The Flowing Memories of the Forgotten One
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After a long and exhausting journey—through dense forests, rocky dirt roads, and countless stops just to regain their breath—they finally reached a small hill. From its peak, a wide view unfolded before them, as if a curtain had been pulled back to reveal a more vibrant world.
Before them lay a large village, its wooden buildings neatly arranged. Thin smoke rose from chimneys, a sign of warmth, life, and quiet bustle.
Lyra pointed ahead, her eyes sparkling.
Lyra (excited): "There it is! There it is! Oakhaven!"
Altair wiped the sweat from his brow and narrowed his eyes, studying the village.
Altair: "Easy, Lyra… don't rush. But… it really is big."
Lyra: "Of course! Oakhaven is one of the oldest villages recorded in this world's history!"
Altair: "Oh? Seriously? That's interesting…"
His voice was calm, but inside, a quiet wave of unease rose without permission.
A big village means a lot of people…
And a lot of people means expectations. Conversations. Requests.
And situations where I'll have to say 'no'… something I've never been good at.
The familiar tightness in his chest returned—born from guilt, from not wanting to disappoint anyone.
Still, his feet carried him forward.
---
The moment they passed through the village gate, the atmosphere shifted. The main road was alive with people moving in every direction—merchants shouting their wares, children laughing as they ran past, and the clang of metal ringing from a nearby blacksmith's forge. The scent of freshly baked bread, wood, and iron blended together, creating a lively yet comforting chaos.
Altair: "Woah… this is my first time being somewhere like this."
His eyes wandered everywhere—full of wonder, awkwardness, and quiet overwhelm.
Lyra: "Remember, our first stop is the Adventurer's Guild. That's the gateway to everything."
Altair: "Ah, right. I'll follow your lead."
Lyra: "I already registered a long time ago, so you're the only one left. It'll be quick."
Altair: "Really? That's impressive. I'll register too… even if I'm a little nervous."
Lyra let out a small laugh. Without thinking, she grabbed Altair's hand and pulled him along faster. The moment she realized what she'd done, her face flushed red, and she quickly let go.
Lyra: "Ah! Th-that was… not on purpose!"
Altair: "…uhm… okay??"
He gave a small, uncertain smile, unsure how he was supposed to react.
---
Soon, they stood before a large building marked with the symbol of two crossed swords and an oak leaf—the Adventurer's Guild of Oakhaven. Inside, voices echoed, metal clinked, and footsteps filled the vast hall.
Altair approached the reception desk.
Receptionist: "Welcome to the Oakhaven Adventurer's Guild. How may I assist you?"
Altair: "I'd like to register as an adventurer."
Receptionist: "Very well. You'll need to take an evaluation to determine your starting rank. What type of adventurer do you wish to register as?"
Altair paused, steadying his breath.
What do I want to be…?
Do I even know?
Altair: "Fighter. I don't have a grand dream… I just want to travel, and find my own answers."
The receptionist nodded slightly.
Receptionist: "Understood. Please proceed to the testing arena and complete the trial. Your results will determine your initial rank."
Altair: "Alright."
The test began—basic assessments of strength, agility, courage, and simple combat ability. It wasn't easy, but it wasn't impossible either. Altair moved with quiet determination. Though his experience was limited, his eyes never lost focus.
I might not be strong…
But I won't stop.
After some time…
Receptionist: "Congratulations. Your evaluation is complete. Based on your performance… you have been assigned Rank E."
Altair gave a small smile. There was no disappointment on his face—only relief.
Altair: "Rank E, huh… that seems fair, considering I barely have any experience."
I'm weak. That much is true.
But this is my first real step forward.
For the first time, the weight in his chest felt just a little lighter.
---
After leaving the guild, Altair found Lyra waiting on a wooden bench outside.
Lyra: "You're done? How was the test?"
Altair: "Tiring… but fun. And I got Rank E. I think it's fair, given my lack of experience."
Lyra: "That's already great! Everyone starts from the bottom. What matters is that you took the first step."
She smiled brightly, then let out a small sigh.
Lyra: "There's just one problem… we're out of money. I have a little, but only enough for two meals and one room for the night."
Altair thought for a moment.
Altair: "Then let's eat first. After that, we'll figure out our next move."
Lyra: "Agreed. Follow me—I know a cheap but delicious place around here."
They walked through the village streets and turned into a narrow yet lively alley. Warm aromas immediately greeted them.
Altair: "That smells… really good."
Lyra: "See? I told you. Let's go."
They stepped inside.
But the moment Altair crossed the threshold—
A man sitting in the corner widened his eyes in shock, as if a dream had suddenly come true.
Mysterious Man: "M–Master Altair…?"
His chair scraped loudly against the floor as he stood, then dropped to his knees… directly in front of Altair.
The warm atmosphere instantly froze. Several customers turned to look.
Mysterious Man (voice trembling): "Master… where have you been all this time…? I searched everywhere for you… the world… the world hasn't been the same without you…"
Altair froze. Lyra stood in stunned silence.
Master…?
That name. That title.
Why is he calling me like I'm someone important?
And why… does my chest suddenly feel so heavy?
Something inside him stirred—something unfamiliar, yet painfully close.
---
To be continued.