Chapter 39: Surprise

Luca carefully snuck into the mountains, making sure no one saw him. He knew his mother would worry if she found out he was going there alone. The path up the mountain was steep and uneven.

As he climbed higher, the air became cooler and fresher. The scent of wildflowers mingled with the earthy aroma of moss and damp leaves. Birds chirped from the treetops, and the occasional rustle in the bushes hinted at small animals scurrying about. Luca's sharp eyes spotted several herbs he had read about in his books. He carefully noted their locations for future reference, though some plants were unfamiliar to him.

The deeper he went into the mountains, the more untamed the landscape became. Trees grew taller and thicker, their branches forming a canopy that filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. Small creatures with bright eyes watched Luca from the shadows, darting away as he approached. Even the familiar animals seemed larger and wilder here.

Luca searched for suitable rocks to use for his training. He needed stones that weighed around 500 kilograms, the weight he had been lifting recently. After some searching, he found a clearing with plenty of large rocks scattered around. He tested a few until he found one that felt just right.

Gripping the stone firmly, Luca took a deep breath and lifted it off the ground. To his surprise, it felt lighter than he had expected. His strength had clearly increased. Encouraged by this discovery, Luca sought out even heavier stones, pushing himself to his limits.

After finishing his weight training, Luca transitioned to practicing with his sword. The blade felt like an extension of his body as he moved through the forms he had mastered. His movements were fluid and precise, each strike carrying power and purpose. The sound of the blade cutting through the air echoed in the clearing.

Satisfied with his sword practice, Luca sat down on a flat rock to focus on his perception training. He closed his eyes, slowed his breathing, and tuned into the world around him. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant sound of water flowing over rocks filled his senses. He felt the subtle energy of the mountain, grounding and invigorating.

After a while, Luca opened his eyes and stretched. His stomach rumbled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since morning. He wandered around and found a bush laden with ripe, juicy berries. Picking a handful, he popped them into his mouth, savouring their sweet and tangy flavour.

Just as he was about to pick more, Luca's sharp eyes caught movement nearby. A shiver ran down his spine as he spotted several snakes slithering through the grass. Their scales gleamed in the dappled sunlight, and their tongues flicked the air. Luca's heart raced. He knew better than to take chances with snakes, especially when he couldn't tell if they were poisonous.

"Time to find a new spot," Luca muttered to himself, quickly backing away from the snakes.

Carefully retracing his steps, Luca made his way down the mountain. He watched each step to avoid slipping on loose rocks or tripping over hidden roots. 

Luca sneaked back home, making sure no one saw him. His mother was still at work, so he had the house to himself. He washed up and prepared a simple late afternoon meal. As he ate, he thought about packing food for his next trip to the mountains.

For the next week, Luca followed a strict routine. Each morning, he drank a special herbal concoction, just as the book instructed. Even though it was bitter, the herbal concoction worked wonders. The herbs strengthened his body and enhanced his training. He made sure to stock up on the herbs, carefully drying and storing them for future use.

Whenever his mother was away, Luca would sneak back to the mountains. Each visit revealed new and amazing sights. One day, he spotted a majestic wild beast drinking from a stream. Luca wisely kept his distance, choosing a different path to avoid disturbing the creature.

After days of searching, he finally found the perfect training spot—a serene clearing with a small waterfall that cascaded into a shallow pool. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and the gentle sound of the falls created a calming atmosphere. Luca felt this place would be a sanctuary for his training.

That night, during dinner, Luca casually asked his mother, "Is there anything special tomorrow, Mom?"

His mother, Rhea, looked surprised. "What's special?" she asked.

Luca's face fell. He realized his mother had forgotten his 16th birthday. But he consoled himself, thinking she must have had a lot on her mind.

The next morning, Luca was still in bed when his mother gently shook him awake. "Happy birthday, Luca!" she exclaimed, holding out a beautifully wrapped package.

Luca's eyes widened as he sat up and took the package. He unwrapped it eagerly, revealing a brand-new outfit. "Mom, it's amazing!" he said, hugging her tightly.

"You're growing up so fast," his mother said with a smile. "Go wash up and put it on."

After washing up and changing into the new clothes, Luca stood proudly before his mother. "You look perfect, my son," she said warmly.

She had also changed into a new dress, and together they visited the village elders to receive birthday blessings. The elders praised Luca and his mother beamed with pride.

Next, they went to a nearby eatery and enjoyed a special birthday meal. 

When they returned home, Luca was surprised to see Finn waiting for him outside.

"Happy birthday, Luca!" Finn greeted him with a wide grin, handing him a small, intricately designed dagger.

Luca's eyes sparkled with delight. "It's amazing, Finn! Thank you!"

Finn smiled. "I knew you'd like it."

Luca's mother offered Finn some food, but he politely declined. She then handed him some sweets instead.

Finn turned to Luca. "Since it's your birthday, how about we take a tour of the nearby village? What do you say?"

Luca looked at his mother, seeking her approval. She gave him a nod and a warm smile.

Luca's face lit up. "That sounds awesome, Finn! Let's go!"

He bid goodbye to his mother, who waved as the two friends set off, laughter echoing in the warm afternoon air.