Huang and Roy, still clad in their samurai-meets-knight armor, found respite in their favorite bar after a long patrol around the village. The weariness etched on their faces spoke volumes of the challenges they had faced, yet their spirits remained unwavering. The mugs of their chosen beverages provided a comforting warmth as they leaned against the counter, engaging in conversation.
Roy let out a sigh and confessed, "You know, Huang, sometimes I question whether the money we earn from killing monsters and turning in their corpses to the guilds is worth it. I mean, being known as the weakest guard in town, it stings a bit, you know? Even though it's far from the truth."
Huang raised an eyebrow, acknowledging his friend's frustration. "I understand what you mean Roy. But let's not forget, the monsters freeze in my presence. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. Even a child could handle your job if they had the strength to split a metal boulder with their bare hands. Sure, it's easier to hit something that doesn't move, but that doesn't diminish the importance of the work we do. These monsters, especially the ones we go after, are as tough as they come around these parts."
Sipping his beer absentmindedly, Huang listened to his friend's words while his mind wandered. The mention of children caught his attention, and a heaviness settled in his heart. Roy noticed his distraction and inquired about Huang's daughter, whom everyone referred to as "Huang's little devil."
Downing another cup of beer, Huang embarked on an explanation that revealed the extraordinary nature of his daughter, Mia. He marveled at how she had developed her magical abilities shortly after her third birthday, able to summon and control water, manipulate winds, and even shape rocks with her mana. But her attempts to share her magical prowess with other children, while well intentioned, often resulted in chaotic displays of dirt, rocks, and water being flung about. The town's children had a field day, engaging in playful battles fueled by Mia's magical teachings. Thankfully, no one with the power of fire got involved.
After a few weeks of relative calm, an incident involving dolls disrupted the tranquility. In an effort to encourage Mia's social interactions, Huang and his wives gifted her a collection of dolls. Mia quickly made friends, but soon the dolls took on a life of their own, wandering through the town. An exorcist was nearly summoned, but before he could arrive, a group of panicked children pleaded for help at the guard station. Huang rushed to the scene to find his daughter controlling an army of dolls, pummeling an older boy who had insulted and destroyed Mia's cherished doll—the one that resembled her mother. Despite his internal struggle, Huang intervened, putting a stop to the chaos. He soon after discovered the magnetic allure of Mia's imagination and the mesmerizing allure of moving dolls to the town's children as he watched them from afar to make sure everything would be ok.
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The subsequent chapters of Mia's young life unfolded with remarkable speed. She learned to read and write in a day after a chance encounter with a passing caravan. Mia's fiery defense of Liza, their family friend and his aunt, against a pickpocket earned her a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. But the most memorable incident occurred just before her fourth birthday when Huang entrusted Mia to the care of his fellow guards at the station. Mia quickly grasped the card game they were playing and began winning against seasoned players, amassing a small fortune. The tearful guards implored Huang to rein in his daughter, and though he managed to convince her to return the money, the guards were obliged to bring their families and contribute to Mia's birthday celebration. Which later was adopted as a custom in town. Every week you can hear about a kid throwing a birthday party and inviting other families to it.
The incidents continued, each revealing Mia's remarkable skills and unyielding spirit. She bet and won small sums of money, no longer bankrupting individuals but still finding joy in a few extra coins. And then there was the day she returned home with a colossal wolf-like creature, tamed by her and her brothers. While Huang initially feared for his daughter's safety, he discovered that the creature, in Mia's eyes, was nothing less than a loyal and protective dog. The town was reluctant to accept this unconventional pet, but the persuasiveness of both Mia and Huang's wives eventually quelled their fears.
As Huang concluded his recollections, Roy, ever supportive, handed him another beer and broached the topic of Mia's training. “So, when you plan to train your little girl? If I remember you began your boys training on the day of their birthdays.” Mia was almost 5 years old, the age her brothers started to train so the people close to Huang were aware of what that could mean. Huang was not sure what to say. “My friend, I am ashamed to admit I am afraid of what can come from me training my daughter. She shows so much potential but I don't think people are ready for a Mia that is physically stronger and magic-trained. I know that I am sure as hell not ready.”