Chapter 17: A New Chapter Begins
After their victory over the Demon King's minions and the long road they'd traveled together, Nathan and Scarlet had carved out a rare sense of peace in a small, quiet village. The weight of their previous battles was still fresh, but for the first time in a long while, they were free from the constant threat of danger. Their days were simple now—training, resting, and slowly finding a semblance of normalcy. Yet, as always, peace was fleeting, and the next turn in their journey was closer than they could have anticipated.
***
The Arrival of Scarlet's Parents
It was a cool evening when the quiet of the village was shattered. Nathan and Scarlet sat outside their modest cottage, the gentle flow of the river nearby a soothing contrast to the heavy thoughts in their minds. Scarlet reclined in her chair, gazing up at the stars, while Nathan worked on sharpening his sword, lost in thought.
Without warning, the sound of an approaching carriage interrupted their moment of calm. Scarlet's eyes snapped open, her sharp senses catching the change in the air before Nathan even had a chance to react.
"Someone's coming," she said quietly, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in her voice.
Nathan paused, his gaze moving toward the winding road. His senses prickled, detecting an unusual energy in the air. The carriage slowed as it entered the village square, and when it stopped, the door swung open. A man and a woman stepped out, dressed in fine clothing that clashed with the rustic surroundings.
It was the woman's red hair that gave her away. Scarlet's mother. Nathan's heart skipped a beat as he looked at her familiar face.
"Mom?" Scarlet whispered, her voice barely audible, filled with both surprise and uncertainty.
Nathan stood, sensing the intensity of the moment. He had always known Scarlet's past would catch up to them, but he hadn't expected it to happen so soon. Scarlet stood as well, her body tense, her gaze fixed on the figures approaching.
***
A Family Reunited
Lady Lumina, Scarlet's mother, was the first to approach. Her gaze locked on her daughter, filled with a silent, unspoken communication—love mixed with sorrow, hope tempered by regret.
"Scarlet…" Lady Lumina's voice trembled, her words barely escaping as she took a step closer. "I've searched for you for so long…"
Scarlet's chest tightened at the sound of her mother's voice, but she didn't move right away. She glanced at Nathan, and he gave her a reassuring nod. This was her family—her past. It was time to face it.
Slowly, Scarlet stepped forward, her voice barely a whisper. "I didn't want to be found. Not after everything that happened…"
Lady Weaver's eyes welled with tears as she reached out and pulled Scarlet into an embrace, her voice shaking. "I understand. I'm so sorry, my dear. But we never stopped looking for you. We've been worried sick…"
The man who had been quietly standing behind Lady Weaver stepped forward. He was tall, with the same fiery red hair, his presence commanding but not unkind. His gaze softened when he saw Scarlet in his arms, but there was still a trace of concern in his eyes. He turned toward Nathan, observing him with quiet scrutiny.
"I'm Lord Lumina," he said, his voice warm yet authoritative. "You must be Nathan. The one who's been by our daughter's side all this time."
Nathan gave a respectful bow. "Yes, sir. It's an honor."
***
The Decision to Return
After the initial shock of the reunion wore off, Lady and Lord Weaver invited Nathan and Scarlet inside the cottage to sit down. The air was thick with unspoken emotions as the four of them gathered together, the silence between them speaking volumes.
Lady Lumina gently took Scarlet's hands in hers. "Scarlet, we know we didn't understand everything you went through. We've had time to think. And now… we want you to come back with us. You don't have to keep running. You can come home."
Lord Lumina leaned forward, his gaze turning to Nathan. "And you, Nathan. You've been more than a companion to our daughter. We owe you more than words can say. If you wish, we can offer you a place at our estate as well. You can continue your training in safety, and we'll provide everything you need to grow stronger."
Nathan felt the weight of Lord Weaver's words. His life had been nothing but survival, a constant battle to stay alive. The offer was tempting—a life free from the threat of danger, a chance to live without fear, a chance to grow. He glanced at Scarlet, who was still processing the sudden flood of emotions.
"I appreciate your offer," Nathan said, his voice steady but conflicted. "But… I'm not sure this is the life for me."
Scarlet's brow furrowed as she looked up at him. "Nathan…?"
"I can't stop fighting," Nathan replied, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering resolve. "There's still something I have to do. I can't just sit by while the Demon King's forces remain a threat. I won't stop until it's over."
Scarlet understood. It was the same Nathan she had always known—dedicated, driven, unwilling to rest until the fight was finished. But she wasn't sure if she could go back to a life of luxury while the world outside was still burning.
"I don't know if I can go back either," Scarlet admitted softly. "But… this might be my chance to heal. To face my past, to understand who I am, where I came from. I've been running for so long, Nathan. Maybe it's time I stopped."
***
The Academy: A New Path
After much discussion, Nathan and Scarlet agreed to return to Scarlet's family estate, though neither was certain what their future held. The Luminas were insistent that there was no rush—rest, reflection, and recovery were what they needed most. The Royal Academy, an elite institution that trained the kingdom's best warriors and mages, was opening its doors soon, and both Nathan and Scarlet realized it could provide an opportunity for them to hone their skills away from the dangers of the outside world.
It was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. They needed time to grow stronger, to master their abilities, to prepare for the fight ahead. And when the time came, they would return to face the Demon King, ready for whatever awaited them.
The days spent at the Lumina estate were peaceful—Scarlet reconnected with her parents, learning about the life she could have had. Nathan received the best training money could buy, sharpening his skills and learning new techniques. Scarlet's bond with her parents grew stronger, and Nathan, ever watchful, knew that the time would come when they would have to leave it all behind again.
***
A New Beginning
Soon, it was time to leave. They stood at the gates of the Lumina mansion, dressed in the formal academy uniforms that marked the beginning of a new chapter. The Royal Academy was known for its rigorous training, a place where young warriors, mages, and scholars were forged into the kingdom's future protectors.
Scarlet turned to her parents, her voice shaky as she said her goodbyes. "I'll be back. I promise."
Lady Lumina smiled through her tears, her voice soft but filled with love. "Take care of each other. You're both capable of more than you know."
As Nathan and Scarlet walked away, the mansion and the life they had briefly known faded behind them, replaced by the unknown that lay ahead. Together, they would walk the path of adventurers, their hearts bound by fate and determination to fight for a better future.
The road to the Royal Academy was only the beginning. The battles ahead would be bigger, fiercer, and more dangerous than ever before. But they were ready—together, as always—to face whatever came next.