By the time Dain returned home, the sun had nearly dipped below the horizon. Outside the wooden cabin, Ren had already arrived. A soft breeze rustled his hair as Mei, his mother, stepped out to greet him.
"Ren, where's your father?" she asked.
"He went back into the forest, but said not to worry," Ren replied.
To prove his point, he summoned his item box. A swirling void opened, and the massive boar's body spilled onto the ground with a heavy thud.
Mei's eyes widened. "You and your father caught that?"
Ren shook his head proudly. "No. I did."
She knelt beside him, brushing his hair with a gentle hand. "All by yourself?"
"Yes."
Her smile softened, pride shining in her eyes. "Looks like my little boy has grown."
Inside the cabin, Mei guided him through preparing the boar. Her hands moved with practiced skill—salting, trimming, marinating, cooking. Ren watched closely, helping where he could, awestruck at the transformation of raw meat into a savory feast.
When the food was finally ready, mother and son shared a quiet meal, warmth and laughter filling the small home.
It was then that the door opened. Dain stepped inside, shadows clinging to his broad shoulders. In his arms, he carried the child.
Mei froze. "Darling… whose child is that?"
Dain's gaze met hers, heavy and solemn, as the fire crackled between them.
That's how my adventure began. An ex-adventurer found me in the forest.
To be continued.