A man who worked as a global news messenger, as usual, stopped by the tea shop. He pinned a new poster to the notice board outside. His voice rang out as he announced a rise in royal taxes, updates from the northern regions, and—most attention-grabbing of all—a strength tournament on Alzeiris Island, with a grand prize of 3000 gold coins.
Ladynne Gan, who had been serving tea, paused and looked toward the board. He stepped outside and read the poster with great interest.
“Will there be strong fighters there?” Ladynne asked Eryndra, eyes gleaming.
“Of course, and the winner will get 3000 gold coins,” Eryndra replied.
“3000 gold coins... is that a lot?” Ladynne asked.
Eryndra smiled gently and placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder.
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“If we wanted to open a branch of this tea shop on another island, that money would be more than enough. Maybe even last until you grow up.”
Ladynne’s eyes widened. Determination filled him instantly.
“I want to join that tournament and meet strong people.”
Eryndra looked at him for a long while, then nodded slowly.
“If that’s your resolve… I’ll allow it.”
| Intensive Training |
From that day on, Ladynne Gan spent every morning and evening in the forests around Falcri—the same place where he had first met Ryougi. In the solitude of nature and the rustling of trees, he trained relentlessly. His Yami ?15(light)and Ugora ?15(defense) magic became his weapons to hunt monsters and fend off their attacks. He refined his light-based attacks, accelerated his healing, and sharpened the martial arts passed down by his master.
More than once, he collapsed, bruised and filthy. But he never stopped. He remembered Eryndra’s voice. And he remembered the promise he made to himself—to become a protector.
Each time he returned from the forest, sweat drenched his small frame, wounds and dirt covering his hands. Yet at the doorstep of the tea shop, Eryndra always waited—with a smile and a cup of warm tea.
“Welcome back, little warrior,” Eryndra would say, greeting him with a towel and his favorite tea.
“I believe you can win,” Eryndra added, gently brushing Ladynne’s hair.
In the peace of dusk and the warmth of tea, Ladynne Gan knew one thing:
He wasn’t fighting for victory alone—he was fighting for Eryndra, who loved him.