Departure

Surrounded by the jubilant laughter and warmth of family and friends, Rei knew this ceremony would be etched into his memory forever. A decade of growth, learning, and giving had culminated in this moment, and the future stretched before him like a vast, open horizon.

With his heart brimming with gratitude and anticipation, he stepped forward into the center of the celebration, ready to embrace the day and create memories that would endure for a lifetime.

The village square was alive with festivity. Lanterns swung gently from their posts, casting golden light over the gathered crowd. The air buzzed with joy—the laughter of children, the hearty exchanges of adults, and the tantalizing aroma of the colossal ceremonial pie, its sheer size a testament to the community's collective effort. Rei stood amidst it all, overwhelmed by the love and generosity of the villagers who had watched him grow.

As the evening waned, Rei made his way home, carrying the warmth of the day like a cherished keepsake. Inside, surrounded by colorful wrappings and ribbons, he eagerly unwrapped the gifts bestowed upon him. Each one spoke of care and purpose, a reflection of the relationships he had nurtured and the lives he had touched.

His mother, Lily, had chosen books—two tomes that catered to his varied passions. One detailed the art of herbal medicine, another delved into taming magic and deadly beasts, and a silver bracelet. His father, Thomas, had gifted him a finely crafted sword, its blade keen and balanced, alongside books on the Central Sword Style and the secrets of awakening one's inner potential. Rei ran his fingers over the worn leather covers, feeling the weight of his father's faith in his abilities.

Kaiser, his adventurous companion, had clearly poured his heart into his gifts. Intricately engraved gauntlets, a marvelously engineered crossbow, and a sturdy yet supple pair of boots—all designed for endurance and battle. Lyla, his dear sister, had sent a stunning red-and-white hiori, a delicate yet deadly dagger, and a shimmering, iridescent bag meant to carry the treasures of his journeys.

The villagers had also left their mark, presenting him with weapons and books—symbols of the lessons they had imparted. A spear from the hunter, a chain from the blacksmith, a bow from the master archer. Each item carried the weight of trust and encouragement. Among the treasures were precious materials of rare origin: leaf krystallite, sound krystallite, shadow krystallite, and holy krystallite. Three rare ores—ezra, kryon, and xyra—gleamed under the lantern's glow, whispering of future experiments and innovations. Magic stones and spell tomes promised untapped potential, and from his sister Hanna came a suit of light armor, a set of throwing knives, and enchanted garments woven with otherworldly beauty.

Even Emilia, his beloved tutor, had not forgotten him. She sent a tome of magical spells, a whispering cloak brimming with ancient secrets, and a purse heavy with coins and notes. Each gift promised future adventures and reflected the love and support surrounding him.

As the night deepened, the village bestowed upon him a title: "Miracle Child." It resonated deeply within him as his parents and the villagers spoke it aloud, their voices filled with both pride and expectation. He knew the weight such a designation carried, and he vowed, silently and solemnly, to be worthy of it.

The celebration continued into the night, with feasts of sweet and savory delicacies, wine and ale flowing freely among the revelers. The finest vintages were sampled, and Rei, eager to partake in the tradition, raised his glass in gratitude. As the festivities wound down, the villagers began to drift home, leaving behind a lingering hum of warmth and well-wishes.

When Rei finally returned to his room, laden with gifts, his eyes fell upon one particularly peculiar item—a cart. At first, he found it an odd inclusion, but as he began to organize his belongings, he understood its purpose. The sturdy, well-crafted frame would allow him to carry his treasures without burdening himself. It was a tool of foresight, a silent companion for the journeys ahead.

Morning arrived with golden light spilling over the village rooftops. An early riser by nature, Rei laced up his boots and set off for a morning jog. The crisp air filled his lungs, the soft glow of dawn painting the world in hues of amber and gold. His heart pounded rhythmically as his feet kissed the earth, each step a testament to the strength and vitality within him.

Upon his return to the family estate, an unexpected sight awaited him. At the gate stood his father, Thomas, his broad frame illuminated by the morning sun. In his hand, he held a sword, its polished blade gleaming ominously. Behind him, Lily hovered, her face pale with worry.

Before Rei could speak, Thomas lunged.

Instinct took over. Rei threw himself to the side as the blade slashed through the air. But his father turned around and attacked the blade of Rei's sword relentlessly, pressing the assault with precision and intensity. Rei's grip on the sword hilt weakened, and then Thomas attacked at his grip and sent the sword away. Rei took out his chaos scepter and used a wind blast however, Thomas was quick and agile and avoided it, then kicked Rei, sending him sprawling against the trunk of a tree. Pain exploded through his skull, his vision swimming with stars. Before Rei could use his scepter, Thomas closed in, a fist colliding with Rei's jaw. The crack reverberated through his bones, blood filling his mouth with its sharp, metallic taste.

Reeling, he looked up at his father in shock, but the older man's expression was unreadable, his grip on the sword firm. Then, without a word, Thomas turned and began loading the cart with Rei's belongings.

"After turning ten, the child must leave the nest and forge their own path."

The words struck Rei harder than any blow. He thought of Hanna's departure years ago, Emilia's cryptic farewell. It had all been leading to this—a tradition, an unspoken rite of passage. Children of the village were sent away to survive, to grow through hardship, to prove themselves.

Lily stood nearby, silent tears glistening in her eyes. Her hands trembled, clasped tightly together. Rei steadied himself, brushing dirt from his tunic. Reaching into his satchel, he withdrew six carefully wrapped items.

"These gifts are for Lyla's naming ceremony," he said, voice steady despite the turmoil within him. "And these are for Kaiser's. Please give these to them when the time comes."

Thomas took the packages, his eyes softening, though his stance remained resolute. "You're ready, Rei."

Rei met his father's gaze, his own fierce with determination. "But don't hesitate to call me if you need me, Father."

His voice was hoarse from the morning's ordeal, but it carried the weight of the bond they shared. With a final nod, Rei turned and began walking. The cart groaned softly behind him, the weight of his new responsibilities pressing heavy on his shoulders. As he stepped into the mist of the morning, he left behind the comforts of childhood and stepped boldly into a world brimming with challenges, adventures, and untold possibilities.

Luc, watching the entire scene while invisible, muttered, "He is different. Most children would be outright resentful after their parents did something like this however, he is calm. However, here's my mission start. Now I just have to train Rei before initiating a contact between Sigil and Rei"