Lior Croft: The Storm They Never Saw Coming!

SAYING GOODBYE

As Lior approached home, he saw a crowd gathered around, all focused on Seraph on the roof, who was about to jump.

"Please don't jump, I'm sure he'll return soon for you," someone said.

Seraph, in tears, replied, "I know my son; he doesn't stay out late without letting me know. What if a wild animal, or maybe the shadow plague, had gotten him? This village is the closest to the Shadow Lands."

"But please, you're not sure yet, please let's wait a little longer," another villager urged.

Lior yelled at the top of his voice as he approached, "Ma, please don't jump!"

Seraph instantly recognized the voice. She paused and looked towards the direction it was coming from.

She saw someone she didn't recognize. She wiped the tears from her eyes to see clearly, but she lost her footing and fell off the roof.

Lior realized he was too slow to get to her. He watched as she fell, his heart sinking as he wondered if he would lose his only living loved one again?

However he soon saw a system message:

[Maximum emotional need for speed detected. Activating temporal speed boost.

Cost: 10 manna points. You have 90 manna points left.]

With that, Lior felt his body grow lighter and his feet carried his body with little effort.

All of this happened in a split second, but Lior's mind was able to process it because he now had the body of a god.

Seraph was already halfway down when Lior increased his speed to maximum.

Dust filled the air like a tornado, and those standing around could only see the silhouette of a person moving within the debris before halting below Seraph.

When the dust settled, they could see Lior carrying Seraph in his arms, and she looked unharmed.

At first, everyone was silent, wondering what had just happened. The speed and the impossible save had them shocked.

Seraph raised her head and saw the mark on Lior's forehead. "Lior, it is really you," she whispered, hugging him, tears rolling down her eyes.

Even though the rest of the villagers were stunned, they still celebrated.

"I'm back, Mother," Lior said. "Please don't ever think I'd leave you again."

When everyone had settled, Lior explained everything that had happened to him the night before, but he lied about the system, blaming everything on finally developing a talent he didn't have before.

As food was served, the villagers gathered around, chatting and eating.

"thanks to Lior we all can have a great supper."

"Yeah, may he live long!"

Lior had brought some food, and others had contributed too. The smell of cooked food filled the air, and everyone was living their best lives.

A man, Elder Thomas, stood up and said, "Ma'am Seraph, we're lucky to have Lior in our village. He's worked hard since he came here.

He never fights, brings food, helps others, and does his chores. He's done all this without any special powers. Now that he has one, who knows what he'll become?"

A young woman agreed. "Yeah, he'll be a great leader."

But another villager, Zack, said, "Too bad he's an outcast. If he was in the city, he'd do greater things."

The room got quiet, and another villager, Mark, got angry. "Shut up, Zack! Why bring that up now?"

However, Lior said, "He's right. If I was in the city, I'd do more. That's why I'm going to the city."

Everyone was shocked. "But how will you get in?" someone asked. "You're an outcast."

Lior smiled. "I know, but today you guys didn't recognize me, did you? I think my appearance is no longer what it used to be."

"Yeah, what about the mark on your forehead?" another villager asked.

"I'll cover it with a headband and I'll be careful." Lior replied confidently.

Seraph stood up, worried. "Don't go, Lior. It's too dangerous. You could die. I don't want to lose you like I lost your mother."

Lior turned to her. "Mother, I'm strong now. I'll be careful. I promise."

Seraph saw the look in Lior's eyes and knew he wouldn't change his mind. "Okay," she said softly.

Lior turned to the villagers and raised his voice in determination. "I promise I'll bring development to this place. I'll make it stronger than any city.

I'll bring back electricity and introduce new technology which the world has never seen before. The world will beg from Ravenshire."

The villagers cheered, and Seraph smiled, proud but worried.

"Laura Croft, I wish you were here to see your son," she whispered.

The celebration went on late into the night. As it ended, Lior told Seraph, "I'll leave at dawn. Take care, and don't worry, I'll be back soon."

Seraph hugged him. "Be careful, my son. I love you."

Lior smiled. "I love you too, Mother. I'll make you proud.”