Aren had made his decision.
He would train.
The problem was—he had no idea where to start.
Until now, Aren had been nothing more than a hunter's son. He had never seriously held a sword, never dreamed of becoming strong. Hunting was enough. Life was simple.
Until Kayla was taken away.
So the first thing that came to his mind was simple.
Books.
If he knew nothing, then he would learn.
That evening, when his father returned home, Aren spoke up immediately.
— Father, I want to go to Amoria.— Amoria? Rob repeated, raising an eyebrow.— Yes. To buy training books… and combat manuals.
Rob studied his son for a moment, then sighed.
— You're still too young to go alone.After a pause:— But I'll be heading there in two days to sell goods. I'll take you with me.
Aren's eyes lit up.
— Really?— Yes. But be careful. Understood?— I promise!
Two days later, the carriage left the village at dawn.
— Be careful, Nila said, waving goodbye.
After several hours, Amoria finally came into view—a large, bustling city ruled by Count Russel Tallcrag.
Rob parked the carriage near the market.
— Take this, he said, handing Aren a pouch of coins.— Buy what you need. We'll meet here later.
Aren nodded and walked off.
As he strolled through the streets, he noticed something in a narrow alley.
A boy was trying to rob a girl.
Aren looked away.
Not my problem.
— Please… help me!
He stopped.
— Shut up! the boy snapped, slapping her.
Aren clenched his fist.
— He's not coming back, the thief sneered as he turned around.
BAM!
Aren's fist crashed into his face.
The boy fell to the ground, blood pouring from his nose.
— Are you crazy?! You want to die?!
Aren stared at his own hand.
— No idea, he replied honestly. I think I acted before thinking.
The thief pulled out a knife.
— Run, Aren said with a grin.
— What?!
They ran.
After a long chase, they finally lost him.
— Whew… Aren breathed.— Th-thank you… the girl said.
— No need. I should go.
He looked around.
— …I'm lost.
— I can help you, she said softly.— Do you know where the library is?— Yes! Follow me.
She smiled.
— My name is Stella Tallcrag.— Tallcrag? Aren blinked. You're a noble?— Yes. My father is Count Russel.
Aren stared.
— You're telling me the count's daughter was wandering in a dangerous alley?— I was following a cat… she muttered.
Aren burst out laughing.
— Unbelievable.
Stella pouted as they walked, while Aren kept teasing her mercilessly.
Soon, they stopped before a massive stone building.
— This is the Library of Amoria, Stella said proudly.
Aren looked up.
This is where it begins, he thought.