The early morning sun was already casting a warm glow over the village as I shook off the last traces of sleep. It was quiet, and the house felt strangely empty with both of my parents already out, tending to their daily duties. I took a deep breath, gave my cheeks a quick slap to wake myself up, and steeled my mind for the day ahead. Today was the day I'd put my plan into action.
I crossed to the makeshift closet—a sturdy wooden box my father had built years ago—and pulled out the hunter's gear they had gifted me for my sixteenth birthday. The outfit was meant for someone ready to contribute to the village, someone who'd taken their first steps into adulthood by joining the hunters. I ran my fingers over the leather vest, feeling the durable texture beneath my hands. Each piece of gear was crafted with care by the village craftsman, enchanted with resilience and reinforced to protect the wearer. There were leather bracers lined with a thin layer of enchanted iron for added strength, and gloves that provided a secure grip. It was all meant to withstand the rough life of the forest. I slipped into the vest, fastened the bracers, and tugged on the gloves, feeling the weight settle over me.
Ready, I headed out toward the gathering spot by the towering Umbra tree, where the hunter squad was already preparing to depart. The Umbra's massive branches shaded the area below, casting the group in cool shadows. As I approached, I spotted Leo, standing in a formal line with the others. He noticed me jogging toward them, raised a brow, and gave a wave, which quickly drew the attention of Captain Fey.
Fey's eyes narrowed as I came to a halt, slightly out of breath. "Well, well," he said with a grunt. "To what do I owe the young master's humble presence among the hunters this morning?"
His voice held a sharp edge. I knew Fey wasn't pleased, after all I'd been skipping these outings for months. Hunting wasn't exactly something I could adjust to overnight—not after what I was use to in my previous life.
I took a steadying breath. "I'm here to pull my weight, sir," I said, looking him squarely in the eye. "I want to start contributing to the village for everything it's given me."
even though my words were all black, I made myself as convincing as possible so as to achieve what I had planned for today.
Fey regarded me for a moment longer, then gave a dismissive nod before moving down the line to finish his roll call. I exhaled, relieved, and fell into step with the group as we prepared to head into the forest.
As we walked, Leo sidled up beside me and clapped me on the back, his grin as wide as ever. "Raze, I'm impressed! What's got you so fired up today?"
I smirked, leaning in as if to share a secret. "Let's just say I think I found a way to awaken."
Leo's eyes widened with surprise, his curiosity piqued. "Really? How?" he asked, nudging me with his elbow, eager for details.
Keeping my voice low, I replied, "People seem to awaken through a trigger event. Something intense, like a strong emotional push or… trauma."