Rumor About Rad

The next day in the afternoon, Chayil was feeling restless at home. "Can I go for a walk outside? I just want to breathe in some fresh air," Chayil turned to his mother.

"Sure, that's better. You've been confined to your room for four years," Mom said as she fed some rabbits and free-range chickens in the backyard."Just take Krayna with you and make sure not to wander too far from the house." 

Chayil stood up and approached Krayna in their mother's room. "Wanna come outside?" he asked.

With a wide grin, Krayna eagerly nodded. She bounded out of bed, her movements quick and energetic, and rushed over to her older brother. She grabbed his hand firmly and strolled with him in the village. 

Villages are communities that are smaller than towns or capitals. However, agricultural products, including farming and some livestock come from here. Most of its residents are without man, with weak mana and those who don't have the skills to fight.

While the two siblings strolled through the village, a villager spotted Chayil sweeping a yard and exclaimed, "Hey, you're Rad's son, right?"

Chayil nodded as he answered.

"It's a miracle that you woke up," the stranger added, smiling."Das, by the way. You probably don't know me since you've been in a coma since you arrived here."

Das is about one hundred and seventy-five centimeters tall. He's chubby and has short black hair, tanned skin, and wearing commoner clothes.

 "Yes, I'm Chayil." He shook Das' hand and added, "It's my first time walking again for so long too. So I'm here trying to enjoy the fresh air and explore the village."

"Let me assist you then," Das offered with a smile. "Sir Rad helped me and this village before. At least somehow we can help his family." 

Chayil hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is that okay?"

"Of course," Das replied with a nod, his movements swift as he packed up his cleaning equipment. Together, they started walking, their steps synchronized as they strolled through the village.

As they walked, Chayil inquired, "What do you mean my dad helped you? Did he save you or something like that?"

"Yes!" Das exclaimed. "Before, our village was attacked by a pack of Wolves. But Rad fought them alone and almost defeated them all. I also heard from one of his hunting companions that he also saved them from a giant bear that they encountered during their hunt." 

Listening to this, Chayil muttered, 'I think Rad is indeed strong.'

"And the farm," Das added. "He helped make it flourish. Without him, this village would have struggled."

Chayil pondered Das's words silently, and he thought, 'Rad was a good man.' He then asked, "Isn't there anyone ambushing this place to steal or conquer this land?"

"There isn't because the bandits are afraid to attack here. They know Rad's strength." 

Curious about Rad, Chayil revealed, "Actually, I don't remember my past when I woke up so I don't have memories of Dad. How do you know him?"

"Sorry to hear about that. From what I've heard from town, Rad was a knight in the palace," Das replied. "Others said he was a Class S adventurer, and despite not having magic, he was never defeated. But whenever we ask Rad, he just says that he became strong through hunting and he never said anything about his job before.

Hearing this, Chayil became even more curious about Rad. Shortly after, he asked her sister. "What was Dad's previous job, Krayna?"

Krayna responded with a small sound, "Hmm." Her head tilted, indicating that she didn't know.

Chayil's lips slightly lifted as he patted Krayna's head. "You wanna go home now?" he asked, making Krayna nod her head. 

As they were heading home, Chayil saw a woman pouring water through her hands to water the plants.

When Das noticed Chayil looking, he remembered that he had no memory. "That's magic," he informed him. Then he demonstrated his ability. A small flame appeared on his forefinger, resembling a lighter.

Chayil's eyes widened. 'Even humans really can use magic like that black-armored demon,' he muttered to himself. 

"So you also have magic. Why didn't you become an adventurer?" Chayil asked Das.

"This magic of mine and what that woman was doing with sprinkling the plants is our limit. We are low in mana and it's what only we can release," Das replied. "Plus, I don't have any fighting skills. That's why we stayed here. That woman who was pouring water from her hands to dampen the plants and me. I chose to live in the village instead of becoming a servant in the capital or any town."

Chayil nodded as he listened.

As they neared their home, Das bid his farewell with a wave, his voice fading into the distance. The aroma of food cooking wafted from the kitchen, making Chayil and Krayna's stomachs rumble in anticipation. 

They entered, sinking into the familiar comfort of their seats.

Esmar, with her hands stirring the pot, turned to them. 

"How are you feeling? Any changes?" she inquired, her eyes searching his face for signs of fatigue or worry.

"I'm feeling better," Chayil said while sitting in the chair. "The fresh air and being around the village—it's like a recharge for me."

Despite his thinness, Chayil wasn't tired. He wondered why he felt as if he were still a fighter before, just like then.

As night fell and Chayil lay down, he suddenly remembered his grandfather. "I wonder what happened to that old man after I died?" And he fell asleep.

After a month of staying…