The sunset that day was breathtakingly beautiful, the young man’s resolute face forever seared into everyone’s hearts.
Years later, Sophia would still be moved to tears recalling that scene.
…
Who the hell remembers what that sunset even looked like?!
Thrust! Thrust! Thrust!
Derek thrust until the world spun. His legs gave way, and he collapsed toward the floor.
He heard the girl’s scream—but felt no impact.
Slightly opening his eyes, he found Xinzel had appeared beside him, holding him up. "Young Master Derek," Xinzel said earnestly, "you’ve already given it your all."
*Have I really tried my best?*
*Tried my ass!*
*How could this assassin be so cruel?*
*Watching someone show off like this right in front of you—why not stop him?*
*He was about to kill himself acting tough, and Xinzel only shows up now to play the wise mentor? Have some shame!*
Xinzel’s utter lack of teamwork, his failure to give Derek an easy out, made him want to curse. But he didn’t even have the strength left to swear.
Exhaustion crashed over him. His eyes closed, and Derek slipped into unconsciousness.
…
He woke to dinner time.
Derek tried to sit up for the meal, but his body screamed in protest. After an afternoon of relentless thrusting, his arms felt alien—numb, utterly spent.
How could he possibly feed himself like this?
So…
Teresia arrived.
She wheeled in the dinner cart, chin high and posture proud.
"Young Master Derek," she announced, "Uncle Xinzel said your training was grueling. You won’t recover quickly, so he sent me to serve you!"
She lifted the silver cloche. The lavish spread made her freeze.
She took a deep breath, fighting to stay composed—but couldn’t stop herself from wiping her mouth.
Sitting on the bed, Teresia scooped stewed meat into a spoon. It steamed hot. Puckering her lips, she blew gently—earnest but clumsy—in Derek’s direction.
Watching her, Derek felt touched. *This pig… ah, my dear Teresia. I didn’t raise you for nothing!*
When the spoon seemed cool enough, Teresia turned to Derek, opening her mouth in invitation. "Ahhh~ Young Master Derek~ Ahhh~"
Flustered but charmed by her makeshift maid act, Derek parted his lips. She carefully fed him.
Starving, he found the food delicious—especially when delivered by her hand.
Outside the door, Sophia peeked through the crack, her beautiful eyes brimming with envy.
*She* wanted that intimate play with Young Master Derek too!
Imagining herself at his bedside—"Ahhh~ Ahhh~ Ahhh~"—her cheeks flushed crimson.
After one spoonful, Teresia scooped another, blowing diligently.
Derek glanced past her—and spotted the small figure hiding by the door. *Sophia seems worried about me too.*
He turned back, ready to accept the next spoonful…
Then witnessed the unbelievable.
Teresia popped the entire spoonful into her own mouth.
Eyes fluttering shut in bliss, she savored it.
*Excuse me? What are you doing?!*
Derek was stunned.
Worse followed. Tempted by the flavor, she scooped another spoonful, blew a few quick puffs, and devoured it—her face glowing with happiness again.
*Holy crap! Did she forget about me completely?!*
Derek coughed pointedly.
Teresia jolted. Seeing Derek’s stare, she realized her mistake.
She tapped her own forehead, flashing an awkward grin. "Ehehe~"
*Ehehe my foot!*
Stealing food right under his nose, then trying to cute her way out of it? Unforgivable!
*Why did I ever learn martial arts and raise pigs?!*
*Wouldn’t becoming a mage and marrying rich be happier?!*
*Ugh… why do I keep making life hard for myself?!* Derek fumed inwardly.
"Huuu~" Teresia blew on a fresh spoonful. "Young Master Derek, ahhh~ Young Master Derek, ahhh~"
…
*Damn. This is good.*
Outside, Sophia twisted the lace trim of her skirt, fingers knotting the fabric. Ants seemed to crawl under her skin.
*Indirect kiss… indirect kiss… indirect kiss…*
*Ah, she was so jealous!*
…
Xinzel sat quietly in the parlor, steam curling from his freshly poured tea.
Today’s events left him reflective.
Derek’s talent was unprecedented.
But more impressive was his humility—willing to grind relentlessly despite his gifts. That rare combination promised an extraordinary future.
Yet… Xinzel sensed desperation in Derek’s drive.
Especially recalling the boy’s fierce focus during training.
When someone charges forward recklessly, a clear goal always lies ahead.
*What is Young Master Derek truly chasing?*
Xinzel took an elegant sip of tea. Curiosity flickered in his eyes.
…
The Adventurers Guild spanned the world, its outposts embedded in taverns like this one in Nottan, a small southern town.
Usually raucous with adventurers swapping tales over ale and roast meat, the tavern was hushed today.
Not out of newfound manners—but because two legendary A-rank adventurers occupied its corners.
Blazing Sword Forman.
And the mysterious rising star: sixteen-year-old Gerald, already A-rank.
Patrons lowered their voices, wary of disturbing the giants.
"Yo, Gerald! Long time no see. Didn’t expect you here," boomed the red-haired giant—Forman, the famed Blazing Sword. His laugh was warm, but his eyes held shadows.
"Just passing through. What brings *you* here, Uncle Forman?"
Gerald’s silver hair gleamed under the lanterns. Even gulping ale, he radiated effortless grace.
Forman’s smile faded. "We were headed to Doen Village to clear monsters… arrived too late. Those beasts went berserk—worse than ever. They razed the whole place. A disaster."
"Sounds grim," Gerald murmured. No false comfort. Adventurers knew such losses.
His gaze drifted to a corner. A blond boy practiced wooden sword swings, oblivious to the tavern’s noise. Focused. Unyielding.
"Who’s that?"
"Leon. Sole survivor of Doen. Took him in out of pity—but the kid’s got raw talent. And grit." Forman’s chest puffed. "He’s just a beginner now, but mark my words: he’ll surpass you, Gerald. The Guild’s next superstar!"
"High praise from you, Uncle Forman. He must be special," Gerald smiled.
He drained his ale and stood. "Time to go."
"New commission?"
"Personal business."
Gerald waved farewell. His team—the West Wind Adventurers—headed north toward Dakelos, the drought-stricken county.
Intel had reached him: Dakelos’s new administrator was Derek Wudewen, son of Duke Wudewen.
Traveling with Derek were Sophia, Teresia Shalier, and Xinzel Yuka…
