After making his decision, Terrmomix went into a forest on the outskirts of the city.
Since he had no one to help him with his training, he decided to train alone – the only weapon he had was a spear he had made himself with stones and wood.
At 12 years old, he managed to survive a day in the dark forest, fighting small animals and eating wild fruit.
Luckily, when he was younger he liked reading about plants, so he knew which ones were poisonous and which were not.
As he walked through the deep forest, he came across a 1.60-meter bear that was devouring its prey. Terrmomix stood still – he knew he couldn't defeat it in any way.
He tried to leave without making a sound, but the bear detected his presence and quickly lunged at him.
Terrmomix froze – he couldn't do anything, he only thought "Is it going to eat me?" But at that moment a silhouette jumped behind the bear up to its head, and with a clean, perfect movement cut off the bear's head, saving the boy.
Terrmomix was still in shock – he looked at the man, then at the bear's body. It had been such a fast movement that he hadn't been able to see it.
When the man saw him in that state, he smiled and came over to him.
- Are you okay, little one? – the man said as he held out a hand to help him up.
He hesitated for a few seconds but accepted the help and got up from the ground.
- T-thank you – Terrmomix whispered, looking at the ground.
- You're welcome. My name is Son, and you?
– He helped tidy up his messy hair.
- Ter- Terrmomix. – His voice showed he was nervous, which was normal – he was with a stranger.
- Terrmomix, nice name. And what are you doing here alone in the middle of the forest?
- I came here to train and... to be able to take the academy assessment.
- Oh, I see. And do you have any teacher to help you?
- N-no.
- I see. You know what? When I was young, I managed to get into the academy.
- R-really?
- Yes. After graduating, I looked for a well-paid job but then quit because what I really wanted was to train kids like you to prepare them for the academy assessment.
- So... are you a teacher?
- Exactly. And if you want, I can be your teacher from now on.
- Really! Would you really help me?! – the boy exclaimed excitedly.
-Yes, Then it's settled. Let's go to my home – you'll see, you'll like it. – Son took him by the hand.
Terrmomix remembered what his parents had told him about not trusting strangers, but he decided to trust Son.
- Terrmomix, do your parents know you're here in the forest? – Son asked worriedly.
The boy squeezed his hand a little tighter, his gaze back on the ground.
- My parents... They're dead.
Son was surprised and felt guilty for asking such a delicate question.
- I'm sorry, but don't be sad – you can stay with us for as long as you want.
Terrmomix looked up again with a genuine smile.
- Thank you so much.
After walking for a while, they arrived at a cabin in the middle of the forest. Son opened the door and invited him in.
When Terrmomix entered, the first thing he saw was a girl his age putting plates of food on the table.
Next to her was a small girl – when they heard the door open, they looked up and saw Terrmomix first.
- Dad, who is he? – his older daughter asked curiously.
The little girl clung to her sister's leg.
- Hi again, honey. This is Terrmomix, and he's my new apprentice. – Son introduced him happily and proudly.
The older sister smiled and came over a little – her younger sister hid behind her leg.
- I see. Nice to meet you, Terrmomix. My name is Vexana, and I think we're the same age.
- A-and I... I'm Robertita... a-and I'm 5 years old. – Robertita said shyly – she wasn't used to talking to new people.
Terrmomix gave a small smile.
- Nice to meet you. Thank you for welcoming me into your home. And yes, it seems we are the same age.
- I hope you feel comfortable here and we get along well. I also hope you understand my father's lessons – he's not the best at explaining things.
- Hey! Don't be so harsh, honey.
Vexana laughed softly – Robertita looked at Terrmomix, trying to get used to him.
Son gave Terrmomix a gentle pat on the back.
- Well, make yourself at home. First you need to get used to your new home before we start the lessons.
He nodded, still nervous – it had been a long time since he'd talked to new people, so it was something new for him.
Vexana snapped her fingers.
- Then I'll bring another plate of food. – She gently lifted Robertita in her arms. – Come with me, little one – keep me company.
Terrmomix sat down slowly on the sofa.
- Thank you so much again – thank you for accepting me here with you all.
Son sat down next to him, leaning against the back of the sofa.
- You don't have to thank me. In fact, you're not my only student.
- Really? Do you have more students?
- Yes, I have five others – they're just not here because they went to visit their families, but they'll be back tomorrow.
- Do you think we'll get along?
- Of course we will – they're really nice kids. You'll be friends in no time, you'll see.
- I hope so. Did you meet them the same way you met me? – he asked curiously.
- No. I met some through their parents, who asked me to train them, and others came looking for me themselves to ask me to be their teacher.
- I see. But now that I think about it, I have no way to pay you.
Son laughed softly.
- I'm not going to charge you – I teach for free because it's what I love to do: train young people whose dream is to get into the academy.
- Ohhh, that's very kind of you. – He looked around. – And will your wife accept me too?
- Well, my wife died a year ago. As a single father, I take care of Vexana and Robertita.
Terrmomix was surprised and, like Son, felt guilty for asking that.
- I'm sorry – I didn't know.
Son gently stroked his head.
- You have nothing to apologize for – you've been through more.
Vexana announced that the table was ready. Son got up from the sofa.
- Come on, Terrmomix – let's eat.
He got up from the sofa too and sat down shyly on a chair.
- Terrmomix, do you want me to tell you about my adventures at the academy? – he asked enthusiastically.
Vexana gently slapped her forehead with her palm.
- Oh no, here we go again.
Robertita squirmed excitedly in her high chair – she did like listening to her father's academy stories.
- Of course, I'd love to. – said Terrmomix.
Son began telling his academy anecdotes happily, glad to remember those times.
- But what was hardest for me was learning my technique... By the way, Terrmomix – do you know what techniques are?
He slowly shook his head.
- No – I've never heard of them.
Son smiled and nodded understandingly.
- I see, don't worry, I'll explain everything to you.