A few days have passed since the incident. Now, back in shape, I decide to visit the village. The rhythmic sound of my footsteps accompanies me as I walk down the familiar path. Reaching the village bakery, the aroma of fresh bread fills the air.
"Hello, miss, may I buy a loaf of bread, please?" I ask.
The baker, "Of course, here you go."
I hand over the coins and take the bread, biting into it as I leave the shop. "This is good, I love it," I mumble contentedly, savoring each bite.
With a satisfied heart and a full stomach, I make my way back home. As soon as I arrive, I head straight for the shower.
After the day's earlier turmoil, I decide to visit Lana. I make my way to her house and call out, "Hey Lana, want to join me by the river?"
"I would love to, Len," Lana replies with a smile.
"What are we waiting for? Let's go!" and together we head to the river, our laughter mingling with the sound of splashing water.
"Lan! It's so cold!" Lana shrieks playfully.
"I'm sorry!" I laugh, the joy of the moment filling me. "I had fun today. Thank you for coming out to play with me."
Lana's smile warms my heart. "I'm glad you had fun. You're the only friend I have, Len."
As the sun begins to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, I vow silently, I will protect that smile, no matter what the cost.
"Let's head back," I suggest, and Lana nods in agreement.
I escort her home, ensuring she's safe before we part ways. "Bye, Len. Be careful on your way home," she says.
"I will," I assure her, then make my way back to my own home. Exhaustion hits me as soon as I lie down, but sleep eludes me. My mind is haunted by nightmares that I can't shake off. Why do they linger?
As dawn breaks, I'm still awake. My mother's voice breaks through my reverie. "Len, breakfast is ready. What's wrong? Why do you have bags under your eyes?"
"I couldn't sleep," I confess.
"Why not?" she asks, her face etched with concern.
"I had this dream… I can't explain it,"
"I'm okay now, Mom," I say, but her worried expression remains.
Having ceased my training in magic and combat, I ponder the purpose of such skills in a world devoid of danger. My new aspiration is simple: to savor life's pleasures and embrace the tranquility of peace. With this resolve, I set my sights on education and approach my mother with a hopeful heart.
"Mom, mom," I call out gently.
"What is it, Len?" she responds, her voice tinged with the fatigue of daily toil.
"Mom, can I go to school?" I ask, my eyes filled with the earnest desire for knowledge.
A sigh escapes her lips, heavy with the burden of our reality. "Len, I can't afford it… I'm really sorry, we just don't have enough money for that."
But I am not deterred. "Don't worry, mom. I'll find a way to earn the money," I assure her, my voice steady with determination.
She looks at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and pride. "But Len, you're just a kid…"
"Just trust me on this, mom. I'll find work to pay for school and our food," I promise, my resolve unwavering.
After bidding farewell to Lana, with a promise to return, I set out for the grand city of Valianholmgard. Its vastness is matched only by the warmth of its inhabitants, and I am confident that I will find employment here.
For those curious readers, in this world, children of six and above are permitted to work if they want to. As I wander through the bustling streets, I contemplate my options. "Should I be a waiter or a dishwasher?"
Suddenly, a girl's cries for help pierce the air, chased by a menacing bandit. Without hesitation, I rush to her aid and whisper a single word to her pursuer, "Stop." The bandit freezes, encased in frost.
"How did you do that, kid?" the girl asks, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and wonder.
"I said 'stop,' so he stopped. I used magic," I explain, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"You're weird, you know," she remarks, though her tone is more curious than accusatory.
"To me, I'm pretty normal," I reply, just as my stomach betrays me with a loud grumble.
"Are you hungry by any chance?" she inquires, a hint of amusement in her voice.
With a shy expression, I nod. "Yes, I am."
"Let's go to my father's restaurant. You can eat there for free because you saved my life," she offers generously.
"Really? Thank you, you're so kind. By the way, may I know your name?" I ask, grateful for her kindness.
"Oh, yes. Sorry for being rude. My name is Lunasis Grace im 10 years old , but you can call me Luna," she introduces herself.
"And my name is Astraeus Galen Starfield I'm 8 years old , but you can call me Len," I respond.
"Then, nice to meet you, Len, luna:
"Len, can we be friends?" Luna asks with a hopeful gaze.
"Sure, why not?" Len responds with a friendly smile.
"Well then, let's go to my father's place," Luna suggests eagerly.
As they arrive, Luna calls out, "Okay, Father, I'm back!"
Her father, with a hint of concern, asks, "What took you so long?"
Luna explains, "Well, I was chased by some bad people, and this boy saved me."
Luna's father turns to Len with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Are you hurt? And who do we have here?"
"Oh, this is Len, my new friend—the one who saved me," Luna introduces Len proudly.
"Hi, sir, nice meeting you," Len greets him, just as his stomach betrays his hunger with a loud rumble.
Luna's father chuckles softly. "Are you hungry by any chance, boy?"
"Um, yeah, but I don't have any money…" Len admits, a bit embarrassed.
"It's okay, boy, it's free since you saved my daughter. I'm very grateful you saved my precious Luna," Luna's father insists, his voice warm with appreciation.
"It's nothing, sir," Len replies modestly.
"Here you go, enjoy your meal," Luna's father says as he hands Len a plate of delicious food.
Len takes a bite and can't help but praise, "This is really good."