After leaving the village, the three brothers set out on their journey. The path led them into a lush tropical forest, where spring painted the land with vibrant life. The weather was gentle — little rain, no harsh sunlight — the perfect season for traveling.
Walking beneath the dense canopy, Willin and Shun were brimming with curiosity. Every strange tree, every patch of mushrooms clinging to fallen logs caught their eyes. Sometimes a squirrel darted past or a swarm of butterflies rose in colorful waves, leaving Shun wide-eyed in amazement.
-"Look, Willin! That tree grew straight out of the rock!" Shun exclaimed, pointing at an ancient root gripping the mossy cliffside.
Willin knelt to study clusters of mushrooms, careful to memorize their shapes, wary of poisonous ones.
Holland followed behind, silent, watching his younger brothers with quiet fondness. Each time Shun got overly excited, Holland could only shake his head and chuckle softly, his calm presence grounding them.
By late afternoon, they reached a small stream flowing gently over mossy stones. They stopped to rest, scooping cool water to drink and wash their faces.
Shun stretched out his arms toward the sky peeking through the canopy, his voice bright with wonder:
— "The world outside… it's so free, so vast, and full of mysteries. I never imagined it could be this beautiful!"
Willin smiled faintly, nodding in agreement. Holland, as usual, only leaned back against a tree, chuckling quietly at his youngest brother's naïve joy.
In that peaceful moment by the stream, their first journey truly began — one that would carry them farther than any of them could ever dream.
The three merchants greeted the brothers with warm smiles. With great pride, they presented their goods: rare healing potions, exotic herbs, and powerful tonics designed for adventurers.
Shun and Willin listened wide-eyed, hanging onto every word. Holland, however, stood calmly, assessing with quiet thought. After a moment, he reached into his pouch and purchased two bottles of Instant Strength Elixir, handing one to each of his younger brothers.
-"Take these," Holland said firmly. "You'll need them one day. This isn't just a gift—it's preparation."
Shun held the vial with awe, his voice trembling:
-"B-but… this must cost a fortune…"
Holland chuckled softly.
-"Money can be earned again. Lives cannot."
One of the elder merchants then gave them directions:
-"If you head west for about seventy kilometers, you'll reach the Tradepost Inn—a place where travelers rest and merchants from all over gather to exchange goods. The landlady is kind, and though the manager seems gloomy, he is helpful in his own way."
The three brothers bowed in gratitude before setting off again.
As they walked, Shun asked curiously:
-"Why are we heading west first, Holland? Why not straight to our destination?"
Holland explained patiently:
-"Because the inn is a hub for adventurers. There's a grand market there—you can buy and sell what you need. A hero doesn't survive on strength alone; preparation is just as important."
Shun nodded, excitement bubbling inside him. The world was even greater than he had dreamed. But Holland's next words sent a shiver down his spine:
-"And remember, the western lands… during the day, it burns like a desert. At night, it freezes colder than the Arctic. Be ready."
Shun clenched his fist, eyes gleaming. A new trial awaited them—one that would test their resolve more than ever before.
On their way west, the brothers stumbled upon a shattered roadside statue of the local earth deity. The once-proud figure lay in ruins, fragments scattered across the ground.
Shun frowned, unable to just walk past. Turning to his brothers, he asked earnestly:
-"Please… give me a few minutes."
Willin nodded, and Holland crossed his arms, watching silently. Shun carefully gathered the broken pieces, setting them back into place as best he could. Then he plucked a few wildflowers, placed them on the base, and pressed his hands together.
-"Protect us on our journey… Grant us the strength to face what lies ahead."
For a brief moment, his youthful eyes shone with pure determination—an innocent heart wrapped in the spirit of a future hero.
Not long after, the bushes nearby rustled. A band of thieves burst out, blades gleaming in the fading sunlight.
-"Hand over your money and goods, or die!" one snarled.
Shun's blood boiled. Before Willin could ready his bow or Holland could react, he had already drawn his sword and charged. His strikes were swift and decisive—the bandits fell one after another, their cries cut short.
The survivors trembled as Shun held his blade to their throats.
He smirked proudly, tilting his chin slightly upward.
-"Pathetic. You call this banditry?"
Willin chuckled.
-"Hot-headed as ever."
Holland gave a faint smirk and shook his head.
-"A little too cocky, Shun. But… not bad."
Together, they tied the bandits up, dragging them along the road as captives.
By the time the sky blazed crimson and the sun dipped below the horizon, the western land finally unfolded before them. A bitter wind cut through the air, making Shun shiver inside his armor. The warmth of day had vanished, replaced by a cold sharp enough to pierce the skin.
-"This is only the beginning," Holland murmured, his eyes fixed on the faint glow of lanterns ahead—the Tradepost Inn, their first true destination.