Paul woke up with a groan, his body aching from the intense battle the day before. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue. After winning the tournament, he had celebrated with Roderick and Venna, but now the exhaustion was catching up with him.
He dragged himself out of bed and made his way to the dining table, where Roderick and Venna were already waiting with breakfast. Roderick's usual cheerful face was clouded, and his eyes seemed troubled. Venna noticed Paul's concern and gave a subtle shake of her head, indicating not to ask.
Paul sat down, trying to ignore Roderick's unusual behavior. "Morning, guys. Thanks for breakfast."
Roderick forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Congratulations again, Paul. You deserve it."
Venna chimed in, "Yes, we're so proud of you! But today, we need to discuss your future plans."
Paul took a bite of his toast, wondering what was bothering Roderick. "Future plans? Like what?"
Venna hesitated, glancing at Roderick before continuing, "Well, now that you've won the tournament, you have options. You could join a noble family, become a knight, or even start your own adventure guild."
Paul's mind raced with possibilities, but Roderick's somber mood lingered in the background, like a shadow waiting to pounce. Little did Paul know, their lives were about to take a dramatic turn.
"Roderick, I've been thinking... I want to start adventuring," Paul said, his eyes shining with excitement. "I want to explore the world, discover new places, and make a name for myself."
Roderick's expression turned even more solemn, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "Ah, Paul... I knew this day would come," he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Venna placed a hand on Roderick's arm, as if trying to offer comfort. "Dad , what's wrong? You're not happy about Paul's decision?"
Roderick sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "It's not that, Venna. I'm just... I'm going to miss him, that's all."
Paul's excitement began to falter, sensing that something was amiss. "Roderick , what's going on? You're not telling me something, are you?"
Roderick's eyes locked onto Paul's, filled with a deep longing. "Paul, my boy... I'm proud of you, but... I don't know how much time I have left."
Paul's heart skipped a beat, a cold dread creeping up his spine. "What do you mean, Roderick? You're not...?"
Roderick's weak smile confirmed Paul's worst fears. "I'm sorry, Paul. My time is running out. I wanted to see you succeed, to see you grow into the amazing adventurer I know you'll become... but I fear I won't be here to see it."
As Paul stepped outside into the bright morning sunlight, he noticed his friends Kaira, Kael, and Lyrian gathered near the oak tree, their faces filled with a mix of excitement and concern.
"Hey, guys," Paul said, approaching them. "What's going on? You look like you're plotting something."
Kaira turned to him, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement. "Paul, I have some news. The Red Mage Tower offered me a place as a student! Can you believe it?"
Paul's eyes widened in surprise. "That's amazing, Kaira! Congratulations!"
Kael spoke up next, his voice a bit more subdued. "I've got some news too, Paul. The Modrig Family approached me with an offer to become a trainee. They want me to learn their ways and eventually join their ranks."
Paul's eyes darted between his friends, sensing the weight of their decisions. "Wow, guys. These are huge opportunities. What are you going to do?"
Lyrian, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "We're not sure, Paul. That's why we're discussing it. We don't want to leave each other behind, but we also don't want to pass up these chances."
Paul nodded understandingly. "I get it. Whatever you decide, I'll support you both. We're in this together, always."
Lyrian spoke up, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Guys, I have some news too. My parents have been called to the capital for a diplomatic mission, and they're taking me with them."
Kaira's eyes widened in surprise. "The capital? That's a huge honor! What does it mean for your future, Lyrian?"
Lyrian shrugged, looking a bit uncertain. "I'm not sure. My parents say it's a great opportunity for me to learn and grow, but I'll be away from you guys for a while. I don't know when I'll be back."
Paul felt a pang of sadness at the thought of his friend leaving. "We'll miss you, Lyrian. But we'll stay in touch, and we'll be here when you get back."
Kael nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we'll keep in touch through letters and messages. And who knows, maybe we'll even visit you in the capital someday."
Lyrian smiled, looking a bit more cheerful. "That would be amazing. I'll make sure to show you guys around the city when you come."
The day of Kael's departure finally arrived, and Paul, Kaira, and Lyrian gathered at the carriage to bid their friend farewell. Kael's bags were packed, and he looked a bit somber as he hugged each of them in turn.
"I'll miss you guys," Kael said, his voice a little choked with emotion. "You're my best friends, and I don't know what I'd do without you."
Paul clapped him on the back. "We'll miss you too, Kael. But we'll stay in touch, and we'll be here when you get back."
Kaira smiled and handed him a small package. "We got you a going-away present. It's a map of the Modrig lands, so you can navigate your way around."
Lyrian grinned. "And we'll send you letters and jokes to keep you entertained."
Kael smiled, looking a bit more cheerful. "Thanks, guys. You're the best. Take care of yourselves, and don't get into too much trouble without me."
With one last round of hugs and handshakes, Kael climbed into the carriage, and it drove off towards the Modrig lands. Paul, Kaira, and Lyrian watched until it disappeared from sight, feeling a mix of sadness and excitement for their friend's new adventure.
After some days , The day of Kaira's departure finally arrived, and Paul and Lyrian gathered at the carriage to bid their friend farewell. Kaira's bags were packed, and she looked a bit nervous but excited as she hugged them both tightly.
"I'll miss you guys so much!" Kaira said, her voice trembling slightly. "But I have to do this. I have to follow my dreams and learn from the Red Mage Tower."
Paul smiled and handed her a small package. "We got you a going-away present. It's a book of spells and incantations to help you on your journey."
Lyrian grinned. "And we'll send you letters and jokes to keep you entertained. Don't forget about us!"
Kaira smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "I won't forget. You guys are my best friends, and I'll always cherish our memories together."
With one last round of hugs and handshakes, Kaira climbed into the carriage, and it drove off towards the Red Mage Tower. Paul and Lyrian watched until it disappeared from sight, feeling a mix of sadness and pride for their friend's new adventure.