We find respite in the forest, gathering around the flickering bonfire. With each step, a heavy sorrow clings to my chest, and the quiet night amplifies the sound of the dark grass squishing beneath my feet. It intensifies the ache within me, making me wish desperately that this was all just a haunting dream, a mere figment of my imagination.

In the midst of my contemplation, I notice the man who striked me earlier, beckoning me with a wave of his hand. I approach him, my gaze lowered, struggling to find the right words to convey my remorse.

"I'm deeply sorry for what I've done," he confesses, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Silence stretches between us, shrouding us in a heavy blanket of emotions. I await his response with bated breath. After a poignant pause, The man speaks, his voice a delicate blend of understanding and sorrow, colored by the same loss we share.

"I know the pain of losing someone dear that you've shown me, just as I lost my wife long ago. I've come to realize that the ache in your hearts is the most painful one, for now."

His revelation catches me off guard, and I stand there, stunned by his disclosure.

"She... I mean... In every meaningful way, you're her father, right? She's a part of your family, and that's why… I think you’re the one who-" I stammer, searching for the right words.

The man responses cuts through the air, reshaping my understanding of the situation.

"Not her biological father," he confesses, the weight of his words sinking in. "She's our step-daughter... My late wife's and mine. We adopted Amy because we longed for a child to love and care for, long after she had left our lives..."

The revelation strikes me like a bolt of lightning, leaving me momentarily speechless. With genuine sorrow, I offer my condolences, my voice heavy with sympathy.

"I... I'm truly sorry to hear that," I manage to say, my words carrying the weight of the emotions welling up within me.

The man's response carries a mixture of acceptance and lingering grief. "It's okay. You couldn't have known."

As I lower my gaze, memories of past conversations with Amy resurface in my mind. I remember the uneasiness that would sometimes flicker across her expression, especially when the topic of her background arose. It felt as if she wanted to keep her past a secret while cherishing the comfort of our companionship.

"Did she know?" I ask hesitantly, already sensing the answer.

"Yeah, she knew. Someone had told her," He confirms.

Understanding washes over me, and a profound sadness envelops my heart. Amy had carried the heavy burden of her loneliness, knowing all along that she wasn't truly a part of the family she had come to love.

The father words hang heavy in the air as he continues, "I... I'm sorry for my actions back then, kid. I can't help but carry the weight of my mistakes." His voice trembles with remorse.

In an attempt to offer comfort, I reassure him with a gentle tone, "It's okay, Dad..."

“Dad…? Heh heh…” He chuckles softly while shaking his head, unable to fully embrace the title he once held. "I can no longer bear the honor of being called 'Dad' after you know the truth, son," he admits, meeting my gaze. Despite the tears streaming down his weathered face, a fleeting smile emerges through his grizzled beard.

"But thank you," he murmurs, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

As he wipes away his tears, the emotions he's held back for so long surge forth. I, too, feel a bittersweet ache deep within me. It's a poignant moment as our paths diverge, and I silently retreat to another corner of the forest.

Amy... I've come to know the truth too late.

…

In the deeper into the enchanting depths of the forest, a confident figure emerges from another direction. It's Alpha, his presence commanding attention. His hand rests on the hilt of an Iron Sword, securely fastened at his waist. The blade gleams with intricate crosses etched onto its handle, leading to a central line that extends towards its pointed tip.

"I've been searching for you," Alpha announces, urgency lacing his voice. With a swift, practiced motion, he draws the Iron Sword and extends it toward me. "In this forest, countless creatures lurk. It's wise for you to have this weapon as a precaution. Have you ever wielded a sword before?"

My uncertainty is evident as I briefly shake my head. Alpha's reaction is one of disbelief, and he drops the sword in shock, gripping both of my shoulders firmly.

"No kidding. You mean to say you've never handled a weapon?" Alpha's eyes search mine, breifli losing his cool. His genuine brief shock expression can be seen when I take a glance at him.

Once again, I shake my head, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I... I've never wielded such a weapon. In the past, I've only used a wooden stick or brooms while hunting with sir Rodger before..."

Alpha lets out a sigh, his gaze fixed on me. After a moment of contemplation, he retrieves the Iron Sword and extends its tip toward me, maintaining a distance between us.

"If that's the case," Alpha's eyes meet mine, "I'll teach you the basics. Hold it."

He releases his grip, and I tentatively grasp the hilt with my right hand. The weight of the sword proves challenging, and I struggle to lift it.

"Are you okay?" Alpha asks, concern in his words.

"I... It's heavier than I expected," I reply, trying to hide my unease about the weapon.

Alpha nods in understanding. "Try holding it with both hands."

With his left hand, he retrieves a larger, broader blade known as a Broadsword from behind him. Crafted from iron, it exudes an aura of strength and power. Stepping back slightly, he takes a defensive stance, pointing his sword downward.

"Now, take a swing at me."

"But...," I begin to protest, my apprehension clearly written on my face.

"Fear not. I can withstand any attack you unleash upon me," Alpha reassures me, his voice resolute.

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Reluctantly, I gather my courage, tightening my grip on the sword and striving for balance. My feet and hands tremble with nervous anticipation as I focus on Alpha before me.

"Here I come!" I declare, summoning the courage to charge toward him. My sword swings haphazardly from the bottom-left, a flurry of untrained strikes.

Effortlessly, Alpha sidesteps, his movements graceful as he evades my attacks with ease. "Focus on the direction of your slashes," he advises, his voice a calming presence in the midst of my frustration.

Determined to improve, I aim for his upper left shoulder, but the unwieldy weight of the sword thwarts my efforts. Once again, he effortlessly evades my blow by stepping back.

"Damn it’s heavy..." I struggle, frustration lacing my voice.

"Make a few more attempts," Alpha suggests, his composure unwavering. I retreat, seeking a moment of respite. Gradually, a sense of calm settles within me.

This time, as I charge forward, I find a measure of relaxation. I swing my sword from the lower left to the upper right, and although Alpha effortlessly blocks my strike, a glimmer of progress flickers.

Stepping back once again, I gather my strength. With instinctive fluidity, I spin to the right, my sword aimed at Alpha's midsection. Yet, once more, he parries the attack with effortless grace, as if it were inconsequential.

"It appears you are growing accustomed to the weapon," Alpha observes, a hint of approval in his tone.

"I believe my body is acting on its own," I swing the sword upward, trying to adjusting myself.

Alpha takes a step to the left, acknowledging my progress. The clash of our swords resonates, a testament to our training. In that moment, I can sense the weight of the sword, its potential coursing through me.

"Excellent. Now, apply even greater force!" Alpha exclaims, his voice ringing with encouragement.

I nod resolutely, a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. With a resounding battle cry, I charge toward Alpha once more, my sword poised to strike.

Images flash before my eyes—the peaceful village, the emotionally charged reunion, and the memory of Amy. Emotions, a mixture of anger and sorrow, course through me, infusing every movement with intensity as I channel these feelings into my actions.

"I swear, I'll exact revenge on those creatures. They won't escape after taking everything from me! I won't–"

But amidst my rage, a sudden realization dawns.

wait, why am I directing all this fury solely at Alpha? I make a concerted effort to regain control, to cease my relentless assault before I unintentionally harm my dearest friend.

"Crap, how can I get rid of this feeling?" I silently contemplate, even as my body continues its relentless attacks.

"Just keep going; I can handle it!" Alpha's voice interrupts my inner turmoil, as though he can perceive my thoughts and emotions. His unwavering determination resounds in my ears.

With renewed resolve, I push forward, a grin forming on my lips as I strive to overpower him. Alpha, ready for whatever techniques I employ, stands resolute.

Clang!

Our swords collide with a powerful force that threatens to send mine flying from my grip. Instinctively, I tighten my hold, struggling to maintain control. Meanwhile, Alpha swiftly steps back, skillfully catching his sword before it touches the ground and sheathing it.

"Alright, that's all for now," Alpha declares, dismissing the intense training with a wave of his hand. I follow suit, placing my sword on the ground, my body pulsing with exertion.

"Congratulations, Rai. You've achieved mastery over a [Skill]!"

Alpha's proclamation catches me off guard. What is he talking about? Mastered a skill? I grapple with the significance of his words.

Alpha approaches me, an unmistakable sense of pride emanating from him. He playfully slaps my shoulder. "Let's call it a day, Rai. You must be fatigued after such intense training."

I seize his arm, halting his steps. "Wait, Alpha..."

He turns his gaze toward me, curiosity twinkling in his eyes. "Hm? What is it, Rai?"

I meet his eyes, a mix of wonder and confusion filling my own. "How can you claim that I've mastered a [Skill]?"

A subtle smirk graces Alpha's face, as if he holds a secret. "The way you swung your sword with such force, and how you effortlessly sent my sword flying through the air."

"Is it true?"

"Truly, I cannot be certain if you have truly mastered it," he concedes, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "But considering your progress..."

A surge of excitement courses through me. "Well, it's certainly a far cry from wielding brooms and sticks!"

Alpha lets out a chuckle, the image of me using household items as weapons vivid in his mind. "Indeed, it's a remarkable leap forward. Gone are the days of using brooms as your only defense against those who tormented you."

"Enough reminiscing!" I interject with a shout, feeling my face flush with embarrassment.

He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "There's no need to dwell on the past, Rai. You are a different person now, prepared to face the battles that lie ahead."

Alpha takes a step forward, his gaze shifting toward the survivors' camp. Suddenly, he halts and turns to face me.

"Oh, I almost forgot. You should give a name to the [Skill] you just exhibited."

"A name?" I inquire, my curiosity instantly piqued.

"Yes, every skill has its own distinct name. It symbolizes your unique specialty. You can even mimic the skills of others if you observe them closely. However, in your case, you have performed this feat on your own, so you can name it based on your personal preference. It will become your signature move."

I tilt my head, pondering the task before me. "Let me think... Since I raise my sword in preparation for an attack, maybe 'Rise, Slash'?"

Alpha can't help but facepalm, a groan escaping his lips. "Too simple and lacking flair! For someone like you, with immense potential, aim for a name that sounds elite or captivating."

"Elite, huh...?" I muse, my eyes fixed on my trusty [Iron Sword].

With a mischievous grin, I confidently declare, "Very well, then. I shall name it 'Rise Elite Slash'!"

“That’s even worse, seriously!!” Alpha blurts out, almost losing his cool, momentarily perplexed by my choice. "Well, it may not be my preference, but if it resonates with you, then so be it!"

I chuckle a bit before offer him the sword that had been lying on the ground.

"That sword is for you; consider it a gift," Alpha turns his body in rejection.

Our eyes meet, a mixture of surprise and appreciation flickering within them. "Thank you, Alpha... It's truly a pleasure to reunite with you."

With a casual wave, Alpha starts making his way back to the camp. I watch him for a moment, then follow suit. Finding a quiet spot behind a towering tree, I settle down, trying to swing my arms several time.

It feels slightly painful, as my muscles are all tighen up after the last training.

Enveloping my own thoughts. I let out a enormous sight.

"Today has been a day filled with challenges and discoveries..."

I close my eyes, feeling the weight of exhaustion bearing down upon me. It has been an eventful night, one that has left me drained.

Tomorrow awaits with new adventures, and Alpha must report our experiences to the kingdom. But for now, I succumb to sleep, finding solace in the tranquility of the forest.

"Today has been a truly long, long day..."

My eyelids grow heavy as I surrender to the embrace of slumber, the trials and triumphs of the night fading into the realm of dreams.

…

End of chapter 4