Reborn in another world as a Hermaphrodite

After waiting in the long line to turn the fire orb to the guild, they were rewarded with a few coins.

Even though it was enough for them to buy some candies from a store, they were still happy that it was money earned through their hard work.

"Okay, time to go back home and get you all to take a shower. You guys smell so bad right now."

All three of them awkwardly scratched their head, seeing all the nearby people taking a few steps away from them.

Their shoes and pants were full of mud, with some even getting all the way to their coats.

After arriving home, the three immediately went to their rooms to take a shower.

By the time they were fully cleaned, Luqing had led them one by one to the dining area.

Fredrick and Amelia were both missing, leaving Katherine, the three kids, and Ava at the table.

"How do you guys like your second day of winter break?" Ava curiously asked as she began eating.

"It's great! We love it here." Mary excitedly replied as she began cutting the steak.

"That's good to hear. You guys can come here to visit here any time."

As Ava cuts her small piece of the steak, the snow outside suddenly gets stronger, causing the window to shriek a little.

"It's a shame the next few days are going to be a severe winter storm..."

Seeing Ava looking a little down, Alex got a little curious about something.

"Where's Grandpa?"

"He's busy setting up for the upcoming event... I guess it's time I should tell you guys what it's going to be about."

Ava paused for a second as she looked over to Katherine, but she didn't stop her from saying it.

"You guys are going to put to compete with other people next week."

The three kids were surprised, but they didn't look scared. Rather, they looked a little excited.

"What are we competing for?" Sophia curiously asked.

"A chance to see the guardian... Everyone that had won the competition and met her saw a drastic improvement in their mage skill."

All three of them held their breath as they realized how important the prizes were, especially with their bloodline's time-limit curse.

"How is the winner decided? Who's going to be in this competition?" Alex curiously asked.

"Everyone... Even me and your grandpa would be allowed in... And the winner is the last one standing."

Hearing Ava's answer, all three of them were alerted.

"We aren't fighting people to the death, right?" Sophia immediately raised her concern.

"You would be. But you aren't using your real body to fight someone. Your soul will be transported into a different dimension.

In that dimension, a temporary replica of your body will be under your control to fight."

The three kids let out a sigh of relief, as they were really getting worried they would be forced to refrain from participating in this.

"Is it free for all?" Mary curiously asked.

"Yes, but there are teams that people form to place higher since the higher the placement, the better the reward."

As Ava explained, Alex couldn't help but feel that this game felt extremely similar to one he played back on Earth.

It was a free-for-all, almost like a battle royal, but there was clearly a critical flaw in the whole competition.

"Grandma, how would we fight someone if they are at a higher age level than us?"

Alex asked after realizing when she mentioned that everyone was allowed to be in this event.

"That's the hard part about the competition... There are no limitations to the fight at all.

Usually, it's formed so that a higher-level mage only fights a higher-level mage, but with your grandpa's health..."

The three immediately realized the competition was practically impossible for them to win.

They were just there to try to get a higher placement with the mage level one skill they had.

"But don't worry, I'll try to protect you guys. My parents should be willing to protect——"

"We don't need your family's protection."

Katherine, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke up. Her cold voice indicated that she was not happy with Ava.

"Kate, stop being so fixated. Think about your kid's future. Are you really going to give up their chances of winning over your feud?"

Seeing Katherine seemly sat in silence, both Sophia and Mary didn't know what to do.

But Alex knew he had to say something before Katherine did something that would sacrifice her dignity for them.

"Mom, I don't know what happened in the past, but please, think of yourselves before us.

You have done so many things for us already. We'll support whatever decision you make——"

Before Alex could finish, his body suddenly froze for a second before being forced to sit back down.

"Alex, please don't interrupt when the adults are talking."

Despite Ava's warm smile, Alex felt a chill go down his spine as if his life could disappear right before her eyes.

However, it quickly disappeared as she turned her attention back to Katherine.

"It's been almost fourteen years. Kate, look at you right now. It's not like anything happened to you that night——"

Before Ava could finish, Katherine interrupted by pushing her chair back, making a loud screeching sound as she stood up.

"Shut up. It's easy for you to say when you're the one not affected by it. I don't want to ever hear that from you."

Seeing the choice being made, Ava didn't say anything besides putting both her knife and fork down.

"Luqing, I'm going to go to sleep early. You can clean this up."

As soon as Ava left the dining area, Luqing quickly stepped up to direct the maids to begin cleaning up the table.

"Lady Katherine... Please don't get mad. Your mom is just thinking for your kids." Luqing murmured.

"I know... Just give me some time to think."

Katherine dropped her utensils as well before leaving the dining area, leaving the three kids with the maids.

"Alex... What should we do?"

Mary asked, turning her attention to the one who always had the most ideas when this kind of situation arose.

"You two just finish eating and go to your bedroom. I'll go talk to Mom."

Seeing Alex going to talk to Katherine alone, Sophia, being the oldest, wanted to step up and volunteer herself.

However, the hesitation had made it far too late for her to call him back.

---

After knocking on the door, Alex didn't get a response back from Katherine's room.

"Mom, can I talk to you for a second?" Alex asked patiently as he waited, not knocking on the door again.

But he could hear the subtle sobbing sound subduing inside Katherine's bedroom.

"Alex, just leave me alone for a bit. I'm fine..."

Despite Katherine's reassurance, Alex didn't move a single inch as he remained in place and waited.

Just as Alex's leg was starting to get a little tired, the door was finally opened.

Katherine's face had tear marks, and it looked almost as if she had aged overnight with all the wrinkles he hadn't noticed in the past.

"What are you standing here for——"

Before she could react, Alex suddenly ran into her arms before wrapping her arms around her stomach.

"Mom! I love you!"

"I love you too, Alex."

As the two continued to hug each other, Alex's brain was completely fried.

He didn't have any plan at all, as he didn't expect her actually to open the door.

"Alex, can you let go?" Katherine asked as the atmosphere started to get a little awkward.

"No! Mom helped me get over my problems, and it's my turn to help Mom!"

Seeing Alex, who did not want to let go, she gently closed the door before lifting him into her arms and carrying him to the bed.

"How is Alex going to help me with my problem?" Katherine asked gently as she started staring at his eyes.

"Um, I-I..."

Alex started to panic a little as he nervously sat down next to her and tried to think of an idea.

"It's okay. You being here is the biggest problem-solving solution I ever need."

As Katherine gently patted his head, Alex couldn't help but feel powerless to relieve her pain.

Despite all the unknown difficulties she faced, she was still willing to talk to him nicely as if nothing had happened.

An idea began to form inside his head as she continuously brushed his hair with her hands.

With no other way out, he finally decided to try it out as a last resort.

"Mom, can you tell me what happened in the past? I-I know this sounds rude, but I just want to help."

Katherine's hand stopped, but after thinking for a bit, she resumed back to gently brushing his hair.

"You sure you want to hear it? It's going to be a long story that might bore you."

Alex instantly nodded, waiting patiently for Katherine to speak up again.