The Expedition

In the heart of Skywood Village, where Elion calls home.

"Village Chief, over the past few years, more and more second-stage beasts have been encroaching closer to the village. This is a troubling sign. Don't you think it's time we reached out to the royal city for reinforcements?" asked a tall, dark-haired man in a private conversation with the village chief, Boverik

"Mister Reinald, I understand your concerns, but who exactly do you expect the royal city to send? Every front against the demons has been facing the same challenges for hundreds of years. I doubt there are any reinforcements left to spare. We can only try to strengthen our stronghold and reinforce the village perimeter," the village chief replied, his tone heavy with the weight of the situation.

Reinald frowned, his frustration clear. "I understand, Chief, but if we don't act soon, it won't be long before the demons are at our doorstep. Reinforcing the perimeter might buy us some time, but it's not a lasting solution. We need to push the demons back from our borders. At this rate, it won't be long before they breach the fort."

"You know how the demons operate, they're likely just trying to harass us by pushing the beasts closer to the village. But they can't do any real harm as long as the fort holds strong. As long as it doesn't fall, we're safe."

"Indeed, Borevik, but how long can it hold? We send warriors and mages every year, but how many return? At this rate, we might be forced to send our children to the front. Even before the demons reach our village, we might all be lost on the front lines," Reinald replied, his voice tinged with worry.

"You're right, but what else can we do?" Boverik sighed, the weight of years heavy in his voice. "This war has been raging since before I was born, and I've never seen us win back a single inch of land—only lose it. Even the vampires, with all their power, can barely hold back the demons' advance, and they are far too few to turn the tide."

"Indeed," Reinald nodded, his voice somber. "It has been far too long."

—

A shadow dashed through the dense forest, his movements only a blur to the naked eye. His breath calmed and controlled, eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.

The shadow enhanced senses picked up on a subtle rustle of leaves and distant growls. His target, a late Second Stage saber-toothed tiger, has been spotted. 

The beast's fur was a deep, mottle orange, streaked with black stripes, and its eyes glowed with a menacing, predatory gleam.

It was crouched low, its powerful muscles tensed as it prepared to pounce on a prey.

But today, the prey was the hunter. 

The shadow revealed to be Elion, focused intently on his mana core. He spun it with precision, generating a small, crackling electric spark in the air near the tiger.

The tiger paused for half a second because of the shock, enough time for Elion to move before it. The blade cut through the tiger's defenses as if it were air, ending the tiger's life before it could even process what happened.

"Ugh, this is the fiftieth beast I've dealt with today. I think it's time to head home."

[Well done, kid. Rest is just as important as training. You're now able to take down beasts without hesitation. Soon, you'll be ready to face demons.]

"Haha, Valen, why do you doubt my readiness? As long as the demon isn't in the third realm, I'm confident I can handle any opponent!"

[Confidence is important, but overconfidence can be dangerous. Demons in the vampire realm have battled through dozens, if not hundreds, of fights. You've only been in this world for ten years and have mostly dealt with beasts. Do you really think you're invincible just because of this?]

'I understand, and I'll keep that in mind. When do you think I should head to the front to fight them?'

[While you're already strong enough to be on the front lines, you'd only be considered a soldier at best. I recommend going to the royal city to broaden your horizons and learn from the vampire realm's geniuses before confronting the demons.]

'Do you think there is anybody my age stronger than me?'

[I doubt that, but that's only if you're considering using both the mage and warrior paths. In a single path, I'm sure there are dozens of vampires who could surpass you.]

'I understand. I want to explore more of this world too. I don't want to stay confined to this village for too long!'

[You're already at the peak of both the warrior and mage paths. Consider going to the royal city once you break through. Not only will you have more opportunities to get stronger, but you'll also have the chance to interact with the queen and the king.]

'All right, I'll see for myself about this vampire genius that you talk about so much.'

[Haha, you need to achieve that at the very least, or you wouldn't be worthy of being the destined child.]

—

"Mom! Val! I'm back!" Elion called out, brimming with excitement.

"Hey, brother, you're back late today! I took down five initial Second Stage beasts myself, haha, you'll get left behind if you're not careful. Come on, let's train!"

"Oooh, I expected nothing less from my sister, the future hero of this kingdom who will drive the demons back to hell! But I'm tired, so let's train another time," said Elion.

"No excuses! Today, I'm going to defeat you," Valeria declared, her eyes shining with fighting spirit.

"Valeria, stop bullying your brother and come eat!" came a voice from the kitchen, bringing an end to the playful quarrel.

""Coming, Mom."" Said Elion and Valeria in union.

The kids and Janice sat around the table, enjoying a warm and pleasant dinner together.

Knock knock

Elion, somebody is in the door, please go open it.

"All right, mom."

Elion opened the door, and a familiar figure stood there, smiling warmly at him.

"Oh, hey Elion, long time no see. I came to talk with you, Valeria, and Janice at the chief's orders. May I come in?"

"Hi Jean, sure."

"Hello Janice, hello Valeria. I've come on behalf of the chief. He's organizing a three-day hunting expedition for all children aged 8 to 12 who want to improve their fighting skills. Would you two be interested in joining?"

"Oh, for sure! Let's go, brother! Tell the chief we're definitely coming!" Valeria exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Elion nodded with a smile. "Sure, count me in too."

"Haha, good to see you kids so enthusiastic. Be at the village hall in five days at 7 o'clock sharp," he said, chuckling as he turned to leave.

"Okay," they both replied in unison.

"Hmph, did I agree to this?" Janice interjected, crossing her arms with a playful smirk.

"Mooom, you can't stop me from training!" Valeria protested, her eyes wide with determination.

"Calm down, you training maniac," Janice laughed. "I was just joking. You can both go, but promise me you'll be careful, okay?"

""All right, Mom, I promise!"" Said Elion and Valeria.

—

At the Skywood village hall, a crowd of hundreds, both kids and adults, had gathered. 

The adults exuded a palpable aura of danger, their hardened expressions and scarred bodies telling stories of countless battles. 

At the forefront stood a tall, muscular man, his face etched with deep scars, yet he wore a smile as he looked over the eager faces of the children.

"This generation of children is truly remarkable. I can already see a bright future ahead of them. I'm certain that Janice's twins will surpass all of us; they're the kind of prodigies we've never seen in this village before. Don't you agree, Reinald?" Said Boverik

"Indeed, they remind me so much of their father—full of enthusiasm and an unyielding will to fight," Reinald said, his face softening with a gentle smile. 

However, his expression soon darkened as he continued, his eyes reflecting deep concern.

"Still, I hope they have time before they encounter demons. Those creatures are fearsome and can shatter even the most battle-hardened warriors. The thought of them facing such terror at their age is worrisome. I truly hope they are spared from that kind of horror for a while longer."

"Don't worry, we're not so weak as to rely solely on children of their age just yet. My old bones can hold out a lot longer, haha!"

"All right, enough with the praise. Let's get to work. Call the children over and explain the details of the expedition," said Reinald.

Boverik stepped forward, addressing the gathered children with a serious but encouraging tone.

"Listen up, everyone. The purpose of this expedition is to help you gain real battle experience. You'll be divided into groups of five, each led by two experienced adult fighters. Your task is simple: hunt and kill beasts. This will help you understand the challenges you'll face and sharpen your skills."

He paused to ensure everyone was paying attention before continuing.

"Each group will have a designated area to cover, and you must stick with your group and follow your leader's instructions. This is not just about fighting; it's about learning to work as a team, strategize, and handle the pressures of combat. Stay alert, support each other, and use this opportunity to grow stronger. Remember, this is a training exercise, so focus on learning and safety."

Boverik then looked around, making sure his message was clear.

"Any questions before we begin?"