The night sky stretched endlessly above the forest, a sea of deep indigo dotted with stars. The full moon hung low, casting a pale, ethereal light over the clearing behind the small lodge cottage. In the quiet of the night, Kibo stood barefoot on the cool earth, his white hair and blue eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight. His clothes, a worn-out, faded grey shirt, and torn black shorts clung to his sweat-drenched body as he gasped for breath, a shaped stick sword gripped tightly in his hand.

Opposite him, his grandfather Subaru stood tall, his white hair shimmering under the moon's light, his emerald eyes sharp and unwavering. His white beard added to his stern demeanor, and his presence was almost overwhelming in the stillness of the night. Dressed in a simple brown shirt and black shorts, he appeared every bit the seasoned warrior he was, even without armor or a real weapon.

“Kibo, come on,” Subaru’s voice was steady, his tone firm. “Is this how you’re going to face me?”

Kibo, still catching his breath, felt a surge of determination well up inside him. I can do this, he thought, steeling himself. I will win. Without wasting another moment, he rushed towards his grandfather, pouring his remaining mana into his legs to enhance his speed. The ground blurred beneath him as he closed the distance, his makeshift sword aimed at Subaru’s leg.

Subaru’s eyes widened ever so slightly as Kibo’s speed caught him off guard. The boy had grown faster, more controlled in his movements. But it still wasn’t enough. Just as Kibo’s wooden sword was about to connect, Subaru’s foot came down, pinning the weapon to the ground. Before Kibo could react, Subaru’s leg swung out, aiming a kick at his side.

I see it! Kibo’s mind raced as he saw the attack coming. In a split second, he abandoned his sword, shifting his weight to dodge the kick. He rolled backward, the rough ground scraping against his skin, but he didn’t care. As he came to a stop, he looked up, only to find Subaru standing over him, his wooden weapon pointed directly at Kibo’s chest.

“You’d be dead if this were a real fight,” Subaru said, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment. “In war, or against a skilled opponent, there are no second chances.”

Frustration washed over Kibo as he lay on the ground, his chest heaving with each breath. Sweat dripped from his forehead, his body screaming in exhaustion. But more than the physical toll, it was the weight of his grandfather’s words that pressed down on him. I’m still not good enough...

Subaru, seeing the fatigue in Kibo’s eyes, softened his expression ever so slightly. “Get up, Kibo. Let’s get you some experience points.”

Kibo’s heart sank. Experience points? He thought incredulously. Does this old man want to kill me? But he knew better than to argue. His grandfather’s training was harsh, but it had a purpose. Subaru turned and began walking away, his voice carrying over his shoulder, “I’ll get the bow and arrow.”

As Subaru disappeared into the cottage, Kibo let out a heavy sigh of relief. The weight in his chest began to ease, and he touched the spot where his heart pounded furiously. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he stared up at the moon. Is this the hardship I have to go through? He wondered, recalling the speed and precision with which his grandfather had bested him.

Slowly, using what little strength he had left, Kibo pushed himself off the ground. His muscles ached, his body screamed for rest, but his spirit remained unbroken. I will beat you, Grandpa, he vowed silently, determination burning in his blue eyes. With a smile on his face and a clenched fist, Kibo stood ready to face any challenges.

This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

As his grandfather walks back toward the cottage and returns holding a small bow and arrow. Subaru approaches his grandson, who is barely standing. With a gentle pat on Kibo’s head, he says, "It’s alright. Let it all out."

Kibo, feeling the warmth of his grandfather’s hand, takes a deep breath, then faces Subaru with renewed determination. "I’m ready," he says, despite his trembling body.

Subaru smirks, handing the bow and arrow to Kibo. "Alright, let’s go," he replies, leading the way deeper into the forest.

The night deepens as they walk, the trees growing denser and the forest darker. In the depths of the forest, where the air feels thicker and more foreboding, Kibo's body screams at him to stop. His limbs are heavy with exhaustion, and his mind is clouded with fatigue. But he pushes on, watching his grandfather lead the way with unwavering strength.

Suddenly, Kibo stumbles over a tree root, falling to the ground. Subaru, noticing his grandson's fall, rushes to his side and places a hand on Kibo's forehead. Kibo's body is burning up. Subaru quickly channels his mana to cool Kibo's body, easing his pain and exhaustion.

"Is the pain gone?" Subaru asks, his voice tinged with concern.

"Yes, Grandpa," Kibo replies, struggling to his feet.

Subaru, without saying a word, stands up and begins walking again. "Come on, we’re not far from the hellhounds," he says.

Kibo, a little scared but trusting in his grandfather’s presence, follows. They soon stop in a small clearing where the moonlight filters through the trees, revealing an injured creature lying on the ground. The creature is a hellhound wolf, its black fur matted with blood and its eyes glowing red under the moonlight. Its body, covered in scars and wounds, shows signs of a fierce battle. The hellhound’s breath is labored, and it lies still, as if gathering its strength.

"That’s a hellhound wolf, Kibo," Subaru says, his voice low and steady.

Kibo, eyes wide with fear and curiosity, asks, "Shouldn’t it be with its pack?"

"When a hellhound is separated from its pack, it’s either been kicked out by the alpha or is too aggressive to be tolerated," Subaru explains. "Now, take the shot."

Kibo, hands trembling, draws the bow and arrow, aiming at the hellhound. His grandfather helps him set the bow, guiding his hands. "Relax your body, Kibo. Leave any stress and worries behind. Let your remaining mana flow through your fingertips to guide the arrow. One shot is all it takes."

Kibo, sweating profusely, tries to concentrate. His mind races with thoughts of failure, fear of what might happen if he misses. Subaru, sensing his grandson's anxiety, taps his head gently. "Don’t worry. Take the shot."

Kibo steadies his breath, focuses on the hellhound, and releases the arrow. It whistles through the air, missing the hellhound by a mere centimeter, striking a tree instead. The hellhound, alerted by the near miss, growls and charges toward them.

Subaru, moving swiftly, pulls Kibo back and draws a dagger from his pocket. As the hellhound leaps towards them, Subaru slashes through the air with precision, severing the hellhound’s head from its body. The head lands at Kibo's feet, and the young boy, overwhelmed by fear and shock, screams and stumbles backward, vomiting on the ground.

Subaru quickly kicks the head away and rushes to his grandson’s side, cradling him in his arms. "It’s okay, Kibo," he says, his voice soft and comforting.

Kibo, shaking with fear and exhaustion, clings to his grandfather, tears streaming down his face. He sobs until he falls asleep in Subaru’s arms, the night’s events finally taking their toll.

When Kibo wakes, he finds himself being carried on his grandfather’s back. Subaru, dragging the hellhound’s lifeless body behind them, walks steadily through the forest. The moon shines brightly above, casting a serene light on their path.

"You're awake," Subaru says, sensing Kibo stirring.

"I’m sorry, Grandpa, for being weak," Kibo murmurs, his voice filled with guilt.

Subaru chuckles softly. "Don’t worry about it. You’re just two years old, Kibo. It’s okay to be scared sometimes."

Kibo, touched by his grandfather's words, wonders aloud, "Grandpa, have you ever been scared before?"

Subaru, taken aback by the question, looks up at the moon, his expression distant. "Yes, I’ve been scared before," he admits, his voice heavy with past memories.

"What were you scared of?" Kibo asks, his curiosity piqued.

But Subaru brushes off the question with a comforting sternness. "Get some rest, Kibo," he says, his voice leaving no room for further inquiry.

As Kibo rests his head on his grandfather’s back, he thinks to himself, I haven’t learned everything yet. I’ll do my best to be strong, Grandpa. He closes his eyes, the night growing quieter, and drifts back into a peaceful sleep as his grandfather carries him home.