Thane walked home from the Tower Academy as the sun began to set. He looked up with a small grin at the expansive warm orange evening sky. The sensation reminded him of his father and the heartfelt words spoken to him. But as the sky darkened with deep shades of red and purple, Thane's smile slowly faded.

Although he appreciated his father’s encouraging words that consoled his torn feelings and brought the two of them closer, the entire experience felt out of place. His father’s soft, yet serious conversation bothered him all day and to no end.

“Thane! Watch out!” Bradley shouted as he tried to grab Thane’s arm to pull him away from the pothole in the ground.

“Huh?” Thane said as he snapped out of his thoughts about his father’s odd behavior. “Oh, crap!” He then exclaimed while glancing at the ground and trying to avoid the hole last minute. But it was too late.

His foot stepped into the undulation formed from the missing stones in the cobblestone road. He tripped and nearly landed on his face. Luckily, the lunchbox his father gave him cushioned his head while his hands slammed hard on the stone road with a slap.

“Geez, bro! You need to watch where you are going and stop keeping your head in the clouds.”

“Yeah, yeah, Brad. Why are you nagging me like my old man? I just tripped, that's all.”

“And nearly busted your head open, Thane! I claim no ownership of your own faults. Your worrywart of a dad would probably think I had something to do with it.”

“No he wouldn’t. Well… maybe he would. But for sure, he is a worrywart.”

“See! He thinks I am a bad influence.”

“Are you not? We had to run laps again because of your note passing during Ms. Maribell’s lecture.”

“Hey! How did she even know anyway?! Her head and back were turned towards us while she was writing on the board!”

“Really, Brad? You should already know why. She’s a half-retired Climber, remember? Of course, she would know. Her stats are probably insane. She likely could sense everything in the lecture hall. Those Climbers aren’t even human anymore.”

“Got that right. They are assholes too! Especially, Duncan! He is the biggest asshole of them all. What is his problem with us anyway? He is always trying to pick a fight just ‘cus his dad is part of the Fortuna Guild. He talks big and bullies everyone as if his dad was the guild master or something.”

“Well, his dad is a guild officer. It’s a decent position.”

“The hell?! You defending the bastards now, Thane!?”

“No, no, no! I was just saying. You know I don’t like those arrogant bunch.”

“Better not! We are going to join the Adonis Guild after we graduate. They are the real heroes of the kingdom.”

“They’re just lesser assholes than Fortuna and Polaris.”

“Well, maybe.”

“But I’m not joining anyway, Brad. So I don’t care.”

“What?! No! What do you mean you are not joining? You are! And along with me! We are going to become Climbers and join Adonis together!”

“Yeah right. In your dreams maybe, Brad.” Thane scoffed and chuckled. He dusted himself off before taking the bag with his empty lunch box and walking off.

“Thane! Hey, Thane! Come on! You have to join with me! Ugh. Thane, wait up!”

The two walked back home as Bradley continued trying to convince Thane. However, Thane only joked back and made fun of Bradley’s attempts. Their constant back and forth continued all the way to a fork in the road near the edge of the kingdom. Amongst those living outside the Tower, the worst off were the ones who lived next to the danger that lurked on the other side of the walls.

“Alright, Brad. I’ll see ya tomorrow.”

“Dude, it is not even dark yet. Let’s hang out some more.”

“And listen to you uselessly try to persuade me again? No thanks. At least not today. I have to meet my dad for dinner.”

“What? Come on, Thane. Let’s go sneak up the walls and look at the Wild! We can figure out a base for our operation!”

“Operation? What operation? I don’t know about any operation. And outside the walls? You’re dreaming again. It’s gonna turn into a real nightmare. And speaking of nightmares. Are you trying to get us into trouble again? You know we’re not allowed up the walls anymore. We got banned once already, remember? Our parents gave us hell over that good idea of yours.”

“It was worth it though, right?”

Thane paused and frowned, recalling his father blasting him with more than his usual lecturing.

“… Damn you, Brad. My dad’s shouting from that night still rings in my head. I got a real earful because of you,” Thane grunted from the loud memory but grinned and replied, “But yea. Yea, it was. Definitely worth it.”

Bradley's face immediately lit up. His eyes gleamed with excitement and mischief. “See?! Let’s go! I found a different spot that isn’t well-watched. We can sneak in and take a look past the walls.”

But Thane shrugged and shook his head. “No, Brad. I can’t.”

Bradley smirked back and taunted, “What? Scared, Daddy’s boy?”

“Who said I was scared?!” Thane shouted in refute, but he quickly calmed down. “But no. Maybe another night, Brad. I got to head home tonight.”

Bradley pouted and noted something about what Thane said.

You did not refute being a daddy’s boy, Thane. But I guess it is ok. You two only have each other, after all.

Finally giving in, he huffed at his good friend. “Fine. But tomorrow night then, Thane.”

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“We will have to wait and see. Later, Brad. I’ll see you at the academy tomorrow.”

“Dummy. I will not be able to see you tomorrow. You are going to the second floor to form a contract with the Tower, remember? Mr. Soon-to-be-a-new-adult?”

“Oh, right… forgot about that. We shall see.”

“What the heck? See about what? You make it sound like you are not going to become a Climber?!”

“That’s why I said, we shall see.”

“No! You are going to be a Climber! We both are! You will be the one that will see!”

“Bye, Brad,” Thane said, not wanting to continue the conversation anymore. He turned around and walked off by himself to his father’s house.

Unsatisfied, Bradley continued shouting at his friend. “Hey, Thane! This is not over! Take the damn Tower contract, dammit! I will beat your ass if you do not, you hear!”

Thane ignored the shouting from Brad and kept walking, but he carelessly waved the back of his hand as he walked away to acknowledge that he heard his friend’s complaints.

I don’t want to, Brad. And not you or my dad is gonna change my mind.

With his resolute determination in his head, Thane reached his home. He walked up to the door of the worn-down house that he and his father inhabited. Looking around, he noticed the cobblestone street that was full of potholes. Some of the other buildings were in worse condition, showing their inner linings that were exposed and rotting in the open air. Thane sighed and thought about his dad’s circumstances.

I’ll get us a better place, Dad. Give me a few more years. I’ll move us closer toward the inner parts of the kingdom. I will truly make you proud then. I’ll prove it to you. It doesn’t take becoming a Climber to live well.

Determined, Thane took a deep breath before unlocking the door and entering the house. He wanted to tell his father of the resolution he decided regarding his future. Taking the key hanging from his neck, he unlocked the door and entered inside. Closing the door and locking it, Thane felt something was off.

The inside of the house was dark. Unusually dark. His father always arrived home before him and would greet him with a, “You’re back, boy?” That, along with a warm and illuminated home with fragrant smells of dinner typically awaited Thane upon his return from the academy. But none of it was there this evening. The place was empty and dark like no one was home. Worry flooded his mind, reminding him of the foreboding feeling he had when he last talked with his father.

“Dad! Hey, Dad! Are you here? Are you alright?! Where are you?!”

No response.

The house was unusually cold and quiet with no sign of his father.

Panic set in as Thane thought something bad had happened to his father. His father’s words touched his heart, but his unusual behavior made him think of the worst. And he did not know what he would do if he no longer had his father.

He rushed into the kitchen and turned on the lights. They flashed on and-

“SURPRISE, SON! HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!”

Thane’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest. He gasped then froze and stood paralyzed. Shock, surprise, anger, happiness, and relief all meshed together in one big mess inside of him. He was so worried just earlier, his heart nearly dropped. But the panic and restless anxiety to find his father ended with the sudden burst of stressful but joyful surprise. His heart could not take it anymore.

The turbid emotions overwhelmed Thane and came out of him as tears from his eyes. They rolled down his cheeks and dripped to the floor. The image of his father blurred behind his tears. He wiped his face to make sure it was his father that excitedly stood before him.

It was him. His father was still there, safe and sound. All his anger and frustration melted away, and he then realized how important his father was to him.

“Dad!” Thane cried, rushing and wrapping his arms around his father.

“Hey. Are you happy? You sound sad, son. Did those brats at the academy bother you again?”

Thane shook his head and nuzzled against his father’s chest. But he remained quiet. Leon did not know what to do. He simply patted his son’s head and let him hug him a bit more. However, Thane did not let go. He was worried his father would disappear forever should he do so. Time passed, and Leon was unsure of what to do further. And then he remembered something that might cheer up his son.

“Thane. Son. I got you something.”

Finally, Thane let go. Realization of what he just done hit him now that he cried out all his turbulent emotions. He looked away, embarrassed, and wiped away his tears. But he was curious about what his father got him. He turned back and waited expectantly with big round eyes. Growing up he didn’t have much and didn’t need much. But presents excited everyone, especially from those you love.

Leon smiled. His puppy-like son was in for a treat.

“Here, son. This is from Mom.” Leon said, smiling from ear to ear while handing Thane a plain and faded old box.

While grabbing the box, Thane suddenly stopped. He could not believe his father’s words.

From mom? Is Dad joking? It can’t be possible. Mom, she-

He stopped thinking any further and looked at his father’s face. He peered deeply into his father’s eyes, searching for a hint of mistruth, but Thane found none.

Leon smirked, understanding his son well. “It’s real. It’s from your mother but from long ago when you were still young. I haven’t given it to you because she wanted you to have it when you became an adult.”

Shock and disbelief plastered Thane’s face. But as Thane looked at the box, his face softened and blossomed with a quiet happiness. He carefully clasped his hands at what would seem to be the world’s most priceless and delicate treasure.

Opening the box, an open locket with a picture complete with their three family members reflected in Thane’s watering eyes. He needed to wipe them away again to see the picture clearly. A smiling young beautiful woman with flowing golden hair held a baby next to a strapping young man that looked nearly identical to himself.

“Liza. I miss you every day,” Leon unconsciously said as he looked at the locket that he peeked at when he missed his wife.

“I almost forgot what Mom looked like. Thanks, Dad, I’ll cherish it.”

“Please do. I may have to borrow it from time to time. It’s too bad, but photos of us are not many. And this is the only one of your mom.”

“Of course, Dad. I’ll keep it in my room so I won’t lose it.”

“Sure. It is yours now. Alright, up next is my turn. Happy birthday, Thane! You’re finally an adult! This will help you on your next step in becoming a Climber!”

Thane froze and gave his father an awkward smile. He wanted to tell him his decision to not become a Climber, but the beaming smile and glimmering hopeful eyes on his father’s face weakened his once firm resolve. He faked a laugh and gently took his father’s ornately wrapped present.

“Oh, you shouldn’t have, Dad.” Literally. What am I supposed to do now?! I can’t reject his gift and tell him I’m not going to become a Tower Climber!

“Nonsense. I would do anything for you, son. This is nothing. I would give you my everything to see you happy and healthy.”

Thane genuinely smiled and softly replied, “Thank you, Dad.” And so, without the will to break his father’s heart, Thane slowly unraveled the thick and shiny wrapping paper, which revealed a small plain box. Opening it, Thane’s eyes widened with shock.

“Dad! You really shouldn’t have! A Tower token?! How?! I thought only Climbers could get these!”

“Hehehe. See how awesome your old man is? Now you know that I’m a pretty resourceful guy.”

“I long knew, Dad. But this is beyond even resourceful! How? This isn’t easy to acquire even for the Climbers. That’s what Ms. Maribell told us. You must have spent a fortune! Let’s return it!”

“Nope. No refunds, Thane. I am more than happy to spend all my money to give you a good start as a Climber.”

“About that. Dad, I-“

Suddenly, Leon jumped up in alarm. Thane quickly followed suit. A frantic and ominous blaring sound blasted from the Ivory Tower and to the fringes of the kingdom walls. The harrowing noise reverberated and slightly shook their home. Leon immediately recognized the sound. The Ivory Tower was warning the humans of coming grave danger. He only heard it once, long ago. It was one of the worst moments of Leon’s life. The madness and chaos from that day left a huge scar on his chest and an irrecoverable broken heart from losing his wife, who likely died that day.

His muscular body trembled with burning rage as he recalled the last moment when his wife forced their son into his arms and used herself as bait to distract the onslaught of monsters from the Dungeon. Against his furious wishes, Liza sacrificed herself and drew the waves of monsters as she taunted them and ran. But instead of running towards hope, she ran past the crumbled walls and into the Wild.

There was only one way to survive, and it was to be close, or better yet, be inside the Ivory Tower. There, the Tower would send quests to the Climbers inside to defend the city and repel the Dungeon creatures. The area closest to the Tower would receive immediate assistance, but those by the walls likely would die before aid arrived. However, there was zero chance of survival in the Wilds during a Dungeon Outbreak.

Leon broke away from his tragic memories. He focused on what he could do now to ensure his son's survival. And then it hit him. He was angry at his wife even till now for sacrificing herself. If anything, Leon felt it should have been him. But now, it was his turn. He would do the same. With a determined and serious face, he looked at his son, taking in their last moment together. Time was running out, and he could no longer cherish the little time they had left.

“Thane. You will listen and not argue.”

“Dad! I-“

“THANE!” Leon bellowed, and Thane flinched. “SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME! YOU WILL DO EXACTLY AS I SAY!”

Leon saw that his blasting shout hurt his son, who slightly curled his head into his shoulders. But he had no time to waste on arguing.

“Take what you have in hand and run to the Tower. I will follow you from close behind. No matter what happens, do not turn back. Got it?! I repeat. Do not turn back. No matter what!”

Thane did not nod in agreement, but he quickly followed from behind his father until they reached the front door of their home. Leon turned around and sternly looked at his son.

“I will slowly open the door. On my mark, you will go first and run ahead. I will be right behind you.” Suddenly, Leon pulled his son into his chest in one last warm embrace. He closed his eyes and softly whispered, “I love you, son. No matter what happens, know that your mother and I will always watch over you.”

“Dad! You’re coming with me! Don’t talk like that! You have to! We will make it to the Tower!”

Leon pulled away, but he made no promises. “Get ready, Thane. Remember, on my mark.”

Thane wanted his father to say the words, but he couldn’t force himself to bother his focused father. Leon slowly opened a crack in the front door, and the sound of fear and chaos rushed in. Their hearts raced from hearing the screams of their fellow non-Climbers being slaughtered off in the distance.

Leon’s narrowed eyes cautiously scanned the area he could see through the crack. Others were fleeing, but the monsters were not yet in sight. He cracked the door a bit wider and quickly observed the surroundings.

Yanking the door open, he shouted at Thane. “Now, son! Run!”

Thane hesitated.

“I will be right behind you, son! Now run!” With a push from his father, Thane bolted off with his father running close behind.