Chapter 36: Sunset of Goodbyes: Part 1

Author's Note: (The perspective will switch a lot between both Alex and Luscia in this chapter and its next part.)

I woke up this morning with a sense of both happiness and sadness at the same time. It should be pretty easy to guess why I felt those polar opposite emotions today. I am happy that I will be able to go to the Proving and finally be able to try to pass it so that I can gain more freedom. I am sad as I will be leaving many people that I know behind, including my family and my best friend, Luscia.

And yes, I have asked father about it yesterday. Apparently, the city of Quaran has a strict law that children and their families entering the Proving will have to stay in the city until the test is finally finished. They are given the option to leave once it is done but, only people who have the most confidence in their abilities choose that option.

The people who escort the children there are supposed to stay in the city as well because the road to Quaran is a bit perilous as it is a mountain path. There will be at least a few monsters living there on the path, becoming some sort of mini-test to see if the one going there is worthy enough.

Personally, I think it is a bit dumb as they are restricting the options people can take but, I don't have the power to change it. Meaning that, father will only send some knights with us. If you are asking how I will survive with only a few of them, they said that my uncle will send some guards to accompany me as well.

My mother has an older brother who lives with his wife and his daughter in Quaran. When I heard that, I thought that it it strangely convenient. If I learned anything, every time life gives you something convenient in a risky situation, it is bound to be followed with a bit of misfortune when you least expect it.

At least I will have some company. Another interesting thing is that the village will still be able to see the Proving as the test will be shown to many other places using a complex artifact that uses high-level Ocean, Wind, and Light magic. Many people will be watching me, including my family, meaning that I will be able to show the world what I am capable of.

Also, it looks like my birthday celebration will be happening after lunch time, maybe around 3:30, to let me rest during the evening and get a good night's sleep. It is not like I am going to complain about it.

(I have something to ask you.)

I started out of my bed and looked around wildly. After a few seconds, I calmed down and realized that it was Calido talking to me.

(Yeah, what is it?)

(The first thing is that someone checked on your secret base yesterday. It was a girl that was your age. I believe that she is one of your friends?)

(Yeah, it's Luscia. If you just saw her, why did you need to tell me?)

(I need to tell you because I made sure that I was out of sight. However, I still think that she was able to sense my presence.)

(Really? Then, I won't talk to her about it as it will make her suspicious. Anyway, did you have another thing to say?)

(As I was finding this place, I heard many of the inhabitants say that you will be going somewhere. Where are you going and will I need to follow you?)

Oh.

I haven't thought about that yet. What will Calido be doing? I think that he should follow me just in case he gets caught in this place. Also, he can just stay a certain distance away from me and I will be able to monitor him to see if his powers came back.

(I want you to follow me during the journey. Just, stay a certain distance away from me.)

(Alright.)

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(Switches to Luscia's point of view)

THE 1ST DAY OF THE 9TH MONTH, AFTERNOON-

It is almost time for me to attend Alex's celebration. I put on some clothes that look good on me and bring Carros with me as we walk towards to the central plaza, where the celebration will take place.

When I look around, it seems like almost everyone living in the village is here. I guess that makes sense as the 1st Hero's descendants are practically the pride of this village, making the attendance of the newest son's birthday almost mandatory for everyone.

I saw so many people chatting with each other, some knights, some adventurers, and some just regular people who live here. This scene makes me remember why I wanted to study and be the best noble I can be again. So that this scene can appear on the streets naturally, like right now.

I then saw the Captain of the knights walk towards the crowd with Teacher and Alex. Is it just me or does Alex look much more giddy than I expected. Oh well, he can be a kid.

"Thank you all for coming here for my son's birthday celebration! As you all know, today is his 7th birthday, meaning that he will soon be attending the Proving to make a name for himself as my successor! That will be all. Please, enjoy!"

After his speech, the crowd started clapping, me included. All of us then went to the tables laden with food and drinks. This kind of reminds me of my Analysis Ceremony. Well, I should eat my lunch then.

1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES LATER-

"I have a special delivery to Mister Alexander!"

I turned around and saw the face of a Dwarven man holding a shiny silver sword. Hey, it kind of looks like the 1st Hero's sword! The only difference is that there are holes for at least 5 different crystals instead of only one big hole in the center.

"Thank you so much!"

"Wait, Alex, you were the one who ordered this!?"

"Yeah, sorry about not telling you."

"Whose money did you use?!"

"My own."

"I see. Then, do you want to test it out on a sparring match with me?"

"Really!? I can do that?! Heck yeah!"

It looks like that sword is Alex's. It is just like him to make it look like the 1st Hero's. He grabbed the sword and started a sparring match with his father. After a few minutes, he was on the ground, with the his new sword being held by his father. It looks like he is still no match for his father.

"You improved quite a bit."

"Thanks. But, not enough to best you in a fight."

"If you keep training, you will be able to when you're older."

He helped Alex up and they both started laughing together. Hey, I think that this should be the perfect time for me to give the present. I am a bit embarrassed to do it in front of a large crowd so, I will just bring him to his secret base.

"Hey, Alex."

"Hmm? Luscia, what's up?"

"I need to give you a surprise so, come with me."

"Alright."

I was able to convince him to come with me. At that time, I didn't know that several people followed us there.

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(Back to Alex)

Luscia brought me all the way to the forest to 'give me a surprise'. I don't know what it could be though. I obviously know that it will be a birthday present as it is my birthday. We both walked until I heard her stop walking.

"This should be the perfect spot."

I then heard her say something and heard some rustling in the bushes behind me. I think some people followed us here to make sure that we are safe. Probably her guards.

"Alex, um, happy birthday! I wanted to give this to you in private because it is a bit embarrassing to do it in front of a lot of people."

I can understand that. So, what is it?"

"What is the gift?"

"Here. Feel it and try to guess it."

I then laid my hands on the thing she put my hands on. It felt soft and smooth. It was almost like... silk.

"No way. Is this silk from a Magistrate Moth?!"

I would recognize this texture easily. I don't know where she got it but, this is already one heck of a gift.

"Actually, it is some clothes. I thought that if you needed some extra ones or you needed some at some sort of formal party, you could wear these ones. Remember how I asked you if you like capes before? I made sure to add one as well as an attachable through this strap, see?"

She then guided my hands over the set of clothes. I mean, MY set of new clothes. This is amazing.

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT PART-