mouth again opened wide, and she smiled happily.

"I guess I will be a grandmother soon~"

"Please, don't… Don't scare me."

Kiernan rubbed his forehead.

"Jokes aside~ is this girl of yours in Irio as well? Does your father know her?"

"She isn't from New Rakuya—I met her during my travels."

"Oh? Are you planning to be with her longer, or is she planning to come with you to New Rakuya? You have school still, yes?"

Bella asked.

"I… I left her without saying a word, and I just thought about going back to New Rakuya, trying to forget her."

Kiernan said with a sigh.

"YOU DID WHAT?!"

Bella screamed, tugged his ear, and screamed into his ear.

"YOU'RE AN IDIOT!"