I never truly grasped the intricacies of the world, not that I've had much direct experience with it. It appeared to be a simultaneously dreadful and beautiful place. My grandfather, Hismond, provided me with insights into most things that humanity typically learns at my age. Normally, 15-year-olds would attend school, engage with friends, or simply relish life's moments. They'd encounter failures, but the resilience and learning from the past would lead them to maturity and eventually, adulthood.

Families, formed either by nature or luck, were supposed to be bonds of compassion and unconditional love, albeit often separated by the passage of time.

However, my grandfather also shared the darker aspects of human nature. Ambition and greed tended to dominate the human populace, casting a shadow that represented the vast cruelty in humanity's innocence. This included all forms of crimes, both legally defined and those left unaddressed. Some individuals, hurt by the light, sought refuge in the darkness, becoming victims and criminals simultaneously. The methods of causing harm varied, from a mother scolding her child to full-scale wars. Any event could dim the light; it was merely a matter of capacity before it vanished in some way.

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'Meh, who cares. It doesn't concern me.'

Ending my contemplation of my grandfather's past lectures on human society, I lazily gazed at the sun descending toward the horizon. The sky was painted in hues of red, resembling a magnificent painting on an immense canvas.

I was currently lying on the roof of our shabby wooden house nestled in the snow-filled Isha forest—a secluded spot chosen with purpose. Hismond, my grandfather, was once a quite popular knight in some kingdom, only to be betrayed and hunted on his 60th birthday. Pursued by bounty hunters and knights across the continent, he eventually found refuge in this wintry wonderland. Occasionally, he ventured out to an village, the purpose of his visits remained unknown to me. During my childhood, he even brought back books and souvenirs, perhaps to familiarize me with the world's cultures.

All this, however, left me incapable of forming relationships with others. Despite the isolation, I was happy in the company of my grandfather alone.

As my thoughts drifted endlessly, the door beneath me suddenly creaked open. I leaned forward, startled to see a grumpy old man, my grandfather, emerging. He halted, frowning as his gaze automatically met mine. It was my usual sleeping spot, and he seemed to have caught on.

"Do you need something, Grandpa?" I asked innocently.

"You put salt in my coffee, didn't you!"

This time, he didn't buy my usual excuse. Normally, he might have assumed he mixed up the salt and sugar containers because for some idiotic reason, both look pretty much identical. Well, it was just a matter of time before he discovered my attempts of saving him.

"Stop staring at me blankly and explain!" he demanded.

Realizing there was no point in hiding it any longer, I sighed and responded in a disapproving tone, "You know it isn't healthy to drink that much, especially at your age, there could be..."

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Before I could finish, he interrupted me with a calm expression that sent shivers down my spine.

"You dare call me old, brat? Fine, then, I hope you enjoy your punishment."

However, I didn't get a chance to finish my sentence. In a swift motion, he raised his right arm, casting a wind spell toward me. He seemed to have forgotten that I could easily dodge any magic thrown my way. My magic, as I called it, was a result of years of physical training and mana enhancement, making me adept at dodging spells.

Before the wind could hit me, I swiftly moved to my right, sporting a victorious smirk. However, I failed to notice the second spell until it was too late. It hit me, sweeping me off the ground.

'Why is he using spells for something as trivial as this!'

I soared a few meters up, only to land on my feet. However, I tripped, sending me face-first toward the ground. Just as I was about to eat dirt, my grandfather's wind magic enveloped me, placing me back on my feet. The manipulation of wind magic around me felt refreshing.

'At least he has a little bit of mercy for his dear grandson,' I thought.

However, I had to address the reason for his anger.

"You know I'm just doing this for your sake. These jokes are funny to be honest, but the goal is to maintain your health, Grandpa."

I was genuinely concerned. Coffee might seem trivial, but at his age, such things could have negative effects. Losing him was something I couldn't bear right now or in the future. He sighed and responded indifferently,

"Boy, you're a thousand years too young to tell me what I should and shouldn't do. Anyway, the way you flew was a welcome compensation for ruining my drink."

'And now I am the victim of ridicule, perfect.' I thought, sighing. A slight smile formed on his face, but something seemed off. He appeared more tense than usual, his eyes not fully focused on me.

"What's the matter? You seem a little distressed," I said after a moment of silence. He seemingly noticed my concern and tried to defuse my worries.

"Ah, I'm fine, boy. There's just a significant disturbance in the flow of wind mana since this morning."

I immediately understood why he seemed absent.

"A storm, and if even you're concerned, then it's a massive one," I concluded.

He nodded.

"Exactly. That's why we need to stock up on supplies. I won't allow you to leave during a storm of that level. We'll take shelter until it passes."

"Okay, I get it."

"Be home before morning comes. This is the last peaceful night before it starts. I'll also go out, but we'll move separately. No risky maneuvers, are we clear?"

His voice took on an authoritative tone, fitting his now serious expression.

"Don't worry; I'll be careful."

Despite his instructions, I felt a bit uncertain.

'I can't hunt enough with just a simple bow.'

With one last question, I sought to determine my effectiveness in gathering.

"Fine, but can I take my bow with me?"

Normally, he wouldn't allow it, as it wasn't an ordinary weapon. The enchantments were advanced, making it a hunting machine. However, he preferred me to adapt to simple weapons first. That's why he seemed reluctant to agree to my proposal.

"Alright, but just this once. And don't use mana to boost it unless it's an emergency. Can you promise me that, child?"

He looked concerned, and while I didn't like that he seemed to doubt my abilities, I understood the danger associated with these weapons. It required high-level mana control, and even if I had the ability, I was still a novice. His worries were more than justified.

"Yes, sir, no mana."

I confidently returned, he just shook his head, dismissing me. As I entered the house, my grandfather's presence vanished; he had likely already dashed into the forest.

His speed never ceased to amaze me. Even after all these years, seeing him vanish was still baffling.

'He told me he would teach me one day, but will I be able to do something as crazy as that? I feel like he is making fun of me sometimes even if he doesn't show it.'

I wondered as I assured myself that there was still hope for me. Taking my bow from my room's chest, I made my way out of the house, sprinting into the seemingly endless trees of the forest.