Arata slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the morning light streaming through the forest canopy. "Oh, it's morning already," he murmured to himself, glancing over at the dead boar nearby. He inhaled deeply, feeling a sense of urgency. "I should leave this forest as soon as possible," he muttered, his stomach growling in protest. "But first, let's find something to eat."
Moving towards the east, Arata searched for fruits and soon spotted some apple-like fruit. He plucked one, taking a bite and exclaiming, "So sweet!" Tears of joy welled in his eyes as he savored the flavor. After finishing his impromptu breakfast, he resumed his journey.
As he walked, Arata noticed the forest growing darker around him. Concerned, he realized he must have ventured deeper into the woods, where the density of trees blocked out much of the light. "I should head back; it could be dangerous," he muttered, turning around.
Suddenly, a noise from a nearby bush startled him. Arata tensed, preparing to defend himself as a goblin emerged, showing hostility. "A goblin, I have no choice but to fight.Let's go," he thought, bracing himself for the confrontation.
The goblin attacked, its speed catching Arata off guard. Through sheer instinct, he managed to dodge the blow, countering with a strike from his wooden spear. The goblin flew back, crashing into a tree with a furious cry.
Arata couldn't help but wonder at his newfound strength. "Was I always this strong?" he muttered to himself. Before he could gather his thoughts, more goblins appeared, ready to attack. Fear gripped him, but he stood his ground, facing them head-on.
Suddenly, a blur of motion and all the goblins lay defeated. Arata looked around in astonishment as an old man with a sword approached him. "Are you alright, young man?" the old man asked kindly.
Grateful for the rescue, Arata decided not to tell the truth so he came up with a story how he found himself lost in the forest with no memory of how he got there. The old man introduced himself as Genji Sojou, an ex-adventurer who now lived in the forest.
As they walked towards the old man's house, Arata felt a sense of relief and gratitude. The simple wooden house looked inviting, and Arata couldn't help but admire it. After a refreshing bath and a change of clothes provided by Genji, Arata made a decision.
"Sir, please train me," he said earnestly, expressing his desire to become stronger. Genji smiled warmly, agreeing to mentor him. "I see potential in you, Arata," he said. "Call me Grandpa."
Overjoyed, Arata looked up with a smile. "Thank you so much, Grandpa," he said gratefully. And with that, Arata's journey towards strength and survival began under the guidance of his newfound mentor.