I wanted to die. The training Kael was putting me through was obliterating me! Every muscle in my body ached, and my limbs felt like lead. I couldn't stand. Literally. I was sprawled on the ground. Sweat dripped down my forehead, stinging my eyes and wetting the sand as I struggled to stand up.

"Again, Alex!" Kael's voice cut through the air, his tone firm and unwavering. I gripped the hilt of the sword tighter, my breath ragged as I raised the weapon, using it as a crutch. *Whack* Kael's sword struck me yet again, adding yet another bruise to the constellation of ones I had along my hip. The floor hugged me, yet again.

Kael's relentless regimen was extreme. He pushed me to my limits, demanding of each swing of my sword and step of footwork. It was as if he were sculpting me into a warrior, molding me through sheer exertion and discipline and pain. I stood up once again, preparing for yet another round of strikes and parries.

As I moved through the drills, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Lily. She was seated on a nearby tree stump, feet swinging. She gleefully smiled at me and waved. I couldn't wait to finish my training so that I could go put her in her place. Peacefully, of course. ...of course. I chuckled to myself darkly before yelping in pain once more - Kael had no intention of allowing me to rest.

Lily had been observing our training session with a mix of curiosity and amusement these past few weeks and took great sadistic joy in seeing me beaten to the ground. She had her own training with Kael, a vastly different - kinder- kind of education.

After concluding my current set of exercises, I lowered the sword, my chest heaving as I fought to catch my breath. "How... How am I supposed to keep up with this, Kael?" I managed to wheeze out between breaths. I was on the verge of visiting Anamesa once more.

Kael's response was a reassuring smile that somehow managed to be both encouraging and challenging. "Alex, every warrior starts by pushing their limits. With time, dedication, and practice, you'll find yourself growing stronger. Remember, every swing of the sword carries your determination."

He smiled even wider, "Plus, this is pretty relaxing." He paused, chuckling, "At least for me, haha."

Lily's voice chimed in from her perch, her tone a playful tease. "Hey Alex, maybe I should take over your training. I think I could do a better job."

I managed a weak chuckle, wiping the sweat from my brow. I was going to kill the both of them. "You're welcome to try, Lily. It's not as easy as it looks."

Lily's eyes sparkled with mischief as she swung her legs back and forth from her vantage point on the fence. Ignoring my comment she exclaimed, "Well, I have a feeling you'll be a great swordsman soon. And hey, maybe I'll even teach you a thing or two about plants and monsters."

Kael nodded in agreement. "Lily has quite the knowledge when it comes to flora and creatures in the wild. It's important to understand the environment you'll be navigating through. Unlike some of my other apprentices," Kael paused and looked at me meaningfully, "she does not complain throughout her training. In fact, she's doing quite well."

I turned my gaze to Lily, ignoring his comment. "Plants and monsters, huh? What do you mean?"

Lily hopped off the stump and approached me, her enthusiasm palpable. "Well, you see, Havenwood might be safe, but there are still dangerous things out there. I can teach you how to identify different plants – some might be healing, some poisonous. And as for monsters, knowing their behaviors and weaknesses can make all the difference. You wouldn't believe how much information there is to know!"

Kael interjected, adding to Lily's explanation. "Indeed. Lily's knowledge can help you survive in the wilderness and face the challenges that lie beyond our village. I've been saved several times in the past due to my knowledge of plants and creatures. At the very minimum.... learn which animals you can eat. That's a mistake you'll only make once."

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I looked between Kael and Lily, their combined expertise suddenly feeling like an invaluable asset. I was not planning on dying from food poisoning in this world. "Alright, Lily, I'm in. Please teach me."

Lily grinned, clearly excited to share her knowledge. She also appeared to be basking in her newfound power over me. "Great! First, let's talk about the different types of herbs...."

And so, my training took a new direction. While Kael continued to wreck me physically, Lily - and by extension, Kael - became my guide to the mysteries of the natural world. Days turned into weeks, and as I honed my swordsmanship skills under Kael's watchful eye, I also delved into the world of botany and the nuances of surviving in a realm filled with both beauty and danger. It was a dual education that would ultimately prepare me for the adventures that awaited beyond the haven of Havenwood.

….

As the seasons shifted and the village continued to thrive, Kael's bond with the villagers deepened. He was doing more than simply beating me every morning with his wooden training sword; he assisted Elara in her healing duties, his knowledge of herbs and remedies greatly complementing her skills. And although he never shared the full extent of his feelings, it was clear that his connection with Elara ran deep. I sighed; the honey pot idea we'd had would've never worked.

One evening, as the sun set in a blaze of orange and gold, I found myself sitting by the fire with Kael once more. The villagers went about their daily activities, their laughter and conversations filling the air. But amid the bustle of life, a sense of calm settled over us.

"Alex," Kael began, his voice steady and reflective, "when I look at you, I see a young man who has endured more than most. I tease you a lot, but I've never met a child who could withstand the regimen I've been putting you through. No; even most adults would not be capable of facing it. You've faced challenges that would have broken others, and yet you stand resilient. You're not just a survivor – you're a fighter." He paused, his voice cracking slightly, "I just wanted to let you know, but..." he hesitated, "I'm proud of you."

I met his gaze, his words stirring a mix of emotions within me. It was a validation of the journey I had undertaken, a recognition of the growth and transformation I had experienced. My heart felt warm and I flushed, ducking my head in gentle embarrassment. Since when had Kael been so sentimental?

"Alex," Kael said, his voice gentle yet firm as he continued speaking, "the choices we make, the connections we form – they define us just as much as our past does. You have the power to shape your destiny, to forge a path that aligns with the person you aspire to be. I know you're excited to go adventure and see the world outside of Havenwood, but you need to wait, to grow even more."

His words resonated deeply within me, addressing the sense of urgency I had felt since my arrival in Wardenas. And as I looked at Kael, I couldn't help but feel a profound gratitude for the role he had played in my journey.

....

Unfortunately, soon after this conversation is where my story began to take a turn. Things had been set in motion.

Looking back at my time in Havenwood, I wish I had listened to him. That I had stayed in the village with this gruff man who taught me so much, that I had enjoyed the love my parents showed me more, that I had treasured those little adventures me and Lily would find ourselves convolved in. That I had stayed as a protector of that little town.

But, on the other hand, I would've never reached where I am now if I hadn't left all that behind. Maybe I would've still been in Havenwood, lying under the glistening stars every night, chatting with Lily about sweet nothings.

No, I guess I probably wouldn't have been. Too much time has passed. Havenwood no longer exists anywhere outside my memories and this story.

Ah, how time is cruel.

....

Anyways, as the moon rose higher in the sky and the village settled into a peaceful rhythm, I felt a renewed sense of purpose burning within me. I had heard Kael's words, but they passed from one ear to the other. I was determined to adventure, to satiate my long-held dreams; to continue growing and evolving in this world of my choosing.

In the flickering light of the fire, as the echoes of Kael's stories lingered in the air, I found myself ready to embrace whatever lay ahead – to forge my own path, guided by the lessons of a wanderer and the strength I had discovered within myself.

As the night's canvas unfolded, stars scattered across the sky like jewels, I gazed upwards, a cascade of possibilities expanding before me. The world beckoned, a realm ripe for exploration expanding beyond the horizon. My odyssey was only beginning. A path of discovery stretched toward lands yet unseen, an adventure as infinite and boundless as the starlit sky itself.