Time had stretched its tendrils into the days that followed Albert's departure, leaving a void of uncertainty in its wake. More than a week had passed since the resolute father had joined Captain Orion on a journey veiled in shadows, and the weight of silence bore down upon their home.
Bennet, unable to endure the weight of unknown possibilities, found himself drawn to the outskirts of the town. He stood at the edge of the forest, a realm that had always offered solace and respite. The towering trees whispered tales of ancient wisdom, their rustling leaves a gentle reassurance that life continued its cycle, despite the unease that lingered in the air.
His goal was twofold: to hunt for sustenance and to hone his skills. With every movement, every strike against imaginary foes, Bennet felt a connection to his father, as if his very actions bridged the gap between their shared experiences.
Monstrous creatures, some small and others more formidable, became his targets. His strikes were calculated, a dance of precision and power that sent echoes of determination through the forest. Each fallen adversary marked a small victory—a release of the pent-up worries that had festered within him.
Time passed in a blur, the relentless rhythm of combat serving as a temporary respite from the weight of his thoughts. As the day wore on, Bennet's breaths grew heavier, and the forest around him seemed to take on a new dimension of depth. The adrenaline that had fueled his actions began to wane, replaced by a bone-deep fatigue that matched the emotional weight he carried.
Bears, formidable in their size and strength, became his final challenge. The clashes were fierce, each strike a collision of forces that tested his resolve. His muscles protested the exertion, and a realization settled—the act of facing challenges head-on, even in a physical form, could not entirely quell the uncertainties that plagued him.
With one final strike, Bennet stood among the fallen foes, his chest heaving with exertion and a tangled mixture of emotions. The forest, now hushed in the wake of his efforts, seemed to echo his thoughts—a reminder that facing the unknown required more than just physical prowess.
Bennet now low in mana and physically tired found solace under the shade of an ancient oak tree, the cool breeze rustling through leaves that whispered stories of the forest's secrets. His muscles still hummed with the vibrations of rigorous training, and the tranquility of the moment offered a much-needed respite.
With his eyes half-lidded and his breath steady, he settled into the embrace of nature's calm but a mischievous presence began to stir within his thoughts.
"Well, well, if it isn't the diligent warrior taking a break," Toma's voice chimed in Bennet's mind, tinged with an air of mischievous amusement.
Bennet's eyes blinked open, and a wry smile graced his lips as he recognized Toma's playful essence. "Toma, I assume you're not here to talk about the weather."
"Oh, come now, Bennet! Training is all well and good, but have you considered the delightful adventures that lie beyond the forest's edge?" Toma's presence seemed to dance with a flicker of light.
Bennet chuckled, his heart warming to Toma's spirited nature. "I'm listening, Toma. What delightful adventures do you have in mind?"
"You see, my friend, the world is teeming with life forms—monstrous creatures, elusive beasts, and curious critters. These fascinating beings hold a secret gift for you." Toma's voice carried a lilt of excitement as he began to unveil his unconventional wisdom.
Bennet raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Toma's words.
"When you cross paths with these creatures, when you vanquish them with your skill and might, they release a unique energy—a sort of life essence. This essence, Bennet, carries within it experiences and knowledge that can elevate your abilities."
Bennet's interest deepened, the concept of harvesting experiences from defeated foes an entirely new perspective on his training.
"So, think of it as a way to level up, Bennet. Every life form you bestow with your prowess becomes a stepping stone on your path to greatness. It's like a game, and the more you play, the stronger you become." Toma's voice carried a playful edge as he continued.
"When you face life forms—monstrous creatures or untamed animals—you have the opportunity to gather experiences, to learn from the essence of their existence. This knowledge, this energy, is the key to your growth." Toma's voice carried a playful edge as he continued.
"Thank you, Toma, for enlightening me in your uniquely spirited way." Bennet shook his head in good-natured amazement, grateful for the unconventional guidance offered.
Bennet decided to go back home after a long day, in his hands, he carried a collection of items gathered during his hunt—fur, bones, succulent meat, and even a handful of rare stones that had caught his eye.
As he entered the confines of their home, the atmosphere shifted from the wilderness to a place of familiarity and comfort.
Martha, his mother, stood in the heart of their welcoming abode, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. In her hands, she held a spread of food—nourishment for both body and soul. Her eyes, warm and knowing, met Bennet's as he entered.
"Welcome home, my dear," Martha's voice carried the embrace of a mother's love. "I've prepared a meal for you. You've worked hard today."
Bennet's tiredness seemed to ease at the sight of his mother's care. He managed a grateful smile, his expression a reflection of the bond they shared.
As he settled in, placing the items he had gathered on a nearby table, Martha's eyes sparkled with curiosity. The items intrigued her, a testament to the merchant's keen sense for valuable resources.
Bennet watched as his mother's gaze shifted from the fur to the bones, and then to the rare stones. Martha's fingers traced the edges of the items with a practiced grace, her analytical mind discerning the potential value and uses of each.
"Well, my adventurous warrior," Martha's tone was playful, "it seems you've brought back quite a haul."
Martha's smile deepened, a reflection of both maternal pride and her merchant's intuition. "These furs are of fine quality," she noted, her fingers deftly assessing the texture. "And these bones could have various applications, from crafting to tools."
Her attention shifted to the rare stones, her eyes lighting up as she recognized their potential. "And these stones, my dear Bennet, are quite special. They're not commonly found in these parts."
Bennet's tiredness seemed to fade into the background as he listened to his mother's words. The items he had gathered held not just practical value but the potential for transformation and growth.
"Who knew my mother would be a great merchant? He might even be better than father" Bennet said to himself.
As the evening settled around them, mother and her two sons shared a meal, their conversations a mix of the practical and the heartfelt.
But the warmth of the family dinner was abruptly shattered as the door burst open, the sudden intrusion causing Bennet and Hugo to spring to their feet, hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. Tension rippled through the room as five unfamiliar men stood at the threshold, their presence an enigma in the midst of the family's shared moment.
The two boys, Bennet and Hugo, exchanged a swift glance that conveyed their readiness to defend their home and their loved ones if necessary. Their fingers wrapped firmly around the hilts of their swords, their bodies poised with the grace of practiced warriors.
The leader of the group stepped forward, his demeanor a mix of urgency and assurance. His voice, when he finally spoke, carried an air of sincerity that cut through the tense atmosphere.
"We mean you no harm," he declared, his words laden with a weight of purpose.
Martha, though cautious, held a gaze that was unwavering. Her merchant's intuition told her that these men were not mere intruders. The set of her shoulders and the steadiness of her gaze conveyed the message that her family's safety was her utmost concern.
The leader continued, his voice carrying the cadence of truth. "We've come to warn you. It is not safe to stay here —a threat that could endanger not only your family but the entire town."
"Explain" Bennet's voice was a mixture of caution and curiosity, his sword still at the ready but his stance slightly relaxed.
"If we wanted you dead, all three of you would have been dead already," the leader said.
True to his word, the four with him were all level twenty to twenty-five while the leader was at level thirty. Despite the skills of Hugo and Bennet, they won't stand a chance against these high-level warriors.
"Your father is dead, they'll come after you next."