Chapter 6: The Promise Beneath the Cliff

The morning sun filtered through the wooden cracks of the hut as birds called out in the distance.

"Vaelrik... Vaelrik, are you awake?" Maria's voice rang out.

Vaelrik stirred under the furs. "Yeah, I'm awake."

"We have to go hunting. Mom said to take you with me."

He sat up slowly, rubbing his shoulder. "I'm still recovering."

Maria crossed her arms. "Mother said nothing is free in this world. If you want to eat, you have to work. So let's go."

Vaelrik sighed, blankly staring at the ceiling. So cruel… Still, in raw strength, I'm already on par with a Swordmaster.

---

Two Hours Later

"Vaelrik, come here," Maria called from a clearing.

He stepped beside her, still limping slightly.

"This is our Shaman. We take blessings from them before a hunt—for protection."

Vaelrik observed the old man silently. I sense no divine or demonic energy from him. Must be more about morale than magic.

---

As they moved through the woods, Maria turned. "Still recovering? Then how about a small raid instead of a full hunt?"

Vaelrik gave a slow nod.

Their footsteps grew quiet as the wind shifted.

"Bear King," Maria whispered. "We should run."

Vaelrik narrowed his eyes. "Too late. He's already seen us."

The forest shook.

BAMMM—

The beast exploded through the trees. Maria dove behind a rock. Vaelrik stood firm.

He drew his sword, feeling the pulse of danger settle into his veins.

"Eye of the Sword God," he muttered.

Lines lit up in his vision, tracing the Bear King's weak points.

He channeled all his aura into his legs, then burst forward with precision and fury. One clean strike—straight to the neck.

The Bear King crashed, lifeless.

Vaelrik collapsed onto the earth, gasping. Huff… huff…

Maria peeked out. "You're amazing. You saved us."

"Thanks."

She looked sheepish. "Oh—also, I brought a bow. Forgot to use it."

Vaelrik rolled to the side and groaned, defeated. "...Unbelievable."

---

Later That Night

"Vaelrik! Join us for the feast!"

He shook his head. "I've got something to do."

In silence, he walked into the heart of the forest, sat cross-legged beneath the trees, and closed his eyes.

---

Five Hours Later

A pulse of energy erupted from his body.

He opened his eyes slowly.

"Finally... Immortal Rank."

He clenched his fist, testing his aura. "I can easily defeat Swordmasters now. Even 8th Circle Mages..."

> He had used a different method—unorthodox, but effective.

---

Five Years Later

"It's time to leave," Vaelrik said, strapping his blade to his back.

Suzia nodded with her usual calm. "Alright. But be careful out there."

Vaelrik looked around. "Where's Maria?"

Suzia hesitated. "She ran off crying when she heard. Toward the cliffs—left side of the forest."

---

Thirty Minutes Later

He paused near the cliffside, extending his senses. I can feel everything under 500 meters... There.

He stepped into the clearing.

Maria sat curled up, wiping her tears.

"I'm leaving," Vaelrik said quietly.

She didn't look up. "Go die on the way."

Vaelrik chuckled softly. "Then mourn me later. Why mourn me now?"

"You're not coming back, are you? You're healed. Stronger now. You don't need this place anymore."

He knelt beside her. "I'll come back. After six years."

Maria looked up, eyes red. "Promise?"

"Promise."

She smiled, faintly blushing.

---

And so, I

left.

The problem was—I had no idea where to go.

But the Tribe Leader, Suzia, had recommended the Vikena Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Elves.