Do You Accept?

The sun was already high in the sky, its golden light bathing everything in a gentle warmth. No signs of any looming storms could be seen, and because of this, the villagers carried on with their tasks in high spirits, their hearts light with gratitude and hope.

A day and a half had passed since the young man, who had etched himself into the hearts and memories of the entire village, had departed. Yet even now, the kindness of their savior—and friend—remained vivid in their minds.

All around, people were busy with their daily routines. Even though fatigue clung to their limbs, there was unmistakable joy in their eyes and the lines of their faces.

Some were training or quietly meditating, while the elders tended to the crops to ensure they would have a harvest to feed them through the coming season. United as one, the villagers worked together in harmony.

Not far away, Logan stood with a broad smile on his face, watching everyone. As his gaze swept across the bustling village, something caught his eye—a young boy sitting at the base of a massive tree root, studying a small object cradled in his hands. In that child's eyes was a mixture of longing and happiness, as though he were lost in a memory only he could see.

Logan's smile softened. After a moment, he decided to walk over. He settled himself gently beside the boy and lifted his gaze to the sky, observing the clouds drifting lazily past.

"The clouds look beautiful today, don't they?" Logan asked suddenly, still looking upward.

It was only then that the boy seemed to notice he was no longer alone. Blinking in surprise, he glanced up, as if startled from a daydream.

"Grandpa… do you think Big Brother Finn will come back?" the boy asked, his voice tentative.

In his eyes, hope and yearning shone together. Logan's heart softened, and he reached out to tousle the boy's hair, smiling wide.

"Little Poll… according to Sir Finn, he promised to return once he captured that greedy old man Xuan. I saw the sincerity in his eyes—he has a golden heart. So I am sure, absolutely sure, that he will come back here to keep his word to you," Logan said warmly.

Poll's expression brightened. He nodded eagerly, a smile spreading across his face.

"Big Brother Finn is the strongest Adventurer I've ever met in my life!" Poll declared, his eyes sparkling. "When he finds that old man, he's definitely going to teach him a lesson! He can even fly on that amazing sword—so I know he's really, really strong!"

He waved his hands as he spoke, unable to contain the excitement that bubbled up whenever he talked about the young adventurer.

"Of course, of course," Logan laughed gently. "Maybe he's a noble, or an Adventurer from one of the great cities. I wouldn't be surprised if he held a high status in his homeland—he has that kind of presence."

Poll fell quiet, thinking. After a moment, he spoke again, his voice soft but determined.

"Grandpa… do you think someday we'll be able to leave this place? I want to see those tall, beautiful buildings I read about in the books…"

Hearing this, Logan's expression wavered. He looked at the boy's hopeful face, and with a heavy sigh, slowly shook his head.

"Little Poll… forgive me. But we still can't leave this place," he said quietly. "I am too weak. So are the others in the village. The forest is far too dangerous, and I can't risk their lives just to set out into the unknown."

Poll lowered his head. Silence fell over him, and sadness clouded his young features. He had always dreamed of escaping this land where survival was a daily struggle—to reach the great cities, to grow stronger, to protect Logan and all the villagers from those who preyed upon the weak.

Just then, a calm voice rose behind them.

"I heard you wished to see the great cities, Little Poll."

As the words echoed through the air, the sound of a footstep landed softly on the earth. A young man stood there, meeting Poll's wide eyes. He lowered his silver sword and offered a gentle smile.

Logan and Poll both froze in surprise. For a heartbeat, neither of them moved.

Then Poll's eyes flew wide, and he threw himself forward, sprinting straight into the young man's embrace.

"Big Brother Finn—you came back!" Poll exclaimed, hugging Finn around the waist and peering up with a radiant smile.

Finn ruffled his hair and returned the smile. "Of course I came back. My mission here isn't finished yet."

He turned to Logan and inclined his head respectfully. "Village Chief."

A deep joy rose in Logan's chest. "We're so glad you've returned, Sir Finn. I'll call everyone to prepare lunch to—"

But before he could finish, Finn lifted a hand, shaking his head slightly.

"There's no need for that, Village Chief. I've returned for two reasons." His eyes softened. "First, I'm happy to tell you I've already captured that old man Xuan."

Joy burst across Logan and Poll's faces. Relief and triumph shone in their eyes—finally, the greedy wretch who had stolen their food stores would be punished.

"And the second reason…" Finn said, resting a hand gently on Poll's small shoulder.

Poll blinked up, confused. He pointed at himself. "Because of… me?"

Finn nodded and bent down so their eyes were level. His voice lowered to a gentle murmur. "May I see your blue flame again?"

Though he didn't quite understand, Poll obediently opened his palm.

A calm, small flame flickered to life, dancing in the center of his hand. Its deep blue glow was clear for all to see.

"Big Brother Finn… do you know what this is?" Poll asked quietly.

His voice was filled with longing. Ever since he could remember, no one had been able to explain the strange blue fire that came so naturally to him.

Logan, too, leaned forward, his weathered face intent. He was old, but there were still so many mysteries he had never learned.

Finn slowly nodded. Rising, he extended his own hand. From his palm, a blazing blue-green flame erupted—far fiercer, wreathed in a potent aura.

Poll's little flame seemed to cower before it, shrinking and going still.

"The flame you possess is called an alchemy flame," Finn explained solemnly. "Only those with the talent to become Alchemists can manifest it. It isn't for combat. It is used to create pills, potions, and many other products of alchemy."

He closed his hand, extinguishing his fire, and looked back at Poll. "The flame you hold is called the Blue Alchemy Flame—one of the highest-quality flames known to Alchemists. I can't teach you everything right now—there are duties I must still fulfill. But I can guide you, at least a little. I can leave you a book of foundational knowledge."

Finn's eyes searched Poll's. "But you must decide for yourself. If you accept me as your teacher in alchemy, I will leave the book with you… if you are truly ready."

PLOP.

Before Finn could finish speaking, Poll dropped to his knees. He pressed his forehead to the earth, voice trembling with conviction.

"Big Brother—Teacher! I am ready—and honored—to accept you as my teacher!"

For a moment, Finn was taken aback by the boy's resolve. A bittersweet smile touched his lips. So young… so innocent.

"You may stand," Finn said gently.

If Morris could see him now—taking on a disciple at such a tender age—he would surely be speechless. And even more so if he learned this boy carried the same rare blue flame as Brien.

Poll rose and stepped closer, his eyes brimming with joy and determination. Never in his life had he imagined he would find a teacher here, in this little village.

After a moment, Finn drew a ring from his pocket and held it out.

"This is called an interspatial ring," Finn explained. "Similar to the bags I gave you before—but far larger inside. As my student, you'll find everything you need as a beginner Alchemist stored within—along with supplies to help you grow stronger. I must leave again soon, and I can't bring all of you with me. The kingdom is too unstable. But if you agree to remain here for a while, I will send an acquaintance to escort you when the time is right."

Poll accepted the ring with both hands. When he probed its contents, delight burst across his face—treasures beyond anything he'd dreamed of.

"Teacher—thank you! I swear, I won't disappoint you. Someday, I'll make you proud!"

Finn smiled and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"You already make me proud, Little Poll," he murmured. "Study the book I gave you. Memorize every word. When we meet again, I expect to see just how far you've grown—in alchemy and in strength. Understood?"

"Understood!" Poll cried, bowing deeply before racing off, unable to contain his excitement.

Logan watched him go, tears shining in his tired eyes. Then he turned to Finn, voice hoarse with gratitude.

"Sir Finn… thank you. This is the first time in so long I've seen Little Poll smile like that."

"He deserves every happiness," Finn replied. "He has such a kind, pure heart. A child like that… he was born for good fortune. Your village is blessed to have him."

"You're right… we are blessed," Logan said quietly. He hesitated, then looked up, voice full of quiet hope. "Sir Finn… is it true, what you said? That we might someday come to your land?"

Finn's gaze softened. He turned to the path where Poll had vanished and nodded.

"Every word was true," he said. "To be honest… sometimes I wish I could stay here myself. Life here is simple, far from the wars and chaos. But I understand why you want to leave. This forest is cruel. And there will always be adventurers who would take advantage of you. But if you come to my homeland… no one will dare harm you—not with a child like Poll among you."

Logan didn't fully grasp all he meant. But the hope in his heart had never felt so real. Finally—finally—they could dream of a life beyond mere survival.

And before that hope had even faded, Finn placed another gift in his hands—an interspatial ring filled with weapons and supplies to help them endure until help arrived.

"You must survive until then," Finn reminded him quietly.

At last, he summoned his silver sword. It rose into the air, ready to carry him away once more.

"Village Chief," he said, his voice low and solemn, "I won't have time to say goodbye to Little Poll. So… please protect him for me. He is my first student. I will not allow any harm to come to him."

"You have my word, Mister Finn," Logan replied, smiling through the tears in his eyes. "I will protect that boy as if he were my own grandson."

Finn nodded. With one last wave, he stepped onto his floating sword.

"Until we meet again, Village Chief."

And then, with the glint of silver light, he was gone.