Chapter 4:Learning more

Chapter 4: Learning more

3rd person POV

Morning came—the sun pierced the darkness, with it came a chilly breeze that swayed the grass and trees. The greenery encircled a modest cottage, located on a small clearing, near a stream with water clear enough to see myriads of fish swimming gracefully within.

Two people were currently sitting on a bolder just adjacent to the flowing water currents; it was Sam and his new nameless disciple.

They had woken up in the early morning hours, and had decided to take a quick breather before starting off their day's work. Sam currently had his eyes closed—while breathing deeply and steadily—he listened to the melody of nature. The boy stared at him intently. Occasionally his attention would be diverted to the fish in the stream.

Their bright rainbow colors painted the stream. They moved with the utmost elegance as they swam past each other, spun around, and even leaped out of the water. It was a truly enchanting sight to gaze at.

Dusk soon ended, and the sun rose. Its piercing light eradicated the darkness which had dominated the forest until now.

Sam's eyes fluttered, and slowly he opened them revealing a magical golden glint that lingered for naught but a few seconds and disappeared soon after.

He sighed wearily and turned to look at the boy—who stared at the water with curious, glimmering red, eyes and an amazed expression that graced his face. Although the boy rarely showed any emotions, when he did, it would brighten up Sam's mood-which was a welcome change to him.

''You didn't have to wake up so early boy.'' Sam said before ruffling up the boy's hair, much to the boy's annoyance who countered by striking Sam's hand away.

Sam chuckled at the sight before he stood up, dusted off his robe, and headed to the cottage. The boy looked in wonder at the man for Sam rarely went inside the house. He would spend the whole day outside; either relaxing or working on his crops, or hunting animals for lunch and dinner.

Sam came back holding a large and thick book in both his hands. He called the boy over, and gently placed the book down on a patch of grass.

''This book was hand-written by me. It consists of all my knowledge on the world's phenomena, locations, sects, kingdoms, even plants and animals are included. It took years to compile but it was worth it in the end.'' Sam explained proudly while stroking his chin with a goofy smile on his face.

The boy's eyes glinted greedily and his hands moved as fast as lighting snatching the book from the ground. The boy grunted a little (the book was heavier than expected) but that didn't stop him. He inspected the book's brown leather cover.

''No title?'' The boy asked with a low voice after noticing this small detail.

''Hahaha, I haven't thought of one yet boy.'' Sam laughed loudly and answered the boy. He always found the boy's attention to detail, and him always striving for perfection, amusing to him.

The boy nodded with a slight frown, the boy was about to open the book when he froze up. Sam noticed this.

''Why did you stop?'' he asked calmly, but he already had a suspicion in the back of his mind in which he prayed it was not the case.

''W-what if I can't read it?'' The boy asked, already on the verge of tears at this chilling realization.

''Then I'll teach you to read, don't worry you're smart so it should be quick for you.'' Sam encouraged the boy with a smile.

The boy nodded and shakily. He then opened the book—closing his eyes tightly as if to pray—then shot them open once more, and he looked at the words in black on the cream-white page. He let out a sigh of relief when he recognized could even make out— the words just fine.

Sam smiled slightly at the boy; who started immersing himself in the large book, and slowly began reading every word in quiet mumbles.

''Start by reading about the general information about this world, and after an hour or two come to me for any question you might have.'' Sam stated and left the boy to study peacefully while he made break-fast.

''Hm.'' Came the boy's usual reply, his eyes were still glued on the book in front of his eyes.

…

Sam's POV

I had just finished cooking breakfast; some porridge, and a dark blue fruit as big as an apple—but it was more spherical and had a softer texture. It was commonly known as a 'blue Arac', and was found native in the forest we were currently residing in.

''Master!'' there was a shout followed by hurried footsteps towards my location, and a petit figure of the boy appeared—hugging the book with both his arms.

The boy's eyes displayed a hint of impatience and intrigue, which showed just how much he seemed to enjoy himself when it comes to gaining new knowledge. I kept on cooking while waiting for the boy to ask his questions.

''Could you give me a brief summary of the world and its history?'' the boy requested with his usual cold voice, but his eyes showed some spark of emotion.

''Sure, hmmm.'' I mused for a few seconds—trying to compile the information in the most understandable manner possible.

''As you've probably read, this world is named Enlyria, it has 6 large continents,22 sub-continents and an unknown number of islands, this is due to its sheer size (as big as the sun), the history behind its creation is still a debate to this day due to different theories from old Empires and various Religious groups like the church.'' I paused and took a breath.

''Some people say God descended to a barren wasteland and created paradise, while others claim that we evolved from a more ancient species that lived here before us. In the end these are all opinions of different groups but those two are the most popular to date.'' I spoke slowly and occasionally I would glance at the boy to see if he was paying attention.

''The biggest continent which we are currently on is the territory of the Ashborne Empire, it is found in the eastern part of the planet and most of the population consist of humans and monsters—its history is written in later chapter of the book but they are mostly known for their overbearing military might, holding off multiple invasions from demi-human enemies and their Phoenix bloodline.'' I took a minute to regain my breath before continuing.

''The next bigger power is the demi-human alliance who hold a much bigger territory compared to the Ashborne Empire due to having two continents under their rule which consist of Beast-men, elves and dwarves. The term beast-men is used as a loose and general title due to the sheer variety between themselves but they are basically humans with animal features like ears, tails there are aa few bloodlines which a potent though, making those beast-men more beast than man in features.'' I paused; the explanation was longer than I thought it would be.

''As for the remaining three continents, one is a wasteland full of undead, the other one is ruled by dragons who are claimed to be the strongest monsters in existence so nobody usually messes with them unless they have a death-wish.'' I heaved a sigh after another long explanation before looking at the boy who had expectant eyes boring into me.

''The last continent hasn't been proven to exist due to there being no physical evidence of it, just old texts about its existence and a few depictions from some sects.'' I said, my throat feeling a little dry as more time went on.

''As for the sub continents, they are usually inhabited by Sects or Academies which are like a place of education for those who want to learn about Qi that or they are used by other organizations as their Headquarters.'' I spoke finally concluding my long speech.

The boy mused for a short while (digesting the influx of information) soon after, her raised his head and opened his mouth, most likely to ask another question: much to my dismay.

''What is Qi?'' He asked with interest.

''Before we move into that it would be best if you read about this planet in case I missed important details.'' I suggested, mostly to keep him occupied, I never knew explaining would be so challenging but if it keeps his mind from wondering into a dark path then I will make sure to teach him all I can.

...........

(￣▽￣)".....this and the next chap will be info dumps about the world the boy is currently at....also I have a P.a.Treon where I will release daily chapters instead of twice a week like right now so come visit and motivate me to keep writing...