The morning was cold and overcast, the kind of gray dawn that made the quiet town alleys feel even narrower. Rick jogged through them, his breath fogging in the chilly air as the sun slowly climbed over the horizon. Most of the town was still asleep, but he caught sight of a familiar figure ahead—Andrew, carrying a worn canvas bag and heading deeper into the back alleys.
Rick quickened his pace.
"Hey, Andrew! Off to your morning rounds?" he called out.
Andrew turned, a small, tired smile crossing his face. "Yeah. What about you? What are you doing here this early?"
"Nothing much," Rick replied, catching his breath. "Morning exercise. Saw you heading this way and thought… maybe I could tag along."
Andrew nodded gently. "In that case, let's go."
It had been three and a half years since Rick learned the truth—ever since Lily's death, Andrew had taken it upon himself to deliver food to the people living in the alleys, those who had no one else to rely on. Once Rick found out, he began joining him from time to time. At first it felt strange, unfamiliar, almost uncomfortable… but soon, the experience opened his eyes.
Meeting those people—hearing their laughter, their worries, their gratitude—forced Rick to realize how unfair the world truly was. Things he had always taken for granted were luxuries others fought hard to keep. For a while, he clung to the childish belief that everyone could somehow be made equal, that life could be fair if only people tried.
But growing up brought clarity.
He learned that he couldn't make everyone equal. No one could. True equality demanded the absence of greed, and humanity had never been able to let that go. Still, Rick found a different kind of purpose: even if he couldn't change the whole world, he could change someone's world—teach them, support them, help them in the smallest ways.
Maybe that was enough.
Maybe making even a tiny corner of the world better was still worth something.
Maybe it would be enough for someone, someday, to smile and say, "I'm glad to be alive."
They finally reached the back alley. Andrew immediately began handing out food, kneeling to meet the grateful eyes of the children who gathered around him. Rick leaned against the wall behind them, one foot braced against the bricks, arms crossed as he watched.
The children's faces lit up with simple joy as they received their meals—eyes bright, hands warm with hope for one more day.
And Rick, looking at them, felt something in his chest soften.
For the first time that morning, he allowed himself a quiet smile.
Rick watched the children, his gaze lingering on one boy in particular. The boy kept glancing at him with wide, uncertain eyes until at last he gathered his courage, tugged at Rick's sleeve, and asked softly:
"Hey, Rick… is it true you're leaving the town?"
Rick looked down at him, surprised but gentle. "Yeah, kid. It's true."
The boy's face fell. "Can't you stay here? I don't want you to leave."
Rick crouched to meet his eyes, offering a reassuring smile. "Hey now… you can't keep people from chasing their journeys. I want to see the world. But that doesn't mean I'll forget this place. I'll visit, okay? Someday, when I'm out there chasing adventures—I'll still come back."
The boy looked down, unable to speak, and simply nodded.
Meanwhile, Andrew had finished handing out the last of the food. He wiped his hands on his trousers as he joined Rick on the path leading out of the alley.
"Isn't today the day you finally receive your Adventurer's Badge?" Andrew asked with a playful nudge.
"Yeah," Rick replied, his smile returning. "Today's the day."
"So… what then? What will you do once you have it?"
Rick shrugged lightly. "Travel. Explore the towns and cities outside this place. See the world firsthand."
Andrew chuckled. "I figured as much. Just promise you'll stay alive long enough for me to meet you out there someday."
Rick smiled. "Deal."
They walked together until they reached the inn—Rick's home for the past several years. The innkeeper, Ash, greeted him the moment he stepped inside. Ash had become one of Rick's closest companions after taking him in years ago, when the boy had nowhere left to go.
"Today's the big day, huh?" Ash said warmly.
Rick nodded, sharing a final lunch with him, talking and laughing like they always had. But beneath the smiles, both of them felt the weight of farewell.
After the meal, Rick headed to his room. It was small, but every corner held memories of the life he had rebuilt. One by one, he packed his belongings: a few clothes, some tools, the gold coin he got from the hunter four year's ago.
He tied his gear securely into a bag and glanced around the room one last time, letting the memories settle.
This was where everything began.
When he stepped out of the inn, villagers called out to him—people he had helped, people who had helped him. Their voices filled the street, a chorus of warm wishes and encouragement.
Five years ago, he had arrived here with nothing but grief and fear. Now, he was leaving with a family's worth of love behind him.
It felt strange. And beautiful.
Rick adjusted the strap of his pack, smiled, and started down the road that led toward the Adventurer's Guild.
After a long walk, he finally reached the familiar gates—the very place where his story had begun.
After standing outside for a moment to steady himself, Rick finally stepped through the doors of the Adventurer's Guild. The moment he entered, he froze.
Every adventurer in Emu Town was there—crowded around, waiting for him.
The hall erupted into cheers the instant they saw him. Someone whistled, someone clapped him on the back, and for the first time that day, Rick felt his chest tighten with emotion.
"Oi! Looks like the little Night Hounder is finally becoming an adventurer today!" someone shouted.
Rick's eye twitched. "Don't call me that!"
But hearing his protest only made the room explode with laughter.
"Oh no—Night Hounder's angry!" another teased, doubling over.
Chairs scraped, tables slammed, and suddenly half the hall was throwing things at each other in drunken celebration. Tankards flew, adventurers wrestled, someone flipped a table just because they could.
Then—
BANG.
A thunderous voice cut through the chaos.
"What the hell are you all doing!?"
Every head snapped toward the stairs.
Karl, the guildmaster of Emu Town, stood there with the expression of someone who had seen far too much stupidity for one lifetime. He surveyed the wreckage—broken chairs, spilled ale, dented tables—and let out a slow, dangerous exhale.
"Tell me," he growled, "whose fault is this mess?"
Without hesitation, every adventurer pointed at Rick.
Rick stared at them, betrayed. "Huh!? How is this my fault?!"
Karl's glare sharpened. "Oh! I can't believe Rick, that you grew so big that you can destroy my guild. "
Rick flinched. "L-Listen, old man, I—No! Listen,They were the one who started it!"
Karl cracked his knuckles. "Good. Then I'll start this."
Rick bolted toward the door, but Karl moved faster than a man his age had any right to. With one grab he snatched Rick by the collar and began thoroughly disciplining the entire hall—Rick included.
By the time Karl was finished, adventurers lay groaning everywhere. The guildmaster brushed off his hands like nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, Rick—beaten, bruised, and crawling—dragged himself to the table where Andrew and Kai's party sat comfortably, watching the chaos like spectators at a festival.
"I can't believe you guys just sat here..." Rick wheezed. "While I was being beaten by that old man…"
Rony, Kai's party member, laughed without remorse. "Well, it was your fault to begin with."
Rick glared weakly, but even he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips.
It felt like home.
Rick groaned as he dropped into the seat beside Andrew and Kai's party.
"At least you could've said something in my favor," he muttered accusingly.
Andrew raised an eyebrow, amused. "And miss watching you get pummeled? Not a chance."
Everyone laughed. Rick sighed dramatically, but even he couldn't hide the slight grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Well, anyway," he went on, "I'm more surprised that every adventurer in town showed up. Didn't expect that."
Kai took a swig of ale and boomed, "How could they miss the day our little adventurer finally earns his official card?"
Rick glared. "Don't call me little. I'm already fourteen!"
Kai shrugged, entirely unbothered.
Across the table, May rested her chin on her hand, quietly observing Rick's flustered face. She looked oddly thoughtful.
Andrew noticed. "What are you staring at, May?"
"Nothing," she replied with a warm smile. "I'm just surprised… The little boy who needed a guardian to go anywhere outside town is now leaving on a journey by himself. I suppose I'm simply happy."
Rick felt his cheeks warm a little.
Andrew snickered. "You sound like a mother."
"Am i? " May smiling, and the whole group burst into laughter again.
After a while, Andrew leaned back and asked, "So, Rick… what are your plans after getting your adventurer's card?"
Rick lifted his glass of juice. "First thing? I'm heading to Easter City so I can ride the train to the Royal Capital."
Everyone paused mid-drink.
"The Royal Capital?" Kai repeated, stunned. "Why the capital? I thought you'd go to Altia where the National Magic Academy is."
Mark's eyes widened. "Right, Why the royal capital ? "
Rick chuckled. "Yeah, I'm thinking of visiting every place i couldn't visit. "
"In that case we can come with you," Mark said immediately. "No need to go alone."
"No," Kai objected, shaking his head. "Rick needs to learn to travel by himself even if the world is dangerous. He can't rely on us forever."
Andrew stared at Kai, shocked. "I can't believe I'm hearing that from you."
Hearing that kai said
"What did you say!? Say that again, I dare you!"
Just like that, Andrew and Kai started arguing loudly while the rest of the table broke into laughter.
Rick leaned back, watching the bickering, the laughter, the warmth of the guild hall. Moments like this reminded him again how lucky he was to have this strange, chaotic family.
Soon, he would be leaving.
But right now—he was exactly where he belonged.
The lively chatter in the guild quieted when Emy walked over to the table, holding a small card with both hands.
"Rick," she said with a warm smile, "here is your Adventurer's Card. All the documents you submitted earlier have been approved."
Rick blinked, stunned. He reached out slowly and took the card. The moment he saw his name etched on it, his heart thudded in his chest.
He was officially an adventurer.
"Congratulations, Rick. You're one of us now," Emy said gently.
Rick nodded, unable to hold back the bright, unrestrained smile that spread across his face.
The hall erupted with cheers. Every adventurer present shouted his name, clapping, laughing, toasting in his honor. Rick felt a warmth spread through him he could hardly describe.
While the cheers filled the hall, Karl, the guildmaster, stepped forward. The room immediately quieted—though for once, there was no anger on his face.
"Tonight's drinks," Karl declared, "are on me! Our Night Hounder has finally joined the ranks of proper adventurers!"
The guild exploded again, louder than before.
Andrew slapped Rick's back. "You did it."
May, smiling brightly, raised her glass. "To Rick!"
And so, they celebrated. The guild stayed alive with music, laughter, and clinking glasses until the moon was high and the fires burned low. It was a night Rick knew he would remember for the rest of his life.
The Next Morning
Sunlight crept through the windows as the adventurers gathered for breakfast. Rick stretched, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"I still can't believe we partied all night," he groaned as he sat down.
Kai laughed. "Well, you don't know how life will turn out tomorrow. That's what makes yesterday worth celebrating."
May handed him a plate with a gentle smile. "Eat well before you leave."
They all shared breakfast together—warm, simple, and filled with the same comfort Rick had grown to cherish.
After finishing his meal, Rick double-checked his belongings. Just as he tightened the straps on his pack, Mark approached him, looking unusually awkward.
"Hey, Rick," Mark said quietly. "Here. Take this with you."
He held out a small, leather-bound book.
Rick took it carefully. "What is it?"
"A book about my experience… and how to erase your presence like an assassin would," Mark muttered, looking away. "It might help you in dangerous situations. So… I wrote it down for you."
Rick's eyes widened. "Thank you, Mark. I—I'll cherish this."
Mark only nodded, embarrassed, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.
Rick tucked the book safely into his bag.
Rony arrived like a storm—loud footsteps, loud voice, and a grin that could split the sky. He slammed a small, luxurious box onto the table in front of Rick.
"Listen up, rookie," he declared. "This… is what you call a gift."
Rick looked at the box.
"A gift?" Rick asked, "What is it?"
Rony's grin widened, proud and mischievous all at once.
"I'm glad you asked. Inside this box is the premium perfume of golden essence."
He flipped the lid open with a flick of his wrist, releasing a faint, luxurious scent that instantly filled the room.
Rick's eyes widened, his breath hitching. "Are you serious? Why would you give me something so expensive? What am I supposed to do with this?"
Rony leaned forward, tapping Rick lightly on the forehead.
"Because you're an idiot who still doesn't know his own worth," he said softly.
"Maybe you won't understand now… but someday, when you need it the most, you'll remember this moment."
Rick seeing Rony's behaviour said,
"Sometimes I can't even tell if you're serious or clueless," he muttered with a smirk.
And without giving Rick a chance to refuse, Rony pressed the box into his hands.
Then came Kai.
Quiet, composed Kai—who dropped thirty gold coins into Rick's palm as if it were nothing. Rick staggered back, stunned.
"Kai—w-wait—why are you giving me so much?"
Kai simply smiled, one filled with warmth Rick was still learning to understand.
"I'm not giving this because you need it," he said.
"I'm giving it because you deserve it. And because I want to."
But before he could say something to Kai the other adventurers stepped forward, one by one, each offering Rick small gifts—gestures of respect, gratitude, and silent acknowledgment. Rick had never felt so overwhelmed. He'd never received so much. Not in his entire life.
And then May approached.
She held a small vial of shimmering blue liquid—the color of moonlit water. She placed it carefully in Rick's hands.
"Rick," she said softly, "this is my gift."
Rick stared at the medicine. "W-What is it for?"
"This is a mana-enhancing potion," May replied. "A rare one. It will increase your mana reserves and strengthen you."
Rick felt his throat tighten. His voice trembled.Because mana potion like this are expensive but she still gave him. Seeing the kindness of May the words that came out from Rick's mouth was,
"Thank you… big sister."
May froze. "What… what did you call me?"
Rick lowered his head, cheeks burning, voice barely audible.
"Big sister."
May's breath caught. And then—like a dam breaking—she pulled him into her arms, hugging him with fierce, protective warmth.
"You have no idea how happy that makes me," she whispered, her voice shaking.
After everyone finally, Andrew stepped forward.
He said nothing. No speech, no explanation, no dramatic gesture.
Instead, Andrew slowly removed the necklace from around his neck—an old, delicate piece with a small charm that carried the weight of entire years of grief. His usually expressionless face softened, revealing a pain Rick had never seen.
"This," Andrew said quietly, "was Lily's necklace. I received it on the day she died."
Rick froze.
Even the air stopped moving.
Andrew's voice trembled, just barely. "It's a memento… something that reminds me of the promise I made to her that day."
He leaned forward and gently wrapped the necklace around Rick's neck, his hands steady despite the emotions shaking behind his eyes.
Placing a firm, warm hand on Rick's shoulder, Andrew continued:
"I promised Lily I would fulfill the dream we shared. And i am going to fullfill it but there is one wish of Lilly that i want you to fullfill. "
Rick felt the world fall silent around them.
Andrew took a breath, steadying himself. "Rick… will you become the strongest in the world? Not for me. But… for Lily."
Rick's heart pounded violently. His eyes widened, glowing faintly with determination.
This wasn't a simple question.
This was a responsibility being transferred from one soul to another.
Rick closed his eyes for a moment, then answered with a calm, unwavering voice:
"…I will fulfill it."
Andrew's lips curved into a rare, gentle smile before he suddenly pulled Rick into a tight hug.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Soon after, Rick stood with Andrew and Kai's party, saying goodbyes to every adventurer who had supported him. The guild hall felt heavier than usual—filled with emotion, memories, and silent wishes.
Then came the moment Rick knew he couldn't avoid.
Leaving the guild behind, he walked to Richard's shop.
Richard—who had cared for him like a father—looked up in surprise as Rick entered. When he realized Rick was leaving town, his face collapsed with emotion. Tears welled instantly, uncontrollably.
"You're really going…" Richard whispered, voice shaking. "Just like my daughter…"
He pulled Rick into a fierce, trembling hug, holding on as if letting go meant losing a part of his heart forever. Rick stood still, feeling the warmth, the sorrow, and the love wrapped around him.
When Richard finally composed himself, he stepped back and reached under the counter.
"I made this for you," he said, handing Rick a sword—beautifully forged, balanced perfectly, crafted with the skill of a master and the love of a guardian.
"Take it. And come back alive."
Rick held the sword with reverence.
He bowed deeply.
"Thank you," he said, voice thick with emotion.
And with his goodbyes completed—with a necklace of memory on his neck, a sword of love in his hand, and a promise burning in his chest—
Rick left the town to begin his own journey.