Wade watched as Julia ran off toward the village, passing by a middle-aged man with a scar across his face and a longsword tied to his waist.
The man's gaze was sharp and despite the distance, his presence was felt as if he were standing right in front of Wade. Moreover, his clothes were a bit different from the ordinary villager's ones. He wore a black hooded coat despite the approaching hot summer days.
After Julia passed by the man, his figure disappeared. Despite Wade's honed instincts and many years of training, he could barely see a shadowy silhouette quickly approaching him, crossing dozens of meters every moment.
Eventually, the figure of the man has already reappeared by the time it took for Wade to take a deep breath.
Upon closer look, one would notice facial similarities that the man had to Julia, yet he lacked her cheerfulness and had a heavy aura.
"So it is time." the man spoke a few words, as he looked at Wade's face with a reminiscing expression.
"You have grown." he said, as he patted Wade on the shoulder. Then, turned around and left without saying anything more.
Wade didn't say anything, as he simply left after making sure that Julia got back to the village safe.
It didn't take long for him to re-enter his contemplative state. However, a sudden impact pushed his body into the pile of leaves, as an uncanny laugh echoed overhead.
"Keke, what? Getting nostalgic?" the old hunter stood above Wade, as he flashed him a toothy grin.
"Old man, the training is over, so you can go sleep." Wade jumped to his feet and simply continued walking back to his hut.
"What? Doesn't this old man have a place in your memories? After teaching you so many things?" the hunter smirked, patting Wade on the back as they made their way toward the hut.
"You are not bad, kid. Alas, you lack the will." the hunter spoke while using a random twig as a toothpick.
"What do you expect? I am just a kid. I have plenty of time to think of it and doom myself to adult life like you guys." Wade said calmly.
"Dooming yourself? More like deluding!"
"I think you already know how lucky you are to be born noble. I myself was born in slums, having to fight through it all to get the life I have right now."
"Do you think you can do something just because you want to? Don't forget that the powerful run this world and you happen to be related to them. Unfortunately, in your case, you were indeed born like a caged bird, whose wings were already disabled since birth."
The hunter spoke, hitting the mark each time, as these words were a bitter reality for Wade.
"However…doesn't the little birdy have its legs to boot? It doesn't matter that your wings are crippled. You can walk and later…learn to run." the old hunter added with a thoughtful tone.
These words seemed to reawaken Wade out of his contemplation, as he turned to look at the old hunter with a new light in his eyes.
"What? Why are you looking at me as if I was retarded my whole life?!" the hunter shouted with a disgusted expression
"Haha, who knows, maybe an old wolf also gained some wits after eating bird brains." Wade joked, as the atmosphere became much lighter.
—--
The next morning.
Wade woke up, only to see the old hunter standing beside his bed, smoking a cig.
"Ughh, old man, I already told you I hate the smell of cigarettes." Wade sat up on the bed, rubbing his temples to dispel the dizziness he felt.
"Well, this is the last time I see you, might as well smoke a whole pack so you remember me." the old hunter shrugged.
"What? Is it already time? So early in the morning?" Wade asked with an irritated tone.
"I don't make the rules, kid. The carriage is already here to pick you up." the hunter said, as he looked toward the open door. Where a man dressed in glistening silver armor stood, patiently waiting.
Wade's eyes narrowed. Clearly, he didn't have the good memories of the particular crest that was over the armored man's heart. A golden ten-winged sword piercing the skies from above. As if signifying that the House of Alexo stood above the skies.
However, Wade didn't show any outward displeasure, as he simply jumped off the bed and picked up the dirtied bag that was already packed with his belongings.
He then turned to the old hunter, who in turn was smiling at him with a satisfied expression.
"Kid, live well." he said, taking a deep breath of the cig and exhaling the smoke right into Wade's face.
Wade simply dodged the smoke, as a smile hung on on his lips.
"Take care." he said, turning around and walking toward the armored man.
"Wade salutes the Guards of Alexo!" he banged his clenched fist over his chest, performing a slight bow.
The armored man simply nodded, his expression hidden beneath the helmet as he turned around and walked toward the luxurious carriage that similarly had the family crest plastered all over it.
Wade opened the door and sat on the cushion. Strange thoughts ran through his mind as he felt the softness of such lofty carriage for the first time.
'So, Uncle finally wants to make me a noble…alas, it will not be easy.' Wade thought, remembering the treatment of the main family.
'Well, whatever, as long as I am alive. I will find the way.'