Supreme Magus novel Chapter 4317

Chapter 4317: Not That Different (Part 1)

"Wrong? Should the eagle or the wolf starve to death not to hurt the lamb? Should the lamb starve to death not to hurt the grass?" Protector asked, and Leran shook his head in reply.

"Son, as you know, I started as a simple wolf and went all the way to Awakening. I killed hundreds of animals, Abominations, humans, and even a few mad Rys. Do you think I ever regret it?

"The answer is no. If I didn’t hunt, my pack would starve. If I didn’t put down newborn Abominations, they would have destroyed the Trawn Woods. If I didn’t kill those Rys, they would have killed me and started a war against the other kings.

"The reason magical beasts experience remorse differently from humans is that we have no home, law, or protection aside from what we make. In the wilds, hesitation kills, Leran. If you think about it, human society is not that different."

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Do you remember when the undead attacked our house? Or when Meln ambushed you and your friends?" Protector asked, and Leran nodded. "Uncle Lith exterminated the undead, and Mister Vastor got rid of the bad people that wanted to hurt you, but that doesn’t make them bad men."

"Once someone is bent on hurting you, there is no space for dialogue. You can only fight back or be their victim."

"Your father is right." Selia saw the doubts on Leran’s face and chimed in. "I don’t think less of Crash for protecting your sister from those Awakened, and I don’t blame you for what you did.

"You were trying to save the lives of our friends, Leran. I’m so proud of you and your sister that I could fly. Yet you two also scared me so much that you are grounded until the day you get yourselves a job or enroll in an academy."

The young boy looked his mother in the eyes and saw she wasn’t joking.

"What I’m trying to say, Leran, is that as a Skoll you’ll never feel guilty for defending yourself or your loved ones." Protector said. "The pack comes first, then you, and then everybody else.

"Without the pack, you are alone against a hostile world. Without you, the pack is a colder, darker place. Only when you and your pack are safe can you afford mercy for your enemies.

"It’s a cruel concept for a kid, something I hoped you wouldn’t have to learn until much later in your life." Ryman gently caressed his son’s head. "I’m sorry you have to go through this much suffering at such a young age, Leran.

"I’m sorry that part of your internal turmoil comes from the blood you have inherited from me. Yet I’m not sorry about what you did. What we did. You already know it because I was with you while you fought that bad man."

"I don’t blame you for what you did either, Dad. You were just trying to save my life." Leran nodded.

He remembered his father’s fear for his children’s safety, and the burning fury that matched Leran’s as they fought together to stop the people who had taken Teryon away.

Leran had felt but an echo of the pain Ryman had suffered for taking upon himself the wounds of his children, and only after returning to his family had the boy understood the extent of his father’s sacrifice.

On the one hand, the depth of Protector’s love moved Leran. On the other hand, the realization that his father had almost died for him exacerbated the young boy’s guilt.

"For what is worth, Emperor Beasts and humans are not that different, son." Ryman said. "When it comes to protecting their loved ones, parents act the same way, no matter their race. Ask your mother."

"Mom?" Leran turned to Selia.

"Well, sweetie, if I were half as strong as Uncle Lith and those bad people were after you and your siblings..." Her warm expression twisted into a mask of unbridled rage, and her eyes became cold. "I would have stopped at nothing to ensure they would never threaten you again."

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