"NAO!!!"
I jolted awake.
For a brief second, I was still in my dream—relaxing by the river, feeling the soft breeze against my skin…
The next second, reality crashed in—my aunt was standing by my bed, holding my uncle's bamboo sword.
Shit.
I swallowed hard. My vision was still blurry, but I could feel the murderous aura filling the room.
"I'm only counting to three. One—"
I shot up straight.
"…Two—"
I glanced at the door. Too late. She was already blocking the exit.
No choice. I had to use Flick.
In an instant, I teleported five meters outside the house.
I let out a relieved breath. The morning air felt fresh, welcoming me with the sweet chirping of birds. Slowly, I strolled around the village, taking in the scenery one last time.
But…
I forgot something important.
Today was the day the villagers would give me farewell gifts.
Shit.
I turned to run back to the house—too late.
My aunt was already standing at the doorway, smiling sweetly.
"Sial."
Without warning, she vanished…
…and reappeared right behind me.
A chill ran down my spine.
"Shit—"
BAM!
A solid hit to my backside sent me flying straight into the house.
The villagers, who had witnessed everything, simply stayed silent.
My aunt turned to them with a warm smile.
"Sorry, he's not ready yet. Just leave the gifts by the door, okay?"
Everyone nodded without a word.
Meanwhile, I lay sprawled on the floor, groaning in pain.
---
I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection.
Honestly… I expected something more epic.
My outfit was plain—just a long brown cloak that also covered my head. I looked like my uncle in his younger days.
I took a deep breath.
"Well… life in a storybook is definitely different."
I stepped outside.
The entire village had gathered, waiting for me.
I smiled a little.
"Thank you, everyone…"
They handed me gifts and supplies to take to the academy. Honestly, I had no idea how I was supposed to carry all of this.
Then, the sound of hooves echoed in the distance.
An old wooden carriage pulled up in front of me.
A merchant peeked out.
"Let's go."
I nodded and climbed onto the cart. Thankfully, all the gifts fit inside.
I looked back.
My aunt and uncle were smiling at me.
"Don't be lazy over there!" my aunt called out.
"And don't slack off in training. Remember my face if you do," my uncle added.
I chuckled.
"Don't worry. Maybe Nao will become the greatest slacker in the world, haha."
They tried to hide their sadness, but I could see it.
I waved at them.
"Bye!"
The carriage started moving.
From a distance, I faintly heard my aunt whisper:
"He's not crying, right?"
My uncle was silent for a moment.
Then, in a low voice, he replied…
"Maybe… he'll cry later."
I watched as their figures grew smaller in the distance…
Honestly, I felt a little emotional.
They were strict, but they were also the people I loved the most.
Every beginning comes with a goodbye. Right?
I just hoped this journey wouldn't be too bad.
But…
There was still one thing on my mind.
The academy.
What was so important about that place?