2 Chapter 2

Life was peaceful in the village. There were no major threats to our safety and the harvests were adequate if not bountiful.

The villagers were content with their simple lives.

Today's breakfast comprised of a bland and sticky porridge. The only advantage to this dish was the huge iron cauldron it was cooked in. My appetite was several times that of an ordinary child and this was one of the few times I could fill my stomach.

"Toran, must you really go to the woods again today? Perhaps instead you could spend some time with your brothers and sisters in the square." My mother said in an exasperated tone.

"Maybe tomorrow ma!"

The door closed shut behind me with a grating shriek.

"Disobedient child, too smart for his own good." I heard my mother grumble.

'She's not wrong.'

Many years ago the village's founder had chosen to settle high up in the safety of the mountains. Travelling down from these mountains was dangerous, however isolation protected the villagers from bandits and politics.

Ordinarily only hunting parties would descend the mountains. Travelling alone was to invite the gaping maws of the vicious beasts that dwelled in the vast forests.

However when a teenage boy knocked on the village's great wooden wall, his clothes stained in different hues of blood and dragging the slaughtered corpse of a well-known wolf king; an exception was made.

The forest served as my training grounds. So long as I remained vigilant and avoided the territories of the hunters I could conceal myself from prying eyes.

It had been 13 years since my birth. I regularly updated my training plan to include new aspects but the the most noticeable aspect of my growth was undoubtably my physique.

I had yet to hit puberty and although my hormones currently restrained my ability to build muscle I was no weaker than a grown man. Often I would be called on by my mothers friends to assist in manual work. It was tiresome but I maintained a smile to keep her happy.

I had also learned swordsmanship from my father. He was talented, perhaps if he had been born elsewhere he could've been a knight or a noble's guard.

The boons from that being were astounding. [ Strong ] gave me almost limitless stamina and [ Genius ] allowed me to surpass my father's sword skills in less than a year.

In addition, to my delight, I had managed to successfully activate my third boon [ Collector ].

Some years back, when my limited strength had still restricted the swinging of my sword, I had stumbled into the den of a black bear.

Upon sighting me it was immediately cast into a rage. Its claws gouged deep wounds in the broad trunks of the forest, cutting through thick moss-covered bark like it meant nothing.

The pounding of my heart had never been so loud as it chased me through the forest. I did not dare lead the ferocious creature back to the village nor could I go near the tracks of the hunters.

Alone, with nothing more than a dagger, I had faced it.

Teetering on the brink of death I rolled this way and that, desperately dodging its claws. Its roars shook my consciousness and the ground shook as its forelimbs slammed into the earth.

A glancing blow from its paw tossed me skywards. I remember the sounds of my bones cracking. Unto this point I had never experienced true pain in this new world. I experienced it then.

Fear transformed into rage. My pain becoming a scorching current that coursed through me, screaming for release.

"Fuck off!"

Panting I slumped against a tree trunk. The forest thrummed with the agonized roars of the half-blind beast as it fled back to its den.

Around me the world grew hazy, the trees grew warped and bright colors exploded like fireworks in my vision.

Blood seeped from countless cuts and yellowish purple bruises spanned every inch of my body.

The beast had left with my dagger embedded deep in its right eye, a handful of dirt and fallen leaves temporarily deprived it of its remaining sight.

I had won.

But I had paid a price.

I awoke several hours later. Throbbing pain pulsed in my head and my body ached with unimaginable damage.

Through some miracle I made it back to the village alive. Considering the stench of fresh blood on my body I could not understand how no predator had taken advantage of such an easy meal.

I later learned from the alarmed hunters that the rampage of the black bear had dyed the soil red with blood. Ironically my life had been saved by my foe.

Mother reprimanded me endlessly through her tears, her heart shaken at how close she had come to losing me. When father returned and saw me lying in bed, covered in Graneta's ointments he fell silent for a long time.

Then he stepped forwards. The clang of steel echoed as he drew his sword and then...

"I am sorry Toran. I was not there to protect you. Rest well, I shall return later." He said with a kind smile. He said sorrowfully, his sword stabbed deep into the dirt.

Turning on his heel he left the hut, followed closely by mother who hastily took his arm. His footsteps did not falter as he continued to move forwards, only when mother blocked his path with her body did he respond to her voice.

"I am going to right my mistake." He answered coldly.

The words in mother's mouth stopped. Rising to her tip toes she kissed my father gently and stood to one side with her fingers interlocked.

"Come back soon dear."

Some softness returned to my father's face, "I will. I love you, prepare a fire for this evening."

The other villagers had left their houses to watch this moment and now my father's gaze fell upon them one by one.

"Hunters! Warriors! Lift your swords! Tonight we shall avenge my son! Prepare a feast for our return. Tonight we eat bear!" He roared.

Shouts resounded through the village as tens of men quickly assembled behind my father. Their expressions were murderous and eager.

"For Toran!" My father shouted.

The entire village howled back in response, "For Toran!"

I noticed suddenly the tears that trickled down my face.

'This boring life...I like it.'

"Hello again little soul. What an interesting life you lead. I shall look forwards to our next meeting. You have unlocked a new boon, it shall be known as [ Dauntless ]! Your fear empowers you, boundless courage flows in your blood."

'I'm starting to really like that bear.'