Early one morning, permeated by a light breeze, Kyle lazily got out of bed, his little face still furrowed in anger, his brows silently furrowed. Ignoring his parents, he went straight to the table, where his mother placed breakfast in front of him without a word. He sat down and ate slowly, his eyes fixed on the floor.
When he finished, he stood up and was about to leave, but his mother stopped him with a sad tone and a broken look.
"Kyle... that's enough. Why are you so angry?"
The little boy frowned and replied, his voice choked with anger.
"Why!? Because you don't take my dream seriously."
His mother sighed bitterly, approached him, and patted his head gently.
"You foolish boy... who told you to give up on your dream? But we, as your parents, want you to stay safe... the world outside is cruel and unfair."
Kyle puffed out his cheeks in a childish gesture that showed his stubbornness, but he didn't have a hard heart toward his mother. He leaned closer to her, wrapped his small arms around her waist, and whispered, "I'm sorry... I was just really angry."
His mother smiled tenderly and patted his head. "We know, we know... but you need to apologize to your father, and you'll help me at the market today as a small punishment."
Kyle laughed lightly. "Okay, okay!"
...
Kyle went out with his mother to the village market. The alleys were bustling with life, with vendors hawking their wares. While Elena checked what she needed, Kyle carried small bags and grumbled, "They're heavy! I can't carry all of this."
His mother laughed and said, "Great... and you want to be a fighter, huh? And you can't carry some of the bags?"
Kyle felt a slight stab at his pride, his eyes flashing with embarrassment, but he didn't respond.
Amid their conversation, his eyes fell on Sophia standing not far away. The scene where he had exploded in her face yesterday flashed back to him, and he felt remorse creeping into his heart. He looked at his mother and then walked hesitantly toward her.
As he approached, Sophia turned her face away and puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.
Kyle said in a faltering voice, "H-Hello... Sophia, how are you?"
She answered him, crossing her arms, "Why are you interfering in what's none of your business?"
Kyle stared at the ground, regretfully, "I'm sorry, Sophia... I was just angry, and I yelled unintentionally... I'm really sorry."
She gave him a sideways glance; she knew Kyle well, knew that he didn't hate her, but rather loved her as a close friend. After a moment of silence, she sighed and said, "Okay... I'll accept your apology."
Kyle smiled warmly, "Thank you for giving me a chance..."
"But don't think I'll forgive you so easily next time."
After exchanging words with Sophia, he said goodbye and left with his mother. On the way, he heard several reports of Racal's attack on the remote areas of Ilitha, near their village. He felt a strange feeling, and saw his mother nervous about the news. Kyle thought, "The war... even though it's stopped, there are some attacks between both sides, targeting remote villages that are unimportant to the two empires, and we are definitely one of them." Kyle sighed and started shopping with his mother. When they arrived home, his mother asked him to go and apologize to his father. He happily obeyed and went to the workshop. As soon as he reached the door, he heard the usual knocking. A man's voice came from inside, "Who's here?" "It's me, Kyle, Dad." Silence followed. Kyle frowned and shouted again, "Dad, it's me! Can I come in!?" A voice came with a sigh, "Come in, you bastard." Hurrying in with a bright smile on his face, he entered the workshop. He saw many beautiful and magnificent swords. In the middle of the room, there was an anvil and a large hammer. The father sat looking at him with a sly look. Kyle knew he wanted him to apologize and admit his mistake. "Okay... I know I was a little emotional..." "A lot!" The reply came quickly. He sighed, "Sorry... I made a mistake. I know that you and my mother love me and want to protect me, but I don't like this life. I want to be better and make you both happy." With a tender look from Iran, he reached out and hugged his son. He said, "Okay... you bastard, I think I'll accept your apology. As for your dream, there's still a lot to come. Isn't next week your ninth birthday? You still have a long way to go."
...
A week later, Kyle was walking, a smile spreading across his face. Today was his birthday, and the day he would gain his strength was approaching. He stretched as he walked. He arrived at the house with a sly smile. He opened the door, "Hello, family... What? Where is everyone? Did they forget my birthday??" With a sad look, he went out to the backyard, and then, "Surprise!!" Kyle fell to the ground and saw his mother, father, and friend Sophia, as well as some of his friends from the village. After sitting and laughing at him, they started congratulating him on his birth. They also laughed a little, ate food, and danced, not to mention forcing his mother to dance with Sophia. He felt extremely embarrassed. "It's time for gifts," his mother said as she handed him her gift. When he opened it, he found a beautiful necklace. She said, "This necklace allows me to know your status and location. Please wear it when you go on your adventures." Kyle was overjoyed, not because of the necklace, but because of his mother's words, which meant that she would allow him to travel if he obtained his powers. "I guess this is my turn." With a look of triumph from his father, he handed him a curved black sword. It wasn't long, but it suited his age and height. He felt a strange feeling when he noticed his son's gaze. He said, "This is an enhanced weapon." Kyle gasped. He knew that enhanced weapons were different from normal weapons because a person could simply enhance them with mana. As for their village, this It's considered valuable, but how did he get it? He spoke, still in disbelief, "Where did you get it from?" He said, "Well, this weapon was mine before I lost my strength in the war. I modified it to suit you." With a grateful look, Kyle said, "I don't know how to thank you, parents. You are the best." Iran laughed, "You are so contradictory." After some conversation, the party ended and everyone went home. Kyle was now on the bed, thinking about what he would become and what he would do when he grew up. He had high ambitions, great willpower, and determination. All he needed was more time to gain his strength and train.
.....
In that happy atmosphere in the village, they had no idea that their doom was coming.
In front of the village stood a battalion of soldiers, numbering between 20 and 30. In front of them stood a man who looked strong and was their leader. He said in a firm, heavy voice, "According to orders, we must attack this place and seize its supplies, and not spare anyone alive. We don't need even prisoners or slaves. Let's go!!"
The soldiers chanted, "Long live Racal!!"