Sacrifice

Author's Note: The word "Magic Book" will be replaced by "Skill Book".

***

Once he had registered with the guild, Derick set off for the central market. There was everything he needed. His first destination was the store of Thomas, an old friend of his father.

Thomas's store was quite famous in town for its quality, there was practically everything there except the "Skill Book".

Thomas was arranging the items when Derick entered.

Thomas was already an old gentleman, he was 50 years old.

"Derick, long time no see!" Thomas stopped what he was doing and went to attend to Derick "And your father, is he okay?"

"Oh, you haven't heard?" Derick looked at Thomas and in a low voice spoke "Last month, unfortunately my father died"

"My condolences" Thomas knew Derick's father from when they were children. For a short time, Thomas had served together with him in the army.

"So how did he die?" Thomas wanted to know how the person who was practically a brother to him, died.

Then Derick started to tell what happened...

***

Like any other day, the beasts attacked the city gates at night.

The soldiers were holding out well, their captain a "B" rank was fighting several "C" rank beasts and one "B" rank beast. Until a rank C monkey monster, which rarely comes out of the forest, for an unknown reason decided to attack the town.

Since the only Rank "B" was busy fighting, the monkey was a danger to the entire troop in that region, since most were Rank "E" and only a few "D". But just when everyone thought all was lost, a mere rank D soldier stood in front of the beast, his name was Ryan, Derick's father.

With a fearless look Ryan looked at the beast and took a deep breath. Ryan knew that he would only be an appetizer for a rank C beast, and so he covered himself with explosive artifacts.

Before running toward his impending death, Ryan remembered his son.

Ryan wanted his son to have a different life, he didn't want him to become a soldier or an adventurer, and for this reason Ryan enrolled Derick in one of the most expensive schools in the city. But unfortunately, it was no use, he was as stubborn as his mother. Derick always said that when he was older, he would leave town, even though he knew his life would be in danger.

" DIE" Ryan screamed with all his might and ran towards the beast. And when he got close, he blew himself up.

*BANG*

A loud explosion happened.

A few seconds passed and the dust fell, Ryan was gone and the monkey, incredible as it may seem, was still alive, but badly injured.

Even though he had not killed the beast, Ryan's death was not in vain, since his sacrifice was enough time for the captain to return and kill the monkey.

***

" Typical of him" Thomas gave a smile and placed his hand on Derick's right shoulder "Derick, your father was my best friend and one of the best men I have ever known in this life, don't be sad about his death, you can be sure he is somewhere wishing for your success."

"Thank you, Thomas"

Since it had been a while since Derick had met with Thomas, they stood talking for a few minutes.