The wind howled as Neon passed provoking a whirlwind of dead leaves, his steps were light, a single jump allowed him to cross 20m. He felt like he became one with the wind.
After a couple of hours, he was out of the forest. Which was astonishing considering how deep in the outer region he had gone when pursued by the magical beast. He didn't pause, accelerating toward the city. On top of a hill just one kilometer from the city. A gust of wind blew and a figure appeared.
It was Neon, having run without stopping since getting out of the forest, he had reached the city in just half an hour.
"I should start by going to Mary, she must have been worried sick."
After that, he vanished once again leaving a broken afterimage.
In the slums, Mary was walking back and forth anxiously in the courtyard.
'Where did this kid could have gone? He hasn't come back since he left three days ago, what if something happened.'
She couldn't help but think about his origin, 'Could it be those monsters found out about his existence?' shuddering, she suddenly had this thought.
'NO! it's not possible! They can't know he is still alive! I made a promise to Miss, that I would keep him safe away from them.'
As she was worrying and imagining the worst, she heard the noise of the door opening behind her, startled she turned only to find the object of her anxiousness walking in.
It was Neon, as soon as he entered the city he sped off home. Tears appeared in Mary's eyes as she saw him, he looked fine, his dark long hairs were ruffled because of the wind, besides that, she found his skin had a healthy flush and he looked even more enchanting than before. There was a naturalness to his movements as he walked toward her an apologetic smile on his face.
"Sorry, I got lost in the forest after being chased by a magical beast, it took time to regain my bearing after escaping. It's only after 3 days that I found the correct way out of the forest. Truly sorry." He said bowing, his hands held together. He felt soft arms wrap around him as he was pulled in an embrace. On his shoulders, he could feel hot tears seeping in his clothes. Sighing softly he returned the embrace feeling warm.
Holding his head in her palms she marveled at the softness of his skin. Even the most beautiful girl would be jealous. She looked in his eyes and noticed an additional layer to his cerulean pupils giving him a mystical air. She was truly relieved, he didn't seem to be injured.
"Come, you must be hungry." she directed him toward the living room where the sat around the small table and share a delicious dish. Gorging himself on the food, Neon threw an observing gaze toward Mary. She looked to be in her early thirties, but hard work made her seem older than she was. She was beautiful in an unassuming way. The kind you didn't notice in a crowd but you start to notice the more time you spend in her presence. Neon felt he owed her for more than he could ever repay in a lifetime. He firmed his determination, he was going to give her a good life no matter what.
Having eaten until he was full, Neon thanked Mary and excused himself after assuring that he wouldn't go AWOL again without warning her first. He quickly got out of the house and went toward the academy. Stepping foot inside he could feel a certain tension in the air. Apprentices knights were gathered in small groups discussing something excitedly. Passing by them Neon noticed that it was mostly those who nearly completed their apprenticeship. Feeling curious he sped toward Nick office.
He knocked on the door and a gruff voice answered him
"Come in."
"Hello, Mr. Nick." Neon greeted respectfully.
"Neon." He looked up from the stack of paper on his desk. "I didn't see you for three days, I thought maybe something untoward had happened to you. I am glad to see you're okay."
Neon felt touched by Nick concerns. He said "I just encountered some issues while hunting a magical beast causing me to be lost for a while. I only found the way out of there just a few hours ago."
"I see, I was looking for you to talk to you about an opportunity. As you know the knight examination is coming. I recommended you for it."
Neon was shocked, of course, he was aware of the approaching knight examination. he just didn't feel concerned as he wasn't an apprentice knight and had zero chance to be participating in it.
"I am surprised sir I thought only knight apprentice could participate, as a commoner I didn't think I had a chance as well."
Nick laughed at Neon reaction and said: "Well, to be honest, you didn't. I had to call in a favor a big shot from the capital owed me."
" Thank you, Mr. Nick." He made a full bow. He was grateful for all the things Nick did for him over the years.
Nick stood up and raised him. "You don't need to thank me. I am being selfish. I just didn't want a talented youth like you wasting his gifts staying a commoner."
The hand patting Neon shoulder turned stiff. Neon looked up curiously. "You! How come your body feels so much stronger?"
Neon answered naturally and smoothly, "I had a breakthrough when I was in the forest, being chased by that beast was motivation enough I guess."He had already prepared an excuse since long ago to justify his strengthening.
"Well, I suppose the threat of death can make an individual explode with potential. Still, the intensity of your body is similar to a knight who took the body strengthening potion, despite not having taken it. What kind of dreadful body training do you do?"
"I also found some heaven and earth treasure, that's why." Neon added as even him felt it was unbelievable.
Nick still looked incredulous but reluctantly agreed to the explanation. "That's a good thing, with such a physique and your sword technique, I doubt you would be stumped by anything they throw at you during the exam."
"I won't disappoint your expectation." Neon said seriously.
"Good. Now you need to go train and prepare. The exam is in two weeks."