A sudden realization hit me, and I turned to my father with a playful gleam in my eye. "Father, you know about my recent amnesia, right?" I asked, biting my lower lip in anticipation.
He looked down at me, his eyes wide with concern. "Yes, Matterinna informed me this morning. But why do you mention it now, Max?" he queried, a puzzled expression on his face.
I couldn't suppress a sly smirk. "Well, since I've forgotten some of my skills and you haven't fought in years, we're practically beginners, aren't we? It'll be like learning everything all over again!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine excitement.
My father threw back his head and laughed, a hearty sound that warmed my heart. "You have a point, Max," he said, leaning down to ruffle my hair affectionately. "But don't underestimate your old man. I've still got some tricks up my sleeve."
I raised an eyebrow, challenging him. "Prove it, then."
Antrodos winked at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, that would be a spoiler, my boy. I'd rather surprise you during actual combat."
I grinned and nodded, trusting in his words, and we continued our walk to the Guild Hall, our footsteps in sync. The road was lined with vibrant flowers, their colors dancing in the soft breeze, and I couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation for our adventure together.
Curiosity tugged at me once again. "Father, do you know any magic?" I asked, trying to imagine him casting a spell.
He shook his head, chuckling softly. "I know very little, and I'm not particularly good at it," he admitted. "That's why I became a knight."
His eyes twinkled, and he swung an imaginary sword through the air with a grand flourish. "Why bother conjuring magic that takes time to materialize when you can swing a sword in no time?" he said, his voice filled with pride.
I burst into laughter, loving the simplicity of his philosophy. We laughed together, our voices echoing through the peaceful streets of Tarvernia, united by our shared joy and understanding.
In that moment, I knew that despite my lost memories and my father's years away from battle, we would face the challenges ahead with the same determination and spirit. After all, we were not just father and son; we were comrades, ready to take on the world.
Upon arriving at the grand Guild Hall, whose towering walls were adorned with banners that danced in the wind, we were greeted by Elaira, the same receptionist I'd encountered last time. Her eyes sparkled with surprise as she spotted us.
"Max, Antrodos!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with both warmth and curiosity. "What brings you here, Max? Haven't you left to chase the thief of the Avatar of Dragon yet?"
I scratched my head, a sheepish smile playing on my lips. "Well, I need some extra gold coins and training before setting out on that adventure," I explained, glancing at my father who was wearing only his pajamas.
Elaira's gaze followed mine, and her eyes widened. "Antrodos, what's with the attire? And shouldn't you be at your post as a Royal Guard?" she asked, unable to mask her amusement.
My father chuckled, his face turning a light shade of pink. "I'm off duty just for today to accompany Max. As for the pajamas, well..." He paused, casting a playful glance my way. "I was caught sleepwalking by this young man here."
Elaira burst into laughter, her melodious voice echoing through the hall. "You are rather friendly and charming when you're off duty, aren't you?" she said, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
My father's smile widened, and he bowed his head slightly. "Everyone says that to me," he replied, his voice tinged with pride.
As they continued to chat, I couldn't help but notice something strange about my father's status. It was listed as a Chimera, and a chill ran down my spine as I recalled what Lucianna had told me about that path. Those who walk it are usually power-hungry, driven by revenge or something similar.
How could my father, so gentle and loving, walk the path of a Chimera?
A thought occurred to me, and my heart pounded in my chest. Could his status be a hint to a dark past? Was he trying to move on from it by forming a family with my mother, Laussinna, and quitting war entirely, even if not willingly?
I shook my head, dismissing the wild thoughts. Whatever his reasons were in the past, I was glad that my father was not evil or vicious. His laughter, so genuine and hearty, filled the hall, and I knew that the man standing beside me was the hero of my world, no matter what secrets he might hold.
The thought comforted me as we continued with our preparations, and I looked forward to the adventure ahead, knowing that I would have my father's support every step of the way.
With the rustle of paper, Elaira handed over the guild quest documents to my father. His face lit up like a child's on a festival day as he turned to me, clutching the documents.
"We're ready for an adventure, Max!" he declared, his voice filled with excitement. The twinkle in his eyes promised a world of wonder and mystery, and I couldn't help but be infected by his enthusiasm.
But as the anticipation began to bubble within me, a question nagged at my mind. "How far is it from our location?" I asked, my voice hesitant. "Will it take days for travel?"
My father's brows furrowed, and he looked at me, puzzled. "Didn't you hear about the mutual agreement with the clients to always include a two-way Teleportation Rune embedded on the quest papers?" he asked, his voice filled with surprise.
I shook my head, feeling a blush creep onto my cheeks. "No, I don't know about that," I stammered, feeling a bit foolish.
His face softened, and he placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Ah, I forgot about your amnesia. I'm sorry, Max," he said, his voice filled with warmth and understanding.
My heart swelled with gratitude, and I approached my father, curiosity bubbling within me. "What's our first mission?" I asked, my eyes wide with anticipation.
Then, glancing at his pajama-clad figure, I couldn't help but add, "Are you sure you want to do some combat while wearing only pajamas?"
He looked down at his attire and then back at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "It won't be a problem at all," he said, his voice brimming with confidence.
I stared at him, surprised by his response. But as I looked into his eyes, I realized that he truly believed what he was saying. His confidence wasn't misplaced bravado; it was the assurance of a man who had faced countless battles and emerged victorious.
His smile widened, and he ruffled my hair playfully. "Come on, Max. Let's make this an adventure to remember!"
And with those words, I felt a thrill of excitement course through me. We were about to embark on a journey filled with unknown challenges and incredible discoveries. But I knew that with my father by my side, I had nothing to fear.
We were ready to face anything that came our way, even if it meant fighting in pajamas. After all, in the world of adventure, it's not what you wear that matters, but the courage and determination you carry within.