18 - Preparations for Departure

The rains had finally arrived in the Great Forest.

The sky remained gray and dense, with clouds so heavy they seemed only a few meters above the treetops. The constant sound of water dripping from the trees and rooftops was hypnotic. Trails that were once solid had turned into rivers, but this was customary. Their system of bridges and elevated pathways had endured many rainy seasons before.

Inside his home atop a tree, sheltered from the storm, Rygar sat before Verdia, his mentor. The room, illuminated by torches, exuded the tranquility of a safe haven in contrast to the chaos outside. Verdia was explaining the theoretical complexity of Cumolonimbus, a Saint-level Water spell capable of creating colossal storms. This was part of the final segment of the curriculum she had prepared for him. Her last lessons covered King-level Earth Magic, Saint-level Water Magic, Advanced Barrier Magic, and an Introduction to Magic Circles. Additionally, she was teaching him the Demon God language, as Rygar planned to visit the Demon Continent someday.

"Pay close attention. This spell isn't just a powerful conjuration; it's a balance of forces. You manipulate air and water, creating a dynamic system that can spiral out of control if the balance is lost," she explained.

Rygar listened attentively, committing every word to memory.

In the next room, his mother, Selene, was training intensively with Eleonora. Rygar could hear the rhythmic sound of wooden swords clashing, interspersed with the deep voice of the elderly instructor of the Water God Style.

Selene had practiced the Water God Style during her time as a slave to protect her masters, but she had only reached the elementary level. Now, she had decided to see if she could achieve the Intermediate level.

Rygar glanced at the doorway, observing the scene. Eleonora's posture was rigid, her movements precise despite her advanced age. Her facial scars and the severity in her gaze told stories that few dared to ask about.

"Milis..." Rygar thought, recalling the story he had heard when she was officially hired. Eleonora had lost her children to slave traders, and her grandchildren had been sold to a noble of Milis.

Upon learning this, Eleonora had gathered all her savings and approached the noble to buy back her grandchildren. The noble agreed, and when she felt relief, he returned only one grandchild, claiming they had only agreed on the price for one. He then demanded the same price to buy the other. The hypocrisy of that nation, which prided itself as a bastion of justice, was infuriating.

"She used everything she had to save them and was still deceived," Rygar reflected, feeling a mix of anger and sympathy. Eleonora was in the tribe because she had made a deal: train the warriors until one reached the advanced level in exchange for financial support to rescue her other grandchild.

(Her story seems true, but it never hurts to be cautious.)

Redirecting his attention to Verdia, Rygar mused, (My impression of that nation worsens each day. The noble pursuing my master's life won't last much longer either. I believe I'll leave the Great Forest by next year.)

Between moments of study, magical practice, and physical training, Rygar reflected on his progress. He was learning the Water God Style with Eleonora, and although she considered him very talented, he wasn't as gifted as he was in the Sword God Style. In the North God Style, he was competent but not exceptional.

Even so, he valued the learning process. Each technique, each style, each fragment of knowledge was a piece he intended to combine in the future, creating something unique. However, he knew this idea of forging his own style would have to wait until he fully understood the use of Touki, a skill still beyond his grasp.

"One step at a time," he reminded himself, turning back to Verdia and her explanations about magic.

"Master, are there any living mages at the God level?"

"God-level mages?" Verdia paused, thinking for a moment.

"Yes. Are there any currently?"

"To my knowledge, the Armored Dragon King Perugius Dola and the Demon God Laplace, who is sealed but alive, were the last confirmed God-level mages. Perhaps the Dragon God or the Technique God are at that level, but I've never seen them in person, nor do I know who they are. Some say there are ancient demons hidden away who might have reached that level, but I can't confirm the truth of such claims."

Rygar absorbed the information. Although far from reaching such a grandiose level, he felt a growing urge to push his limits.

---

Later, Rygar participated in a hunt organized by the tribe's warriors and the Iron Legion. The floods caused by the rains had brought aquatic crocodiles close to the tribes, posing a threat to the residents. Hunts like this were common during this season and also served as an opportunity for Rygar to train his combat-based magical skills.

Combining strength and speed, Rygar stood out in confronting the creatures. His mind, however, remained focused on something greater: the future. He planned to leave the Great Forest once he reached the Saint level in swordsmanship and mastered King-level Earth Magic and Saint-level Water Magic. When the time came, he intended to take about 30 members of the tribe to establish an Iron Legion base outside the Great Forest, with Taes as the group leader.

(This will be a good start), he thought, watching the crocodile corpses being swept away by the current.

To prepare for this, Rygar had begun teaching Kilian about leadership and what it meant to bear the responsibility of guiding others. He planned for Kilian to assume leadership early on after his departure. Despite being just a child, Kilian could already use Advanced Wind and Earth Magic, earning some respect. Rygar had also decided to restrict teaching magic to only the tribe members who showed great potential and loyalty.

The more he learned about magic, the more Rygar realized its destructive potential. Even in his current state, he believed he could wipe out a large portion of the Great Forest if he poured all his mana into a Hurricane spell.

(This knowledge, if wielded by the wrong hands, could be catastrophic), he reflected. (It's better to be selective and cautious.)

Recently, Rygar had also been dealing with a growing restlessness. The tribe's mating season was beginning, and he noticed changes in his instincts. At times, his thoughts wandered while observing the women of the tribe, which deeply troubled him. Not because he was opposed to acting on such thoughts, but because he feared losing control and forcing someone against their will.

"I'm barely eight years old... What will happen when I'm older?" The thought alarmed him, further solidifying his resolve to leave the village as soon as possible.

"I need to reach Saint-level before that happens. After the rainy season, I'll put Garu's suggestion into practice—facing an A-rank beast without using magic. I'm ready. I've already chosen my opponent."

As the rainy season continued transforming the Great Forest, Rygar dedicated every day to preparing for his departure. He knew leaving the tribe wouldn't be easy, both emotionally and logistically. It wasn't a common decision, but his vision went beyond the immediate challenges. A saying from his previous world often came to mind: "A society that doesn't know its history is doomed to repeat it."

He delved into the history of the beastfolk. The second Beast God, Giger, had once deterred any enemies or threats to the Great Forest. He had lived for a long time, but after his death, history repeated itself. Attacks, slavers, and other dangers returned because the deterrent force was no longer there.

Rygar had no intention of following that same path.

---

In the family cabin, Selene and Verdia were discussing Rygar's recent progress.

"He's obsessed with improving," Selene remarked while cleaning her sword after sparring with Eleonora. "His instincts are getting stronger by the day. He doesn't realize it, but he's gradually reacting more aggressively or acting impulsively."

Verdia nodded. "His talent is rare, but also dangerous. If he weren't so hardworking, he probably would have lost himself by now. I've considered telling him to take it easy, to say there's no need to rush, but it's quite the opposite. He can't rest now, and that truly saddens me."

Selene exchanged a brief look with Verdia but remained silent.

---

Rygar gathered Taes, Kilian, Lisena, Linia, Pursena, and other key members of the Iron Legion to discuss his plans. The improvised meeting room was lit by torches, and the sound of rain was muffled by the wooden walls.

"We need to prepare to establish the Iron Legion's headquarters outside the Great Forest. Taes, you'll lead the initial group. It will consist of about 30 warriors, and I will personally select them."

Taes looked at him with determination. "And where will we go?"

"To a city just before Milis's capital—Tinaver. We need a location that's strategic but safe enough to establish the base. For now, focus on picking the right people."

Meanwhile, Rygar began instructing Kilian on leadership and strategy. "It's not just about strength, Kilian. Leadership means understanding people and ensuring that every decision benefits the group. This is even more important when you possess knowledge others don't."

Kilian nodded, though his expression was serious. "Do you really think teaching magic is such a big risk?"

Rygar sighed. "Yes. For now, I trust teaching magic only to members of the tribe. Even then, I'm extremely selective. This power cannot fall into the wrong hands."

Kilian seemed to reflect on Rygar's words as he continued explaining how to balance responsibility and trust.

---

Elsewhere in the village, a meeting was taking place. Gustav, the tribe's chief, was accompanied by Gyes and two other experienced warriors. On the opposing side were Selene, Hontar, Verdia, and Garu. Rygar's absence was notable but intentional—he was training with Fendrel at the time.

Gyes was the first to speak, his voice firm. "Rygar is strong, perhaps the most promising our tribe has ever seen. He shouldn't leave the village. His strength is vital to protecting our people."

Selene immediately retorted. "Gyes, this is ridiculous. We've never stopped our warriors from exploring the world. Why should it be any different with him?"

"Because he is different!" one of the other warriors exclaimed. "We've never had someone with such potential. If something happens to him out there, it will be a loss for all of us."

Hontar, Rygar's father, intervened, his voice calm yet firm. "If we keep him confined here, we'll be killing that potential. He needs to grow, explore, and learn. Our tribe cannot be his limit. Frankly, he would've left already if it weren't for Verdia and Fendrel being here."

Verdia remained silent, observing the exchange, while Garu crossed his arms and finally spoke. "I agree with Selene and Hontar. We can't keep Rygar here. He's already proven his responsibility and vision. To confine someone like him to the village would be a waste."

The debate continued, with both sides intensifying their arguments. While Gyes and his allies emphasized the importance of keeping Rygar as a deterrent and safety measure, Selene and Hontar argued that Rygar deserved to choose his own path and that his departure would bring long-term benefits.

Finally, Gustav raised his hand, calling for silence. "I understand both sides. But in the end, the decision must be Rygar's. He's young, but he has shown enough maturity and strength to make his own choices. Let us respect that."

The room fell silent for a few moments before everyone reluctantly agreed.

---

Meanwhile, Rygar, unaware of the ongoing discussion, was training intensively with Fendrel. Amidst strikes and dodges, his thoughts wandered to the preparations he still needed to make. He knew leaving the village would not only be a personal milestone but also an emotional break from everything he had ever known.

"I'm still not strong enough," he thought. "But that's only a matter of time."

---

Weeks passed, and the rain showed no signs of stopping. The tribe remained busy during this season, with constant movement as everyone dealt with the challenges brought by the relentless downpour. Amidst the bustling activity, Rygar focused intently on his plans.

That morning, he was overseeing the training of his subordinates.

"When we leave, it won't be a simple journey," Rygar began, locking eyes with everyone present. "We carry the name of our tribe and the responsibility to represent it. Taes, you will lead the group that will establish our base outside the Great Forest. Lisena and Kilian, you will stay here to lead the remaining group. Linia and Pursena, listen to them. Most of your time will be focused on training. You have potential, so make good use of it."

He then gave several instructions to the other key members. "Do you all understand?"

"Yes, Chief!" they answered in unison.

Rygar placed a firm hand on Kilian's shoulder. "I trust your judgment, but remember this: magic is a double-edged sword. Teach only those who demonstrate not just strength but also wisdom. This knowledge in the wrong hands could be more dangerous than any blade."

Kilian nodded seriously. "I understand..."

As Rygar walked back home after the meeting, he felt his beastly instincts stirring again. It was mating season, and he could barely ignore the glances from the women of the tribe, which, under normal circumstances, wouldn't bother him.

"This is a problem," he thought. "It's getting out of control. What will become of me if I stay here until the next season?"

The real issue was that the women weren't helping. They had started commenting on the way he looked at them, and instead of being restrained, they seemed eager to seduce him. From the young ones, around 11 or 12 years old, to the older women, their behavior was both unsettling and distracting. Strength, it seemed, was a strong incentive here.

This urgency only reinforced his desire to leave the village soon. If the "worst" happened, he hoped it would be with a more mature woman. Even though he had spent eight years in this world, he still hadn't fully adjusted to the casual view of childhood sexuality. Some psychological barriers from his past life remained, and he didn't think they would disappear anytime soon. At the very least, he intended to respect this world's age of maturity: 15 years.

---

Later that day, he was called to a meeting with Gustav and the other leaders. Upon entering, he felt the tension in the air. Gyes and two other warriors who shared his views wore stern expressions. On the other side, Selene, Hontar, Verdia, and Garu appeared more confident but alert. Other elders were also gathered in the tent.

Gustav stepped forward. "Rygar, I know you've already made up your mind, but I hope you'll consider the matter of leaving the Great Forest carefully. There's disagreement about what's best for you and the tribe. Keep in mind that the final decision is still yours."

Before Rygar could respond, Gyes interjected, "Rygar, you know how much your strength means to us. If you leave, we'll lose one of our strongest defenders. Last time, we barely managed to hold off a North Saint. If a King or Emperor-ranked opponent were to appear, the losses would be devastating. It's a selfish request, but I'm asking you to stay for the tribe."

My mother, Selene, raised her voice in response. "This is absurd! How many warriors leave the tribe every year to explore the world and are never stopped? Why should Rygar be any different? Keeping someone like him here is condemning his potential."

Gustav turned to Rygar. "What do you have to say, boy?"

Rygar took a deep breath before answering. He was beginning to feel a slight irritation toward Gyes. The man claimed to act for the good of the tribe, but his persistence was grating. Speaking clearly and without hesitation, Rygar said, "I understand the risks of leaving the village, and I also understand everyone's concerns. But I am not abandoning the tribe. I am strengthening it. My departure isn't an end—it's a beginning. I want to carry the name of the Iron Legion beyond the Great Forest, and that begins with me."

The silence that followed was heavy but full of respect. Gyes still seemed unconvinced, but he couldn't oppose Gustav's earlier statement that Rygar's decision would be his own. Finally, Gustav nodded. "Then it's settled. Rygar, you'll have the tribe's support, but the responsibility will rest entirely on your shoulders."

---

With the decision made, Rygar began preparing for his journey and his upcoming battle against the beast. If he couldn't reach Saint level in this fight, his departure would be delayed. He wouldn't risk exploring the world while losing control of himself.

Amidst his tasks, he found a moment to sit with Verdia, who was watching him silently. "Master," Rygar began, "do you think I'm ready for this?"

Verdia, with a subtle smile, replied, "Ready or not, Rygar, you're doing something few have the courage to attempt. Strength isn't just in your abilities but in your determination to move forward."

Rygar nodded, feeling the weight of her words.

"I could come with you if you want. I had planned to stay a few more years, but I wouldn't mind leaving a little earlier," she offered.

Rygar hesitated before responding, "There's no need, Master. I have some things to do on this journey, and I don't want to interrupt your break." He lied; in truth, he thought it would be too dangerous to bring her along, considering what he intended to do. He would have loved her company otherwise.

She seemed about to say something but stopped midway, her expression a mix of concern and affection. "Alright, little Rygar, but… be careful."

He only nodded, and the two, master and disciple, sat quietly, watching the rain fall as night descended.

Current Status

Age: 8 years and 2 months

Mana Reserves: Emperor Level

Magical Skills:

Fire Magic: Advanced

Earth Magic: Saint

Water Magic: Advanced

Wind Magic: King

Healing Magic: Advanced

Detoxification Magic: Advanced

Barrier Magic: Intermediate

Howling Magic: Mastered

Combat Skills:

North God Style: Advanced

Sword God Style: Advanced

Water God Style: Elementar

Combat with Natural Weapons (claws, instincts, etc.): Advanced

Battle Strength: High Saint-Level Warrior

Intellectual Skills:

Reading and writing in Beast-God and Human languages

Language of the Demon-God, knows a lot of vocabulary, but incommunicable

Mathematics (University Level)

Practical Skills:

Excellent hunter, Good teacher, Very bad cook (It's almost inedible, but it can be eaten to avoid starving to death), Excellent Builder (Earth Magic), Good swimmer