Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 3: A Gift

Being two years Jason's senior made Gina twenty already. Yet, in sharp contrast to Jason, she skipped out on wrapping up high school.

The moment Gina learned she possessed Superhuman abilities, she quit school on the spot and enlisted in a D Rank guild across the nation.

Her power enabled her to launch arrows formed from compressed air, rendering her crucial for distant battles within Gates where she could target foes from afar.

Gina eyed Jason up and down, her gaze shifting to his shirt sleeves rolled up, exposing his powerful arms. As Jason started toward a table to remove the food trays, the sinews in his arms bulged with every step, highlighting them prominently. She swallowed subtly and dismissed the thought, then raised the bag she'd arrived with, beaming.

"See what I got? The office threw a bash, so I swiped some wine. Let's celebrate at your apartment!"

"No booze until you're eighteen!"

Mira burst out from the kitchen upon catching Gina's words about alcohol, prompting Gina to sigh in frustration. They kept hashing this out.

Jason's eighteenth birthday loomed tomorrow, yet Mira insisted he couldn't touch a drop until then, period! Even with just a single day left!

Today or tomorrow! Did it really change anything!?

Jason laughed softly at Gina's weary expression and moved to enter the kitchen with the soiled dishes when Gina pressed her palm against his chest, halting him. He glanced down at her, eyebrow arched, and scowled as a sly grin spread across her features. She drew closer and murmured:

"I need to head back to the job, but I'll leave this at yours, and I'll wait there after my shift ends. You still hide the key under the doormat, don't you?"

Jason shook his head.

"I'm not heading home tonight. I've got to assist Mum with bringing stuff back, so I'll crash there instead."

Gina smacked Jason's chest, causing him to wince sharply! What in the world was up with this woman!? Was she aware of her own strength!?

Gina was stunned that Jason would pass up boozing with her! This damn inexperienced guy! A stunning woman was proposing an all-night hangout to get wasted, and he rejected it!? Seriously!?

'Fine, his opinion doesn't count. I'm claiming him this evening, like it or not!'

Gina turned into a determined force, refusing to squander this opportunity!

Did he honestly believe she'd allow him to waste his birthday slaving away like some old-timer!? He was merely turning eighteen, for heaven's sake! Time to enjoy life!

Gina hissed in irritation:

"You'd better show up at home tonight, young man, or I'll be furious! I've waited ages for your eighteenth birthday, and we're absolutely getting smashed then! Got it!?"

Jason exhaled wearily, a faint grin forming despite himself. He recognized defeat in this debate, so he merely lifted his shoulders in capitulation and replied softly to Gina.

"Key's beneath the mat. I'll swing by after wrapping up with Mum."

Gina let out a joyful whoop, then called out a boisterous farewell to Mira before dashing from the diner. Mira emerged from the interior, face etched with regret. She'd hoped to chat more with Gina prior to her exit, but Gina had bolted too fast.

Jason announced while transporting the dishes inward.

"I figure I'll return to my apartment tonight, Mum."

Mira's eyes bulged wide, and she pursued Jason in a huff right away.

"You'd better not intend to consume any alcohol tonight!"

"Nothing's planned, Mum."

"Jason..."

"Honestly, Mum! No plans at all!"

Jason snickered while his mother pinned him with an intense gaze, averting his own to hide his struggle against laughter.

Somehow, his mother excelled at detecting lies just by peering into his eyes. It was as if she peered straight into his very essence.

Mira relented with a sigh upon seeing she wouldn't pry more from Jason, pivoting to depart while offering some words.

"Alright, head out, but ensure your safety. It'll be nighttime by then, so stay vigilant."

Mira understood the night's perils on the streets, and regardless of her son's robustness, encountering thugs out there would spell trouble.

Jason assured his mother she fretted excessively. He wasn't about to stroll into gang turf en route home. He'd manage just fine.

...

Once the diner shut down for the evening and the cleanup wrapped up, Jason aided his mum in loading her belongings into her compact commuter vehicle, then ferried her back.

Jason's younger sibling, Maya, attended boarding school and wouldn't return until month's end for break, while his elder sister had vanished from sight for eight years, leaving Mira to dwell solo in the modest two-bedroom flat. Jason assisted in hauling her items to the primary unit and exchanged hellos with the elderly residents he encountered ascending.

Jason aided Mira in placing her items indoors, and right as he prepared to go, she bid him wait.

"I have something to hand you..."

Mira stepped into her bedroom, prompting Jason to brush off his palms and sink onto the sofa in anticipation. He rarely visited this home, preferring his own place during the week for its proximity to work and studies.

Thus, a wave of fond reminiscence always washed over his heart when seated there. It evoked memories of boyhood, lingering with his sister for their parents' return from jobs.

Jason cleared his mind with a head shake and breath. Dwelling on such recollections served no purpose. They belonged to bygone days, with life progressing since. His dad abandoned them at their darkest hour, leaving Jason to press onward now.

Mira emerged from her chamber moments later, and Jason observed her settling next to him. With a grave expression toward Jason, he pondered her intent. She concealed an item behind her, which Jason awaited her revealing.

Mira addressed him gravely.

"Jason, pay close attention to my words before responding. Understood? Fine. Prior to your father's departure—Jason, ease up."

Jason had averted his gaze from his mother the instant she referenced his father. He had zero curiosity about that individual. Not his whereabouts, activities, or reasons for leaving. It held no relevance!

What truly counted was his abandonment, saddling their mother with raising three kids single-handedly! He showed no concern for their endurance without his support.

Though Jason shunned all knowledge of his father, Mira soothed him. Offering a stern glance, she recalled his vow to heed her. He'd absorb her message, willing or not.

Jason released a breath before facing his mother once more. He wouldn't dismiss her amid such solemnity.

Mira beamed seeing her son attentive, resuming her words.

"Alright, prior to your father's exit, he provided more than a mere note. I've only mentioned the letter before, but another item came with it. He instructed withholding it from you until age eighteen, and given your plans to imbibe with Gina tomorrow—yes, I realize you'll drink; you can't deceive me. That's alright; I can't guide you eternally, and you've earned enjoyment after your diligence. Yet, prior to overindulging, take this."

Mira extended the box to Jason. He examined it inquisitively, curious about its contents. Resembling a gem case, black fabric enveloped it, lending an air of luxury.

Jason inquired of his mother about the box's interior, but she denied knowledge, having never peeked inside.