Leaving the village

The next day, news of Kito's imminent departure had spread throughout the village. The villagers gathered to offer him farewell gifts and words of encouragement. Some gave him provisions for his journey, wishing to contribute and help Kito in this new stage of his life. Kito felt happy, and regretted not having spent more time with the people of this village.

Regi, the blacksmith, approached Kito and said, "It's a shame that Myria kept you so busy, I didn't even have the chance to train you to become a blacksmith. I'm counting on you to come back to the village quickly and see me! I have so much to teach you!" he exclaimed cheerfully. "In fact, here's a little gift so you don't forget to come back and see me." While saying this, the blacksmith handed Kito a hammer that appeared to be of excellent quality, with gold-colored patterns engraved on a dark black material.

"Thank you so much," Kito exclaimed, surprised and touched. "I'll practice and get a head start, and I won't hesitate to visit you as soon as I return. You can count on me!"

Before leaving, Kito had a long conversation with his parents. Their faces were filled with sadness and worry, but also pride.

"Son, take care of yourself and don't forget about us," said his mother, hugging him tightly with tears in her eyes. "I'll miss you, come back as soon as you can, and send us letters to tell us what you're doing."

"I know you'll succeed, Kito. Know that we're proud of you and that we love you," added his father, trying to hold back his tears.

With a lump in his throat, Kito replied, "Thank you, Mom and Dad. I promise to do my best and come back to see you as soon as possible."

Finally, the moment of departure arrived. Kito said goodbye to his family, embracing them tenderly, and promising to return to see them as soon as he could. His parents and grandfather accompanied him to the village exit, with the other villagers following them, deep emotion in their eyes.

Kito turned around one last time to wave and smile at them before walking away, his bag on his back and Lysar hidden in his ring. The villagers continued to watch him leave, some discreetly wiping away a tear. They knew that the day would come when Kito would return, stronger and wiser, but this departure was still heart-wrenching for them. Many had known him and seen him countless times since he was just a baby.

Kito's journey began aboard a cart pulled by a sturdy horse and driven by a merchant who was headed to the kingdom where the academy was located. Over the days, he crossed magnificent landscapes that vied with each other in beauty.

First, there were the rolling plains where the wind made the tall grasses dance under an endless sky. On the horizon, majestic mountains loomed, and Kito could already imagine the steep paths he would take to cross them. He then passed through vast forests where sunlight played through the leaves and birds sang harmoniously. The tranquility of these places soothed his soul and reinforced his certainty that he was on the right path.

Kito also stopped in several villages to restock and rest. The inhabitants of these villages, with their diverse customs and architecture, seemed welcoming.

In one village, he was particularly impressed by the stone houses with their thatched roofs and blooming gardens. The villagers had built an ingenious aqueduct system to bring water from the mountains to their crops, ensuring constant and efficient irrigation. Kito spent a night in this village, listening intently to the elders' stories and the young people's tales, gathering their knowledge and experiences.

In another village, nestled by a peaceful river, Kito discovered exceptional artisans. The weavers crafted fabrics with complex patterns and bright colors, while the potters shaped delicate and refined ceramics.

Throughout his journey, Kito was amazed by the diversity of landscapes and cultures he encountered. Each stop was an opportunity to grow, learn, and flourish. His heart grew lighter as he moved forward, leaving behind the memories of his hometown and focusing resolutely on the future.

The magic school was drawing closer, and Kito felt that his new life was just beginning. The landscapes he had crossed, the people he had met, and the memories he had accumulated were treasures that he would carry with him into this new adventure.

At one point, Kito thought back to the gift Regi had given him before he left and decided to analyze it.

Using his ability, a window appeared:

[Name: Apprentice Blacksmith's Hammer]

[Type: Tool] [Grade: B]

[Attributes: Enhanced Durability, Forging Skill Improvement: +10% forging success rate] [Description: A hammer specially designed for apprentice blacksmiths. Its gold-engraved patterns on dark black material make it a unique and valuable item. The enhanced durability ensures prolonged use without deterioration, while the forging skill improvement attribute accelerates the learning of the trade.]

Kito smiled as he read the item's description. He had been touched by Regi's generosity and once again promised to return to the village to learn blacksmithing. In the meantime, he knew that this hammer would be useful during his studies at the magic school.

Finally, after several weeks of travel, Kito arrived at the gates of the magic school. The immense stone buildings and lush gardens that stretched out before him were a testament to ancient craftsmanship and artistry. This was where Kito would study, train, and grow, far from his family and friends, but with the certainty that the future held great things for him.

As he approached the establishment, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He wondered how he would fit in, whether he would make friends, and if the teachers would appreciate his talent.

And so began Kito's new life, unaware of the challenges and trials that awaited him, the friendships he would forge, and the adventures he would experience in this astonishing place.