The journey to the nearest village stretched ahead of them like an endless road, the path winding through dense forests and rugged terrain. Gruff led the small party, his steps steady and purposeful as he guided them along the well-trodden path. Amelia rode atop Shadow's back, her laughter ringing out as the faithful pup trotted alongside Gruff.
"Remember, lad," Gruff said, casting a watchful glance at Tommy, "we're venturin' into unfamiliar territory. We gotta stay alert and keep our wits about us. Bandits are known to roam these parts, and we don't want any trouble."
Tommy nodded solemnly, his gaze flickering to Shadow for reassurance. "I'll keep an eye out, Gruff. And don't worry, I won't let anything happen to us."
Gruff smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I know you won't, Tommy. You're a lot stronger than you realize."
Tommy's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Gruff?"
Gruff chuckled softly, his voice tinged with warmth. "I mean I know you put out that fire, lad. Don't think I didn't notice."
Tommy's eyes widened in surprise. "You knew?"
"Aye," Gruff replied with a nod. "I may not have seen it with me own eyes, but I can recognize strength when I see it. And you and Shadow, well, you've got more strength than most."
Tommy pondered Gruff's words for a moment before speaking again. "What do you mean by strength, Gruff? You can sense my strength'?"
Gruff nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Aye, there are levels, lad. Warriors like meself are ranked from one to nine, based on our skill and prowess in battle. And as for you and Shadow, well, I'd say you're both on your way to bein' mighty warriors yourselves."
Tommy's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What rank are you, Gruff? And what about Shadow?"
Gruff grinned proudly. "I'm a rank four warrior, and as for Shadow... Well, he's a force to be reckoned with, that's for sure. But his true potential has yet to be unlocked. Who knows what he'll become someday but Id say for now he's at least rank two."
"Gruff, what level am I?" Tommy inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.
Gruff smiled warmly at Tommy's question. "Well, lad, you're currently at level two."
Tommy's eyes widened with surprise. "Level two? That's amazing! What happens when I reach level three?"
"At level three, warriors gain the ability to see the aura of other warriors," Gruff explained. "Some are so strong that they can even manifest their aura for anyone to see, but that's usually reserved for those who reach rank six."
Tommy nodded, absorbing the information. "That's really cool. How did you become so strong, Gruff?"
Gruff's expression turned solemn as he delved into his past. "I used to be a warrior in The Sovereign Domain of Valoria. It was a kingdom known for its valiant warriors and noble traditions. I trained tirelessly and fought in many battles, earning my rank through hard work and dedication."
"But every kingdom has its trials, and I faced mine in the form of a fierce battle. I was injured, lad, wounded in a fight that left me unable to wield a sword like I once did."
"But if you were injured, how did you become so strong, Gruff?" Tommy asked, his curiosity piqued.
Gruff offered a wistful smile. "Well, lad, sometimes life leads ya down unexpected paths. I turned to blacksmithing, just like me father before me. Turns out, hammerin' away at anvils and bendin' metal can build strength of a different kind."
Tommy's brow furrowed in thought. "So, blacksmithing helped you get stronger?"
"Aye, that it did," Gruff confirmed with a nod. "Certain professions, like blacksmithing, can hone a warrior's skills and even help 'em rank up. I may not swing a sword anymore, but I'm still a rank four warrior, thanks to the skills I've honed at the forge."
Tommy's gaze drifted to the landscape around them, contemplating Gruff's words. "I never knew blacksmithing could make someone stronger."
Gruff chuckled, patting Tommy on the shoulder. "There's more to strength than muscle, lad. It's about perseverance, determination, and a willin'ness to adapt. Remember that, and you'll go far."