Chapter 9 "The Path Forward"

Caelan wiped the sweat from his brow as it trickled down his face, . The sun beat down relentlessly,He carries two cages balanced on a wooden pole over his shoulders. making the task even more grueling. On each end of the yoke hung a small cage—one holding a deer, the other containing three rabbits. When he reached a sturdy tree stump along the path, he carefully set the load down, letting out a sigh of relief.

Nearly a year had passed since he was transported to this strange world, and he still had no idea how to return home. The hope of finding answers had grown fainter, yet he refused to give up. His resolve to leave Mitra Village was firm. Staying any longer meant stagnation, waiting for answers that might never come. The journey across the Yedon Continent was perilous, but Liras City—the largest city on the continent—offered hope. Perhaps there, he could find someone who could help him understand his situation.

For now, though, he focused on preparing for the journey. Hunting and selling live animals in Sanderson City had been his way of saving up. He hadn’t told anyone about his plans, but that would change today. He intended to speak to the village chief and Vlad, his hunting partner and one of the few people he trusted.

He lifted the yoke again, wincing as the weight settled back onto his shoulders. As he neared the village's edge, a familiar figure approached him—Vlad, with his usual easygoing grin.

“Whoa, Caelan. That looks heavy,” Vlad said, his brows furrowing. “Here, let me take the deer.”

“No, no, it’s fine,” Caelan said quickly, feeling a bit embarrassed. “I can handle it.”

“Don’t be stubborn. I’m not doing anything right now anyway. Besides, I’m curious—what’s been keeping you so busy lately?” Vlad didn’t wait for an answer. He untied the cage holding the deer and hoisted it up, grunting slightly under its weight.

“Damn, this is heavy,” Vlad said with a chuckle. “No wonder you’re struggling.”

Caelan managed a small smile. “Yeah, the deer’s a bit on the larger side.”

With the weight now halved, Caelan carried the rabbit cage, and they walked together toward his house. Once they arrived, they headed straight for a wooden pen Caelan had built behind his home. Inside were other deer and rabbits he had caught over the past week.

Caelan opened a smaller cage and transferred the rabbits inside before moving the deer into another section of the pen.

“So this is what you’ve been up to,” Vlad said, inspecting the setup. “Honestly, it’s a smart idea. Keeping them alive probably gets you more money than preserved meat.”

“That’s the plan,” Caelan admitted. “I’m going to sell them at the market in Sanderson City. I need the money.”

“Money for what?” Vlad asked, his tone curious. “If it’s something important, I could lend you some.”

“It’s not for anything specific. I’m saving up because I’ve decided to leave Mitra Village,” Caelan said, his voice steady but quiet.

Vlad froze, staring at Caelan as if trying to process the words. “Wait… you’re leaving? When? And where are you going?”

Caelan hesitated. He knew Vlad was only asking out of concern. “Next month,” he finally said. “I’m heading to Liras City. I’m planning to become an adventurer.”

Vlad’s face darkened. “Liras City? As an adventurer?” He shook his head, worry evident in his voice. “You know how dangerous that is, right? There's a reason so many young people from the village never come back after going there.”

Caelan knew the story of Vlad’s older brother. He had gone to Liras City to become an adventurer, and whenever he had the time and opportunity, he would return to Mitra Village to visit and send money. But one day, his visits stopped. Vlad went to Liras City to search for him and went to the Adventurers’ Guild, where his brother had been registered. There, he learned that his brother had died during a mission when bandits attacked the caravan he was guarding on the road.

Caelan understood the dangers he would face, but his resolve remained firm. “I know,” he said, looking at Vlad. “But I can’t stay here and do nothing. I need answers, and I’ll never find them if I just wait in Mitra.”

Vlad sighed deeply, his features softening. “You’ve really made up your mind, haven’t you?”

“I have,” Caelan said firmly.

“Alright,” Vlad said after a long pause. “If that’s the case, I won’t try to stop you. But let me help you. I know a restaurant in Sanderson City that pays well for live animals. We can sell these together and get you the best price possible.”

Caelan blinked, surprised by the offer. “You’d really do that?”

“Of course,” Vlad said, clapping him on the shoulder. “What are friends for?”

A small smile broke across Caelan’s face. “Thanks, Vlad. I really appreciate it.”

Vlad grinned back. “Don’t mention it. Just promise me one thing—when you get to Liras, be careful. And don’t do anything stupid.”

“I’ll try,” Caelan said with a laugh, though he knew the path ahead would be anything but easy.

That evening, Caelan made his way to the Village Chief’s house, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. As he approached the door, it swung open to reveal Oren, the Chief’s son, who greeted him with a warm smile.

"Caelan! Good to see you," Oren said. He stepped aside and called into the house, "Father, Caelan is here!"

The Village Chief emerged from a room at the back, his expression warm but weary. "Good evening, Caelan," he greeted, his voice carrying the calm authority of someone who had weathered many seasons.

"Good evening, Village Chief," Caelan replied, bowing slightly out of respect.

The Chief gestured for him to sit. They gathered in the modest living room, the firelight casting soft shadows on the walls. Oren sat beside Caelan, the air heavy with unspoken words.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

After a moment, the Chief spoke, his brow furrowing slightly. "Do you have another idea to share with us?" he asked with a smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of concern.

Caelan shook his head slowly. "I do, but... that’s not why I’m here," he admitted, his voice low.

The Chief’s smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet worry. "Then what is it? Has something happened?"

Caelan stood, bowing deeply. "I came to thank you. And the entire village. You’ve done so much for me—more than I could ever repay." His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, the sincerity in his words evident.

The Chief exchanged a glance with Oren, his expression shadowed by understanding. He leaned forward, his voice soft. "It’s been nearly a year since you arrived. At first, we didn’t know what to make of you, but over time, you became one of us. You’ve helped this village more than we could have hoped. You’ve been a blessing, Caelan."

Oren, who had been watching silently, finally spoke, his voice tinged with unease. "Caelan... are you leaving?"

Caelan hesitated before nodding. "I’ve decided to go to Liras City," he said, his tone calm but firm.

"To become an adventurer?" Oren asked, his voice rising slightly with surprise.

Caelan managed a faint smile. "I don’t have much choice."

The Chief leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "Liras City..." he murmured. "It’s the largest and most prosperous city on the continent. Many young people are drawn to its grandeur, dreaming of success. Some achieve it, but most..." His voice trailed off before he looked Caelan in the eye. "You’re not like them, are you? I sense your reason is greater than ambition."

Caelan met his gaze. "Yes, my reason is different," he admitted softly.

The Chief nodded, his worry easing slightly. "That’s a relief. If your purpose is clear, you won’t take unnecessary risks. You’re smart, Caelan. I trust you’ll prioritize your safety."

Oren, who had been quietly watching, spoke up, his voice carrying a touch of worry. "When do you plan to leave?"

I'm planning to leave before summer end I still need to prepared before I leave calean said

The Chief gave a nod of understanding, Take the time you need, and know that we’ll be here if you ever need anything."

"I appreciate that," Caelan replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "You’ve all done so much for me. I won’t forget it."

With a final, lingering look at the two men, Caelan stood up. he said quietly. "Thank you, for everything."

The Chief smiled gently. "Take care of yourself, Caelan. And remember, you’ll always have a home here."

Caelan gave them both a nod, then made his way to the door. As he stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted him, a gentle reminder that the next chapter of his life was waiting. Though he wasn’t leaving yet, the decision had been made, and the path ahead was beginning to unfold.

Vlad kept his promise to join me on the trip to Sanderson City. We left early, and now our caravan, filled with deer and rabbits, was passing through Havern Village.

As we approached, a village guard called out to Vlad, looking curious.

"You're already bringing your village's goods to Sanderson City?"

Vlad smiled and shook his head. "These aren’t from our village. They're just personal catches, and we're selling them in Sanderson City."

The guard raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Ah, I see. Well, go ahead then."

We continued through the village until we reached Serge, the village chief's house. He was out front, chopping wood.

"Serge! Busy as always?" Vlad called with a grin.

Serge stopped and wiped his brow, looking up. "Vlad! Caelan! Just the two of you?"

"Good afternoon," I greeted with a nod.

"Yes, just us," Vlad said. "We're not bringing any village products today. These are just Caelan's personal catches for Sanderson City."

Serge looked us over, then walked to the back of the caravan, stepping on the dirt with each stride. He peered into the cart.

"You caught all these? Deer and rabbits?" Serge asked, sounding impressed.

"It was all Caelan," Vlad replied with a chuckle.

Serge stared at me for a moment before looking back at the animals. "When they told me you were a skilled hunter, I didn’t believe it, but it looks like I was wrong."

Vlad laughed. "He doesn’t look like it, does he?"

I blushed and scratched my head, a little embarrassed by the attention.

Serge chuckled and patted me on the shoulder. "Come on inside. I didn’t expect you so soon, especially since harvest season isn’t here yet."

Before I entered his house, I went to the back of the caravan and grabbed a deer and a rabbit to give to Serge.

"I hope this isn’t too much trouble," I said as I handed them over. "Here, take one of each as a gift."

Serge grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Haha, you really know how to be thoughtful, kid. Looks like you won’t be staying in Sanderson City for long, huh?"

I nodded. "Yes, that's the plan."

"Well, if that’s the case, come back here this afternoon. Stay for dinner and sleep here tonight before heading back to Mitra Village in the morning. It’s the least I can do."

"Thank you, Serge," I said, feeling grateful.

Vlad nodded. "That’s a big help. We won’t need to rent an inn now."

While we ate lunch, I mentioned that I would soon be leaving Mitra Village to go to Liras City. Serge smiled warmly.

"Next time you go to Sanderson City, just stop by my place. You won’t need to rent an inn—there’s always a place for you at my house."

I couldn't turn down his kind offer. After lunch, we packed up and continued on our way to Sanderson City,

Just like during Caelan’s first visit, the streets of Sanderson were still bustling with life. Riding in their carriage, they made their way through the market district. Inside the carriage, several live deer and rabbits fidgeted nervously, their movements rustling the hay spread across the floor. The animals were securely tied to keep them calm during the journey.

“This is it,” Van said.

When they arrived at the Kelly restaurant, a well-known establishment with a polished wooden facade, they stopped in front of it. Vlad went inside to speak with someone.

After a few moments, Vlad came out accompanied by a man. He introduced him as Mr. Kelly, the owner and chef of the restaurant.

Mr. Kelly inspected the animals. He crouched to examine the rabbits, then stood to look at the deer. His trained eye quickly assessed their condition, and a smile appeared on his face.

“They’re in excellent condition. This will make the finest venison and rabbit stew in Sanderson,” Mr. Kelly said.

After a bit of negotiation, they agreed on a fair price. Two of Mr. Kelly’s staff came out carrying a small pen and a temporary corral to house the animals while the payment was finalized.

Once all the animals had been unloaded, Mr. Kelly handed over five silver coins. “Here’s the payment for the animals.”

“Thank you,” Caelan replied as he pocketed the coins.

“Let’s go before the sun sets,” Vlad said with a smile.

With the sound of coins jingling in their pockets and the satisfaction of a successful job, they began their journey back to Mitra Village, already planning their next trip.