Deep into the night after Reahva and Tepo went to bed, the latter was lying awake. He stared at the ceiling of this room, which was so unfamiliar and familiar at the same time.
The restless warrior enjoyed the feeling of having a caring mother. If possible, he would love to lead a peaceful life in this quiet city.
But unfortunately, Tepo carried a self-imposed burden on his shoulders. He might be the only one knowing about the potential threat to humanity.
Although so many powerful beings existed out there, after they began taking the 'outsiders' seriously it might already be too late. Tepo wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he didn't act.
Now I have already stepped on the path of a warrior. Soon I will travel to other worlds, potentially not seeing my family and friends for a long time.
I should enjoy the peaceful time with my mother. I can't stay too long anyways, so as to avoid suspicion. But still, there is one thing I can't let go!
When his thoughts reached this point, Tepo quietly stood up. Three bright moons shone through the window opposite him, illuminating half of his body.
Taking out a dark coat Tepo shrouded himself in shadows as he pulled a hood deep into his face. Suddenly [Minor Stealth] activated, and the warrior vanished.
Tepo went downstairs carefully. He peeked through the windows, making sure no one observed his home, before quietly leaving through the door.
Only after a short distance did Tepo prepare to cancel his spell. But suddenly his body shivered. A voice spoke up near his ear:
"And where do you think you're going at this time?"
Tepo shot around. He was slightly disbelieving, not sure if someone was really talking to him.
But quickly his eyes focused on a white-haired old man in green robes. Tepo felt it was unbelievable. Wasn't this Ranac?
"No need to look at me like this. Of course I'm addressing you."
"Ranac?", asked the young man with a confused voice as he canceled his stealth spell.
"Sure. Who else?"
"What? What are you doing here? How are you able to see through my spell?"
The storyteller let out a faint sigh.
"I have been looking after you and your mother for more than five years now…"
"You?! Why? Are you… my grandpa?"
An amused chuckle answered Tepo.
"Of course not."
"Then maybe… you were sent by my dad?", questioned Tepo with a slightly hopeful voice.
"Indeed. But that's all I will tell you. Don't try to fish for more information. It's not time for you to run off and search for your dad yet."
Tepo was surprised by the sudden revelation. It took him a moment to process this information.
But ultimately the warrior already had an entire life behind him. And even in this new life he had never met this cheap father of his. Thus, he didn't go on a rant, keeping his emotions under control.
Tepo only asked a sharp question.
"You don't want to reveal more? Then why even tell me anything?!"
"Because you are finally maturing. You are ready to take on some responsibility.
Your mother is actually not weak, but she is too nice. She doesn't want to make things difficult for anyone. She would only silently endure all the time.
I have to admit I'm glad that you snuck out. This shows me that you don't take things lying down. I'm here to tell you I got your back whatever you plan to do. You know where to find me."
Listening closely, the young man was certain to hear some frustration from Ranac's voice. Apparently, the old man was not content with the current situation. Now he deliberately revealed some information to urge Tepo on.
Although the young man could conclude all this, he couldn't deny that Ranac's idea worked. Knowing that a strong warrior was having his back, Tepo decided to let go of some inhibitions.
It's time to send a massage tonight!
Feeling a dangerous aura brewing in Tepo's eyes, Ranac nodded faintly. He hadn't misjudged the young man. After coming in contact with the world of warriors his temperament began to mature.
"Do what you must. I will keep the higher-ups in check."
"Thanks a lot. But I will take care of the mayor with my own hands. I haven't forgotten the time I almost died in prison!", spoke Tepo with an almost growling tone.
"That's a good attitude to have. Just remembered that your trouble won't end with the mayor."
"Who else has their eyes on us?"
"The provincial lord. He is a strong warrior of the ascendant realm. Just be careful before you seek your revenge."
"Ahh right. Mother already talked about that. Now I understand. That's why you arrived five years ago!
I can only thank you for all the help, Grandpa Ranac."
The old man was taken aback for a moment before a smile formed on his face. He was glad to hear this familiar address from Tepo's mouth again.
"Don't mention it.
I didn't know that your mother already explained everything to you. But did she tell you everything?"
"Hmm? I thought you don't want to reveal more information. Is the storyteller in you speaking?", replied Tepo in amusement.
"But to give you an answer: I will naturally know once I trample him beneath my feet!"
Ranac looked at Tepo's serious face. The old man nodded calmly.
"I see. I can be relieved!"
Upon leaving these words behind the old storyteller suddenly vanished from Tepo's view.
After being startled for a moment, the young man let out a long sigh. Who would've thought Ranac would suddenly appear and reveal himself.
So Ranac has been sent by my father to protect us? But what prevents dad from coming personally? What happened to my parents in the past?
Tepo shook his head, putting this matter at the back of his mind. Now wasn't the time to be distracted.
Activating his [Minor Stealth] again, the young warrior made sure to leave his home further behind. After a while he sneakily changed his face again before canceling his spell and stepping out of an ally onto the main road.
The people roaming the road at this time didn't care for his strange appearance. They ignored him, dealing with their own business.
Tepo was prepared to do the same as he took out a small metallic device from his storage bag. This was one of the many trinkets Anvil had provided for him.
Inserting a bit of his force, a red dot appeared on the tool's smooth surface. It pointed in a certain direction. Tepo inwardly thanked Anvil for this tracker as he began to follow its guidance.
After only a short while the warrior was back in the commercial center. The block of a thousand oddities was still brightly lit and busy.
But Tepo couldn't enjoy the atmosphere. He frowned, not expecting to arrive here.
Suspicious, the young man followed the tracker. He walked down the road. Turned a corner.
Suddenly Tepo clenched his fists in range. He had arrived at his mother's store again.
Right now, the three men from earlier were outside the store. They carried brushes with paint in their hands, waving them widely.
All sorts of slander were written all over the windows in broad strokes.
Tepo's breath became chaotic. He gritted his teeth, his vision turning red.
Suddenly the man moved. Everything happened by itself, almost as if watching from a third person perspective.
A raging warrior in his black robe suddenly disappeared. He moved as a blurry shadow, impossible to detect in the dark night.
A gangster of the aspirant rank had a grin on his face. He watched his own work, praising his handwriting as he completed the word 'fraud'. He completed his boss's order to defame a local store.
But suddenly a shiver ran down his spine. His weak instincts warned him. But it was already too late.
Terrifying hands wrapped around the gangster's neck. He wanted to scream, but a palm shut his mouth. He wanted to activate a spell, but his attacker didn't give him any time.
The powerful arms moved suddenly. For the gangster it felt as if a long time passed. He felt death approaching, saw his useless life flash before his eyes.
But only a moment went by before a horrifying crack rang out in the night. The gangster's neck was snapped with a single powerful twist.
His subordinates couldn't comprehend the situation. Only a second later where they able to scream in horror.
But even this scream was short lived. An invisible knife immediately cut a throat. The scream transformed into a gurgling noise before it gradually died away.
The other commoner was lucky, however. He still had a use. Thus, a strong hand gripped his jaw from behind. The voice of death whispered into his ears:
"Do you want to live?"
Naturally the gangster nodded hastily, as much as possible.
"Good. Show me the way to your headquarters and I might let you go."
The gangster's legs trembled in terror. His only choice was to comply. He wasn't going to die for those criminal 'friends', who treated him like dirt most of the time.
Thus, the gangster took the lead, keeping quiet, with death looming over his shoulder.
No signs of what transpired were left behind in front of the store. The black-robed warrior had stored all evidence away, leaving only a few besmirched windows.