"Ha! So now he has suddenly become your son?" the old man bit back. "No matter." Such details could be overlooked, what was important was acquiring the boy's talent. "Two years just won't do." he shook his head. "I will need to train him before he becomes useful" he looked at Ben as he muttered some calculations. "10 years!" he decided, "The boy can work for the next 10 years" He acted as if 10 years was already a very short time.
Ben looked between the two men, his eyes betraying his disbelief. Was this some slave auction? He was first used as bait for a Demonic Bear, now he was being traded like some commodity. Truly the gods of luck had no love for him. Besides, what use was his labor anyway? Ben was confused.
"Tsk. Old man, are you forgetting that this is my only son. I have only just found him." Ben almost felt touched. But then again, this is the man who gave him a lump poison to eat and called it a "test".
"10 years is simply too long. How about 4 years?" Jihon proposed.
"That won't do. I would have already spent too many resources on your kid. 6 years is my final offer." the old man adjusted himself.
"Chh." Jihon had to take this. "6 years at 4 months per year. And he has to go to the sect."
'What? This man still had plans to trade me elsewhere?' Ben thought, displeased.
"If we are both unhappy then that will do." The old man smiled. He could afford to lose those pills and crystals, but this kid could help him make better things. 'Hehe.'
'Huh? Don't I get a say in the matter?' Ben was annoyed.
"You heard that, boy?" Jihon looked at Ben. 'Two pills are less than what I had hoped for. But it seems I just found another treasure chest.'
"What's your name anyway?"
It was the old man's turn to be shocked. He shook his head. Jihon was truly hopeless.
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This trip to the Shimmering Forest had been quite profitable for Jihon. But it was unwise to keep taking from the universe and not give back. That might invite a calamity. Besides, this kid had clearly shown some potential.
They stood outside, next to the empty sled. Its purpose served; it was only good for firewood. The sun had begun to set.
The old man had refused to see him off, preferring instead to tend to his plants.
"Kid, you passed the test." Jihon began. He looked at the dying orange sun.
Ben was relieved, and even a little proud, but he didn't know if it was still a good thing.
"Unfortunately, I can't take you with me this time."
'Yes, I remember, you just traded me for a few stones,' he thought.
"But if you are willing, I will adopt you as my son."
'Isn't this freak done with his jokes?' Ben was angered. Jihon looked straight into his eyes.
'Shit! This man… He is serious!' The thought struck Ben like a giant's war hammer.
He hadn't even considered this possibility. A flood of emotions rushed into his heart, huge waves pounding on a crumbling rock. He thought he had sealed the off a long time ago. Someone was willing to accept him as family after all these years. How many times had he been rejected, even by fellow slaves? How many eyes had looked on him with disdain? Even after he escaped, hardly anyone had considered him human.
A tear rolled down his cheek. He wiped it off quickly. He should have grown up already. What use had he of a father at his point. His real dad died back then, fighting against the Grey Cloud raiders. He still remembered his eyes. They looked a lot like the ones staring into his. He looked away.
It would be nice to have someone to look up to again, even if it was this inhuman moron. But how could he accept this life when his sister was still a captive in that chiefdom?
His heart smiled. He gathered himself. "I can't accept your offer." He looked at Jihon. "My sister-" he tried to explain, but chocked.
"Hahaha!" the man patted him heavily on his shoulder.
"That's right boy. After all, what good is a son if he can't protect his own sister? Here is my first order; make sure you rescue my daughter from those Grey Cloud bastards!".
"Uhm" Ben's head nodded by itself. This man just adopted an ex slave and his sister, who was still enslaved, and laughed it off as if all he had done was purchase some cabbages from the market. Was there any sanity to this?
"I swear it!" this time Ben was determined not to fail his father again. This was another chance. And there was someone willing to help him.
'Wait… Isn't it the father's duty to rescue his daughter?' Ben found himself thinking.
"Good! I name you Ben Raylor! You are now part of the Raylor Clan" Jihon placed his index finger on Ben's chest, right above his heart. "This is my seal. You are now my son." It was faint, but Ben was sure something passed right through him, into his soul. He felt it. This was not a joke.
"Raylor" he muttered. He must remember this new name. But of what significance was this Raylor Clan?
'Hahaha, now even those old men from the clan will have to shut up about raising children.' Jihon thought.
"I will not baby sit you. You are soon a man, so you can take care of yourself."
'As expected! Completely unreliable!'
"When he thinks you are ready, the old man will take you to the sect. They will train you and nurture you, but remember; in this world, your own strength is the only thing you can rely on."
"After you become a B rank warrior, you can try to find me. I will have a few things to teach you then."
'An B rank warrior? That can take decades! And one isn't even guaranteed of reaching that level! Such characters would already be considered heroic legends! Isn't this just the same as abandoning me?' Ben thought.
"Where will I find you?" he asked, a bit annoyed.
"The Demon Bone Forest." Jihon replied. His hand moved through his pockets, searching.
'The Demon Bone Forest? That legendary place mother used say she would throw us into if we did not take our medicine? Is this freak serious? Even the Grey Cloud savages were afraid of that forest.' Ben felt himself worry. And besides, that was an insanely large forest. How would he find this man in there?
A dim metallic glint flew from Jihon towards Ben. As usual, this man's throws had a way of landing right where he wanted them.
It was a dark purplish token, about the size of a coin, and about as heavy. Numerous strange inscriptions were arranged in mysterious patterns on both its faces. As he clasped it firmly in his hand, he thought it felt extremely ancient.
"Don't lose that. The clan will use it to find you." He didn't have to say any more about how important or valuable it was. Ben could sense it.
"Take these as well." Ben caught a pair of leather scrolls and a tiny money bag.
"Now, don't say your old man never took care of you." Jihon laughed. He turned and began to walk towards the forest.
'A few rocks and some scrolls and he already thinks that this is taking care of someone? Who raised this moron?' Ben helplessly shook his head.
"And change those clothes. You stink!" Jihon shouted without looking back.
'Just shut up and go already.' Ben thought. He stood and watched as the white coat grew smaller, until it got swallowed by the forest.