Two years had passed since Yuu and Yuri made up their minds to leave Jubo and travel to the Kingdom of Isan to become registered adventurers. The two boys continued to train vigorously for these two years until they turned sixteen (Adult age in Netheral). Their training had been grueling, but every day had made them stronger. Now, at the age of sixteen, they were ready to take the next step in their lives—no longer boys, but young men on the cusp of a grand adventure.
After turning sixteen they had told their family and all the villagers that they were going to depart in one month to head for the Kingdom of Isan and become registered adventurers. Time quickly flew by and the final night in Jubo village had arrived. But the villagers won't let them leave without a proper farewell: setting up a party for the two around a huge campfire.
The fire blazed brightly in the center of the village square, casting a warm glow over everyone gathered around it. The air was filled with a mixture of emotions—excitement, sadness, and a little bit of fear. Tonight, Yuu and Yuri would say their goodbyes to the place that had shaped them.
As the fire crackled and the village's best food and drink were shared among everyone, the villagers slowly made their way toward the boys, expressing their love and gratitude.
"We're going to miss you two," said one of the villagers, his voice thick with emotion.
"Y'all really did light up the village," another added, laughing fondly. "I've never seen this place so alive before."
A middle-aged father walked up to them, shaking his head with a smile. "Who's going to help me with the firewood now? Things are gonna be different 'round here with you two gone."
"Yeah, I can't imagine this place without you," said one of the elderly women, her voice soft but heartfelt. "The village won't be the same without you."
Yuu and Yuri smiled as they listened to the village's warm words, but the sentiment slowly began to settle abruptly—there was an underlying sadness in their voices, as though the villagers feared the two boys were leaving them behind, never to return. The weight of this realization hit them both. They weren't just leaving behind their home—they were leaving behind people who felt like family to them.
Yuu caught Yuri's eye, and the two boys exchanged a quiet look. "You all don't have to worry," Yuu said with a bright smile, waving his hand to calm the group. "We'll send letters, coins, and visit when we can. We're not going to forget about you. We're still the same people we've always been, born and raised here in Jubo. Right, Yuri!?"
Yuri nodded and gave a rare, warm smile, though his expression was softer than usual. "Of course. We'd never abandon the people of our home village."
The crowd seemed to relax, and the tension in the air lifted a little. The boys' words seemed to have eased the villagers' worries, but there was still a bittersweet feeling hanging over the gathering.
As the evening wore on and the bonfire burned lower, the crowd thinned, with people slowly returning to their homes. But not before one last wave of goodbyes. Yuu and Yuri stood side by side, both feeling the weight of the night and the journey ahead.
The party concludes and the morning comes…
As the sun began to rise they stood with their families, exchanging their final words of farewell.
"OK, you boys, be safe," Emma said, her voice trembling as she pulled them both into a tight embrace. "Help each other out as much as you can, and you better send letters about your travels. I love you both so much."
Yuu chuckled softly, brushing a tear from the corner of his eye. "We won't forget, Mom. We promise. We'll write."
Kano, standing just behind Emma, wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, his face trying to keep a strong front, though his voice was thick with emotion. "Yeah, listen to your mother. Always look out for each other. Don't go dying on your old man out there," he said with a rough laugh. "I love you boys."
Yuu chuckles. "We won't die that easily, Dad. You know us."
Violet, now the village healer, wiped away her tears as she stepped forward. "I'll miss you two. Who would've thought you'd grow up so fast and leave me taking care of this village all by myself." She smiled through her sadness, pride shining in her eyes. "But... I'm proud of you. You'll do great things out there."
"Violet, you know we'll be back and be helping from afar," Yuu says.
Yuu rubbed her head reassuring her like a big brother. "Violet, you know we'll always be there to help, even from afar. We'll come back when we can."
Violet smiled sadly, her eyes glistening with tears. "I know. I just... I'm so proud of you both. I just wish you didn't have to go."
As the moment lingered, Yuri, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly felt a rush of nerves. He shifted, turning away slightly, clearly trying to shake off the wave of emotions that was threatening to overwhelm him. But just as he started to move, Violet's voice rang out.
"Hey, Yuri!" she called out, her tone suddenly teasing.
Yuri turned around, confusion in his eyes just before Violet quickly leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
Mwah!
Yuri's face immediately turned bright red. He froze for a moment, his eyes wide, and his ears burning with embarrassment. "Violet, what—!?"
Yuu, who had been standing nearby and watching the whole scene, burst out laughing. "Yuri, are you blushing!? You're totally blushing!" he teased, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I—No! Come on, Yuu, let's go!" Yuri practically shouted, grabbing Yuu's arm and pulling him away, desperate to escape the teasing, though his red face gave him away.
"You were definitely blushing!" Yuu called after him, still laughing.
Yuri grumbled but couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. "Shut up, Yuu!"
The two boys quickly made their way out of the village square, their families' voices fading behind them as they walked toward the road that would lead them out of Jubo. The sun would fully rise soon, and with it, their journey to the Kingdom of Isan and beyond. Their adventure was about to begin.m
A new chapter of their lives awaited them, full of unknowns, but for now, they were still two boys from Jubo—stronger, wiser, and ready to take on whatever came next. Together.