บท 308: Family Chat

They all sat down, while I roasted some meat over the fire. I decided to talk about myself a bit more, and said "I was actually a wreck of man, before I started travelling". Aron asked "Why?". I continued "I fell in love. The woman I used to love, had ulterior motives, and wanted to get her hands on the Moon Blade, which is the Ancestral Sword from the Asturb Village. I was very naive, and handed her the sword. She then disappeared without a trace, and I became a wreck. I lost my house, job and ended up on the streets".

Haily asked angry "Did you get that woman?". I shook my head, and said "No, at that time, I only thought of it as just some sword. I was just a normal villager, I had no strength, skills or techniques. Like the idiot I was, I decided to travel, and explore my life". Aron asked "Explore your life?". I smiled, and said "Yes, it's still my goal to this day. To explore my life". I then thought about something, and continued "Let me tell you something, that an old man said to me a long time ago. He said "Young one. Although life can be difficult, love can hurt and wealth disappear, I've long lost interest in those things. This old man may seem homeless, but doesn't that mean, the whole world is my home? Young one. Don't waste your life, explore it!"... This has become my goal since".

Haily asked "Where is that old man now?". I shook my head, and said "I don't know, I haven't seen him since. I don't believe he was a simple homeless man though. At that time, I took it at face value. But now? I can see that he wasn't a simple homeless man". Finch said "There are that kind of people in this world too. They are usually very strong, but pose as just simple villagers. They might be hiding, got bored of the high life, or perhaps something else. Who knows". I nodded, and said "I also think that way".

Because the meat was ready, I handed some to everyone, and we began eating. Aron looked at the field, and asked "Why did you plant all of that? We have food". I smiled, and replied "These are not just any edible plants. These are rare herbs, that I will use for something". Haily quickly asked "Is it for that thing, you gave to Norty?". I nodded my head, and said "Yes, that is one of the things, I can make with the use of those herbs".

Aron and Haily looked at each other, than at me. They seemed hesitant, to ask the obvious question. I helped them out by saying "We are a family, I would give those things to you anyway. You just have to wait a bit". Both nodded their heads, and seemed very excited about the prospects of my medicine. We continued our small meal, while Haily asked "You said that you went to the North, and stayed there for five years. Why did you stay there for so long?". I replied "I wanted to explore it. There are many places you can visit, and even more things you can learn. It may sound weird, but my body was telling me to go north".

Finch asked "I never heard of such a thing happening. Do you have a clue as to why?". I smiled, and replied "I do, but I can't really share it". Finch nodded, and said "It's fine. We all have some secrets, that we need to keep to ourselves only". I changed the topic, and asked Aron and Haily, at what stage of Limits they were. Haily said "I'm about to break through my Half Step of the Outer Limits. It shouldn't take that long anymore".

I nodded, while Aron said "I broke through my Half Step already. Now I just need to build up my strength and skills, until I hit the wall of the Inner Limits. By the way, how did you break though? Did someone help you?". I shook my head, and answered "Not really… I guess some luck was involved though. My friend was being chased. They caught him, and crippled him before I could find him. I was already at the wall of Inner Limits, but I couldn't break through. When I saw my friend in that state, a deep feeling of anger allowed me to break through that wall. I don't know if this would work for everyone though. I guess I was lucky…".

Haily asked "What about your friend?". I smiled, and said "He is doing fine. I managed to fix him up, and he should be able to reach the wall of Inner Limits soon. Whether he breaks through or not, I don't know. It will depend on him". Aron asked "Your friend must be strong". I thought about it, and said "I don't really have weak friends. All but one of them, are past the Half Step. Although he might've already broken through it as well".

Finch asked a probing question "Are they Humans?". I laughed, and said "Does it matter? I have no bias towards races. Only one of them is Human. The others are of different race". I extinguished the fire, and said "You guys should go and train. Haily, be sure to break through that Half Step as soon as you can. This will make it easier for you, when I give you the medicine. Aron, think about what I said. Sometimes, it is better to retreat, or compromise. You are not a youngster anymore. After all, you will have to replace your father one day".

Haily nodded, while Aron asked surprised "You don't want to be the Village Chief?". I smiled, and replied "So that's what was bothering you. No, I have no interest in that position. I'm still a traveller. I like to move between places, just like a drifting cloud. I will not be around here much. Therefore you need to make sure, that you are up for that position". Aron nodded his head, and replied strongly "I will!". I could see Finch's proud expression. He was pleased that his son finally understood something, and even perhaps found a role model. 'I don't know if I'm such a great role model… But this should be better than being arrogant, and cold all the time' I thought.

When they left, I reclined in my chair, and rested. My mind was at peace, and I soon dozed off. I slept on the chair, in the middle of my field. I was sure of one thing. If I saw myself at that time, I would think about Nick.