The announcement said that three years of training were required before applying to the academy and taking the entrance exam. To increase one's chances of being accepted, it was recommended to train under a mentor—preferably someone who had attended the academy before.
Terrmomix, having no one to guide him, decided to become stronger on his own.
He headed deep into a forest, determined to train and learn how to survive. He was willing to give everything he had to enter the academy and make his family proud from beyond the grave.
At twelve years old, he managed to survive a full day in the dark woods, fighting off small animals and eating whatever fruits he could find. But one day, as he walked through the forest, he encountered a bear nearly 1.70 meters tall.
Terrmomix froze.
He knew he couldn't win.
He tried to move away quietly, but the bear sensed him and immediately charged. Terrmomix didn't move—he could only think:
"Am I going to die? Is this how it ends?"
But in that instant, a figure leaped from behind the bear, landing on its head. With a single precise and clean strike, he cut the bear's throat, saving Terrmomix.
Terrmomix didn't move. He simply stared at the stranger—a man who looked around forty years old. The man smiled at him and extended a hand.
"Are you alright, kid?" he asked gently.
Terrmomix, unsure of what to do, accepted the help and stood up silently. Seeing how shy he was, the man introduced himself.
"My name is Son. And yours, little one?" he said while fixing Terrmomix's messy hair.
"T–Terrmomix…" he answered nervously.
"Terrmomix—nice name. And what are you doing out here alone in the middle of the forest?" Son asked with concern.
"I came here to train… and try to enter the academy…" Terrmomix admitted, afraid of being judged.
"Oh, I see. And do you have a teacher helping you?" Son asked, still wearing that warm smile.
"No…" Terrmomix replied.
"Alright then. When I was young, I tried entering the academy too. I took the exam but didn't pass. If you'd like, I can train you so you have a better chance. Would you like that?" Son said with genuine enthusiasm.
Terrmomix's eyes widened. He couldn't believe someone was willing to become his teacher.
"Really?! That would help me so much… thank you!"
"Good. Then come with me to my home. I think you'll like it," Son said kindly.
Terrmomix hesitated for a moment, but followed him with determination.
After walking for a while, they arrived at a cabin deep in the forest. Son invited Terrmomix inside. He entered nervously, but the first thing he saw were two girls—one his age and one much younger. They looked at him curiously, but without fear.
"Dad, who is he?" asked the older girl.
"Hello again, girls. This is Terrmomix—my new apprentice," Son said proudly.
Both girls stared at him with interest as they approached confidently.
"Nice to meet you, Terrmomix! I'm Vexana, and I'm twelve," said the older sister, smiling just like her father.
"A-And… I'm Roberta… a-and I'm five…" said the younger one shyly, hiding behind her sister.
Terrmomix looked at them carefully, then gave a small smile.
"Nice to meet you. Like your father said, I'm Terrmomix—and I'm also twelve, just like you, Vexana," he said.
"Then I hope we become good friends, Terrmomix! And don't worry—my dad can be strict, but you'll get used to his lessons," Vexana teased.
"Hey now, don't be mean to me," Son said with a laugh.
Vexana and Roberta giggled, and soon Son and Terrmomix were laughing too.
"Terrmomix, make yourself at home. And by the way, you're not my only apprentice—there are four others. You'll meet them soon," Son told him warmly.
"I understand. And… thank you for teaching me," Terrmomix replied, both curious and excited.
Son placed a gentle hand on Terrmomix's head while Vexana and Roberta watched with wide smiles.