Ch. 2 – Elixir of Existence: A Glistening Tear of Life P.7

...

(27.6.2006)

In a random forest.

For the past 2 years, I have been living peacefully in the forest with my brother, Elijah.

I practice day and night to gain strength to protect ourselves. I hit a tree with my fist and practiced conjuring magic. I am still not able to do it even though I practice every night. Maybe because I do not know how this practically works and I must have done it wrong. I only learn the theory but not the tactical step. However, I use my brain to do everything I can with making a wooden sword. I borrowed my father's axes and chopped some wood for a fire at night.

I travel back and forth into the forest to learn about this world there is nowhere around. The north from here is a dead end of the cliff. The west from here is only a deep forest that I found strange when I got in deeper. The south there is a river where I always go to catch some fish for our daily foods instead of chicken. The only path I need to take is to the east where the capital is located.

I spend time gathering an herb that I found and an herb that looks weird to use and give to an animal. The herb that is edible might be used to treat medicine. Some I already remember from what my mother taught. I cut off the monster plant that would be dangerous to me if it is poisonous. Luckily, the demon race has a poison resistance and I have half of my father's genes.

Every day, I trained my body to gather a bucket of water from the river to my safe place. I feel my body slightly getting stronger. I do not know if this world would work like a fantasy world, but I need to work hard if I want to be stronger. I never thought it would be this hard. In the comic, the character development could be easily skipping the day into a year. I really hope my life will be that simple. I wonder if I could get stronger.

At night, I would stare at the sky while counting the stars and wondering about my parents.

Me: What if they are not arrested?

Maybe I should just leave Elijah and run away, I can live happily without worry about Elijah.

I found a small, isolated village. Maybe I should go there, and I can ask them anything that I do not know. The villagers also do not have knowledge about magic that my parents and I use. I only saw them able to shower a plant using water magic.

They all are living normally like people on Earth, except this is much worse. I don't have a phone here to access the internet. It must be better living on Earth even in the middle of a forest. I would rather live in my parents' hometown because it is much more modern than living here.

Each day passed by, and I will leave a mark on a tree to count my day. I spend my free time meditating when Elijah is quiet or sleeping. I know that we are limited to do magic if our mana is low. I hope my meditation would help increase my magic like how Taosim's cultivation works like on the Earth. After a couple of months, I noticed that there is a blooming of light around me in the dark where I see it also shining on my body and Elijah. Maybe this is what is called magic.

At last, I have improved my training.

I look at the tree that I scratch, and it is already more than seven hundred days old. If I am not mistaken, this world has a longer time and different calendar. One year has more weeks for each month. But I guess it has been 2 years. Thanks to the wise knowledge I received from the Master, I am able to do my own Astrology on this planet.

One day, I sat against the tree. 

The tree is shady and a peaceful place for me. I suddenly look at a couple of birds perched on the tree. Then, a couple of rabbits hopped and followed by its leverets. I watch Elijah playing alone happily with a butterfly that he could not capture. That night, I was wondering about something that changed my mind. It would be impossible but better to take a risk than to do nothing.

…

Sitting amidst my thoughts, a realization struck me—waiting was futile. The passage of time yielded no progress, and my resolve to take action solidified.

Today marked a turning point. I resolved to abandon the waiting game and confront the reality that my parents had been absent for two long years. Anxiety gnawed at me, my concern for their well-being fueling my decision. I struggled to accept the notion that they might be detained indefinitely. The notion that their absence could stretch on forever felt unbearable.

Utter frustration and helplessness welled up within me, compelling my admission: "But 2 years! I give up!"

With newfound determination, I made a choice. Gathering my courage, I returned to our house, resolved to take matters into my own hands. I scoured our belongings for essentials, settling on two small knives and my father's trusty backpack. A small blanket would provide warmth and comfort for my younger brother, Elijah, and me.

… 

Carefully, I organized the supplies, my heart a mix of anticipation and nostalgia as I packed a change of clothes and items for Elijah's care. As I tidied the house, I left a note—a plea to my absent parents, a message of hope and longing.

Doubts gnawed at me, anxiety clawing its way to the surface: "They won't possibly get executed, right?" I wrestled with the potential consequences my parents might face, caught in the clutches of the royal guard. The fate they might encounter haunted my thoughts—a verdict likely tied to their unique identities as an exile demon and a member of the goddess clan.

Resolute, I pushed those worries aside, a singular purpose taking root: "What's important to know is that I must hurry to save them!"

As I shut the door behind me, a mix of determination and trepidation surged within. It marked my first step into a wider world, an adventure unfolding. Beside me, Elijah, my 4-year-old brother, smiled—an infectious grin that buoyed my spirits. His innocence and happiness served as a reminder that our journey held a deeper purpose.

Setting forth, we followed the worn path—the horse track, a road that stretched before us. The road would lead us to the capital, a daunting 500 kilometers to the east. A young child, I embarked on my inaugural adventure, Elijah by my side. Uncertainty lay ahead, but hope surged within.

"This is my beginning. Let's go on an adventure around this world!" I declared, determination firm. Elijah responded with a gleeful "Teehee," his joy infectious.

I turned to him, a sense of purpose resonating: "Right. This will be the right thing to do. Let's go!"

As the world beckoned, our journey began—a 6-year-old with his 4-year-old brother, setting forth to rescue their parents. The road ahead held challenges, but in our hearts burned the belief that we could overcome anything.

"Mom… Dad… Wait for us!" The vow echoed once more, a resolute affirmation of our unwavering bond.

…

-To be continued-

The story ends as the two brothers start their journey in travelling across the country to find their parents. The tale moves forward as the courageous older brother embraces the challenges of his new existence in this unfamiliar realm. Each day brings fresh struggles, yet he faces them with unwavering resolve, propelled by the responsibility he feels for his younger sibling. While the intricacies of this world remain shrouded in mystery, his devotion to Elijah remains steadfast, a beacon guiding his path.

…