When I woke up this morning, I stretched and yawned. The room was filled with soft sunlight peeking through the curtains. I rubbed my eyes to chase away the last remnants of sleep. As I looked around the house, I noticed my mom was already up and she was busy with her morning routine. But, there was something else I was searching for. Last night, because of the heavy rain, someone special had to sleep over with me. My mom noticed me looking over at Lianee and seemed to understand what I was thinking

Sarah: She's already awake and back home, dear...

I couldn't help but feel a little sheepish, realizing that I had missed her leaving the room. This was the first time I had someone sleepover in this lifetime, thinking back to my previous life, I didn't recall having the experience of a sleepover either. Plus, in this world, people went to bed early, probably because we didn't have any form of entertainment like television or the internet. If we did, we could have watched movies or shows.

But last night, with the heavy rain pouring outside, I became a storyteller for my family. The story seemed to have captured their attention and imagination.

Ethan: (speaking in a hushed tone) Since it is rain pouring outside, let me tell you about the story on Whispering Woods.

Emily: (wide-eyed and curious) Whispering Woods? Story?

Ethan: (grinning mysteriously) Ah, the Whispering Woods is a spooky forest near a village, far away from here. Legend has it that when the wind rustles through its leaves, it sounds like ghostly whispers.

Lianee: (leaning in closer) Ghostly whispers, you say?

Ethan: (nodding) It's a story about a girl named Veronica.

Ethan: (interested) Veronica?

Ethan: (intoning like a storyteller) Well, Veronica was this kind and beautiful girl, known for her voice. When she sang, it was like music from the heavens.

Sarah: (intrigued) What happened to her?

Ethan: (dramatic pause) One day she went into the Whispering Woods to gather herbs for her sick grandmother. She found an old tombstone with an incantation. As she read it aloud...

Lianee: (wide-eyed) Then?

Emily: (hugging her blanket tighter) What happened?...

As I recalled the events of last night, I told them a few stories, and one of the parts I shared was an adapted version of Cinderella. It seemed to resonate with Emily and Lianee, capturing their imaginations. A mischievous grin crept across my face, and my mom noticed.

Sarah: (curious) Why do you have that big grin, Ethan?

Ethan: Oh, it's nothing...

Sarah: What are you going to do today?

Ethan: Dolce far niente...

Sarah: Huh?

Ethan: Uh, I mean, I'm not planning to do much... Just going to take it easy.

As Dad entered the house, the creaking of the door hinges announced his arrival. He stepped into the warm and cozy living room, his footsteps echoing softly on the wooden floor. His presence seemed to fill the room, and as he closed the door behind him, he turned his attention to me.

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Travis: Relax? Grab your sword...

Ethan: (mumbling) Can't I just take a day off?

Travis: (arches an eyebrow) Don't you recall mentioning your desire to visit the capital?

Ethan: (mentally facepalming) Oh, right, I did, didn't I?

Travis: So, what are you waiting for?

Ethan: Ah, yes...

My mom burst into laughter as my feeble attempt to evade training became evident. It appeared that my plans for relaxation had been abruptly replaced, and I would be spending the day refining my skills instead.

Under the warm sun in our backyard, my dad and I engaged in a spirited training sword session. The air was filled with the sound of chirping birds and the occasional rustling of leaves as we moved. Our session continued for hours, the sun arcing across the sky. Sweat trickled down my forehead, and my muscles ached from the exertion, but I pressed on. The clashing of our training swords echoed in the air, a testament to our dedication to honing our skills. In the midst of our swordplay, I couldn't resist the urge to ask my dad a burning question.

Ethan: (between strikes) Dad, I've been wondering... How come you couldn't fend off that Begemo attack the other day?

My question hung in the air, and for a moment, the only sound was the clashing of our training swords. My dad's expression remained calm, and he continued to parry my attacks with precision. It was clear he was considering his response carefully.

Ethan: (between strikes) I mean, you're supposed to be a seasoned mercenary, right?

My words hung in the air for a moment, but before I knew it, my dad's hand had quickly smacked my head while we continued to spar. I winced in pain.

Ethan: (rubbing my head) Ow!

Travis: (firmly) That's for not focusing, Ethan.

It was a gentle reminder from my dad to keep my attention on the training. My dad's voice broke through offering an explanation.

Travis: Well, Ethan, the weapon I used last time wasn't suitable for dealing with the Begemo. You remember the sword, covered with the blue cloth? That one is capable of cutting through them.

Ethan: What material is that sword, Dad?

Travis: (wiping his brow) It's a silver sword.

Travis: You were indeed quick-thinking and lucky when you faced that Begemo with your magic skill and that spike dirt. But, Ethan, you can't always rely on just one trick. Against other beasts, that might not work.

His words sank in, and I realized the importance of being versatile and prepared for different challenges.

Ethan: (curious) Dad, what's the most challenging beast you've ever faced?

Travis: (reflective) Xufana. It's a poisonous monster, and it's highly resistant to fire. It took nearly ten mercenaries to defeat it.

I listened intently, absorbing the knowledge about the dangerous creatures that existed in this world. I continued sparring with my dad, my thoughts wandered. I couldn't help but wonder about my dad's life before our family settled here. He never mentioned his family or anyone else from his past, just like my mom, who grew up in an orphanage. There were parts of their lives that remained shrouded in mystery.

Then I noticed Novn rushing towards me. I stopped, waiting for him to reach me.

Ethan: What's going on? Today's supposed to be our day off, right?

Novn: I promised Uncle Travis that I'd join him for sword training today

Ethan: Wait, you hate sword training. Why the sudden change?

Novn: Word has spread in the village that you're planning to head to the capital. I don't want to be left behind, so I figured I need to train too. If you're going, then we're all going.

I paused, recalling that I had mentioned my desire to travel with the Earthly Creation team. But heading to the capital is more about gathering information than leisurely traveling around.

Novn: Vondle is on his way here too, to join in the training.

Ethan: (surprised) Wait, Vondle too? But I only mentioned it to my family yesterday. How did the news spread so quickly?

Novn shrugged, looking unsure. I glanced at my dad, who was wearing a rather guilty expression. I knew he had something to do with it.

Ethan: Come on, Dad, it was just an idea.

Travis: Well, if you want to go there, it's better to go in a group, isn't it?

I pondered my dad's suggestion of traveling in a group, realizing the practicality of such an arrangement. I began considering the logistics of my journey. Money wasn't a concern, but transportation was. I debated between using existing land transportation options or potentially creating my own means of travel.