Lin Feng finished his practice by the time the meat was ready. The old man got the wolf meat off the fire and divided it into four portions. He served one each to himself and Lin Feng and stored the rest for later.

They ate in silence beside the fire. The old man ate with all his attention on the food. Lin Feng was enjoying the beautifully roasted meat. He always loved the taste of the old man’s cooking. He sent a few smiles in the old man’s direction which he ignored.

Remembering that the old man wanted to speak to him about something earlier, he asked - “What was it that you wanted to say old man. If it is about your liquor, then I was planning to go to the village tomorrow.”

The old man nodded without speaking gesturing that he would speak after he was done eating. After they both had finished eating, they cleaned up and later sat around the fire.

“Tomorrow is your thirteenth birthday,” said the old man while looking at the burning fire.

“Huh, is it.” Lin Feng gave an uninterested reply. He never kept track of dates or days. In the forests there was no use of these things.

“I want you to go to a big city and get enrolled in a Hunter academy.”

Stolen story; please report.

Lin Feng was surprised. “What is that ?”

The old man sighed. “It is a place for training people to become hunters. They will teach you to hunt animals, bigger animals, monsters. Didn’t you wish to become strong like me ? I was a hunter before.” He mumbled to himself ,” I do not wish to destroy your future because of my past.”

“Bigger animals like tigers and bears!” Lin Feng said getting excited. “I would love that.”

“Yeah, but much bigger ones too. The world is much bigger than you think.”

Lin Feng looked on in wonder. The old man continued “I will come with you. I have some work there too. Besides you can’t reach Sector 4 by yourself. You would probably get lost getting out of this sector.”

Lin Feng made a hurt face saying- “I am not that ignorant.” But he felt reassured that he was going along with him.

The old man said seriously ,” To get into an academy you will have to appear in its test. It has two parts theory and practical. Though you know nothing of theory, you should be able to do well in the practicals. Practicals would test your strength, endurance, power and potential.”

“You think I would be better than the others.” Lin Feng asked. He had not met others of his age and had no idea how he fared against them.

“Don’t worry kid. You will be just fine.” Lin Feng nodded. He continued ,”You will need to pay the academy fees. For earning money you can join the amateur arena.”

“What is an arena? “

“It is like a big cage. People would pay for watching your fight. Just remember to not stand out too much. Actually use a mask and a nickname.”

“Why would I use a mask?”

Old man did not answer. He continued ,”Now the most important thing. Do not take any PED.”

“What is peed?” Lin Feng asked again. Then seeing him drifting off to sleep. “Hey, answer me, hey!”

Seeing him feigning sleep, he cursed under his breath. He knew that he would get no further answers.

Lin Feng too curled up and lay down to sleep beside the fire.