Chapter 9 : Conclusion! The boy named Ash 2.

(POV: Third-Person)

At a certain wilting Applinwood tree, a boy and a man sat together, sharing a warm meal.

"How do you like the stew? I made it myself! There's some mushrooms, sausages, salt, pepper, and a few vegetables too!" Gild grinned as he ladled more stew into the boy's bowl.

"T-thank you, sir…" The boy bowed politely, clutching the warm bowl in both hands.

"Don't mention it, kid. Just promise me you'll grow up big and strong, yeah? So you can pay that kindness forward!"

"Because that's what it means to be a man!" Gild laughed heartily, thumping his chest with pride.

"I see…" The boy gave a faint smile as he stared at his reflection in the broth.

Time passed as they enjoyed the meal under the soft rustling of leaves. They had been sharing meals like this for a few weeks now.

At first, the boy was scared—closed off and hesitant—but slowly, day by day, he warmed up to Gild's warmth. Now, he even smiled when they ate together.

"I'm sorry, buddy, but I've gotta head out. It's still harvest season. Gotta make the most of it while I can," Gild said as he stood up, stacking the clean bowls and spoons.

The boy looked down sadly, then reached out and gently tugged on Gild's shirt, his face turned away in embarrassment.

"I know, I know…" Gild smiled softly, placing a hand on the boy's head. "But I promise I'll be back tomorrow. Same place, same stew. For now, remember to hide in that place we talked about, okay?"

The boy let go of his shirt with a small nod.

"Don't be so gloomy! Be grateful, alright? We get to live another day, eat good food, laugh a little."

"That's what being a real man is all about! Hahaha!" Gild laughed as he packed up.

"I thought kindness was what being a man was about…" the boy said, tilting his head.

"Being a man means a lot of things!" Gild winked.

The boy smiled again as they waved each other goodbye, and Gild made his way back to the village.

Meanwhile, back in the village...

People were gathering in the village center.

"Hey, Markus… have you seen where Gild went? The high-ranking adventurers are about to arrive," Alec asked as he tapped a man's shoulder.

"Haven't seen him. Last I caught, he was heading toward the mill," Markus said casually.

"So, he went to see the kid again…" Alec sighed. "He's gonna run out of supplies if he keeps sharing like that."

"What kid?"

"Everyone! Please present respect to the Silver-ranked adventurer—Svendr, the Dread Butcher!!" a man suddenly announced, cutting off the conversation.

CRASH!

The carriage door slammed open as silence fell over the crowd.

Svendr stepped out, a crooked grin stretched across his face. The villagers immediately bowed in fear.

"Gather them all," Svendr ordered, his voice like steel scraping stone.

"G-gather what? Sir, if I may—" the village chief stammered, stepping forward.

SLASH!!

"Why, the children, of course…" Svendr chuckled darkly as he cut the man down, slashing again and again until the poor chief was nothing more than a crimson puddle.

Screams erupted. People ran in every direction, terror gripping them like a noose.

"W-why?! Why would you do this?!" Alec screamed as he sprinted away.

"You're supposed to be an adventurer! You're supposed to protect us!"

"Shut up."

"Blood Cutter."

A crimson mana blade launched from Svendr's sword, slicing through the air.

SLASH!

Alec collapsed, his face twisting in horror as he tried to stand—only to realize his legs were no longer there.

"W-what…?" he gasped, staring down at the bloody stumps.

"ARGHHH!! YOU BASTARD!! HOW CAN SOMEONE LIKE YOU BE AN ADVENTURER?!" he roared in pain, dragging himself across the dirt.

"Insolent swine," Svendr sneered, walking forward. "You deserve nothing but death."

He raised his sword, aiming it at Alec's head.

"Bastard… The world will know what you've done here… They'll see it all…"

"Dead men tell no tales."

Svendr grinned, sword arcing back for the final blow—

"STOP!!"

His blade froze mid-air. He turned.

Gild stood at the edge of the village square, panting heavily, fists clenched.

"Kuhaha! So, the cripple has a knight in shining armor, huh?"

"G-Gild! Get out of here!!" Alec screamed, blood soaking the earth beneath him.

"A real man… will never leave a friend behind."

"Kuhaha! Good, good! This is gonna be fun… Watch closely, swine. Watch as I rip your knight to shreds!"

Svendr's laughter echoed through the village like thunder.

He stepped forward—sword ready, eyes gleaming with bloodlust.

"Gild!"

"Alec!"

To be continued…