Ten years later.
The sound of clashing steel echoed through the small training yard behind a wooden house.
"Again!"
A wooden sword swung forward with all the strength its wielder could muster.
Thwack!
But before it could land properly, another wooden sword gently knocked it aside.
A boy stumbled backward and fell onto the dirt.
"Ow…"
Kyrium groaned as he rubbed the back of his head.
Standing across from him was the mercenary who had once found him in the forest. Though his hair now carried a few more strands of gray, his sharp eyes had not changed.
He lowered his wooden sword with a sigh.
"You're too slow," he said. "At that speed, even a drunk goblin could dodge your attack."
Kyrium puffed his cheeks in frustration as he stood up.
"I was trying my best!"
"Your best isn't good enough," the mercenary replied bluntly.
Kyrium looked down at the wooden sword in his hands. The grip was worn from years of practice, yet he still struggled with the most basic movements.
Other kids his age in town could already swing a sword properly.
Some could even use magic.
Kyrium couldn't do either very well.
The mercenary watched the boy silently for a moment before turning away.
"That's enough for today."
Kyrium blinked.
"Already?"
"You're exhausted," the mercenary said. "And sloppy training only builds bad habits."
Kyrium reluctantly put down the wooden sword.
Just then, a loud cheer echoed from the town square not far away.
Curious, Kyrium ran to the fence and peeked toward the road.
A group of armored adventurers was passing through town.
Their armor shone in the sunlight, and their weapons looked far more impressive than the wooden sword Kyrium held.
People gathered around them, whispering excitedly.
"Heroes…" Kyrium murmured.
His eyes sparkled with admiration.
The mercenary noticed the look and frowned slightly.
Kyrium suddenly turned toward him.
"Hey!"
"What?"
Kyrium hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"…Do you think I could become a hero someday?"
The question hung in the air.
The mercenary stared at him for a long moment.
Then he snorted.
"You?"
Kyrium's shoulders stiffened.
"You can barely swing a sword properly," the mercenary continued. "And your magic is worse."
Kyrium looked down.
For a moment, the yard was silent.
Then the boy tightened his fists.
"…I'll work harder," he said quietly.
The mercenary raised an eyebrow.
"I'll train more," Kyrium continued. "And one day I'll become strong enough to protect people."
The mercenary watched him carefully.
That stubborn look in the boy's eyes…
He had seen it before.
Slowly, he turned away.
"…Do what you want."
Kyrium grinned.
Because the mercenary hadn't said no.
And for Kyrium, that was enough.