Life Of A Nobody - as a Villain

67 Getting gifts from family

After the best dinner Rio had ever enjoyed, everyone gave their congratulations for his successful awakening, saying how proud they were of him, and how Agnus knew he'll be amazing from the start.

Agnus wanted to ask about the mana suction method and his blessing, but Artemis changed the topic saying today's a good day, they can discuss all those serious talks tomorrow.

Rio's mood which was visibly going down brightened up again, hearing her words, making Artemis smile at him. Though Agnus was surprised that this over paranoid mama bear let go of her doubts, he agreed to wait too. There was no need to pressure him to say something right now.

"Well, ignoring the questions, why don't you give him the gift you prepared for his awakening? I'm sure he would love that."

Artemis changed the silent environment by saying this, she took out a gift that she prepared for him, an artifact that she thought was best for him.

As being the protective mother she is, she gave Rio an wristband to keep him safe."I wanted to give you something to keep you safe, no matter the situation. This is an S-rank unique artifact called the 'Guardian's Escape.' If you ever find yourself in danger, just pour mana in, and it will teleport you to a safe location instantly."

Rio's eyes were filled with awe as Artemis put the silver wristband on his hand. He marveled at the intricate design and felt the faint hum of energy emanating from the wristband. The protection it offered was not lost on him.

The artifact was something similar to those earrings, but instead of teleporting someone to your location, it would teleport you away from that place.

Since its rank was lower than the earrings he gave to Amelia and her, Rio could see the slight hesitation in Artemis's mood when giving it to him; she must've wanted to give him something better than that at least, but for Rio it was enough. He knew everything about all the best stuff written in the novel - the artifacts, singular books, scrolls, spells, techniques, legacies everything was fixed in his mind, what his mind didn't have - was love, and that's what this wristband symbolized, and THAT was more than enough.

"Thank you mother. I'll always keep it on me." Rio said happily and hugged her, while Artemis twisted his ear "You better, or I'll have to teach you a lesson." Her stern words of warning prompted everyone to chuckle, as Rio laughed and promised her again.

Agnus came forward as Artemis stepped aside, he held a thin book in his hand "Rio, I have prepared something special for you. You know I'm not like your mother who can talk much or look at everything to see what's good for you, so I've prepared this, it's called 'the Foundation Art' - a technique that may seem basic, but it holds the essence of every sword style. I have spent years refining and perfecting it, with the hope that it will serve as the strong foundation upon which you can build your own formidable skills on."

Rio's eyes widened with anticipation as he accepted the book from Agnus. A new sword technique made by the renowned sword king and owner of Shade, just that would be enough to throw the empire into chaos. This technique was something that the original Rio in the novel had learned too. It had given him the most understanding of the basics of sword wielding. At the beginning of the novel when Rio had mastered this art till expert level, he could learn and understand any other sword art more easily and much faster than others.

Looking at Rio lost in thoughts, and not saying anything, Artemis slapped his head and said- "Your father has poured his heart and soul into crafting this technique for you. It may seem simple, but I've seen with my own eyes the effects it could have, so try to learn it well. If you have any doubts, ask me."

"Of course, mother. Thank you father. I'll work hard to make you proud." Rio said as he bowed his head, the thought of how long it would take him to master this came to his head, but it wasn't important now.

Agnus hugged him, and said -"I'm already proud of you son. And I know you'll be amazing."

"Where's your gift, Amy?" Hearing her mother say that, Amelia who was sneakily still eating sweets from the side, realized that she had forgotten to bring her own gift for her brother. Determined not to miss out on this special occasion when everyone is gathered together, "I forgot it when I came to call you. I'll bring it." She said as she gulped down the bite, she wiped her hands and stood up in hurry.

"Just sit, I'll send someone to get it." Agnus wanted to send someone to bring the gift, seeing how even after eating so much that he could now see a slight bulge in her stomach, somehow she still wanted to eat more. He was worried if she could still run to her mother's room in that condition.

"No, I'll get it myself, brother, wait here." saying so Amelia hurriedly made her way to her mother's ropoom, seeking the gift she had prepared.

Soon Amelia came with a small red box in her hand, "here" She was huffing loudly when she presented her gift.

Rio wanted to see what gift this little sister of his prepared for him, but before he could open it, when he felt her hands holding his own in hurry.

"You..you can't open it now. Do it later." Amelia requested, when she saw her mother's curious gaze on the box.

"Okay. Promise." He gently squeezed her hands, assuring her that he would honor her wish. Though Rio's curiosity piqued, he agreed to see it later.

Amelia smiled brightly and pulled her tongue at Artemis, feeling victorious that her mother couldn't see her gift.

It wasn't due to anything specific, it was just last week, when Amelia asked her mother about what gift she should give Rio, and to show her gift so she can get an idea, her mother outright refused and said to give something from her heart. Little Amelia couldn't understand what that even meant, in her eyes, it was her mother teasing her, or hoping she couldn't give the best gift to her brother. She had to work extra hard on choosing a gift because of that.

Rio carefully tucked the red box into his pocket. Even though she didn't say Rio had understood the reason behind her sudden departure, and why she ran to bring her own gift. He had noticed it the moment she brought her gift, this time it was just a simple red box, there wasn't any cute wrapping paper filled with her doodling designs that she put effort into making.

'Did I make her cry back then.' He remembered again about how he left her in a hurry, when she first presented her gift.

Filled with a mix of gratitude, guilt, and love for his little sister, Rio pulled Amelia into a warm embrace. "I'm sorry."

Amelia, slightly surprised by the sudden embrace and his apology, smiled and hugged him back.

As Agnus and Artemis observed the heartwarming embrace between their children, their hearts swelled with love and contentment, seeing the kids bond and the pure joy on their faces.

Artemis couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the adorable sight before her, her hand instinctively rising to cover her mouth as she let out an affectionate "Aww." The love she felt for her children filled her heart to the brim, and she cherished this beautiful moment.

Agnus wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. His own smile radiated pure joy as he witnessed the bond between their children and how happy his family looked at this moment. Even after being away from home, and not always being there for the kids -just watching these happy moments filled his heart with amazement.

Rio and Amelia joined too for a group family hug, In that tender embrace, everyone found solace and a deep appreciation for the family they had built together. All of them only prayed that this happiness could last forever.

Little did they know that the Gods they all prayed to, were the ones who would tear them apart given the chance, but that's a tale for another time.

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***[Artifacts are graded into mainly 8 classes-

Normal

Rare

Unique

Legendary

Mythical

Semi divine

Divine

Godly

Artifacts could also be further divided in ranks of F to SSS, depending on their use, effects and condition]