"Dad!"
"Hey, K! Did you miss me?"
Another two years had passed, and Kai had grown up a lot since he had started learning about the outside world and magic. His learning speed was so great that even Kate was surprised. She had initially estimated that Kai would be ready to mingle with other people at the age of ten, but he had surpassed her expectations and met all the criteria at the age of eight!
With all that had happened in the span of two years, Kate and Roland had decided that it was time to expose Kai to the outside world. Enroll him in a school, and let him experience the normal life of a young boy his age. Well, as normal as life could get for someone with his outstanding talent.
Roland held Kai in a tight hug and grinned. "How have you been, kiddo?" He asked when he pulled back.
"I've been great! Mom has taught me lots of stuff, and I have a present for you!" Kai struggled out of his father's hold and took a few steps back. He held out his arms and used a finger to draw out a circular pattern with crossing lines inside it. Roland's jaw turned slack when he realized that Kai was drawing a rune circle.
Before he could speak, the rune circle caught fire and exploded into a flurry of tiny little worms of fire that wriggled through the air, twisting their bodies to fly around Roland. With wide eyes and a slack jaw, he turned to Kate, who nodded with a proud smile on her lips.
"My little hero. You are so smart." Roland squatted and captured Kai in another hug, snapping the boy's concentration, and causing the spell to sputter off.
"Did you like it?" Kai asked, peering up at his father with glowing blue eyes.
"I loved it. You did great." Roland chuckled and messed up Kai's head of black hair.
"Alright, you two. Come in and let's eat!" Kate finally butted in, waving the two of them in. Kai took a hold of Roland's hand and led him inside, while the couple shared a knowing look.
Rune magic was a very complex form of magic. It was more complex than ordinary spell casting through imagery, and incantations. Yet, even with these difficulties, Kai had dove into Rune magic like it was a pot of honey, easily understanding and mastering the basic aspects of the magic type.
It was in consideration of this outstanding factor that his parents had decided to allow him out into the world. They believed that he was ready.
The small family of three sat down in their spacious dining room to eat. Kai swung his legs under the table while shooting grins at Roland, who shot them back, along with funny faces that made Kai laugh.
"Boys! Table manners!" Kate chided as she started serving the food. It was nothing too fancy, just some porridge with lots of meat. Kate was an excellent hunter, of course there was going to be a lot of meat in whatever meal she made.
Soon, the little family were happily eating, with a few jokes in between. By the time Kai had gobbled down his second bowl, a few overt looks had been exchanged by Kate and Roland.
"Kai, my boy." Roland cleared his throat.
"Hmm?" Kai tilted his head and licked his lips, still savoring the taste of the spicy food.
"Your mother and I have something to tell you." He began when he was sure he had Kai's attention. "You have grown old enough for us to allow you mingle with the outside world. But before you come with me, you have to know a few things." Roland explained calmly.
Kai's eyes had gone wide and round with the mention of the outside world. He had read a lot in books, but he had never seen another person aside from his mother and father. He opened his mouth to speak, but was too confused to form a proper sentence, his mouth closing and opening like a fish out of water.
"I will still be around for a couple of days. But when I return to Henan, you will come with me. But if anyone asks of your mother, tell them that she has died, do you understand?" Roland's tone turned serious as he put down his spoon.
"Yes!" Kai nodded his head eagerly. He had long since understood that their family was not a normal one, so this was another abnormality that he would have to get accustomed to. "But... Can we still visit mum?" He turned his round blue eyes to Kate.
"Of course. I'll always be here, waiting for you two block heads." Kate smiled sweetly and reached out to ruffle Kai's hair.
.
.
Two days passed by quickly, and Kai soon found himself standing outside of the hidden cabin where he had spent his life since birth. His hand was firmly held in his father's grasp as they waved at Kate.
"Be safe, boys. I'll miss you!" Kate waved back at them, forcing herself to turn away first, or else, they would be there until the next day.
"Come on, kiddo. Adventure awaits." Roland tugged Kai's hand lightly, giving him a warm smile, before leading the way. At the edge of the clearing where their cabin was built, a strong, white horse was tied. Roland quickly untied it and helped Kai to mount it before hopping up behind him.
"Hold on tight! Hiya!" Roland whipped the reigns and the stallion went speeding through the forest, the trees blurring around them.
Wide eyed, Kai just leaned back against his father's chest, his small hands tight around the reigns.
"Haha, easy there, kiddo." Roland laughed and leaned forward a bit more.
A couple of hours passed before the duo reached a small town that was located right outside of the forest where the cabin was. Kai looked around with wide eyes when he heard the chatter of people. So many new sounds assaulted his ears as he took in the bustling town before him.