Aron was living like a normal child.
He studied and played with the other children in the village.
It was monotonous for someone who had little interest in such things.
Even so, it was an experience that couldn't be ignored.
Especially in a world as dangerous as this one.
There was one week left until winter ended; the temperature had risen quite a bit over the past few days.
The snow was already starting to melt, and the villagers were preparing for another year of work.
The village chief had warned that bandit activity had increased during the winter.
Some villages had been attacked, and one had even been completely destroyed.
That left everyone more tense, and the patrols were reinforced.
David had less and less free time in the afternoons.
His father had started physically training him over the past few weeks.
That morning, as usual, Aron was studying with Kelly and Sophie.
Meanwhile, David was talking with the other two about the training he'd been receiving.
"What is Uncle Derek teaching you?" Jhonas asked, curious.
"Not much. He makes me run and lift some weights."
"He said the first year at the academy focuses more on theory and physical conditioning."
"Cool," Marcus commented, occasionally glancing at Sophie, who was still focused.
"Not really."
"I have less time to play, and it's pretty exhausting," David replied, making a face.
"But aren't you the one who wants to be the strongest adventurer?"
"If you just play around without studying or training, you'll end up helping your dad on patrol," Aron said without taking his eyes off the book.
"Never!"
"I'm going to be the greatest adventurer this world has ever seen!" David declared, jumping to his feet.
Without even looking at him, Aron tossed a book in his direction.
"Here. Read."
"Do you really think you'll be the 'Greatest Adventurer in the World' without studying?"
"Dreaming won't get you anywhere if you don't put in the effort."
"Did you forget what Anna told you?"
David stared at the book in his hands, then looked at Aron, still absorbed in reading.
"Fine…" he muttered, opening the book reluctantly.
"Here, you too. Don't just sit there," Aron said, tossing two more books to the others, who looked at each other in surprise.
"I don't want to be the 'greatest adventurer in the world.' Why did I get one?" Jhonas asked, confused.
"If David's going to be the best, I'm not falling behind."
Aron tilted his head slightly toward the girls.
"And I bet they won't want to stay in the village doing patrols either."
"If you don't put in the effort and keep up with us, you'll end up falling behind."
"This world is vast."
"Full of adventures and new things waiting to be discovered."
Aron raised his head and finally looked at them.
"Do you want to stay here, listening to our future stories… or do you want to become the legends people will tell?"
The words lingered in the air.
David shivered, overtaken by sudden excitement as he imagined his name spreading everywhere.
Jhonas and Marcus exchanged a glance. In each other's eyes, the same spark appeared.
The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable.
On the contrary.
Only the soft sound of pages turning filled the room.
Even Kelly and Sophie looked up for a moment, watching Aron with admiration.
He was two years younger than everyone there.
Even so, he was the most mature.
With just a few words, he had moved three boys who previously only thought about playing.
In the kitchen, Geovana had also paused for a moment, silently reflecting on what she had heard.
Minutes later, as the calm atmosphere remained in the room, Aron noticed footsteps outside.
It wasn't uncommon for the other children's parents to show up.
But those footsteps… belonged to more than one person.
"Geovana, we're back," a voice called from outside.
Aron immediately closed his book and stood up.
'They finally came back.'
Geovana stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a cloth.
"I'm coming," she said, walking to the door with a smile.
When she opened it, she stepped aside to let them in.
"Come in. I thought it would take you another two weeks."
"Good morning, Geovana," Sabrina said as she walked in, looking around the room.
Soon, her eyes found Aron.
"Mom!"
"Hi, sweetheart. Did you miss me?" she asked, picking him up.
"Good morning, Geovana. I hope we're not interrupting," Matilda said.
"Not at all. They were studying, and I was just finishing lunch."
"Why don't you join us? You must be tired and hungry."
"Of course."
Matilda looked at Sabrina, who was still hugging Aron.
"Let's help in the kitchen."
"No, you're my guests—"
"No, Matilda's right. We'll help you in the kitchen; you can't handle everything on your own," Sabrina interrupted, setting Aron down.
"Big sis Mada!" Aron said.
Matilda picked him up again and hugged him.
"How are you, my little angel?"
"I'm good. And you?"
"I missed you so much."
Arthur watched the scene for a moment before turning to Geovana.
"Good morning. I hope he didn't cause any trouble."
"Not at all. He was very well-behaved… quite different from my daughter at his age," Geovana replied with a smile.
Arthur placed a hand on his hip.
"Of course. After all, he's my son."
Matilda set Aron down and shot him a teasing look.
"If it weren't for the orange hair, I wouldn't see any resemblance."
Arthur fell silent for a few seconds…
Then burst out laughing.
"Hahaha!"
"Good thing jealousy isn't contagious."
"Hmph," Matilda turned her face away, annoyed.
Arthur picked Aron up and sat down in a chair.
Sabrina and Matilda followed Geovana to the kitchen after greeting the other children.
"So, kid, how are you?"
"Good. I was studying with my friends."
Arthur looked around.
"Hm?"
"Who are these three?"
"Brother Arthur, it's me, David! Don't you recognize me?"
Arthur brought a hand to his chin, thoughtful.
"I don't remember any David who studies. Are you new here?"
Silence hung for a moment…
Before everyone burst into laughter.
David blinked, surprised.
Then pointed at the others.
"Look! Jhonas and Marcus are studying too!"
Arthur widened his eyes slightly, pretending to be shocked.
"No way… since when does that happen?"
"Did a pig awaken and start flying around?"
"Is that possible?" Sophie asked, excited.
Arthur hesitated for a moment.
"Well… it's just an expression."
"But, considering everything, maybe it wouldn't be impossible."
"I don't think a pig would still be a pig if it awakened… especially if it grew wings."
"Hoo…" Sophie sighed, disappointed.
"Uncle Arthur, how was the city?" Kelly asked, changing the subject.
Arthur raised a thumb.
"This winter was very different from the others…"
His voice began to fill the room as he started telling his stories.
Little by little, the children's attention turned to him.
And as the atmosphere warmed with laughter and curiosity…
in the kitchen, the voices were lower—and the tone, more serious.
Geovana looked at Sabrina and Matilda.
"Weren't you supposed to return in a few more weeks?"
"Does this have anything to do with the recent increase in bandit activity?"
The two exchanged a glance before answering.
"Yes and no. A small conflict between the kingdom of Noveth and Dorath started a few months ago."
"Bandits involved in smuggling near the border fled deeper into the kingdom."
"But the conflict hasn't progressed much since then."
"The main reason we came back earlier than expected was the appearance of a treasure in the Shadow Forest."
"Movement in the city increased significantly and should continue like this for a while."
"So, for safety, we decided to return."
"Ah, I see… there really have been more bandit incidents around here."
Not long after, the food was ready, and everyone gathered to eat.
After lunch, Jhonas and Marcus went home with David to train.
Aron had to say goodbye to Kelly—and a reluctant Sophie—before leaving with his parents and Matilda.
On the way back, nestled in Matilda's arms, he asked:
"Mom, why did you come back so early?"