CHAPTER 13: LEAVING

Kyrian entered Rurik’s room and sat down in the chair, resting his elbow on the table and his head in his hand.

Rurik entered, sitting in his chair behind the table as he opened the wooden drawer and pulled out a yellowed parchment. But with the edges decorated in a silver color.

"This here. This here is about you, boy." Rurik showed, spreading it open on the table.

Kyrian immediately paid attention, his eyes full of curiosity and then instantly understanding.

’To Captain Rurik of the city of Falk.’

’Your insistence has caught my attention. The Aurora Tournament will be held in four months in the City of the Silver Lake. The capital of the Country of Valor.’

’If what you sent about this so-called aberration Kyrian is really at least half true. Bring him, if you believe he has value.’

’The Aurora Tournament will be held by the prince and will gather young soldiers up to eighteen years old from all cities in the country. And the winner of the tournament, besides the cash prize, fame, and promotion, may be chosen as a student by the royal martial master.’

’Signed: General Harken, Commander of the Silver Guard.’

...

Kyrian read, extremely interested. Especially in one part of the letter.

"How many letters did you send him for them to comment on your insistence??" Kyrian asked, raising his eyebrows.

Rurik crossed his arms.

"How many doesn’t matter. Someone had to do your marketing, brat. You think someone like you is born every day?" Rurik said with a serious face.

"Obviously not, I’m special. My mother told me. And I trust her." Kyrian said without hesitation, rolling up the parchment.

Rurik didn’t know what to say about Kyrian’s words, sometimes he really forgot that the kid was only five years old.

Kyrian then stood up. With a smile.

"And of course I’m going to this tournament. If what you say about martial artists is true, maybe they know what I’m looking for." Kyrian said, his eyes now shining with color.

"Besides, isn’t this going to be too easy? Those kids really aren’t going to have a good day when I arrive at the tournament. The world is truly unfair." Kyrian said with regret, shaking his head.

"Shut up, brat." Rurik said with disgust, smacking Kyrian on the head. Who only smiled, leaving the room.

"I’ll leave in two days, so prepare everything I’ll need. Well, you’ve probably already done that, after all, you seem more excited than me." Kyrian said as he headed to his room.

And he was right.

Rurik had been extremely excited since the letter arrived four months ago.

Since he met the boy, he had sent at least two letters a month, not only to the nearest city but also to the main army of the country, about Kyrian and his feats.

He really promoted him like a madman. But no response ever came. Until four months ago, when a reply came from the last person he expected.

"Too bad I won’t be able to see your face when my student destroys everyone in the tournament." Rurik thought, smiling loudly in his office, scaring any soldier passing nearby.

...

The next day passed normally.

Rurik called Kyrian to talk, give him some important information, and explain how the tournament usually worked.

Kyrian learned it would be a one-to-two-month horseback journey to that city, passing through two other cities before getting there.

And then, on the second day, a surprise farewell party happened. Kyrian really didn’t know what to think about it, since he didn’t expect it.

He just accepted it and had fun. He ate more that day than ever before. Besides the soldiers, there were many citizens at the party who came to say goodbye. Most brought some food.

For it was known by all that the little vice-captain only liked three things. Training, fighting, and eating.

Kyrian truly enjoyed the many types of sweets. And then went to sleep two hours after nightfall when the party ended.

He lay down on what would be his bed for the last time. Since he didn’t know if he’d be back to this place anytime soon.

No, in fact, he knew. Once he left, he would probably only go farther and farther away.

So, Kyrian slept.

The next morning, he woke earlier than usual.

But outside the barracks, Rurik was already waiting for him.

Kyrian arrived with only his spear. And a dagger hanging at his waist. Dressed in the guard’s uniform with a spear symbol. Made especially for him.

He was really a handsome brat, even more so with those eyes.

Rurik looked at the boy, walking slowly.

"Tsk, cocky. Let’s go, brat!" Rurik turned, leaving the barracks ahead. While Kyrian followed a few steps behind.

Rurik, almost two meters tall, and Kyrian, who was about one meter and ten. Really, the two next to each other was both grand and comical.

Who would believe that in that small body there was a strength that could easily defeat Rurik now?

Rurik, who had been silent, suddenly began to speak.

"Kyrian. When you leave, you have to be careful with everything."

"Especially with people. Don’t trust even your own shadow easily. Don’t let them use you. And don’t let them walk over you because of your age."

"If someone doubts you. You already know, prove it. By stepping on their heads, you’re better than them." Rurik with an arrogant smile that Kyrian knew but rarely saw.

"Well, that’s how I was for a while, until I realized I’m not really what I thought I was." Rurik said with regret.

"But you’re different. After all, you’re my student. And the most brilliant brat any being in this country has ever seen."

Kyrian didn’t know what to say and just listened, but a smile inevitably appeared on his small face.

"And another thing. Never hesitate. If you’re sure about it, do it without regrets. I trust who you are. And you have to trust too. Don’t doubt yourself." Rurik said, remembering when, after the mission, Kyrian had asked him a question.

’Does killing someone make me a monster?’

"Be ruthless with the enemy. And attentive to friends. And no matter what you do, knowing you, brat, I don’t think you’ll become a monster." Rurik said as the two arrived outside the city.

There, a soldier was waiting. Who bowed slightly to the two before running back to the city.

"This is Shadow. I know, not very creative, but that’s what he reminds me of. He’s going to take you to the tournament." Rurik said, petting the head of a black horse that the soldier from before was holding for them.

Kyrian then mounted the horse. Besides the saddle, there were two leather bags hanging on each side of the horse.

"Inside, there’s enough food and water for half the way to the next city. If you need more, just hunt. You’ve got hands and legs."

Kyrian nodded, saying that was already fine.

"Kyrian. Last warning, don’t make enemies of martial artists. Your strength is truly an aberration. But with your strength now, you won’t stand a chance, only when you become one of them. Do it, after all, strength is what you seek most." Rurik commented, looking into Kyrian’s eyes.

"I know, I know. I won’t get into fights with someone who can blow my head off with one punch." Kyrian replied as he turned the horse, but before leaving, decided to get down again.

Kyrian looked at Rurik with his usual impassive expression.

But Rurik knew, and understood.

"Tsk, why are you looking at me like that? Brat. That’s scary. I’ll be fine, it’s not like you don’t know me." Rurik said loudly, arms crossed.

"Just come back when you’re famous and considered the strongest in the country. Got it? If you dare come back before that, I’ll beat the crap out of you, brat." He added, sounding like he really meant it. Kyrian didn’t doubt it one bit.

He didn’t answer, but approached Rurik, and then jumped.

And with great force, punched Captain Rurik in the chest.

"You’ve gotten weaker, kid?" Rurik said, smiling broadly.

Kyrian turned and got back on the horse before finishing.

"See you later, Rurik. Keep training so that when I come back, you won’t be defeated with just one punch." Kyrian spoke with a cocky smile on his face before the horse departed.

Rurik only smiled. Watching the horse and the little one go farther and farther away.

’You know it’s impossible for a normal person to keep up with an aberration, don’t you, brat?’ Rurik thought as he suddenly felt something cold in his chest.

And that’s when he looked down.

His eyes widened.

"IS THIS WITCHCRAFT?!"