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Name: Alex, Son of Gerald

Age: 11 years old

== Overall Stats ==

Strength: 28 (+12)

Agility: 22 (+8)

Stamina: 34 (+16)

Mana: 4 (+1)

Charisma: 8 (+2)

== Traits ==

Determination (Level 7), Focus (Level 6), Survival (Level 6), Pain Tolerance (Level 5), Strategic Thinking (Level 2), [■■■■■]

== Skills ==

Sword Novice (Level 3), Thrust (Level 9), Slash (Level 8), Evasion (Level 4), Acrobatics (Level 3), Detection (Level 3), Carving (Level 2), Caregiving (Level 3), Tracking (Level 4), Stealth (Level 1), Climbing (Level 1), Swimming (Level 1)

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My progress was undeniable. Under Kael's guidance, I had transitioned from being a 'Sword Apprentice' to a 'Sword Novice' as my swordsmanship became more refined. Additionally, my body had grown; I had entered puberty and between my hormones and training, I had grown stronger, handsomer, and more intelligent. I had even learned how to swim, to climb, and, best of all, to hide. This last skill I used quite frequently, quietly avoiding Kael's probing eyes prior to training sessions. If only it worked.

As I saw the numbers listed before me, the idea of leaving Havenwood came to me once again. I no longer struggled in these woods; I could easily defeat all of the creatures that could be found within it - with the exception of the serpent I had seen that one time. However, since its first appearance, it had fully disappeared.

Lily was perched on a nearby rock, her gaze also fixed on the horizon. My thoughts had mirrored hers – the village was becoming a cage, its borders, once protective, now felt restrictive. I cleared my throat, a hint of nervousness in my voice. "Lily, you've been awfully quiet."

She turned to me, a wistful smile on her lips. "Just thinking, Alex. About what's out there, beyond the woods."

"Me too," I agreed, my eyes lingering on the woods that had been part of my world for so long. I paused, considering. Should I tell her?

Ugh, I suppose I should. I can't leave without saying bye. "Lily.... umm. Well, I've been thinking... about going to Dawnhaven."

Lily's eyes brightened, and I knew she understood. Dawnhaven, the nearby city, had become a beacon of hope in our conversations. A place where we could begin to journey, a place beyond the confines of Havenwood.

"You're going to take me with you, right?" Lily's voice was a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.

I nodded slowly, the weight of my decision settling upon me. "I really want to Lily. But... I have my doubts."

She frowned, concern etching her fragile features. "Doubts? About what?"

"It's not that simple," I explained, my voice a mere whisper. "You're younger than me, Lily. And you have your family here." Then, I playfully turned to her and pinched her waist (hear me out.... I was going with the moment. Heh, I was so foolish then) as I gently mocked her, "You also haven't been physically training either."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Lily jumped back, embarrassed by my touch. Her expression shifted, her face turning a beet red, "Hey! That's not fair! I've been doing my own training! Besides, who wants to get dirty like you do every time you train?" Lily paused, shyly twisting her hips, "besides, I have you! You can just protect me on the way there."

"My family... they're important to me, Alex. But so is this. I want to see the world, to explore. This has forever been my dream. No. Let me correct myself - this has been *our* dream since forever. I don't want to be stuck in this village until I become an old maid."

I ran a hand through my hair, knowing that Lily would never give up. I was torn between my own desires to bring Lily along and my concern for Lily. "I get it. Believe me, I do. But what if something happens to you out there? You're just a kid."

Her eyes flashed with defiance. "I'm not a kid. And, if I'm a kid, then so are you. You're just a month older than me."

I couldn't refute that. After all, she was still clueless about my past.

"And besides, I'm tougher than I look."

I couldn't help but smile at her spirit. "I know you are, Lily. But there's real dangers out there. Monsters, bandits, and who knows what else. I've seen Kael's scars – the world beyond Havenwood is unforgiving. You know that too."

Lily's gaze turned distant, lost in thought. "I'm not naive, Alex. I know it won't be easy. But I'd rather take my chances out there than stay here and never know what's beyond these trees. Especially without you."

I sighed deeply, my conflicted emotions swirling within him. I understood Lily's yearning for adventure, her desire to break free from the familiar and embrace the unknown; I shared the same feelings. Yet, I was an adult. I needed to keep her safe; I could not afford to risk her life.

"I don't doubt your determination, Lily," I said softly, my gaze fixed on the horizon. "But what if I can't protect you? What if I can't keep you safe?"

Lily's eyes flashed, her expression a mixture of understanding and empathy. "Alex, I don't expect you to be my protector. We're in this together, remember? We'll watch out for each other. Just like we promised. You remember our promise, right Alex?" she asked, her green eyes meeting mine. Inside them mingled hurt, anger, and sadness.

I nodded slowly, the warmth of her words soothing my worries. I'll just agree with her for now. "I do remember our promise, Lily. You're right Lily. We should look after one another."

Lily's gaze softened, and for a moment, we lapsed into a contemplative silence. The world around us seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for her response. The camaraderie we shared was undeniable, a bond that had strengthened over time. But now, as the journey ahead took shape, a heavy decision weighed on me.

The allure of Dawnhaven, the kingdom of endless horizons and untold adventures, called out to me with an irresistible magnetism. The thought of exploring its uncharted territories, uncovering its hidden treasures, and facing the challenges it held both excited and daunted me. It was a path I felt compelled to take, a destiny waiting to be fulfilled. It was a path made for me - not Lily. I was determined.

Yet, a conflicting emotion tugged at my heart. As I gazed at Lily, her unwavering determination etched in her expression, I couldn't ignore the pang of guilt that accompanied my own aspirations. Our promise to watch out for each other echoed in my mind, to stay together, a testament to the friendship and shared dreams that bound us together.

The silence between us stretched, each passing second laden with unspoken thoughts, weighing the air between us. Finally, Lily broke the stillness, her voice gentle yet hesitant. "Alex, I can see it in your eyes. In your stance."

I met her gaze, my heart skipping a beat. "See what?"

Her eyes held a mixture of resignation and hurt, a vulnerability that mirrored my own. "Your intentions, Alex. You're not fooling me. You're thinking of going to Dawnhaven, aren't you? Without me."

The truth hung in the air, and I found myself unable to look away from her hurt gaze. She had glimpsed the inner turmoil I had been grappling with, the choice I had silently made. In her eyes, I saw a reflection of my own conflicted feelings – the desire to chase my own aspirations and the pain of potentially leaving a cherished friend behind.

My throat tightened, and I struggled to find the right words. "Lily, I..."

Her gaze dropped to the ground, a mixture of hurt and anger evident in her expression. "It's okay, Alex. I understand. You've always been driven by curiosity and a thirst for adventure. I just... I thought we were in this together. I thought you cared. About our promise. About me."

The weight of her disappointment broke me as the knowledge that my choices had caused her pain gnawed at my conscience. I wanted to explain. To tell her it wasn't true. That I wasn't leaving her. Pursuing my own path. But the words remained trapped within me, tangled in the web of emotions that held us both captive. We both knew the truth.

"Lily, I..." I began again, my voice soft.

She raised her hand, touching my lips and stopping me with a sad smile and gloomy eyes. "It's alright, Alex. You've said enough."

She turned her back to me, her steps heavy with heartbreak, and ran off, taking part of me with her.