Chapter 7: Bonds and Truths

Four years had passed since Ray's unusual awakening. In that time, he had grown not just in stature but in skill and wisdom. Eldric had taught him everything he knew, about swordsmanship, survival, and the world itself. Ray had become a master swordsman at only ten years old, his silver energy seamlessly coating both his sword and body, amplifying his strength and agility which far surpassed those of a normal person. His strength and speed were nearly five times greater than average Master level swordsmen, making his movements swift, powerful, and precise.

Ray had even developed his own sword style, one that he jokingly called the "Eldric Style Swordplay" in honor of the man who had raised and trained him. Eldric would chuckle whenever Ray said that, but he couldn't deny the pride he felt watching Ray become so skilled.

As Ray grew stronger, Eldric decided it was time for him to truly test his abilities. "Next week," Eldric said one evening, "I want you to enter the forest on your own. Explore, hunt beasts, and hone your skills. But listen carefully—you must stay within a 5-kilometer radius. Beyond that lies the inner region, and the beasts there are more powerful and unknown."

Ray nodded, ready for the challenge. He had been itching for more experience, and Eldric's caution wouldn't stop him from sharpening his abilities further.

But before Ray could set out on his journey, Eldric sat him down for a conversation he had been avoiding for years. His voice was softer than usual, carrying a weight that made Ray pause. 

"Ray," Eldric began, his gaze distant as though recalling painful memories, "there's something I need to tell you, about myself"

Ray blinked, sitting up straight. He had always wondered about Eldric's past, but Eldric had never spoken of it.

"I wasn't always living out here in the wilderness," Eldric said, his tone somber. "I once served as a Sword Saint in the royal army of the human kingdom. I was a commander, entrusted with leading the kingdom's forces."

Ray's eyes widened in surprise. "You were part of the royal army?"

Eldric nodded. "Yes, but not anymore. Fifteen years ago, I was framed for treason by certain people scheming for power. They manipulated events, and I was expelled from the kingdom. My name was ruined, my honor shattered."

Ray could hear the pain in Eldric's voice, the bitterness he had carried for so long. "That's why you're here?"

"That's why," Eldric confirmed. "I was exiled, and I've been living in this forest ever since. And that's when I found you."

Ray frowned, confusion clouding his face. "What do you mean?"

Eldric took a deep breath, his expression softening. "Ray, I'm not your father by blood. The day I found you was the day my life changed again. You were a baby in a cradle, surrounded by magic, alone in the wilderness. I couldn't leave you behind. You've been my son in every way that matters since that day, but I didn't want to keep the truth from you any longer."

The revelation hit Ray like a tidal wave, but it didn't bring the pain Eldric feared it might. Instead, Ray felt a deep warmth, a love that transcended bloodlines. Eldric had raised him, taught him, protected him, he was his father in every way that counted.

Ray's voice trembled slightly, but his resolve was clear. "Eldric, I don't care if we're not related by blood. You've always been my father. You took me in, raised me, and gave me everything. Nothing anyone says can change that."

Tears welled up in Eldric's eyes. He had always feared this moment, feared that Ray might feel abandoned or betrayed by the truth. But hearing Ray's words, the love and loyalty in his voice, brought a flood of emotions he could barely contain.

"Ray..." Eldric's voice cracked as he wiped his eyes. "Thank you, son. I, thank you."

Without another word, Ray stood up and wrapped his arms around Eldric in a tight embrace. "You're my father. Always."

Eldric let the tears fall, his heart swelling with pride and gratitude. For so long, he had carried the burden of his past, the guilt of his exile, and the fear that Ray might reject him once he knew the truth. But at this moment, all of that faded away, replaced by the bond they had built over the years.

After a long silence, Eldric pulled back, smiling through his tears. "You're a good boy, Ray. No... you're a good son."

Ray grinned. "You taught me well."

They spent the rest of the evening talking, not just about the past, but about the future. Ray had grown stronger, far beyond Eldric's expectations, and now he was ready to face the world. But Eldric made sure Ray understood the dangers ahead, warning him of the powerful creatures lurking in the deeper parts of the forest.

When the conversation finally ended, Ray went to bed with a new sense of purpose. He knew who he was, and where he had come from didn't matter as much as where he was going. Eldric had given him the tools to become strong, and now it was up to him to use them.

The next week, Ray was ready to enter the forest, ready to face whatever lay ahead. But unbeknownst to him and Eldric certain powerful individuals were coming their way toward Eastern Lands....Eldric's old friends or were they?