It was still early in the morning with the sun peeking through the clouds. Ignius had learned mostly how to use the wooden staff. But of course, it was being worn out from the excessive use. Ignius was practicing his forms along the river. Sweat being flung from his body as he made quick movements. This had become a habit of his as soon as he woke up.

His body had become a bit more defined with muscle. But the size was still quite the same. His hands showing small blisters and calluses. He was proud of what he had achieved in the past month. On the final swing, he spun the staff in the palm of his right hand from the side and slammed it into the ground. He washed his sweat from his body in the river. Once done he started walking back to the house to begin making breakfast for the both of them.

He began to heat the water with the fire that burned under it. Once he could see it bubbling he started to add the few ingredients. He threw in chopped deer meat along some potatoes. To add some more flavor to it he added a small handful of herbs that added a spicy-lemony flavor to it. He slowly began to steer the soup until he began to tear up a bit from the spicy humidity that smacked him in the face.

Once done he poured himself a bowl full of the spicy soup and ate it. Ignius had poured himself another two bowls until he was satisfied. There was still enough to fill five more bowls but he left it there for when his Uncle came back from the "Outside."

He stayed sitting on his wooden chair and began to think about the outside world. All the beautiful places he could see and people he could meet. He wanted to eat the food that was rich in flavor and everything else the world had to offer. He knew very little tho. All he knew from the outside was from what his Uncle told him or from a few books he read as gifts from him.

Of course, he tried to leave this place before but every time he failed. About 20 minutes into his journey he would find himself waking back up in his bed. His Uncle standing next to him looking angry. He would lecture him for who knows how long and tell him that outside is dangerous. So he gave up years ago on running away and, instead, strives to improve himself so that "One Day" he is ready for the outside. Of course, it's his Uncle that decides when that time is.

But he was soon interrupted by his train of thoughts to hear his Uncle walk through the doorway. He carried a leather bag that most likely contained spices, potatoes, and a few more supplies. He placed the bag near the entrance and poured himself some of the soup and quickly ate it all. Once Ignius made sure he had eaten all of the food from the cauldron he stood and walked out.

But he shortly stopped when he saw a new staff and bow laying against the wall on the entrance from the outside. He looked surprised but looked at his Uncle. He had a smirk when he saw his reaction to the weapons.

"Is this..."

"Sure ain't mine, too small for me." He said before Ignius could even finish his sentence. 

Ignius smiled at the answer he heard and quickly grabbed the new staff. It weighs quite a bit more than the other one he had. Both its ends were covered in steel ending with a small cone shape point. Not long enough to cause a fatal wound but enough to cause damage. About two-thirds of it was covered in steel with designs of animals and branches that covered most of it. The wood was of a dark brown color that ended with a glossy smooth finish.

Next, the bow was smaller compared to his Uncles but about the same size from the bow he used for the past months. Its wood was of a dark brown with a smooth finish. The handle was covered in steel with designs identical to the staff. It's thread being of a light gray color. He pulled the thread in a position as if he was aiming for a kill. He released and felt a snap sound in his right ear. He smiled at the sound.

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"Thank you Uncle" He said as he came walking towards him.

"No need to thank me, you earned them" He replied with a smirk. He let out a loud burp and rubbed his stomach. "Well let's see what you've managed to learn." He said as he walked out the doorway with his wooden staff in hand. "Use the old staff" Ignius followed behind with his old weapon.

They stood at the usual stop where he trained. Last time he could barely tap him with the staff on his leg. But this time It'll be different. His Uncle stood without moving a muscle like last time waiting for him to attack. Ignius tightened his grip and closed his eyes. He slowed his breaths to a rhythmic pattern. He listened to his surroundings feeling the wind blowing through the leaves.

Then he felt his chance to strike as he lunged towards his Uncle at a speed that even he was surprised. Right before reaching withing his Uncle striking range he jumped to the left without losing speed. He sensed a swing coming at him from the back and so he swung his staff to counter the attack. The staffs smacked each other with a loud snap. His own staff was sent flying from his hands a few meters behind him.

Ignius was being overpowered in brute strength, he jumped back. He grabbed the staff but he saw a swing coming at him from the side. he had no time to dodge so he held the staff in both hands to block the attack. But as soon as they connected it sent him flying a few meters back. 

He gasped for air but it was difficult. Shortly after he caught his breath and gulped large breaths. He sat up to see a five-meter trail he had left. Both his arms were numb from the shock from the attack. He quickly recovered and stood right back up shaken up a bit. He knew he couldn't take another hit like that. He focused on using his speed to focus on dodging the attacks.

Ignius managed to dodge about six swings but most were by a hair. He continued to dodge until he found a chance to appear for him to attack. Shortly after one appeared. All of his Uncles swings were from the side but for once he swung vertically. Ignius moved to the side and pushed himself forward with a thrust hitting him in the right shoulder. All he could feel and hear was a snap. He looked down and found his staff broken in half. The attack had no effect on him, he stood up and helped Ignius up.    

"It seems you've gotten quite better at dodging." He said looking at him. "I thought you would've just kept dodging until you gave up." He finally said looking at Ignius.

"I thought I was going to die a few times there" Ignius replied to his Uncle with sweat covering his body.

"But you didn't." He replied with a smirk. But before Ignius could retort his Uncle continued. "It seems you can now handle yourself quite decently." His uncle said.

"Well am I ready for the outside?" Ignius asked expecting to hear what he wanted.

"No, but we'll still go out." He replied with a confused lad.

Ignius didn't understand what he said. Of course, he was happy he gets to go outside but if he wasn't ready then why. This was something he had waited for so long. This felt like a dream to him. It's unreal he thought, he started to feel a surge of emotions surging through him, he didn't know what to feel.

"If I'm not ready then why are we still leaving?" He asked confused

"There is somewhere we must be before you turn fifteen." he replied.

"Does this have to do with me receiving my blessing?" He asked

"Yes" He replied.

The blessing that they speak of is something that every child receives when they are around fifteen. Its a blessing from the gods. Of course, its what many believe that is what it is, but no one truly knows what it is or why it even exists. 

The blessing grants the user to use the system that exists in the world. It's a game like system where one levels up and can learn skills and gain strength one could only dream of achieving. This system has been around since the beginning of time in this world.

"When do we leave?" Ignius asked.  

"Tomorrow" He replied. Ignius didn't say anything else.

They both walked back with Ignius asking what they'll see, eat and kind of people they would meet. He was like this for the rest of the day until it was time to go sleep. Ignius found it hard to go to sleep with so much excitement but in the end, he found a way. His Uncle stayed up a bit later making preparations for tomorrow.