It had been five months since the demon incident at the royal market. Five months since the city had been thrown into chaos, and yet, as I walked through the now-restored streets, it was as if nothing had ever happened.
The market district, once reduced to flames and ruin, had been rebuilt within a week. The cobblestone roads gleamed under the morning sun, freshly polished by diligent workers. The vibrant stalls overflowed with exotic fruits, handcrafted trinkets, and the rich aroma of sizzling meats from street vendors. Merchants shouted their prices, children laughed as they ran through the crowds, and the hum of everyday life had returned in full force.
It was almost hard to believe that this place had once been a battlefield. Still, despite the liveliness, something felt different. Maybe it was the lingering fear in people's eyes, or the way soldiers patrolled the streets more frequently, their armor glinting under the sunlight. The city had recovered, but deep down, it hadn't forgotten. But that wasn't my main concern today.
I was at the training ground, completely drenched in sweat after a morning session with Calvin and Casia. Calvin wiped his forehead with his sleeve and grinned, "Oye, Rayon, come on! Let's eat. I'm starving!" Casia, standing beside him, hesitated for a moment. Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she nodded, "Y-yeah. Let's go have breakfast."
I narrowed my eyes at her. "Casia, do you have a fever?" Her blush deepened. "N-No! I'm fine!" Calvin gave me a knowing smirk but didn't say anything. Master, who had been watching from the side, casually twirled a wooden twig in his fingers. I waved them off, "You both go ahead. I'll come later." With that, the two of them walked toward the manor, leaving me behind.
His golden eyes sharpened as he spoke. "Brat, in one week, the six months will be over." He flicked the twig away. "It's time you ask your parents for permission to become an adventurer." I blinked. "Oh. Right. I completely forgot." Master snorted, "You 'forgot'? Or you were avoiding it?" I scratched the back of my head awkwardly. "…Maybe a little of both?"
Master chuckled, shaking his head. "Go ask them today. Let's see if you survive their reaction." His cryptic tone sent a chill down my spine. As I entered the manor, Aur suddenly jumped onto my shoulder, her soft fur brushing against my neck. I flinched. "Where were you?" Aur flicked her tail. 'After seeing Calvin and Casia coming from the training ground, I stood by the door and waited.' I smirked and said, 'Aww, were you worried about me?'
She grinned playfully. 'Of course! I wanted to eat with you, so I waited.' I chuckled, rubbing her ears. 'You need to improve your teasing skills, Aur. That was weak.' She huffed, 'Whatever, let's just eat now. I'm starving.' After breakfast, I made my way toward my parents' room, Aur still perched on my shoulder. The door was slightly open, and I could hear Mother's voice inside.
I took a deep breath. How do I even ask them? Aur laughed in my mind, 'Aww, just ask them. At worst, you'll get a scolding or one or two slap. Hahaha!' I shot back, 'You're enjoying this, aren't you?' She snickered, 'Oh, definitely. It's been two months since your Dad last scolded you. I've missed the show.' I ignored her and knocked on the door.
Mom and Dad sat inside, engaged in conversation. The moment their eyes fell on me, I suddenly felt very small. Mother's amber eyes softened slightly. "What is it, Rayon?" I clenched my fists, forcing the words out as fast as I could. I said, "Iwanttobecomeanadventurer." Dad narrowed his blue eyes, "Speak slower. We have time to listen." I gulped. "I… want… to… become… an… adventurer." A long silence stretched between us.
Then—
Mom smiled sweetly, "Sure, dear. You can become an adventurer…" I brightened up—until she finished. "…when you're older." Dad nodded proudly, "Yes, A man should experience such things in life." I frowned. "No, I mean, I want to become an adventurer next week."
SLAM!
Mom stood up so fast that her chair nearly toppled over. "Absolutely NOT! NOT NOW! YOU ARE TOO YOUNG!" Her voice boomed across the room. I flinched. Dad's face darkened. "Rayon, it has only been five months since you returned home. Do you think we'll just let you leave again?" Aur was cackling in my mind, 'Ahh, the drama! The tension! I'm enjoying this! I should add some spices to this recipe…' I muttered, 'Aur, shut up.'
Mom crossed her arms. "Rayon, do you have any idea how dangerous the world is? How many people DIE out there?"
"But I can handle myself!" I argued. She glared daggers at me. I winced. Dad sighed, "Son, we're not saying no forever. Just… not now." I clenched my fists. "But—"
WHAM!
Mom slammed her hand onto the table, "Are you trying to KILL ME with stress, Rayon?! Do you want me to go gray before my time?!" I took a step back. "…No?" She narrowed her eyes. "Then drop this foolish idea." Dad rubbed his temples. "Rayon, you must be patient. You have time. Train more. Grow stronger." I opened my mouth to argue, but Mom cut me off. "You are our son, Rayon. Not some reckless warrior."
That hit me harder than I expected. The room was silent. Aur sighed, 'Haa… even I feel bad for you now.' I took a deep breath. "I understand your concerns… but this is what I want." I turned to Dad. "You always say a man should experience life, right?" Dad's expression shifted slightly. I looked at Mother. I continued, "And you always tell me to be strong enough to protect what I love. How can I do that if I stay sheltered?"
Mom bit her lip. Dad sighed deeply. "Tch… stubborn brat."
Mom massaged her forehead before finally sitting down. "…Fine." I blinked. "Wait, what?" She exhaled. "You'll go eventually, won't you? It's better to let you go on our terms." Dad nodded, "But under one condition—you spend another month training here before you leave."
I didn't say anything. I thought, 'I don't have time now. I can't delay this anymore. I can't afford to.' Mom sighed dramatically. "I swear, you're going to give me wrinkles one day." Aur snickered, 'She's already getting them.' I barely stopped myself from laughing out loud. Mom squinted at me, "…Why do I feel like you're thinking something rude?"
"I'll be going with him." His deep voice silenced the room. My parents both turned to him, stunned. Mother's eyes narrowed. "Master… you're encouraging this?" Master chuckled, "Encouraging? No. I'm simply making sure he doesn't die." Dad rubbed his temples. "Master, you have trained Rayon well, but—"
"If I don't let him experience the world now, he'll never be ready for what he has to face in the future," Master interrupted. Father asked, "What?" He said, "What we all human face." Mom hesitated, "…And if something happens to him?" Master smirked, "Then you can kill me yourself." Mom sighed loudly, rubbing her forehead, "…I swear, you men will be the death of me."
Dad exhaled, glancing at me, "You will listen to Master. No reckless actions. Understood?" I grinned. "Understood. Means I can start from next week?" They nodded. Mom glared at me. "And if I hear that you nearly died again, Rayon—so help me—I will drag you back home myself and ground you until you're fifty." I winced. "Got it, got it." Aur snickered, 'Fifty years? Damn, your mom doesn't play around.' I barely stopped myself from laughing out loud. Mom squinted at me. "…Why do I feel like you're thinking something rude again?" I coughed, "N-no reason."
Dad smirked. "He's your son, after all." Mom groaned. "He gets his stubbornness from YOU." Dad shrugged, "And his charm from you, dear." I grinned. "So, I'm both strong and charming?" Mom flicked my forehead. "Don't push your luck." Aur snickered in my mind, 'She got you there.' I rubbed my forehead, but I couldn't stop smiling.
As I left the room, Aur yawned dramatically. 'Well, that was fun. I'd rate your performance a solid six out of ten.' I rolled my eyes. 'Oh, shut up, Aur.' She flicked her tail smugly. 'At last you convinced them.'