Robin lay down in his room as the ship sped away from Valtheron, the sprawling metropolis gradually fading into the distance. For the past week, he had explored every corner of the city, immersing himself in its relentless energy. The industrial zones buzzed with activity, filled with towering factories and workers operating advanced machinery. The upper districts, by contrast, were a showcase of wealth and elegance, with glittering skyscrapers, high-end boutiques, and extravagant parties. Even the lower districts, despite their struggles, had a unique charm, with their vibrant street markets, lively alleys, and tight-knit communities.

During his stay, Robin had spoken with everyone from merchants and factory workers to socialites and aspiring inventors. He attended lavish parties in the upper district, where he mingled with influential figures, and spent an afternoon in the lower district, buying handmade trinkets and sampling street food from local vendors. For once, he allowed himself to simply enjoy life without overthinking. It was refreshing to let go of his responsibilities and embrace the adrenaline rush of the city.

Yet, Valtheron’s boundless energy was exhausting. The constant noise, the crowds, and the overwhelming scale of the city had begun to wear him down. When Oliver, suggested visiting a smaller city nearby, Robin readily agreed.

“It’ll be quieter,” Oliver had assured him. “The mining town has its own unique charm. It’s the perfect place to unwind for a few days.”

The ship soon arrived at their destination: a modest city nestled at the edge of a massive mining operation. Unlike Valtheron’s gleaming skyline, this city was humble, with low-rise buildings and streets bustling people ,merchants, and families. The air carried a faint metallic tang, a reminder of the nearby mines that were operating .

As Robin stepped out of the ship, he took in the view. The city was surrounded by rolling hills dotted with mining equipment, and the distant sounds of machinery echoed in the background. The streets were lively but not chaotic, a far cry from the sensory overload of Valtheron.

Oliver, began to explain the town’s history. “Most of the mines across this country are fully automated now, so it’s rare to see a city built around one. This place, however, has a unique story. This city is quite young to be honest.It was established a few hundred years ago when the mine was first discovered. Back then, everything had to be done manually, so workers settled here to build and operate the mine. Once the initial work was finished, many of them chose to stay rather than return to the city. Over time, this settlement grew into the city you see today.”

Robin nodded, intrigued. “So, it’s more of a settlement then city?”

“Precisely,” Oliver replied. “ most people here are the descendents of the og settlers. It also attracts people who are fed up with the constant rush of city life. They come here seeking a quieter existence. And since it’s only a few hours away from Valtheron, some residents commute to the city for work while enjoying the slower pace of life here. ”

As they walked through the streets, Robin couldn’t help but notice the sense of community. People greeted each other warmly, vendors called out to passersby, and children played in the alleys without a care in the world. The city lacked the grandeur of Valtheron, but it had a certain rugged beauty. The nearby hills were dotted with mining equipment, and the streets were alive with activity. Children ran through the narrow alleys, vendors sold snacks and tools, and workers gathered in small groups, sharing stories after their shifts.

The crew booked a room in a small hotel. After finishing lunch, they went out for an afternoon stroll.

As Robin wandered through the streets with Oliver and Andrew, he noticed a small dojo tucked between two larger buildings. The sound of shouting and the clatter of wooden practice weapons spilled out into the street. Curious, Robin paused to watch.

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Outside the dojo, a group of children were practicing martial arts under the watchful eye of an instructor. Most of them moved with confidence, executing their techniques with precision. However, one boy stood apart, his movements awkward and hesitant. His peers began to snicker, their laughter growing louder as the boy stumbled.

“Not again, Kian!” one of the children jeered. “You’ll never get it right!”

“Maybe you should just quit,” another chimed in.

The boy, Kian, flushed with embarrassment, his fists clenching at his sides. The instructor, busy correcting another student, didn’t seem to notice or perhaps he didn’t care. Robin, who had his fair share of experiences with indifferent teachers, assumed the man thought his pay wasn’t worth dealing with this kind of bs.

Robin observed the scene quietly. He glanced at Andrew, his bodyguard, who was watching carefully. After the class is over without a word, Andrew stepped forward, his imposing presence scattering the group of bullies like leaves in the wind. He crouched down to Kian’s level, speaking to him in a low voice. Whatever Andrew said seemed to spark something in the boy, who nodded hesitantly.

“What’s Andrew up to?” Robin asked Oliver, who stood beside him.

Oliver adjusted his glasses, a faint smile on his lips. “It seems he’s taken an interest in the boy. Andrew has an eye for talent, you know. He’s a veteran on the battlefield, after all.”

Over the next few days, Robin noticed Andrew spending time with Kian. Whenever they passed the dojo, Andrew would pull the boy aside and give him some private lessons. Using a wooden practice sword, Andrew demonstrated techniques with a precision and fluidity that left the passerby awestruck.

Kian, for his part, absorbed every lesson like a sponge. Though he was still clumsy at times, his focus was evident. Each day,his confidence stronger.

Robin couldn’t help but smile as he watched. “A bullied kid learning secret techniques from a visiting grandmaster,” he mused aloud. “It sounds like something out of a wuxia novel.”

One evening, as they sat outside a small café near their lodging, Robin turned to Andrew. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with that boy. What’s the story?”

Andrew shrugged, poking at the fire with a stick. “The kid’s got potential. He’s rough around the edges, but there’s something there. If he trains hard enough, he could make something of himself.”

“I get it,” Robin said, leaning back in his chair. “But what’s in it for you?”

Andrew smirked, his tone casual. “If he gets good enough, eventually he might join the William family military one day.”

Robin raised an eyebrow. “So, is this an investment?”

Andrew chuckled. “Something like that.”

Their time in the mining city passed quickly. Robin found the slower pace refreshing, a welcome contrast to Valtheron’s constant hustle. He visited the mines, marveling at the giant machines in operation.The automated mine stretches across a barren landscape, its machinery working tirelessly. Giant drill rigs and robotic arms dig deep into the ground, extracting valuable minerals. Conveyor belts carry the raw materials to compact processing hubs, which glow with energy as they refine the resources.

Drones buzz around, repairing machines and scanning for issues, while aerial units monitor everything from above. A sleek control tower stands at the center, housing an AI that oversees the entire operation, displaying real-time data on holographic screens.

The mine is powered by geothermal energy and solar panels, making it self-sufficient. Robotic trucks transport the refined materials to nearby spaceports. Efficient and lifeless, the mine operates with only a few human presence.

He explored the town’s modest markets, buying small souvenirs and chatting with the vendors.

Through it all, Kian’s progress remained a highlight. By the time Robin and his companions were prepared to leave, even though the boy’s transformation was not that evident. He stood taller, his movements more confident. Though he still had a long way to go. His improvement was not that noticeable but there's something.

On their last day in the city, Kian approached Andrew, bowing deeply. “Thank you, sir,” he said, his voice steady despite his obvious nerves. “I’ll keep practicing. I won’t waste what you’ve taught me.”

Andrew nodded, a rare hint of a smile on his usually stoic face. “Good. Remember, skill is only part of it. Discipline and determination matter just as much.”

As they left the city, Robin glanced back at the dojo, where Kian was already back to practicing. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. In a way, their visit had left a lasting mark on the town. Perhaps this small interaction would change the boy’s fate.

Robin thought back to something the family head had once said: One interaction with a William family member can change a person’s whole fate.

If Robin had never come to the city, Andrew would never have met the boy, and the boy would never have received his lesson. This boy, who shows great potential, might have given up early without ever trying his best, destined to live an ordinary life. But now, because of this chance encounter, the boy has an opportunity to change his fate and achieve something extraordinary.

Sometimes, a single moment can alter the course of a life, turning what could have been a mundane existence into a story of greatness. But that's for the future. If he takes the chance that is given to him by fate.

After departure from the small mining city they once again returned to the valtheron. This time they'll meet the Durnham family.