Birthing Legends: My Womb Creates SSS Monsters-Chapter 116: Maddy’s Adventurer Journey Begins.

After a while, their hot spring time ended. Her children were off in their own rooms, even Arach’s jealousy had quieted into a peaceful sleep. Maddy carried Sephiran to his bed, laying him down gently. Vermi hopped up instantly, curling into a ball at his side. Looking at them, Maddy felt every pain and stress of the day vanish.

"I hope you grow strong... my little prince."

She paused. For a split second, the light hit Sephiran’s face in a way that erased his childish softness. She saw a flash of the man he would become... a king.

"Right... you truly are a prince.You don’t know how heavy your destiny will be yet. But Mother will always be here. I won’t leave you."

She reached out, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw.

"I will always be there with you. To support you, to love you... and to make sure you truly feel that I am your mother. Because I do, Sephiran. I see you as my own blood, my own heart, and my own life."

She leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. Suddenly, Sephiran’s eyes fluttered open, shimmering with a hazy, dream like glow.

"Mother?"

"Oh! Did I wake you? I’m so sorry, baby. Go back to sleep."

"Mmm... I just had a dream. It was like the stories you told us... about that place called Earth. You said there were things called ’Photographs.’ Little squares that keep a moment forever... so you never forget what someone looked like."

He paused, snoring.

"I don’t need a square. I’ve memorized your face. I know exactly how many sparkles are in your eyes when you’re happy."

Maddy’s heart gave a painful tug. She reached up, her small hand cupping his cheek.

"Why are you telling me this now, sweetie?"

Sephiran leaned into her, his eyes fluttering shut.

"Because when you walk out of that cave tomorrow... the forest is big. And the humans are many. I just wanted you to know that even if you’re gone for a week, or a month... the ’Photograph’ in my head will never fade. I’ll be the best Soldier. Be the best Caretaker. I’ll make sure Vermi lives her life as a worm."

"My sweet boy..."

Maddy went into the bed too, turning into him, and leaned forward and gently pressed her forehead against his.

"You don’t need to memorize my face like I’m some fading star in the sky. Because I’m not going anywhere. You’re my son. My first hatchling. The one who stayed beside me through everything."

She chuckled softly.

"You already are a great son."

Her hand slid behind his head, pulling him into a hug.

"You don’t have to prove anything to me by being the perfect soldier or the perfect caretaker. And Vermi definitely doesn’t need supervision to live ’a proper worm life.’ That little menace is doing just fine."

Behind Sephiran, Vermi answered in her sleep with a soft snore.

"Wrrf...!"

Maddy giggled, looking back into Sephiran’s glowing eyes.

"What you really need... is to remember that your place isn’t away from me. It’s right here. Beside your mother."

Sephiran’s breath hitched slightly. Maddy ruffled his hair.

"So don’t talk like you’re sending me off forever, okay? I’m just stepping outside the cave for a little while. And besides... You’ve got the world’s best ’Photograph’ in there."

She poked his chest again.

"And the world’s most stubborn mother out here. I love you..."

Sephiran melted further into his mother’s touch.

"I love you too, Mother... I want to grow faster... so I can accompany you on the surface and help you beat those bad guys."

Maddy smiled softly.

"I promise you, Sephiran. Once you’re old enough, I’ll let you be an explorer too. We’ll travel the world together. Just you and me, and the whole family."

The two hugged each other tightly, warmth lingering between them as they drifted into sleep... a mother and her son.

Dawn light bled into the mouth of Shellgrave Cave, painting the rocks in soft hues of gold. Maddy stood at the threshold, the wind from the forest outside tugging gently at her traveling cloak.

She had spent hours agonizing over her [Chimera Forge] settings. She couldn’t look like the Queen of a Colony, nor a high ranking adventurer. She had chosen a set of worn brown leathers and a simple hooded cloak. At her hip sat a short sword—no crystalline glow just a sturdy piece of iron. To any onlooker, she was a girl from a nameless, struggling village, heading to the city to find work.

But behind her, the reality was anything but simple.

"MOTHER! DON’T GOOOOO!"

Sephiran’s voice cracked. He was bawling, massive tears splashing onto the cavern floor. Vermi was howling in sync.

"WRRRRRRRRFFF! WRRRRRRRRRRRRF!"

Maddy turned, her own eyes already forming with moisture.

"Oh, for the love of—everyone, please!"

Dyralfa, usually the stoic warrior, was biting her lip so hard a drop of blood escaped, her shoulders trembling. Arach had all six of his arms wrapped around himself in a giant, self soothing hug, his four eyes blinking rapidly to clear the tears. Even Frovian, was staring at his feet, his gills fluttering in a distressed, rapid rhythm.

Maddy cried out, her voice wobbling.

"It’s only a week! I’m just going to check the Guild! I’m not going to another planet!"

Sephiran still couldn’t stop crying. Maddy swallowed hard and looked up at the rest of them.

"Arach... your siblings are in your hands now. Be the best brother you can be to all of them."

Arach’s jaw tightened as he tried to hold back his own tears. He straightened his massive frame and nodded.

"Yes, Mother..."

Maddy sniffed and began patting herself down, checking if she had forgotten anything. She tugged open her small travel bag and shook it lightly, making sure the rations inside were still there. Satisfied, she slung it over her shoulder.

Then she looked back at her children, forcing a bright smile through her watery eyes.

"Come on now... don’t you want to give your mother the biggest, warmest, most powerful hug and kisses before she leaves?"

For a moment, no one moved. Then Sephiran lunged forward first.

"MOTHEEERRR!"

He wrapped his huge arms around Maddy, nearly lifting her off the ground. Vermi curled around them, wiggling happily while crying at the same time.

"MOTHER!"

Dyralfa stepped in next, kneeling so she could hug them without crushing anyone.

"...Come back safely, Mother."

Arach followed, all six arms wrapping around the group.

"You will return, correct?"

Maddy laughed through her tears.

"Of course I will."

Even Frovian stepped forward with a small sigh.

"...Physical affection improves morale."

Soon the entire family was tangled together in one enormous hug. After a moment, Maddy gently pushed them back and wiped her eyes.

"Now listen carefully."

Everyone straightened.

"Don’t forget to eat. I cooked a lot last night—everything’s stored in the kitchen. And your twin brother will be awakening soon. Make sure to greet him with respect... and with love."

All of them answered in unison.

"We will, Mother!"

Maddy nodded, satisfied. She stood up, took a deep breath, and turned toward the cave entrance. Just before stepping out, she turned back one last time and waved.

"Be good while I’m gone!"

"BYE, MOTHER!"

"COME BACK SOON!"

Their voices echoed through the cavern as she finally stepped into the forest morning, the cool air brushing against her face.

Maddy smiled softly to herself as she walked down the path. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"My noisy little monsters..."