As Alexander walked toward the town, he noticed Grampa Ren(Gramps), as always, reclining in his chair outside the house, eyes closed. In the nine years since he'd known him, Grampa Ren hadn't seemed to change at all.
As Alexander approached, Grampa Ren's eyes opened, sensing his presence. He spoke slowly, his voice calm, "Oh boy, back from another run in the forest, huh?"
Then his gaze drifted to the Wind Eagle Alexander was carrying, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought. Suddenly, his expression shifted, and he sat upright in his chair.
"WHAT! A Wind Eagle?!" he exclaimed, staring at Alexander like he was seeing a monster. "That's a 2nd-grade beast! Comparable to an Astral Refinement Expert, not to mention it's known for its speed and deadly sharp claws!"
Alexander glanced at Grampa Ren, his tone calm and collected as he spoke, "Why are you so shocked, Gramps? Isn't my strength normal?"
Grampa Ren's mouth twisted at those words. He couldn't help but think, This kid is still holding on to that matter.
When Alexander was just 8 years old, he'd managed to sell enough beast skins to buy a phone. It was then, through the internet, that he'd learned many things—about the world, about power, and, perhaps most importantly, about his own potential.
Grampa Ren coughed awkwardly, trying to shift the conversation. "So, how was today's harvest? Surely you didn't kill just one beast," he said, eyeing the Wind Eagle while subtly changing the topic.
Then, his gaze turned toward the forest, and his nose picked up a strong, lingering smell of blood. His eyes narrowed, sensing something more ominous. "How many beasts did you kill?" he asked, his voice low, as a wave of shock rippled through him. The intensity of the bloodshed was palpable even from a distance, making his hair stand on end.
As Grampa Ren processed Alexander's words, a wave of emotion flickered across his face. "Are you leaving already?" he asked in a voice tinged with sadness.
Alexander's expression remained calm, though there was a hint of something deeper beneath the surface. He was only 15, but his journey seemed inevitable, shaped by the world's rules. In this land, it was common knowledge that upon reaching this age, people had the chance to awaken unique talents alongside a system—one akin to those from his previous life's online games. These systems granted access to hidden realms, much like dungeons.
"Gramps, I've grown," Alexander said quietly. "The time has come."
...
As Alexander stood in front of the orphanage, he noticed how much had changed. The place looked better than ever—clean, with freshly painted buildings that seemed almost new and much larger than before. The money he had earned from selling beasts over the years had transformed not just the orphanage, but the entire town.
Walking inside, he joined the children and caretakers for one last dinner. The atmosphere was warm, filled with laughter and the clinking of utensils, though Alexander's mind was already elsewhere, focused on what was to come. The night passed quietly, and by morning, he was ready. He packed the few belongings he cared to take: his simple clothes and a few old photos that carried memories of his time here.
Before leaving, he took one final glance around his small, familiar room. It was unchanged since his early days, yet it no longer felt like it belonged to him. Sighing softly, he stepped outside, his gaze rising to the sign above the entrance: "Little Tree Orphanage."
With a calm resolve, Alexander turned and walked toward the road.
Alexander made his way to the cemetery, his steps measured and calm as he approached a particular grave. The headstone bore the inscription, "Grandma Hana, from 23 Modern Era to 111 Modern Era." It had been four years since she had passed, and yet the memory of her felt as fresh as ever.
Reaching her grave, Alexander knelt down, his gaze fixed on the stone as if expecting her comforting voice to respond. "Grandma," he began in a low, calm tone, "I've always believed that those who seek to be the strongest should never bow to Heaven nor Earth, but I was wrong."
His head lowered as he bowed deeply before the grave, the weight of his realization heavy in the air. "But I promise you this," he continued, "I will never kneel before anyone again. I used to want strength just because it felt like something I needed. But now—" his voice grew more firm, laced with determination—"now, I have a purpose. I will become strong for a reason."
The breeze rustled the leaves around him, carrying the quiet promise into the distance. For a moment, he stayed there, in silent reflection, before slowly rising to his feet. His path was clear now, and with renewed resolve, Alexander turned away from the grave, ready to fulfill the vow he had just made.
...
As Alexander reached the exit of the town, he was surprised to see the entire town gathered near the entrance, waiting for him. Among them stood Grampa Ren, his face as calm as ever, though there was an unmistakable glint of sadness in his eyes. A middle-aged man stepped forward, the Town Chief, a person everyone respected. The town itself was named Alexander, in recognition of his contribution to leading it in the right direction.
The Town Chief smiled warmly and said, "Today, we've all come to say goodbye and give our blessings." His voice was strong, but there was a deep sense of emotion behind his words.
As soon as he finished, the townspeople formed a circle around Alexander. Especially the older women, who rushed to him, embracing him tightly with tears in their eyes. They hugged him warmly, crying softly, their affection and gratitude clear in every touch. It was a heartwarming scene, the entire town united to send him off, and despite their sadness, they wished him well.
Seeing the emotional scene, Alexander smiled gently, feeling the weight of their love and care. He wanted to stay with them, to live this peaceful life surrounded by people who had been his family for years. But he knew deep down that this peace was fragile—easily shattered if someone strong enough were to come. That was why he had to leave, to go out into the world, grow stronger, and protect these people who meant so much to him.
With a final nod to the town and a heart full of determination, Alexander turned toward the path that would take him far from the place he had called home.