Himzed and Harith were now at an expensive restaurant, a place Himzed had long wanted to try. "Ahhhh, it's been a while since I've eaten somewhere this good... You're my angel, Harith. Without you, my life would have been miserable," said Himzed with a soft smile, feeling happiness within himself.
Harith grinned slyly. "You're welcome. After all, we're like a small family, helping each other survive on this road that turns like a wheel."
Their food arrived—two medium rare Wagyu steaks and chocolate ice cream. The waiter placed them on the table before nodding. "Thank you for dining with us," he said with a smile, then walked away.
A well-dressed man stood in the corner of the restaurant, his eyes focused on Harith. Even though the distance between Harith's seat and the man was considerable, Harith immediately noticed the stare through his sharp intuition.
Hmmm... Why has that man been watching me for 10 seconds? His movements are also well-composed... Is he sent by someone to keep an eye on me? This man shows signs of being trained to maintain a certain image
Harith thought, chuckling to himself.
He then took a calm bite of his steak while further analyzing the situation.
Only those from noble circles can afford or control their subordinates to dress and act in such a specific manner. The meticulousness in maintaining appearances like this is often a hallmark of nobles or those who work for them
Harith concluded in his mind, remaining alert while enjoying his meal.
Harith did not show any signs of suspicion toward the man watching him. Instead, he simply focused on his food, savoring every bite of the steak calmly.
Himzed looked at Harith, then smiled contentedly after finishing his steak. "That was so good," he said with a smile.
"You're still not done with your steak? You really are enjoying it, aren't you?" Himzed chuckled.
Harith grinned slyly. "I want to take my time. I know what I have to do."
"What do you mean? I don't quite get it. Are you planning to order another steak?" Himzed asked, slightly confused.
Harith chuckled again. "Maybe."
Suddenly, a waiter approached them. With an elegant demeanor and carefully chosen words, the waiter asked, "Sir, was the steak to your liking? If you would like, would you care to order another? We would be more than happy to prepare it for you."
The waiter's tone was smooth and full of respect, reflecting careful training and the grace of a noble servant.
Oh... This waiter is different from the others. His manner of speaking is very formal and measured, unlike an ordinary waiter. There's a sense that he's been trained to deal with important people and is accustomed to the upper-class environment
Harith thought while looking at the waiter.
"Oh, it was truly delicious, graceful like a dove, graceful like a twirling dress," Harith said with a sweet smile.
Himzed chuckled softly. "Oh no, I'm already quite full, maybe this kid here wants more," he said to the waiter.
The waiter replied politely, "Oh, your words are quite elegant, Sir. I hope you enjoyed the food at this restaurant."
"Well then, Sir, if you're full, you can save it and come back here another time," the waiter said with a smile.
*Why isn't this boy named Harith behaving the way I heard? Maybe he's just in a normal state right now,* the waiter thought to himself before smiling and walking away.
Harith observed the waiter carefully.
There's a gold necklace around his neck, and his walk is graceful and dignified. The other waiters here are more ordinary, and their walk is like that of regular people. And also… They must be curious about me… Yes, this must be the work of a noble who sent them to keep an eye on me. Maybe because I defeated Hector. It's possible Hector has connections with this noble,
Harith calculated in his mind.
And also, this is a fancy restaurant, a place where nobles often visit. This is definitely someone's attempt to test me by sending their subordinates, Harith thought.
Harith cut his steak and swallowed it, then put on a joyful expression on his face, intending to keep the man in the corner of the restaurant focused on him.
That man's observation is so subtle, usually done by agents working for nobles. Ordinary people wouldn't have the skill or discipline to act in such a controlled manner. This is the hallmark of an agent employed by a noble
Harith pondered, chuckling slyly to himself.
With this, Harith could already predict the entire plan of the noble.
Hehe, so this noble sent his subordinates here to observe me and analyze my character. Based on my observations, that male waiter approached me just to see who I really am, Harith thought with a chuckle in his mind, though his face remained calm and expressionless, as if unaware of anything, while he enjoyed his meal.
I know what will happen next... I just want to follow this entertaining course, Harith pondered, allowing the game to unfold according to his plan
Later that night, Daro lay in his room, his mind filled with suspicion and questions. "I have to investigate... Is it true that during the massacre of the village by Faruza's subordinates, Master Joshi took one of their necklaces? But if that's true… Why would Master Joshi do that? I'm growing more suspicious of him," Daro muttered softly.
After an hour of deep thought, Daro finally rose from his bed. His desire to uncover the truth grew stronger.
I have to investigate this... he resolved in his mind.
With careful steps, Daro walked toward Master Joshi's room. Upon arriving, he heard the soft sound of snoring from within the room, a sign that Master Joshi was fast asleep. Daro knew this was the perfect opportunity to investigate further.
Daro slowly opened Master Joshi's door, making sure his steps didn't make any noise. He approached the wardrobe cautiously, glancing occasionally at Master Joshi, who appeared to be in a deep sleep, ensuring that his teacher wouldn't wake up. But just as Daro began to slowly open the wardrobe, Master Joshi's hand suddenly grabbed his tightly.
"What are you doing in my room?" Joshi asked coldly, his gaze as sharp as a blade.
Daro was shocked, his face pale, fear coursing through his entire body. "I-I... I..."
"You've seen it, haven't you?" Joshi gripped Daro's hand with full strength, making the young man almost unable to breathe.
"Yes... I am a follower of Faruza..." Joshi sighed deeply, releasing his grip. His face suddenly changed, filled with profound sadness.
"I came to you because Faruza's followers know of your whereabouts… I don't know what their plans are... I was forced to do all of this for my own safety. But... I couldn't bring myself to go through with it. I pity you, Daro. I want you to become strong in the future..." Master Joshi smiled, but his smile was burdened with an invisible weight.
Daro could only remain silent, his body stiff, his mind flooded with confusion and disappointment. "So all of this was fabricated? So you trained me for what reason??? Was this plan to recruit me into Faruza's ranks?!" Daro felt a mixture of fear and anger taking hold of him.
"Maybe that's their plan… I don't know what else to do anymore. I just want you to be safe… You know… One of Faruza's subordinates possesses the ability called the Mindweaver's Veil, a power that can control someone's mind and alter their persona… I think that's what their plan is, Daro." Joshi gave a faint smile, but there was pain visible in his eyes.
Daro heard every word, but he couldn't process it all. Everything felt like an endless nightmare.
"I'm sorry for deceiving you… I think you should leave this place… I no longer care about my own safety... I only care about you. Live your life well, and be a gentle person. I admire your spirit; you're different, Daro. Stay the way you are as you grow older," Joshi said with a soft smile, though his eyes were full of concern.
Daro couldn't find any words, his heart shattered, his mind in turmoil. "Why… why can't we leave together?!"
Joshi shook his head slowly. "If I follow you… Then they'll know where you are too… Because my soul is already bound to them... I just want you to be safe," Joshi answered, his tone filled with care and concern.
Daro felt tears welling up in his eyes, but he fought to hold them back. This was more than just betrayal; it was a harsh reality, where the person he trusted was trapped in a web larger than he had ever imagined.
Joshi smiled, though his eyes reflected deep sadness. "Tomorrow, you must run, leave this forest, and head to the Capital… There, you will find someone you can truly trust," he said, gently holding both of Daro's hands, like a father comforting his child.
Daro felt his heart grow heavier. "Alright..." he said with a trembling voice, tears beginning to stream down his cheeks. "This is where we part... I want you to take care of yourself."
Joshi pulled Daro into his arms, hugging him tightly, as if he never wanted to let go. "Don't forget me..." he whispered softly into Daro's ear, his voice filled with warmth and genuine affection.
Daro sobbed in Joshi's embrace, feeling the weight of the impending separation. It wasn't just a physical farewell, but also a departure from the past he had always believed in. Everything he knew was shifting, but at the same time, he understood that this departure was the only way to survive and continue the path he had begun.
On that bright morning, the air was fresh and still, filled only with the sound of birds chirping. Daro stood beside Master Joshi, clutching tightly to the bag filled with supplies for his journey. Joshi gazed at Daro with deep affection and pride, though a trace of sadness lingered behind his smile.
"Daro, don't worry," Joshi said gently but firmly. "You'll be safe on your journey. It might seem wild at times, and you might face dangerous beasts, but I know the potential within you. Also, Faruza's followers aren't around here. They are far from where we are now. The capital isn't too far, and even though your martial arts aren't perfect yet, I trust in you."
Joshi handed him an old, worn Shaolin martial arts book, full of valuable knowledge. "I give this to you. Train as hard as you can. I hope we meet again if I'm still alive," he added, still smiling softly.
Daro accepted the book with trembling hands, his warm smile barely hiding the tears forming in his eyes. "Yes, Master Joshi... I will always remember you," he said, his voice filled with emotion. He hugged Master Joshi tightly, and for a moment, both of them wept together, releasing the burdens they had been carrying in their hearts.
After what felt like an eternity, Daro finally released the hug. "Goodbye, Master Joshi. I will remember you, always," he said with a hoarse voice, trying to hold back the sobs still welling up inside.
Joshi smiled softly, gazing at Daro with pride. "Goodbye, Daro. Become the strongest, and never forget who you are."
Daro began walking away, leaving the forest that had been his home, waving back at Master Joshi. Tears still flowed down his cheeks, but there was a newfound strength in his heart. Meanwhile, Joshi stood in place, waving as he watched his student walk toward an uncertain future.