A morning light washed over the Greever tree in the village of Gondalwa, casting the landmark in a halo that made the villagers call it the "Tree of Oath Elvaria" — as if a forest goddess herself had descended to bless the place. Rawin stood in the village square, waiting for Firsa. He had only just arrived when Firsa appeared beside him, breathless with a smile.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Rawin. Have you been here long?" Firsa asked.
"Oh no — I just got here a few minutes ago," Rawin answered.
"All right, then. Let's go to training," Firsa said.
"Yeah, let's go," Rawin replied.
A short while into their walk, Rawin hesitated. "Hey, Firsa, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Rawin," Firsa said.
"This morning I heard a couple say the tree was glowing and must be the 'Tree of Oath Elvaria.' Do you know anything about it?" Rawin asked, curiosity bright in his voice.
"Yes. Long ago, our village made a pact with the forest goddess Elvaria," Firsa explained.
"Do you know what the pact said?" Rawin pressed.
"All I know is that every five years our village must offer a sacrifice to Goddess Elvaria. In return, she strengthens the Greever tree until it's as hard as iron, and bestows blessings upon us — enhancing our physical abilities far beyond an ordinary human's," Firsa said.
"So that's why you're so powerful, Firsa," Rawin said in admiration.
"Partly," Firsa admitted with a modest smile. "Most of it comes from intense training."
"Oh—so I could become as strong as you, Firsa?" Rawin asked, eyes shining with hope.
"Of course, Rawin," Firsa replied.
"Good. I'm excited. I want to train hard and become as strong as you," Rawin declared.
"Ha—then work hard and defeat me someday," Firsa teased.
"All right. I'll train as hard as I can so I can beat you and protect you, Firsa," Rawin said, blushing a little.
Firsa laughed, embarrassed. "It's far too early — give it a hundred years before you try that, Rawin," she replied, half-joking.
They arrived at the training grounds. Rawin looked around in awe. "So this is the hunters' training ground. It's huge, filled with Greever trees colored in shades of red and orange," he said.
Firsa introduced Rawin to the other young hunters. "Everyone, this is a new member. His name is Rawin. He's a traveler from Raisymad."
Several of the young hunters stepped forward to introduce themselves.
"My name's Arde. Good to meet you, Rawin."
"I'm Orpy. Glad to have you as a friend."
"Elvi — let's work well together."
"Silvien — I hope we'll be good friends."
"I'm Valien. I hope you won't be a burden to us, Rawin."
Valien's tone drew Firsa's ire. "That's rude, Valien. I want you to apologize right now," Firsa scolded.
"Apologize? Never. I only give respect to those who are strong," Valien snapped.
"Are you daring to challenge me, Valien?" Firsa demanded, anger flaring.
Rawin stepped forward, trying to steady the tension. "I'm happy to meet you all — Arde, Orpy, Elvi, Silvien, Valien. For now I may be the weakest, but wait one month. I will beat you."
"You beat me? How amusing. Fine — I'll wait one month. I hope you don't hide under a tree when the duel comes," Valien said.
"All right. I'll meet you at the same day and time. And I hope you don't wet your pants when it comes," Rawin shot back.
"I'll make sure your bones are broken so you can't stand," Valien growled.
"Haha, I'll be looking forward to it, Valien," Rawin replied.
The others murmured concern. "Are you sure, Rawin? Even though he's like that, Valien is the strongest among us," Elvi warned.
"Right, Rawin. You should cancel the duel and apologize," Orpy urged.
"And what will you do now? Will you continue?" Silvien asked.
"I'm sorry, but I won't change my stance or take back my words," Rawin said firmly.
"Haha — that's the kind of spirit my students should have," Firsa said with visible pride.
A hush fell over the crimson-lit training ground. From the shadowed ring of trees, a figure emerged whose aura cut through the quiet like a blade. He was known as the Young Visionist of the Greever Tree.
"Excuse the interruption, but may I train this boy?" the stranger asked.
Everyone bowed respectfully to him, Firsa included. Firsa stepped forward, curious. "Young Visionist of the Greever Tree, what brings you here?"
"No need for such stiffness. Just call me Warsen," the man said with a laugh.
"All right, Master Warsen. What brings you here?" Firsa asked.
"I was passing by and overheard the commotion between these youths," Warsen said. "And you're Firsa, I presume? Is he your student?"
"Yes, sir. I am Firsa, and he is my student," Firsa answered.
"If so, would you entrust him to me?" Warsen asked.
"I'm his teacher, sir. If you wish, you can ask Rawin yourself," Firsa replied.
"Hoho — Rawin, is that your name?" Warsen inquired.
"Yes. My name is Rawin, Master Warsen," Rawin replied.
"So, will you change masters and become my pupil?" Warsen asked.
Rawin turned to Firsa. "May I ask you, Miss Firsa, what you think?" he said.
"Of course. Why not?" Firsa said.
"Miss Firsa, what do you think?" Rawin repeated.
"You'd learn much faster with Master Warsen than with me," Firsa admitted. "He can change you quickly."
"So that's the truth. I'd rather be a twig that grows slowly over time than become a trunk that grows strong but lacks feeling," Rawin said softly.
"A twig can grow as well, but if no one tends it, it will only be a bird perch that can snap at any time," Warsen observed.
"Maybe so, but my decision stands," Rawin said.
"Very well. If you change your mind, you may return anytime. My door will always be open for you, Rawin," Warsen said, and then departed.
Firsa watched him go, stunned. "Are you serious, Rawin? That man could change your life," she said.
"Perhaps. But the promise I made with you matters more to me than gaining greater power," Rawin replied.
"But isn't that why you travel?" Firsa asked.
"Yes, but I prefer helping others over my own ambitions," Rawin explained.
"Sigh. If you remain stubborn, I will train you so hard you'll beg me," Firsa declared.
"I'll be waiting for that, Firsa," Rawin said.
From somewhere nearby, Arde, Orpy, Elvi, and Silvien called out, "Hey! Don't forget us!"
"Haha — of course you'll all get tough lessons too," Firsa laughed.
"Have mercy on us!" the youngsters begged.
As the sun set, its light merged with the crimson of the Gondalwa trees and bathed the training ground in a spectacle that felt like a miracle seen once in a hundred years.