The First Adventure

Whoo...

 I feel different today; He looked at his own trembling hands. Is this really mana inside me. I can feel something.

Wait, I'm in my room. If I do something wrong, maybe my room will explode. I think I should tag along with Dad and Kaida.

Yup, you're right. She's the girl who wants to become a warrior and has been training with my dad. Tomorrow is the day, when they're both going to the forest for hunting training.

It's not gone be that simple I have to convince dad first

Dinner Time

Poll sat at the dinner table, swinging his legs beneath the chair as he nibbled on a piece of bread. His eyes darted between his parents, waiting for the right moment. Finally, after a dramatic pause for effect, he cleared his throat.

"Ahem. Father," he began, putting on his most serious face, "I think I should join you and Kaida for hunting training tomorrow."

His dad, Eryndor, paused mid-bite, his fork hovering in the air. He blinked at Poll, clearly caught off guard. "You want to come hunting? Tomorrow?"

"Yup." Poll nodded confidently.

Eryndor frowned, scratching his chin. "Poll, I thought you wanted to be a mage. You've been holed up with books, muttering spell gibberish for months now. What's with the sudden interest in hunting? Don't tell me you're planning to enchant the deer or something."

Poll shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I still want to be a mage," he said, then added with a sly grin, "but I figured it wouldn't hurt to learn some of your cool moves too. You know, expand my skill set. And who knows? Maybe I'll invent a magic-infused hunting technique."

Eryndor raised an eyebrow. "Magic hunting? Like fireballing a rabbit? That seems... efficient."

Poll beamed. "Exactly! Efficient!"

Seraphina, who had been quietly observing with a knowing smile, finally spoke up. "Well, isn't my little star just full of ambition?" She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "But Poll, hunting can be messy. Are you ready to trade your magical tomes for dirt, sweat, and possibly stepping in deer poop?"

Poll grimaced, but quickly recovered. "I'll wear boots!"

Eryndor chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, Poll. If you're so eager to join, you're welcome to come. But don't say I didn't warn you—Kaida's training sessions are no joke. That girl's got a competitive streak a mile wide. If you slow her down, she might just use you for target practice."

"Great! I'll bring a shield," Poll quipped.

Seraphina laughed, ruffling his hair. "Just don't overdo it, multitasker. Whether it's magic or hunting, you've got time. No need to conquer the world in a day."

Poll grinned up at her. "Thanks, Mama. I promise I won't explode anything. Probably."

Eryndor raised his glass with a smirk. "Here's to surviving tomorrow's adventure without any magical mishaps. And to Poll, the future master of everything."

Poll raised his bread like it was a toast. "To not stepping in poop!"

The family burst into laughter, the warm sound filling the room as they continued their meal. Tomorrow promised to be an interesting day.

The Next Morning

Poll stood in his room on the second floor, gazing out the window as the first light of dawn spilled over the horizon. The faint sounds of his father and Kaida preparing outside reached him through the open window. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his small bow and slung it over his shoulder.

With quick, eager steps, Poll descended the stairs, the cool stone beneath his feet reminding him that today was different. As he reached the bottom, his father glanced up from the courtyard, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Ready, Poll?" he asked.

Poll nodded, heart racing with a mix of nerves and excitement. "Ready."

As Poll reached the courtyard, his father's eyes fell on the small bow slung over his shoulder. He chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"That bow's a bit ambitious for a boy your age," his father said with a warm smile. He knelt down and handed Poll a wooden sword, its surface smooth but sturdy. "You'll need more practice before we trust you with the real thing. For now, this will do."

Poll took the wooden sword, his fingers curling around the grip. It wasn't a real sword, but he could feel its weight and purpose. His father ruffled his hair.

"Remember, Poll, strength comes in many forms—whether it's wielding a blade or mastering magic. Focus on control before power."

Poll nodded, understanding that this was part of the journey, even if the real sword had to wait.

As Poll stood in the courtyard, adjusting his grip on the wooden sword, he heard hurried footsteps approaching. He turned to see Lira and Elowen sprinting toward him.

"Wait! We're coming too!" Lira exclaimed, her ponytail bouncing as she ran up, followed closely by Elowen.

"We're coming too!" Elowen added, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Poll's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know about today's hunting?"

Lira grinned mischievously. "Because Kaida told us!"

What…!! If they're coming with us, I won't have the chance to experiment with my first mana spell, Poll thought. "I'm glad you're here!" he said, a mix of excitement and disappointment swirling in his chest.

His father chuckled. "Well, it seems I have my work cut out for me… Let's see what you all can handle today. Are you all ready for adventure?"

"Yes, sir!"

As they made their way through the forest, Poll's mind raced with thoughts.

I remember reading something about this in a book—something related to science and nature. But how does it all connect? He glanced at the trees around him, their towering trunks and rustling leaves whispering secrets he was eager to understand.

He took a deep breath, the scent of damp earth and pine filling his lungs. What if I could find a way to blend my world's science into magic with the natural world…?

"Hey, Dad, what are we going to hunt today?"

"Hmm… Nightwolves would be good. I saw a poster at the guild hall. Maybe we can make some money too."

"But it's daytime."

"Yeah, it is."

"So, how…?"

Kaida chimed in, her tone confident. "Hm hm hmm... We've got a trick or two up our sleeves. Nightwolves can be lured out if you know what you're doing."

Eryndor turned to the group with a commanding voice. "The four of you wait here. I need to get the permit."

Without waiting for a response, he took a few strides forward, putting several meters between himself and the kids. Then, with a swift concentration of mana in his legs, Eryndor launched himself upward. In a blink, he leapt from branch to branch, the dense forest canopy parting before him as he ascended the towering tree.

Poll watched in awe as his father scaled the 50–60-foot tree with ease, his movements fluid, almost effortless, like a creature born to the wild. Within seconds, Eryndor reached the top, disappearing into the dense leaves above.

"Woooaaah!" Poll whispered, eyes wide. "That's so cool!"

At the top of the tree, Eryndor perched on a thick branch, the vast forest stretching out beneath him. He reached into his tunic and pulled out a gleaming badge, the emblem of the Adventurer's Guild. Holding it up, he focused his mana through it, connecting with the distant guild officer.

"Eryndor Nightvale here, requesting permission to hunt the Nightwolves in the Western Forest," he spoke, his voice calm but firm, like a seasoned warrior. The wind rustled through the leaves, but Eryndor stood perfectly still, his piercing eyes scanning the dark forest below, ever vigilant.

Silence.

"...Heyyy… do you hear me?! Where did everyone go?!" he barked, irritation creeping into his voice as he shifted impatiently, eyes narrowing. This was supposed to be easy...

A muffled sigh came through the receiver. "Yeah, we can hear you. Can you please repeat your request, Adventurer? Your signal's a bit spotty," the officer's voice replied, the calmness only adding to Eryndor's mounting frustration.

Seriously? He shook his head, trying to keep his composure. "I said, High-Class, Rank S—Eryndor Nightvale, adventurer extraordinaire. I hereby submit a quest request to hunt down the dreaded Nightwolves of the Western Forest... with three middle schoolers and one kindergarten boy."

There was a pause.

"...Wait, what?!" the officer spluttered, disbelief creeping into his voice. "Did you say… kindergarten boy?"

"Yes," Eryndor replied flatly. "One kindergarten boy. Don't ask questions, just sign me off."

Another awkward silence. Finally, the officer's voice came back, much more cautious. "Request accepted… Permission granted, Captain Eryndor. We know this job is a walk in the park for you, but please be cautious. Reports say the Nightwolves have become more… aggressive recently. Ensure the safety of your team, especially the kindergarten boy. And remember, the pack leader—deal with it quickly."

Eryndor nodded solemnly, despite the ridiculousness of the entire situation. "Understood. I'll handle it."

The badge on his chest flickered briefly, and the connection ended. He let out a tired sigh. This was going to be fun.

With the guild's permission secured, Eryndor wasted no time. He leapt from the towering tree, descending in graceful arcs. Branches swayed as he passed, and in moments, his feet touched the ground without a sound.

"We're heading left from here," he said, his voice steady but filled with purpose. "A short walk will take us to a rocky area. That's where the Nightwolves are most often found."

He glanced at the group, his eyes sharp. "We'll set up some traps there to prepare for the hunt."

"Yes, sir," they all replied, eager for the adventure ahead

***