After spending the night in the woods with Akiko, Azazul was woken from his short slumber by a knock on the door.
"Azazul… we're leaving soon," Matthew called.
"Okay, I'll be ready in a few," Azazul replied, still groggy.
Why did I stay out so late? he thought. …But it was worth it. Me and Akiko killed so many monsters.
He quickly got out of bed, took a bath, dressed in fresh clothes, and strapped his sword to the left side of his belt. Taking his baggage, he headed down to where Matthew was waiting. The silence between them was heavy as they walked deeper into the village and toward the mountains.
After a few moments, Matthew broke the silence.
"So… did you have fun last night? And what do you think of the sword?"
Azazul scratched the back of his head nervously. "What do you mean? I don't know what you're talking about."
Matthew let out a small sigh. "Azazul, I know you sneaked out. I fell asleep for a while, and when I woke up, your mana signature was gone."
I should tell him… but I can't mention Aki. Not yet, anyway.
Wait… did I just call her Aki? That's so not cool…
"Okay, okay," Azazul admitted, voice slightly trembling. "I went out and killed some monsters with the sword… I wanted to ask—where did you get it?"
Matthew was silent for a moment, then answered evenly, "I don't know. It was a gift from your mother."
Azazul's grip tightened on the hilt of the sword as confusion and sadness leaked into his voice. "Really? Why mention it now? What did she say?"
"She only said that I should give it to you when your training begins."
Azazul was quiet, his hand unconsciously resting on the hilt. So she knew this day would come… Why didn't she stay to give it to me herself? Or… better yet, why didn't she take me with her?
When they reached the foot of the three mountains, Matthew turned to him.
"Since our baggage isn't much, how about we fly to the cabin?"
Azazul's eyes widened. "Okay, that sounds great… but before we go, which mountain are we staying on? Please don't say the highest…"
"No… not yet," Matthew replied.
"Not yet?"
"Yes. First, we'll stay at the smallest one. The highest will come later."
Flying up the mountain, Azazul's mind wandered.
Will I see her tonight?
She's really weird… and yet she calls me the weirdo. How ironic.
But… she's one of the coolest people I've met. Especially after she killed that B-rank monster in minutes. Still… what do I really know about people? The only one I know is Meira.
Matthew's voice broke through his thoughts. "We've arrived."
That was quick… I really need him to teach me to fly.
Before Azazul stood a modest cabin made of dark wood, perched on a flat field carved into the mountainside. Outside, a fireplace stood ready, logs arranged neatly on either side. Matthew landed just a few feet away.
"You can put the baggage in the cabin," Matthew said. "I'll handle the fire… or is it breakfast? Dinner? Either way, once you're done, we need to talk."
"Okay," Azazul replied, though his thoughts lingered on the village below—and on Akiko.
Inside, the cabin was small but cozy. Two beds were pushed against opposite walls, feet facing each other; one sat beneath a window. A simple table occupied the center, and a door led to the bath and toilet. Azazul set down his baggage and walked over to Matthew, who was tending the fire. Without a word, he began helping.
Once the fire was steady, Matthew finally spoke.
"Azazul… what do you want to know about your mother?"
Azazul froze, surprised by the question.
After a moment, he finally asked, his voice tight with emotion, "Why… why did she leave me?"
Matthew's expression softened. "She didn't leave you. She didn't have a choice. It was either take you with her—and risk both your lives if they found her—or leave you in my care, where you would still be safe."
"Why are they looking for her anyway?"
"The king wants your mother… and he will stop at nothing. There's a bounty of sixteen million gold coins on her head—and twenty million on yours. The gods themselves have placed bounties on you both."
"The king… gods?" Azazul asked, confusion creeping in.
"Yes. Your mother was half creation god and half fallen god—her eyes, gold and grey, a trait you now share. She was adopted by the Thunder Clan because of her lightning affinity. The clan's headleader protected her even after the gods found out, allowing her to enter the human realm… which eventually led to his execution. The king, Salis, planned to use you and your mother in a war against the gods because of the Eye of Darkness."
Azazul's voice dropped softly. "The Eye of Darkness?"
"Yes. It's a powerful curse. When combined with the genes of the fallen god, it can produce black flames capable of destroying even the gods. You… are the rightful heir to that power. The Prince of Darkness."
"So… Mom is a deity? And the king knew about her lineage?"
"Yes. She trusted him… not knowing his plans. She left him to protect you after learning he had betrayed her."
Matthew's gaze softened. "I was there the night you were born. The king's forces found her while she was weak from childbirth. She trusted me to get you to safety. I followed her instructions… and that's why you're alive today."
Azazul remained silent, staring into the fire. Matthew continued, his tone serious.
"Think about this, Azazul: what will you do to protect the people you love? No need to answer now—just think."
Before Azazul could respond, Matthew added, "While I work on breakfast, you can take your sword and do 500 downward slashes, 500 horizontal. After that, we eat, then push-ups, then repeat the slashes. Afterward, you can join your friend."
Wait… he knows! Azazul thought, face warming in embarrassment. "It's not what you think!"
Matthew chuckled. "Then why are you blushing?"
Azazul tried to hide behind his bangs. "I'm not blushing!"
He hurriedly grabbed his sword and began his 1,000 slashes while Matthew went to fetch meat and vegetables, thoughts racing.
Why didn't I tell him…? How do you explain to a seven-year-old that the power in his eye will lead to self-destruction if misused? He needs to be strong enough to rely not just on the Eye of Darkness, but also on his creation lineage and his elemental affinities. He needs to know he's not alone in this war…
Matthew glanced at Azazul swinging his sword, determination shining in his young eyes.
This boy was born into a war no human could hope to survive… Let's hope he doesn't crumble under the pressure.