C#3: Prologue-III — The Storyteller's Son
The fire crackled softly. No one spoke for a long moment.
The children sat frozen — some wide-eyed with fear, others buzzing with excitement. A few adults had gathered at the edge of the clearing as well, pretending not to listen while clearly hanging on every word.
One child finally broke the silence. "Then… what happened after that?!"
Another leaned forward. "Did the Dragon and Pegasus win?"
"Did we lose?" someone asked quietly.
A smaller child raised his hand, face completely serious. "Is the scary Demon King still alive…? Is he reincarnated as the village dentist?"
For a heartbeat, silence. Then the elder burst into laughter, wiping tears from his eyes. "Hah! If that were true, toothaches would be far more terrifying than demons."
The children laughed, and the tension finally eased.
The elder cleared his throat, about to continue, when a voice called out from behind him.
"Old man. There's been an unusual increase in monsters near the northern border. I just returned from inspection."
The elder turned. A young man stood there, travel dust clinging to his cloak, a sword resting in his hand — its blade plain but well-maintained, clearly used, clearly trusted. At his right side hung another sword, and that one was anything but ordinary. Its sheath radiated a faint, oppressive power, old and heavy, and thick chains wrapped tightly around both hilt and scabbard as if sealing something dangerous within. The chains were intact. Unbroken.
"Ah, Jin," the elder said, recognition lighting his face. "You've returned."
Jin inclined his head. "I couldn't pinpoint the exact cause. A new ruin was discovered near the northern border recently — I suspect a dungeon may have formed. I'll need to check it personally."
"I see," the elder said thoughtfully.
Before the discussion could go further, one of the children sprang up and ran forward. "Father!"
The boy threw his arms around Jin without hesitation. Jin blinked, then smiled, sheathing his sword and lifting the child easily. "Hey, Hayato. Did you behave?"
Hayato nodded vigorously. "Yes! I listened to everything!"
Jin glanced at the elder. "So, did you enjoy this old man's story?"
"Oi," the elder snapped immediately. "Watch your words. I'm not old. I'm just… eternally youthful."
That earned another round of laughter.
The moment the other children realized who had arrived, excitement exploded.
"Uncle Jin!" "Did you fight monsters today?!" "How many?!" "Were they strong?!"
Jin chuckled, surrounded on all sides. "One question at a time."
Hakuro clapped his hands sharply. "That's enough for tonight. It's late — we'll continue the story another day. Back to the village, everyone."
There were a few disappointed groans, but no one protested. The fire was extinguished, and the clearing slowly emptied.
As they walked back toward the village lights, Hakuro fell into step beside Jin. "You're heading to the Southern Mountains tomorrow, aren't you?"
"Yes. To the Shrine of the Ancestors. My wife's due soon — I want to pray for a safe delivery."
Hakuro nodded. "And blessings?"
"For Hayato," Jin said softly. "He's nearing the age."
Hakuro glanced down at the boy. "Excited?"
Hayato beamed. "Yes! Mama's coming too! It'll be fun!"
Jin raised an eyebrow. "And you're not excited to go with me?"
Hayato didn't hesitate. "Nope."
Jin sighed dramatically. "Hah… children are cruel."
Hakuro laughed openly.
After a moment, his smile faded. "…About Shin. I'm sorry for the trouble he caused this morning. Even though he's older than you, he's still irresponsible. Still believes he deserves the rank of commander."
Jin shook his head. "It's no trouble. Truly."
They continued walking, and the village gates came into view. Hayato fell into step beside his father, hands clasped behind his back.
Tomorrow's going to be fun, he thought happily. I hope nothing bad happens.
The night wind passed quietly through the trees.
And far beyond the stars, something ancient waited.
— End of Prologue —