My Skills Can Evolve Infinitely in a Game-Like World

Chapter 49: Elena & Threat

Not long afterward, Aurelius found himself seated opposite a woman who bore a striking resemblance to him.

With her youthful appearance, long blond hair, and ocean-blue eyes, most people would mistake them for siblings.

But this was far from the truth.

This was not Aurelius’ older sister, but his mother—Elena.

Ever since his memories awakened, the two had seldom interacted with each other due to his hectic schedule.

Of course, there was another reason.

Aurelius had deliberately avoided spending time with her. It was hard for him to be unfazed.

Although Aurelius was still Aurelius, awakening his memories had fundamentally changed him.

The young master who once lived in this body and the current Aurelius were no longer quite the same person.

Faced with his mother, it was natural for him to feel somewhat nervous and unfamiliar.

Thankfully, faced with Elena’s gentle smile, Aurelius’ tense nerves gradually relaxed.

"I haven’t seen you much over the past few days. You’ve been quite busy, leaving early in the morning and coming back late at night," Elena said with a faint smile before shaking her head.

"I’ve asked the butler and the guards and confirmed that you haven’t visited... those places. It seems that you’ve truly decided to stick to your word this time."

A trace of relief flashed across Elena’s face.

During their last such meeting, she had shown concern about Aurelius’ "unruly" habits.

Although the latter had claimed that he would no longer engage in such things, she had not believed his empty promises.

It was only after several days of confirmation that she finally relaxed.

The bright smile on her face suggested that she was happier than ever.

Aurelius could see that the joy was sincere, and couldn’t help but feel a tinge of guilt subconsciously.

However, he recovered quickly.

A smile appeared on his face, and he chuckled.

"Mother, I’ve told you. I realized how wrong I was before. You don’t have to worry anymore."

"From now on, I’ll no longer be that useless playboy."

Hearing this promise, Elena reached out to pat him on his shoulder.

"Yes, yes. You’ve truly grown up. You truly look like..."

Halfway through that sentence, Elena suddenly paused.

Silence shrouded the dining room as she appeared lost in her thoughts.

For a moment, the two truly looked like a loving family.

However, what Elena did not notice was that shock and terror filled Aurelius’ eyes.

The instant his mother touched his shoulder, he felt a chill run down his spine.

Danger!

Every instinct in Aurelius’ body screamed at him, just as they had when he faced Priest Mayin.

One had to know that Aurelius had already advanced and his strength had undergone a massive transformation since then.

To make him freeze like this, the unknown power had to reach the peak of Rank 2, perhaps approaching Rank 3.

Aurelius instantly pinpointed the source.

His mother, Elena.

Doing his best not to show any change in his expression, he "casually" moved his head to the side and focused on her.

The familiar interface emerged.

[Elena—Level 0 Unawakened]

Nothing had changed. Aurelius confirmed that his mother had not been replaced by a powerful Awakener.

She was still at Level 0. An ordinary mortal.

’But to be able to make my instincts warn me about it, she must have something that can threaten me.’

For an ordinary mortal to achieve that, there was only one explanation.

’She possesses a powerful Relic!’

Everything was pieced together in Aurelius’ mind.

As the partner of an Earl, it made sense that Elena would have a Relic to protect both herself and him. That held true even though she was a concubine.

Aurelius accepted that fact.

What he couldn’t accept, however, was that despite possessing such a powerful Relic, Elena had failed to detect Amanda killing her son!

Yes!

After so long, Amanda’s name resurfaced in his mind.

All this time, Aurelius had believed she was merely a Rank 2 Awakener.

But now, he could no longer be so sure.

Was his death merely a ritual for her to advance to Rank 2? Or perhaps to advance further?

Elena didn’t know how much her little action had shocked her son.

Knowing none of his worries, she maintained a gentle smile.

"So... What about that wife we spoke about the last time?"

"Aurelius, I feel it’s time for you to start a family. You’re already so old..."

Those words shattered Aurelius’ train of thought. He nearly choked on his drink.

--

Shortly afterward, Aurelius left the Sol estate.

Although nearly an hour had passed, Elena’s nagging was still echoing inside his mind, like the whispers of a Devil tempting him to get married and have children.

Even after everything he had experienced, this was somehow the hardest battle of the last twenty-four hours.

The fact that he, a Rank 2 Awakener and the Protagonist in the Players’ eyes, had suffered like this made him want to complain.

But at the same time, Elena’s obvious worry and love-filled advice relieved some of his worries.

He wandered through the city, looking at the smiling residents going to work and the peddlers and children roaming through the streets.

The events of the previous night replayed in his mind.

He knew. Had he failed to stop the Divine Descent Ceremony, everything within this scene would have been destroyed.

The peaceful life of residents would have long been gone.

Yet these people, who were so close to death only a few hours ago, were now walking completely carefree, not knowing they had nearly died.

’Ignorance truly is bliss,’ Aurelius let out a sigh.

Although he said so, his resolve to grow stronger was strengthened even further in his heart.

He did not want to die one day without even knowing the reason, like these people, or like him when facing Amanda.

To protect himself and those around him, he had to improve his strength while preparing for the incoming dangers.

’Upgrading my Level and skills is the easiest way to do so.’

’Besides these, crafting a few Relics and refining Potions, as well as preparing for the Player’s arrival, have to be put on the agenda...’

As Aurelius was making a list of matters he had to take care of, his footsteps never slowed down.

Before long, youthful voices echoed in his ears as he stopped in front of a grand entrance. Stepping forward, he was about to enter the Ernst Academy.

But just then, a familiar beautiful face entered his sight.

Then, a familiar voice filled with contempt,

"What are you looking at? Do you want me to dig your eyeballs out?"