The week passed quickly, and Robin thoroughly enjoyed his time exploring the nearby settlements. Each settlement had its own unique charm, from vibrant marketplaces to serene landscapes.

Robin spent much of his time fishing by small canals and hunting in dense forests, enjoying a good time. He even visited their holy land again this time elias as the guide.

He gave them a detailed tour around all the pyramids.

The previous day he even tried his hand at crafting tools, though his creations were nowhere near as impressive as those he’d seen in the settlements but he was happy to learn something new.

One particular village stood out not for the scenario or something extravagant but for some events. It was a quiet village like others and Once again Elias was the guide.in that village Robin couldn’t help but notice how Seraphina, the PM's daughter, seemed to gravitate toward the chief. Her frequent smiles and occasional blushes when Elias spoke weren’t lost on Robin, who chuckled to himself. Chief Elias really is a player, Robin thought, shaking his head. Maybe the chief is trying to pull something. This event played out like a k-drama. A government official's daughter falling in love with their enemy how original.

However, Robin chose not to focus on it. This wasn’t his country, nor was it his place to interfere in their affairs. He was simply a traveler, passing through and observing.

Soon, the day of the long-awaited coming-of-age ceremony arrived. The event was the highlight of the year for all the settlement and surrounding clans. Robin was surprised when Chief Elias invited him to be an honorary guest. He was mostly sure why Elias had extended the honor , mainly to gain favor. But Robin doesn't plan on staying on this planet in future so the chief plan won't work.

The square in the heart of the settlement was transformed for the occasion. A massive stage, decorated with bright banners and intricate carvings, stood in the center. Wooden platforms and benches were arranged in concentric circles around the stage, with spaces left for the crowds to gather. Torches and lanterns illuminated the area, giving the scene a festive and almost sacred atmosphere.

Robin found himself seated beside Chief Elias, with a number of clan elders occupying the other seats of honor. These elders were imposing figures, each exuding an aura of strength and authority. Some, Robin noted, were even more intimidating than Andrew, and the most surprising part was they aren't even the elites solider of nomads . So robin suspected there might be someone at least at saint level in the clans he won't be surprised if a demigod level guy appears out of nowhere, they have resources to do so. After giving his theory a thought he doubted this theory. Even in the family demigod number are in 3 digits.

The square was buzzing with anticipation, the crowd falling silent as Chief Elias stood on the raised platform. His deep, resonant voice silencing even the most restless children.

"Welcome," he began, his voice carrying effortlessly over the crowd. "Today, we gather for a tradition that has bound our community for generations the coming-of-age ceremony. This is not just a test of strength or skill, but a challenge to your courage, your wit, and your resourcefulness."

Oliver who was standing behind him whispered, “He’s got a way with words, doesn’t he? Makes you feel like you’re stepping into the shoes of heroes.”

Elias continued, his voice growing more animated. "Long ago, our ancestors faced trials far greater than these. They braved wild lands, built this from nothing, and passed on their wisdom through rituals like today’s. The trials you will face are not just about proving yourselves they are about honoring their legacy."

The children standing in a line before the stage shifted nervously, their expressions ranging from excitement to fear. Elias noticed and smiled warmly. "I see the determination in your eyes. Good. Hold onto it. You’ll need that fire in the trials ahead."

Oliver leaned toward Robin and whispered, “He’s building them up. That’s half the battle right there.” Robin nodded, impressed by the way Elias wove tales of past ceremonies into his speech. Robin thought he'd talk about their cold war with the government and their past but the cheif didn't. It's a good thing not to push your agenda on kids. They'll figure out what to do when they're all grown up.

Finally, Elias raised his hands, signaling for silence. "The first trial," he declared, "is a hunting competition. You will have one hour to bring back the most impressive catch you can find. It could be a fish from the stream, a bird from the trees, or a creature from the forest. The choice is yours, but remember your prize will reflect not only your skill but your judgment."

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

The crowd murmured with excitement as the children tensed. One boy raised his hand timidly. "Chief , what if we find something dangerous that we can't handle?"

Elias chuckled. "Then you’ll have an even better story to tell. But remember bravery without wisdom is foolishness. Do not risk your life needlessly."

Robin exchanged a glance with Andrew, who whispered, "Good advice. Too bad kids never listen to it."

Elias gestured to a group of adults standing nearby. "Your mentors will accompany you, ensuring your safety but offering no assistance. This is your trial to face."

The square erupted in cheers as the children dispersed, some darting into the forests with bows and arrows, others carrying spears or small daggers.

While the children hunted, Robin used the opportunity to converse with the elders. They were a fascinating group, each with their own stories of battles. One elder, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, spoke of a legendary beast he had once hunted. Another, a quiet and stoic woman, recounted her days as a healer and then started blasting about her husband Robin found himself deeply engrossed in their stories.

When the hour ended, the children returned, dragging or carrying their catches with varying degrees of success. The square buzzed with excitement as the hunts were displayed on a makeshift table. Robin observed the diversity of the catches, deer with impressive antlers, wild boars with tusks that gleamed in the firelight, and even creatures he couldn’t identify some with scales, others with fur in unnatural colors.

The most surprising catch, however, was presented by a young girl. She stepped forward, holding a cage containing a rare, brightly colored snake. The elders murmured among themselves, clearly impressed. Robin didn't know what was so special about a snake but he learned that the snake was highly poisonous and notoriously difficult to capture alive. It was no surprise when she was declared the winner of the hunting trial, her face glowing with pride.

The second trial was a combat competition, designed to test the children’s fighting skills. A makeshift arena was set up in the center of the square, and the children were paired off for duels. The rules were simple: contestants could use any weapon or spell at their disposal, but excessive force that caused serious harm was strictly forbidden.

Robin watched with growing interest as the duels unfolded. The children displayed a surprising range of abilities. Some relied on traditional weapons like swords, while others used magic to summon fireballs, create protective barriers, or manipulate the wind. One boy wielded a massive axe with surprising ease, while a girl used a combination of acrobatics and daggers to outmaneuver her opponents.

The crowd roared with approval as the matches grew more intense. Robin found himself on the edge of his seat, impressed by the skill and determination of the participants. However, one competitor stood out,an orphan boy named Kael. Thin and unassuming, Kael had been dismissed by many as one of the weakest of the group. Yet, match after match, he defied expectations.

Kael’s fighting style was unconventional. He relied on quick reflexes and precise strikes, using his opponents’ strength against them. When faced with a larger, stronger opponent, he would dodge and counterattack, exploiting openings with almost uncanny precision. Robin couldn’t help but smile as he watched Kael’s rise through the ranks. This kid has some serious plot armor, he might be the protagonist in this story.

Robin was smiling in his head, he witnessed two of the most commonly used media genres from earth in the span of a week.

The final match pitted Kael against the girl who had won the hunting trial. It was a nail biting contest, with both fighters giving it their all. The girl used her agility and magic to keep Kael at bay, but Kael’s persistence and adaptability eventually won him the match. As the crowd erupted into cheers, Robin couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for the protagonist. Against all odds, he really pulled it off. Robin felt like he just witnessed one of his favorite manga irl recreation.

After that the last part of the ceremony started. All the kids are given enhancement potions based on their rank on the compilation. All the elders are keeping an eye on them. Now he understood why so many elders are here. It's to prevent any unwanted accidents. But still some kids fainted from the intensity of the potions.

It was painful to watch. As the kids struggled to adjust to the potions.

The ceremony concluded with a grand feast, during which the childrens were honored and celebrated. Robin found himself enjoying the festivities.

The square was alive with music and laughter as the ceremony turned into a grand feast. Tables overflowing with local dishes were spread across the plaza, the aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filling the air. Robin, seated with Oliver and Andrew, watched as the villagers mingled, their joy contagious.

“This is quite the celebration,” Robin remarked, taking a sip of a sweet, spiced drink handed to him by a servant.

“It’s not every day you see an entire village come together like this,” Oliver said, carefully arranging the food on his plate. “It’s charming, really. Reminds me of harvest fastivel from earth.”

Andrew was already digging into his third helping of grilled fish. “They know how to eat, that’s for sure. You’ve gotta try this stew, sir. Whatever spices they use, it’s incredible.”

Robin chuckled, accepting a bowl of the stew from a cheerful elder. He took a bite, his eyes widening. “You’re right. This is fantastic.”

As the night deepened, Chief Elias stood once again, raising a carved wooden goblet. The crowd quieted instantly, all eyes turning to him.

“Friends, family, and honored guests,” Elias began, his voice carrying with ease despite the lively atmosphere. “Tonight, we celebrate not just the end of the trials, but the beginning of a new chapter for these young ones. They have shown us their courage, their determination, and their spirit.”

The villagers erupted into cheers, the young participants beaming with pride.

Elias raised his hand, and the crowd quieted once more. “To the youth , you are the light of our future. Your achievements today remind us of the strength that binds us together as a community. To all of you, I say, well done!”

He raised his goblet higher. “A toast! To the next generation!”

The crowd echoed, “To the next generation!” Cups clinked, and the music resumed, louder and more jubilant than before.

By the time Robin retired to his quarters, he was quite drunk . All these alcohol started kicking in. He thought it's a perfect ending for his journey in this country. It's time to move on to the next destination. He will talk with Oliver about their next plan. As he was thinking about his next destination robin fell asleep.