Chapter 3: Father and Son (Part 2)
—Oak Brunhild's POV—
Three years had passed since I took him in…
Now, Noir was a three-year-old toddler.
Today, he was acting a little strange. He'd been waiting outside my cabin, reading some comics. (Manga!!)
"So, Mr. Julian. Here is your file."
"Thanks, sir," he said, then left the cabin.
Once he was gone, I called Noir in. He looked unusually serious.
"What's the matter, my boy? Why so serious?" I asked, feeling oddly parental. I'd changed a lot in these three years.
"Old Man…" he paused, hesitant.
"Speak freely, my boy. Set your worries aside," I said, encouraging him.
That seemed to help. Determination flickered in his eyes.
"I… I want to tell you the truth today. But you have to promise—you won't treat me differently."
So that was what he was worried about…
"Don't worry, my child. Whatever your secret is, I won't judge you."
"Let's see then."
Huh, that sounded like a challenge.
"First… as you already know, I'm not human."
Was that the big secret? I literally saw you hatch from a golden egg. I'd be a fool to think you were human.
"I already know that, my boy. Was that the secret?"
"No… I want to tell you what I am."
"Go on." Now he had my full attention. He wasn't human, or even a monster. Then what?
"I… I am a… GOD!"
An alarm went off in my head. A god? Like Yahweh? Or… that legendary race?
I placed a hand on his forehead. "No fever… Have you been reading too many comics about gods?"
He shook his head. "Nn. I'm perfectly fine. And I'm serious. I'm a god. A unique one—but a god, nonetheless."
"How could that be?"
I couldn't believe it. In three years, I hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary. No powers—at least not since that one time with the orb.
"I don't mean to doubt you, my boy… but how come you don't have any powers?"
He tilted his head. "Who said I don't?"
"You have powers?!"
"As I said, I'm unique. So unique that if you knew the whole truth, you might have a heart attack."
Where was he learning this stuff? He talked like an adult. And what was with that "heart attack" line? Was he underestimating me?
"My boy, your father is strong. My heart won't waver over mere words."
"Let's see then."
There it was again—that challenge. Is he reading Xianxia novels or something?
He pointed to a ring on his right hand. "See this ring? It proves I'm a god. It represents my concept."
"Your concept?" That was a new term for me.
"Concepts determine the powers a god can acquire. A god can't gain powers outside their concept."
"I see… But I thought gods had infinite power?"
"They do. But the only limit is their concept."
So even gods had restrictions.
"Then… what's your concept, my boy?"
"My concept… is very unique. It's—actually, never mind. Best if you don't know."
A vein popped in my forehead. If you weren't going to say it, why bring it up?!
Where did this cocky attitude come from?
Definitely not from me.
"You'll have to be satisfied with two pieces of information. First, the pain I used to feel… it's gone now. Because of my concept."
Huh? Did I hear that right?
"That's wonderful news, my boy. I'm so glad… finally, you're okay."
Before I realized it, I was hugging him tightly. Maybe this is what being a parent means—your child's happiness becomes your own.
We hugged for a moment before he muttered, "Ugh, you're suffocating me."
This brat… he's definitely changed.
I let go. He continued, "The second thing is the most important. Come closer."
There was no one else here, but I leaned in anyway.
"The truth is… I'm not powerless. My powers are just beyond your comprehension."
This kid was mocking me.
"That's it. No manga for a week."
His eyes widened.
"Tyrant! Tyrant! Tyrant! But it's true—you can't comprehend my powers."
Still mocking me.
"Two weeks."
"Why not make it a month, then?" he huffed.
"Good idea. A month it is."
"You… YOU! Super Tyrant!"
"What?"
He took a deep breath, calmed down, then leaned in again and whispered, "If I want… I can acquire any ability."
Huh? Did he just say something insane?
"Are you joking?"
"No, I'm serious," he said. His eyes were sincere.
"How?"
He avoided my gaze. "I'm sorry… I can't reveal that."
This… was serious.
"Prove it, then."
"Huh?"
"I mean, if what you're saying is true—prove it."
He thought for a moment. "What kind of power should I acquire to prove my innocence, my lord?" he joked.
This boy's too fast for his age…
"Hmm… an ability like mine." I wanted to see if he could perform [Telekinesis]. Atleast we both have something similar in between.
He was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."
He looked at a glass of water on the desk and gestured.
The glass rose into the air… and floated toward him.
I stood there, stunned.
"What…? How? Don't you have to train before using a power?"
Was all my hard work just meaningless?
"Huh? I could use it right after acquiring it. This version is stronger than your [Telekinesis]. It's called [Absolute Mind]. I picked it because it helps with something else I'm struggling with."
"Then… why haven't you acquired more powers before?"
"Because there was no need."
He really is an enigma.
And maybe… his words were true. My heart ached under the weight of such revelations.
"Noir, go play for now. We'll talk later. And don't cause trouble with your powers, understood?"
"Okay…"
He left the cabin.
I decided to take a nap.
---
"So that was the secret you were talking about…" Lily said hesitantly.
It was a lot to take in. First, the boy she'd once thrown a chalk at… was a god.
Now, she learned he could acquire any power.
"Director, you're not joking, right?" she asked.
"I wish I was. But it's 100% true," Oak replied, his face betraying disbelief.
Lily fell silent, then asked a curious question.
"Did he ever offer to give you powers? I mean, if he can acquire them, maybe he can bestow them too."
Oak smiled. "Lily, aren't you a little too sharp? And to answer your question—yes, he did. That's actually why we don't live together anymore."
His eyes watered at the memory.
---
Noir was twelve now. He was doing well in almost everything.
He hadn't acquired any new powers since then…
But he did bestow [Grandmaster Chef] on me, just to test if he could share powers.
And I know—he did it because he hated my cooking. Honestly, even I hated my cooking.
Even though everything seemed perfect…
That day, I was cutting fruit at the dining table while he read manga on the sofa.
Music played softly. The rustle of pages and chopping sounds created a peaceful rhythm.
I was enjoying the moment—until I noticed the page-turning had stopped.
Noir was staring at a manga panel… then glancing at me.
"If you've got something to say, just say it," I nudged.
He hesitated, then asked:
"Hey, old man… don't you want eternal life?"
It was an odd question. I didn't think much of it at the time.
"Eternal life? Nah. I was born human, and I want to die human. Those who chase immortality have my condolences. I'm fine as I am. When my time comes, I'll go peacefully."
I didn't notice the tears forming in his eyes.
He stood quickly, pretending nothing was wrong.
"Ah! I'll be late for class. Bye, old man."
"Hey! At least take a fruit!"
*Click*
The door closed.
"Kids these days…" I muttered.
I went to close the manga he'd left open—and saw the page he'd been staring at.
A person lay dying, someone sobbing beside them.
Curious, I read the chapter.
It was about a boy cursed with immortality by a goddess. What others saw as a blessing became his curse—watching everyone he loved age and die while he remained unchanged.
It was a story soaked in loneliness.
And I understood.
From his perspective, the years he'd spent with me… were already slipping away.
But I realized it a little too late.
The next day, he left the house, renting an apartment under the excuse that he was an adult now and needed privacy.
But I was the one who wiped away the tears he'd hidden so perfectly as he walked away.
---
"That day, I lost my son. Sometimes… we shouldn't be so hasty with our replies, right, Lily?" Oak said softly, gazing out the window.
Lily looked at him, sensing the weight in his voice. "But it's good you didn't stop him. If you had, it would've caused him more grief than peace. Sometimes, letting go is the right thing."
Oak nodded slowly, a melancholic smile forming. "I know. I just hope he finds others like him—beings who can walk with him through eternity. I can't do that for him."
As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of gold and purple, Oak stood there, silent.
The light flickered across his face, casting long shadows as he muttered quietly, almost to himself, "Ah… I think the story went on for too long."
---
Hii, Author Here!
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you have any suggestions, feel free to use comments. And if you liked it, then do what you do.
Babaye~