Raised in Dungeon



Iva stood frozen in the middle of the dark forest, clutching her two children protectively to her chest. Meanwhile, Fenton, who remained resolute, forged ahead towards the enticing light in the distance. Suddenly, Fenton halted and called out to his mother.

"Mom, why did you stop?" Fenton asked, his eyes glancing back at his mother.

Iva turned around to face her son and paused for a moment before responding,

"No, it's just that I feel like someone called me."

"Someone?"

"Yes, we have two guests at home. Do you remember Rodion who helped us so much when Pascoe was about to be born?"

"Oh yes, that grumpy old man. I remember him clearly, we owe him a favor."

"Rodion brought a child with black hair. That child is honest, innocent, and knows nothing about the world. Whenever he learns something, his face looks shocked, and his expression is very cute."

"So that's it..."

"It's because of that child that I was able to hold myself with the struggle I face this far, giving birth to my two children safely. I want to see his expression when he sees my two babies. I also wanted to see him holding my babies.

And somehow, I heard his voice calling me over. "

"Mom looks happy."

"Really? Does my face look that clear?"

"Haha, yes..."

"That boy... I promised him that I would survive. I believed it with all my heart, but I can't seem to keep that promise."

Fenton carefully placed the sleeping baby back into the wicker basket, tucking a soft blanket around their tiny form. His gaze fell upon his mother and the other baby as he strode towards them, holding out his arms to take the baby.

"What's wrong Fenton?"

"Mom... these babies, may I know how you grow your children so they can grow up to be good children?"

"Sure. You should give them good nutrition, make their mother breastfeed them; then we also have to teach children to do good, have them know the value of a grain of wheat, then teach them love, and much more."

"Thank you mom. But does that mean those children need you now?"

"My children?"

"The twins. You gave birth to them, right? Now you have to raise them well, as you said."

"But I already..."

Fenton's lips turned into a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes, filled with profound sadness.

"Look behind you Mom," he said softly.

Iva looked back,

Iva turned to look, and her eyes widened as she saw something that she had never imagined she would. In the distance, a light emerged from the endless wilderness, growing brighter and brighter until it was impossible to miss. And as the light grew brighter, she began to make out the shapes of her loved ones - her three children and her husband waiting for her back home.

Overcome with emotion; Iva began to cry, her body racked with sobs as she longed to be reunited with those she loved,

"Fenton... I'm sorry..." she whispered through her tears.

"It's okay..."

"I'm sorry Fenton..."

"It's okay..."

"You'll have to look after the kids alone again..."

"I'm fine..."

"I can't leave them, I can't leave Peter yet, I can't leave Pascoe, and I can't leave the twins. I still have a lot of things to do with them. I still have to take care of my two children so that they grow up to be good children."

"Go mom... I'll wait for you here later. When we meet again, I hope I see your face more wrinkled."

Iva's heart ached as she watched her son disappear into the distance, a lump of sadness forming in her throat. Her mind raced with memories of Fenton's childhood and the times they spent together. Iva ran towards Fenton, wishing she could hug him one last time, but she couldn't reach him as hard as she tried. Fenton was getting further and further away; Fenton's departure felt like a physical tug on Iva's body, pulling her away from him.

"Fenton! Take good care of them! Wait for me there; I'll take good care of your brother and sister here too!" cried Iva with a trembling voice.

"Mom!!! Please give my regards to Father and Pascoe! And the twins!"

"I will! I'll definitely tell them! I'll tell them my children are happy in a faraway world!"

Then Iva's hand was grabbed by someone, making her stop running.

"I finally found you, Iva."

"A-Allen?!"

"I've come to pick you up. Come back; your family is waiting for you, AND I, am waiting for you."

Iva's hand grasped by Allen began to glow brightly, and the bright light devoured them both.

...

"My children..." muttered Iva in her sleep.

And as soon as she opened her eyes, she could see her husband and son crying. Their eyes were red, and their tears still hadn't stopped.

"You guys... why... crying?" murmured Iva.

Hearing Iva's voice reach their ears, a sea of happiness immediately washed over them both. Pascoe and Peter's tears turned from sad to joyful. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, they looked at Iva with a newfound hope, shouting out her name in unison.

"MOM! MOM! MOM!!!"

"IVA! THANK GOODNESS! YOU'RE SAFE... YOU'RE REALLY SAFE!"

Filled with gratitude and happiness, Pascoe and Peter continued to cry and express their gratitude. Despite still feeling weak and tired, Iva couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort as she stroked their heads, basking in the warmth of their love and affection.

Then Iva suddenly remembered something important.

Allen...

Just before waking up, she had dreamed of Allen holding her hand, and she wanted to thank him for being there for her.

Exhausted and weak, Iva raised her head slightly and glanced around the room for Allen. She couldn't help but feel grateful for his presence, but her heart sank as she couldn't see him anywhere.

"Where's Allen?" she asked weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Looking down towards her thighs, she saw Allen soundly asleep, with his head resting on her leg. A sense of relief washed over Iva; she smiled at his peaceful expression. After a closer inspection of Allen's face revealed the effects of the tremendous effort he had exerted to help her give birth to the baby. Sweat covered his forehead, and his skin was flushed, indicating how much he had worked to succeed this labor.