Kael listened quietly. "He sounds powerful. Definitely someone I'd like to learn from..."
Then, after a brief pause, he added, "But aside from him? Anyone else worth noting?"
Alaric glanced at Kael, amused by the sudden curiosity. "Why the sudden interest in strength? Planning to challenge someone already?"
Kael chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his head. "Nothing serious. Just wanted to know what kind of people I'll be dealing with now that I'm... technically one of them."
Alaric's expression softened, and he wrapped his arm around Kael's shoulders. "Alright, since you're asking seriously… remember, aside from the chief, there's his son. He's about my age and has been my friend since we were both boys. He might not have reached the chief's level, but he's still a seasoned Elite Knight. Very reliable. Knows how to use a blade, and unlike his father, he's a bit more open-minded. If you ever need advice, you can approach him."
Kael nodded, storing that in his mind.
"Then," Alaric continued, "there's a lady swordsman—well, technically a knight—stationed here from a nearby noble estate. Her name's Serina. She came a year ago and is a quiet type. She doesn't talk much, but don't mistake that for weakness. She's the type who'll take down a wild beast without blinking."
"Sounds intimidating," Kael murmured, half-curious.
"She is. But she's kind," Alaric added. "And then… there are others... scattered across the village. Some blacksmiths who used to wield swords, hunters who trained in the military, and even a few retired magic swordsmen who live in the outskirts."
He gave Kael a glance. "You'll meet many of them if you start exploring. Just remember, son… strength isn't always what it looks like on the surface. Some of the quietest folks are the deadliest."
Kael nodded again, feeling the truth in his father's words as they continued walking under the warming sun.
After about twenty minutes, the border of the village center came into view. Located amidst lush hills and dense forest, the village looked like something straight out of the medieval shows that Kael had watched back on Earth—like Vikings or The Last Kingdom.
A tall wooden fence encircled the village, with sharpened edges to ward off the beasts. It wasn't grand, but it served its purpose well enough. Two guards stood at the main gate, spears in hand and dressed in plain armor, eyes scanning for anything unusual.
As Alaric and Kael approached, one of the guards, a man in his mid-thirties with a well-kept beard and a friendly face, raised his hand in greeting. "Sir Alaric, you're here."
His gaze dropped slightly, landing on Kael. "And young Kael as well. Good to see you, lad."
Alaric smiled and gave a polite nod. "Yes, Brian. We made good time. Has everyone arrived?"
Brian nodded, stepping slightly to the side. "Yes, sir. They're all inside the town hall. The program is just about to begin."
"Good," Alaric replied with a nod.
With that, the two of them stepped past the gate and entered the village. The streets were clean, well-maintained. Merchants were closing down their morning stalls and a few children still ran around, dragging sticks or playing with stones. The houses, though simple, were spaced with care, and flowers in pots or small gardens added a gentle liveliness to the landscape.
Kael glanced around slowly, taking it all in. There was something comforting about the village center—something that always made him feel oddly at peace.
As his eyes roamed the street, they landed on a familiar figure crouched awkwardly near a shop corner—Aren.
His brows furrowed slightly as he tilted his head, observing Aren's odd behavior. The boy was ducking low behind crates, sneaking glances toward a shop that had stood there unchanged for as long as Kael could remember.
It wasn't some shady new place—it was old, boring, and usually closed half the day.
What the hell is he doing…? Kael wondered, watching as Aren peeked again, then quickly ducked behind a barrel like he was in the middle of some high-stakes mission.
Kael opened his mouth, ready to call out, but stopped himself. Something about the way Aren was moving told him it wasn't the right time. Maybe it was some dumb game. Maybe something serious. Either way, Kael decided not to interrupt whatever weird thing his friend was up to.