A Hidden Master

Lowell couldn't help but look up to his master in confusion.

"Master?" Seeing Lowell's bewilderment, Gabriel pushed the naginata forward again and nodded. "This is your reward for training with me."

"But—" Before Lowell could protest, Gabriel threw the naginata to him. "I have a weapon of my own. This thing is useless to me; it's just taking up space in my inventory."

Lowell's eyes filled with tears. "Master... I don't know what to say. Thank you, Master. I promise to wield it with the utmost respect."

Gabriel smiled at the young Lowell, raising his hand to pat him on the head.

"Just don't disappoint me and take care of it." Gabriel could not finish his sentence as Lowell hugged him tightly, squeezing the air out of his chest.

"Okay, okay, let go of me," Gabriel exclaimed, not used to such affection. His head was buried in Lowell's arms, an unusual experience for him.

"Lowell, show me your arm." This was a familiar routine for Lowell. Gabriel checked Lowell's wrist. 'D-'. It was in much better condition than when he first met Lowell. Gabriel then observed his own wrist: 'D'. It was one sub-rank higher than Lowell, thanks to a fortunate encounter with a S grade elixir.

'Angel's Tears: Upon consumption, it rejuvenates the user's body and mind, harmonizing their inner energies and allowing them to transcend their current limitations and reach a higher rank.'

As Gabriel walked back to the cave, he saw Lowell happily tending to the fire. Gabriel looked around, observing their temporary home.

Even though it was not the best place to stay, this cave had sheltered them for the past three months. It was here that Gabriel first woke up, met Lowell, and trained to strengthen his once brittle body. This place had provided cover for both of them.

"Master, the food is ready. Please come eat." Lowell's calls snapped Gabriel out of his thoughts.

"Hmm," Gabriel nodded and sat down. He looked at the bowl in front of him, filled with a strange-looking soup. The rich aroma wafted through the air, a humble offering of warmth and sustenance.

This was something Lowell had not cooked before.

"Master, this is mushroom soup," Lowell explained, noticing his master's confusion. "I foraged the mushrooms and picked the ingredients carefully for this soup, Master. I hope it is to your liking."

Gabriel took a mouthful of the soup and tasted it. Lowell watched his master's blank expression, waiting for a reaction.

"Master, is it not to your liking?" he asked carefully. "It is," Gabriel answered after what seemed like an eternity, finally putting Lowell's mind at ease.

"Please, Master, eat more," Lowell offered, and Gabriel nodded. This seemed like a dream for Lowell.

Him and his master eating peacefully with no one else around. His master healthy and strong. This was the perfect life Lowell had always dreamt of.

But as cruel as fate would have it, nothing is perfect or peaceful in this sinful world. Suddenly, Lowell felt as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water.

The reason was his master's next words. "Lowell, pack only your most important belongings. We will be leaving this place."

'Plick, plop.' The sound of Lowell's spoon falling out of his hand echoed through the cave. "Master, is something wrong?"

Gabriel placed his bowl down, turning to face Lowell with a calm demeanor.

"We must leave the forest, Lowell. It is time for you to face the world beyond these trees."

Lowell's eyes widened in shock. He shook his head, a mix of fear and reluctance in his expression.

"But Master, the forest is our home. It's safe here. I'm not ready."

"Lowell, I understand your hesitation. The world is indeed a harsh and unforgiving place. But if you wish to survive and thrive, you must face its challenges head-on. This cave has been our sanctuary, but it cannot shield you forever."

Lowell's eyes filled with tears, his voice trembling.

"But what if I fail? What if I can't handle it? What if I'm too weak to stand beside you, Master? I'm afraid you'll get injured again, especially in those dungeons. Master, they are very dangerous. I don't want to see you as you once were."

Gabriel reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Lowell's shoulder, his tone filled with unwavering confidence.

"Lowell, you are a gifted child. If you don't let that power within you sprout, you'll never become strong enough to protect the people you love. If you stay here in the comfort of an easy life, your talent will only rot, and when you face a serious situation in the future, you'll be like a young child given a wooden sword to battle a hundred soldiers in war. You are stronger than you realize. Every hardship, every danger you encounter will shape you, mold you into the warrior you are destined to become. I will be by your side, guiding you every step of the way."

Lowell took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage within him. He looked into Gabriel's eyes, finding reassurance and strength.

"If you believe in me, Master, then I will trust your guidance. I will face the world and its dangers."