The chief's gaze shifted uncertainly between Alaric and Thor.
Come on, Thor. Choose me, Alaric urged inwardly, though his expression remained neutral. "Did you use the amulet I gave you?" he asked calmly.
Thor scratched his head, blushing slightly. "Yes… I tried to find it afterward, but it was gone."
Alaric smiled faintly. "It served its purpose. I sensed its activation and returned."
"Thank you for destroying the willow and saving everyone," Thor said.
Alaric handed him another thunder amulet. "Keep this. Be careful from now on. I have matters to attend to—we'll meet again if fate allows." The amulet was merely for show; his stock of thunder crystals was depleted.
He stood, sheathed the Northrend Meteor-Iron Thunderblade, and turned to leave. Thor nodded vaguely, but the chief stood frozen. He had expected Alaric to renew his offer to take Thor as a disciple—half hoping, half fearing the boy's origins might be exposed. To his surprise, Alaric was walking away.
Alaric counted silently in his head. One, two, three… He had no intention of leaving. A true master never begged for disciples.
At ten, the chief called out, "Wait, my lord!"
Alaric turned slowly, face impassive.
The chief approached, Thor in tow. "This boy has suffered much. It would be an honor if you accepted him."
"It's not about honor," Alaric replied evenly. "The choice must be his."
The chief dismissed the curious villagers until only the three of them remained. "There are things you should know," he said gravely. "Please, come inside."
In the stone house, the chief looked at Thor. "Do you wish to learn from him?"
Thor's eyes shone. "Can I become as strong as you?"
Alaric smiled. "Stronger."
"Then I will!"
Alaric's expression turned serious. "But you must leave Oakwood with me. I won't stay."
Thor hesitated, glancing at the chief.
The old man coughed. "Thor, you always asked about your parents."
The boy blinked. "I have glimpses… but I can't remember. Will you tell me now?"
The chief nodded, then turned to Alaric. "His background is… complicated. He is descended from the Silvermoon nobles of Oran—and connected to the Darius family of the Black Raven Gang."
Alaric's interest sharpened. Silvermoon nobles wielded real power; the Black Raven Gang was a minor concern next to talent like Thor's. He remained silent, a faint smile playing on his lips—enough to show he understood the risks.
The chief relaxed slightly. "Forgive my caution. The boy's true name is Thor Stone. His grandfather and father were high-level mages. He was born at the Spirit-Forging stage—with a supreme earth spiritual root."
Spiritual Root 10. As expected, Alaric noted inwardly.
"Why such misfortune, then?"
"His root wasn't apparent at birth. While his parents were away searching for his missing grandfather, he was fostered with another family. Their son, Darius—older, born with double pupils—saw Thor's latent gift. Darius's mother stole it, grafting the root into her own son. By the time Thor's parents returned, it was too late. To reclaim the root meant killing Darius—something the Silvermoon nobles would not allow. They fought their way out of the city, seeking a way to save Thor's fading life… and never returned."
"Darius's maternal family controls the Black Raven Gang. They took his root, yet still seek to erase him entirely."
Thor listened, first in shock, then confusion, and finally tears. "I remember now…" he whispered.
Alaric watched him. "What will you do, now that you remember?"
"Where are my parents?" Thor asked, wiping his eyes.
Alaric nodded. A kind heart. "Aren't you angry? Darius took your supreme root. With his double pupils and your gift, he's now beyond the reach of ordinary genius."
Thor grew calm. "A root doesn't define me. True strength is earned. I will surpass him."
Alaric smiled.
Thor knelt suddenly. "Please accept me as your disciple!"
At that moment, the system chime rang in Alaric's mind:
"Congratulations. First personal disciple [Thor Stone] acquired."
"Rewards: Lottery chance x1. Faction Points +500."
✅ SYSTEM:
Faction Points: 750
New Objective: Guide disciple [Thor Stone] through foundational cultivation.
Note: Hostile faction [Black Raven Gang] awareness confirmed. Maintain low profile during initial training phase.