The Master’s Final Lesson

Weeks later, Kavato arrived at his master's hill after saying goodbye to one of his brothers and his mother—the only souls who truly cared for him. His heart was heavy, but proud. He told them what he had achieved and what he was planning next.

While walking to his master's home, a quiet pride rose in his chest. He was returning as an alchemy master. To become one, you must create a new potion or chemical with real use, and earn the recommendation of an existing master. He had done that. Finally.

It was late evening. His master, Hekima, was outside, sitting on the doorstep, sipping his regular tea as the sunset bathed the hill in orange light.

Kavato ran to him, breathless with excitement. "Master, I got it!"

Hekima smiled, a soft warmth in his eyes. "I'm not surprised."

Kavato bowed deeply, eyes glistening. "Thank you."

Hekima stood and rubbed his head with a warm grin. "Welcome back. Come in, I have someone here."

They stepped inside, where a young girl about thirteen sat quietly. She had long black hair tied at the back, wearing a neat kimono-style dress. Even though she was a child, she sat with grace, calm and composed.

Hekima gestured toward her. "This is my new student, Mille."

Mille bowed politely, her tone clear. "Welcome, senior."

Kavato blinked, caught off guard. "Senior? Me?"

Hekima chuckled. "I got you a junior."

He turned to Mille. "Can you bring some tea?"

"Of course, Master." Mille stood and quietly stepped out.

Kavato turned to Hekima, brow furrowed. "How?"

Hekima took a long sip of tea, then exhaled. "Months ago, she was wandering the forest, collecting herbs to sell. Her mother was ill. I helped her a few times and shared some of my knowledge. She was curious—very curious. Then, weeks ago, her mother died. She was stubborn... just like you. So I let her in. She tries hard. Apologizes every few minutes."

Kavato looked toward the door thoughtfully. "She seems like a kind girl."

Mille returned, setting down the tea with care.

"Now sit here. Why are you standing there?" Hekima said.

"How can I, when Master and Senior are sitting?"

"Is he not good enough to sit near you?"

"No, no! It would be rude."

"We're family. You can do anything here. No one will stop you."

"Thank you, Master."

Kavato smiled kindly. "Just think of me as a brother if you can."

Mille smiled back. "Yes, senior brother."

Hekima placed his cup down gently. "Now, I have something important to tell you both. I'm planning a journey."

"Where?" Kavato asked, sitting up straighter.

"I've always dreamed of traveling the world once I passed everything down to my students. Now I've got two of the best brats. I'm giving you both my formulas, including my most guarded one—the love potion formula. People have sent assassins after it. Here, this book has everything. Mille, Kavato will be your master after I'm gone."

Mille bowed her head. "Yes, Master."

Kavato looked shocked. "Are you sure?"

"I'm not dying," Hekima smirked.

"As you wish... but I don't think I'm ready to teach."

"No one is ever fully ready." His voice was calm, certain.

He clapped his hands. "Now, let's have a feast! Mille, what's for dinner?"

"The usual—sweet potatoes, dried fish, and vegetables."

"Where's the horned rabbit I caught?"

"That was weeks ago, Master."

Kavato burst out laughing. "You haven't changed a bit, Master."

"It's only been a few months. You sound like it's been years."

Hekima's eyes sparkled. "I still remember your flushed face doing chores. You didn't even know how to sweep a floor."

Mille let out a small laugh, covering her mouth.

"I was a noble, what do you expect?" Kavato shrugged.

"I know, I know."

"You made me carry 20 buckets from down the hill every day, even though the well behind the house was fine. You told me the water was poisoned."

"It isn't?" Mille asked.

Kavato laughed louder. "He did that to you too!"

"Yes, a few buckets. But Master... you didn't need to lie. I would've done it anyway."

Hekima chuckled. "I know. But it's more interesting this way."

They talked deep into the night, their laughter echoing through the wooden house.

After Midnight

Everyone was asleep. The moon hung high, casting pale silver light over the quiet hill.

Hekima stepped out of the house slowly, closing the wooden door behind him with care to make no sound. He stood still for a moment, then narrowed his eyes, sensing movement.

He looked up at the tree branches. "I know you are here. What do you want? Come out."

A voice replied from the shadows, "Give us Kavato, and we'll spare your life."

"I'm sorry."

A dagger whistled through the air. Hekima dodged swiftly and hurled a prison bomb into the trees. It exploded with a sharp flash. One assassin, too slow to don his mask, dropped from the tree, clutching his throat and vomiting blood.

Two others dropped from the canopy, rushing him with blades. Hekima ducked and twisted, striking with precise, poisoned needles. Blood splattered across the dirt.

From above, two arrows zipped toward him. He tried to move, but one struck his shoulder, the other embedded deep in his thigh. He grunted, knees buckling.

Three were down. Two remained. But Hekima was bleeding heavily, his body trembling with effort.

Inside, Kavato heard the commotion and burst through the door. "Master! Master!"

"Get in! I'll handle it!"

"They're here for me! And you're bleeding—I can't just leave! I'm sorry!"

Kavato tossed a sleep bomb. It burst into a thick cloud, blinding the field.

"Fool! They're wearing special masks! Get inside fast and protect Mille!"

"Then come with me!"

Kavato rushed to support him, trying to pull him away. But an assassin emerged from the smoke and lunged. Hekima shoved Kavato aside and took the strike himself. The blade pierced his abdomen.

He gasped, blood flooding his robes, but he lashed out and poisoned the assassin in return.

Inside the house, another enemy broke in. Mille stood her ground.

The attacker charged at Kavato but missed, slicing his arm instead. Mille didn't hesitate. She grabbed a nearby pot of boiling water and smashed it against the assassin's head. The impact dropped him, but the searing heat burned her hand.

All the enemies were down. But so was the master.

Hekima lay on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, too much to recover from.

Kavato collapsed beside him, panic and grief overtaking him. "This is my fault. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Hey..." Hekima rasped.

"I'm sorry..."

"Hey, you brat. Listen up close. It is not your fault. It was my choice."

He coughed hard, blood trailing down his chin.

Mille knelt on the other side, her burned hand clutching his. Tears streamed silently down her cheeks. "Master..."

"Both of you... come here."

Kavato held his other hand, his fingers trembling. "I should have checked..."

"Shut up... for a minute."

Hekima's breath came slower now. "I always dreamed of a death like this... holding the hands of my only two students. You both are more to me... a son and a daughter. I couldn't save that boy long ago... it haunted me... but now, I saved my students. I know it won't bring him back... but my heart is calm now."

"Stop crying, you both... I need to close my eyes... seeing you smile. You were just like my own."

Coughing violently, his chest heaved.

Mille and Kavato, despite the tears, forced a smile, their hearts breaking.

Hekima smiled weakly back. "This pain... is hell, you know."

Then, with a final exhale, he closed his eyes, still smiling at them.