Legend of Naemon

Chapter 1: Expelled

A simple dirt road wound its way through the vast steppe. There were no signs of civilization anywhere, except for a modest wooden carriage accompanied by three riders, traveling along this road. The road was rudimentary, not made by hand but by long use. That's why the carriage bounced back and forth like an angry bull.

At the front of the carriage sat an elderly man dressed like a butler, who was the driver. His thoughts, however, were elsewhere. His face was full of worry—worry about the boy sitting inside the carriage.

"Why don't you talk to us, Naemon?" A gentle, feminine voice came from inside the carriage, laced with love and anxiety.

The voice belonged to a middle-aged blonde woman, the mother of the youth in front of her. She and her husband, Gunther, tried to cheer up their son but failed. All they got were half-hearted answers. They couldn't blame him, though; they were also devastated by recent events.

What was supposed to be a normal trip to a family gathering turned into a harsh blow of fate for the little family.

They were a branch of the Drei Family, which had a long tradition. Every year, all young people who came of age had to travel to the main family to present themselves and understand their place in the family hierarchy. A strong family needed a strong hierarchy.

Unfortunately, this year's meeting turned out differently than anyone could have expected. For the first time in the family's history, the head decided to reduce family ties, cutting off what he considered ballast.

"Son, look at me," Gunther spoke to his son. He had a massive stature with a bald head to match. A large scar ran from his nose to the back of his head. Although his life had been quiet and calm for some time, he still had his warrior's edge.

Naemon pulled his gaze away from the carriage window and looked at his father with empty eyes.

"I don't care what they think or say about you. You are my son, and only you decide who you are. You decide whether you are as average and unworthy as they think, or whether you are more! More than them and more than me." Gunther's intense voice penetrated Naemon's innermost being. Naemon's hazy eyes started to clear.

"Do you really think so?" Naemon hesitated.

"Of course, son! So what if they don't let you learn the family legacy? So what if they take your name?" Gunther clenched his fist. Despite his anger against the world and the main family, he couldn't let it out. He had to stay strong for his wife and his son and not do anything rash.

"Darling, as long as we are here, we will support you with everything we have," Anne spoke softly to Naemon.

"Listen to your mother, Naemon!" Gunther hit the wooden carriage wall.

Anne looked at her intense husband and shook her head.

"S-Sorry, honey. I got rallied up by my own words." He laughed nervously.

Just because Naemon was an average boy with parents who didn't have much influence, the head of the family decided to cast him out of the Drei Family. He was no longer Naemon Drei. Now, he was just Naemon.

His parents were still part of the family and could still manage the family property, but Naemon and any future siblings could no longer bear the name Drei.

He looked down at his fists, lost in thought. 'Yes, father is right. If they don't need me, then I don't need them either!'

He looked at his loving parents and smiled wholeheartedly.

"Mhm. I will not give up."

The elderly man in the butler's outfit led the horses and listened intently to his young master. He didn't even have to think about it. He would serve his young master with or without any pesky titles.

--

The journey was neither short nor easy. It took them three whole days to get back to their small village.

Naemon saw the shabby village entrance in the distance and felt a previously unnoticed tension leave him. He was back home.

The carriage arrived at the village entrance.

Naemon watched his father, who was outside talking to the three hunters who had accompanied them on their journey. He gave each of them a small gray bag. The hunters bowed and then rode back to their homes.

Gunther entered the carriage and said, "Manfred, let's keep going," to the elderly man in the driver's seat. Manfred pulled on the reins, and the carriage moved forward.

Their home was at the back of the village, so they had to drive through the whole village. As they passed the other villagers, Naemon saw them bowing to their carriage as usual. His family was the only noble family in the whole village. However, the bows were not because of their nobility but because the villagers felt respect and gratitude for the family, especially for Gunther, who protected the village from monsters.

Finally, they arrived at their family home. It wasn't quite a mansion, but it was still larger and more magnificent than the other houses in the village.

"Finally home," Anne said, leaving the carriage while humming a happy tune. Naemon and Gunther followed right behind.

Manfred came back from the stables and opened the house doors for Gunther and his family. "Master, please enter."

"Thank you, Manfred," Gunther replied, satisfied.

Naemon followed his parents into the living room. He watched them wearily as they talked to the servants who were hired to clean and cook for the family.

"Father, mother, can I go to my room?" he asked with half-closed eyes.

"Oh, just look at you. You're half sleepwalking!" Anne looked at her son. "But you're right. Hush, go and get some sleep, darling."

Naemon nodded groggily and dragged his body towards the stairs. His bedroom was upstairs, like his parents'.

He closed the door behind him with his foot and went straight to his warm bed. When he reached it, all his strength left him, and he fell onto the bed. Naemon couldn't keep his eyes open and fell asleep instantly.

Chapter 2: Training With Gunther

Rays of light fell on Naemon's eyelids. He slowly opened his eyes and stared at the familiar ceiling.

"Huh, I'm not in the carriage anymore?" He mumbled to himself.

"Yes, I'm finally home!" It took him a few seconds before his brain started to function somewhat again.

He looked down at his body and noticed the clothes that clung to him. "Damn, why did I have to make my bed dirty?" He slowly got up from the bed.

Naemon's mother had put a lot of effort into raising him well. She was proud that he had mastered basic education and noble etiquette. She put so much work into Naemon that he sometimes even overdid it a bit... He strove for cleanliness and dignity!

_KNOCK_ _KNOCK_ _KNOCK_

As he stood there looking at his clothes, there was a knock on the door.

"Yes, come in," he said, knowing who it might be.

The door opened and an old woman came in, carrying a small tub of steaming water.

"Young master, please forgive me for being so late. The firewood was of inferior quality this time..." the woman said as she entered the room. She looked at Naemon and was shocked to see that he was still wearing yesterday's clothes! This was something new for her.

She placed the tub on the wooden floor and quickly left. She was just a servant; asking stupid questions or embarrassing her master was not allowed under any circumstances.

Naemon started to undress and wash himself with a clean rag while thinking about his future plans. He had already planned to ask his parents for advice. His wise mother and strong father definitely knew what to do!

After his bath, he went to the dining room.

"Good morning, darling," Anne greeted her son. She was already sitting at the table with Gunther, waiting for him.

"Good morning, Father, Mother!" Naemon greeted them back with an upright back.

He sat down at the massive wooden table and the small family started their usual breakfast.

"Father, can you teach me the family legacy in secret?" Naemon asked when he noticed that the servants were gone.

"No, my son. I had to swear an oath of secrecy before I received the legacy. Without the permission of the head of the family, no one is allowed to teach the legacy to others." Gunther spoke with his mouth full.

"Nae, your father and I have talked about your situation. Although we can protect you now, we will still age, and you probably don't want to be stuck with us for the rest of your life." Anne began to voice her concerns.

She continued, "Life is hard, darling. Without a noble family behind you and techniques like Drei's Legacy, you are an easy target for anyone. And in this world, you can lose your head if you look at someone the wrong way." She clenched her fists.

Gunther munched one leg of meat after another while nodding as he listened to his clever wife.

"That's why we decided to build you up as well as possible. In detail, we can work on you with two things. First, you will train with your father."

"*Munch* *Munch* Exactly, my son! We don't need a legacy to train your body. I didn't want to train you before because I had the legacy in mind and I didn't want to ruin your foundation, but now that it's out of the picture, I can finally put some meat on your bones. Haha!"

"Gunter, don't laugh with your mouth full! Let's keep going, Nae. In addition to training with your father, we will also work on your education. Naemon, knowledge is power. You know that I come from a family of merchants and we are taught this from a young age. That's why I will try to intercept as many books as possible from the trading house. Understood?" she asked seriously.

"Yes, Mom!" Naemon winced and saluted.

After breakfast, Gunther and Naemon gathered at the training ground next to their house. It wasn't really a training ground, but a front yard filled with sand where Gunther usually trained. It was copied from his military service.

Naemon stared at his father, who was filling small bags with stones. A smile adorned his muscular face.

"What are you doing, Dad? I hope you won't hit my face with it. I still need it." Naemon took a few steps back.

"Nonsense," Gunther said as he tied up the little bags and walked towards Naemon.

"You will wear the bags day and night, even when you go to the toilet!" Gunther said as he tied the bags to Naemon's arms and legs.

Naemon's knees buckled slightly under the extra weight. "Yes, Dad!"

"My son, you are not ready to learn how to fight yet. First, we have to build a good base. It's like with houses. Without a good foundation, every house will collapse, no matter how big and magnificent it is. Understand?"

Naemon nodded as he tried to get used to the weight.

"First of all, we'll start with your stamina. Come, run after me," said Gunther and suddenly started running.

"Waiiit!" It took a while for Naemon to get going. But even then, he couldn't keep up for long and needed a breather every few minutes.

But despite the breaks and despite the pain, Naemon never gave up. He had decided to go through with it and that's what he would do!

Chapter 3: Education with Anne

A panting youth lay on the sand, while a huge monster bent over in front of him, staring at him with its predatory gaze.

That's how it felt to Naemon, who was lying on the cozy sandy ground. Who could have imagined that his usually loving and gentle father could be such a tyrant? 'Damn! Drei Family, if only I could get my hands on you! With the Legacy, I wouldn't be in this situation now!' Naemon's head was full of angry tirades against the main family.

"Come on, get up, Nae. Your mother is waiting for you" Gunther said to his pitiful son. "Don't act like that. I spared you, especially for the first training session."

Naemon stood up in silence. He was still angry with his father, who had driven him through the village like a cow several times.

And the worst thing? He was sweaty and covered in sand!

He looked at his body and wondered whether he should go and wash himself quickly. That thought passed just as quickly as it had come, and he pulled his gaze away from the sweat and directed it to his goal. 'No, I can't waste any time. I'm not a child anymore! I have to make the most of the opportunities!'

Naemon said goodbye to his father, who also had his own plans, and went to the agreed meeting point.

It wasn't long before Naemon arrived at his destination. In front of him was a prominent building. It wasn't as big as his parents' mansion, but it was still quite substantial. Above the entrance door hung a sign with a coin on it.

This building was the Drei Family's trading house that Naemon's parents were allowed to manage. It was not only the sole trading house in the village but also served as a hub for smaller trading houses in the area.

Naemon didn't hesitate and went into the trading house.

The interior of the building looked disproportionately small at first glance, but that was because most of the space was used for storage.

The first thing Naemon saw was the sales counter, which was manned by an old man. He looked curiously to see who had entered and smiled when he spotted Naemon.

"Oh, good day, young master. The madam is in the back."

"Thank you, Erwin!" said Naemon and walked past the counter further in.

Anne was sitting at a table drinking tea. She was surrounded by various wooden boxes. It didn't look like an office, but rather like a storage room that had been repurposed.

When she saw Naemon, she couldn't help but smile, but the closer he came to her, the more the smile disappeared and her eyes started to twitch.

"I think we need to re-plan something. I don't want you to always arrive here sweaty. We'll do it like this: first, you have your lessons with me, and then you can train with your father. Then you can wash yourself right away." Anne decided for Naemon without giving him a chance to argue.

"Mhm, that sounds like a plan!" Naemon nodded enthusiastically. He didn't feel like walking around all day drenched in sweat either.

Naemon sat down on a chair opposite Anne and waited for her to say something.

"Okay, first of all, we'll start with geography" she said and rolled out a map.

Naemon lowered his gaze to the map on the table, but listened intently nonetheless.

"You know where we are, don't you?"

"Yes. We are here." Naemon pointed with his finger to a point on the map. "In the village of Keld, which is subordinate to Viscount Zehn."

"And what is the name of our kingdom?"

"That's easy. The Kingdom of Ebrion, and our king is Toryn Ebrion!" Naemon answered proudly.

"Good that our efforts were not in vain." said Anne contentedly.

"But mom, why are we looking at the map?" asked Naemon.

Anne smiled and brought out a larger map. "Look what your mother found!" she said and put the new map on top of the old one.

Naemon was speechless. This is the map of the kingdom! So far, he had only been able to see a local map.

"Let's continue. Tell me what you notice about the map."

Naemon stood there and thought.

"Hmm. The border regions have little detail. In the east, however, there is also a lack of detail. The mountain ranges are still clearly visible, but after that, there is little."

"Well spotted, darling. The border regions are, of course, not marked in detail. Imagine what would happen if the enemy knew how our borders were set up? Many traps would be pointless."

"And what about the east? Are there neighbors too?"

"No, in the east are the Wild Plains." Unfortunately, she knew very little about it herself, but she tried to fish out as much as she could from her memories.

"The Wild Plains is a bizarre and dangerous place. It belongs to our kingdom because only we have access, but no one wants to go there voluntarily! They even say that the most powerful magicians and aura knights stay away from it! And the worst thing is that it has access to the Taboo Forest."

"What is the Taboo Forest?" asked Naemon. He had heard of many forests, but never of a Taboo Forest. Even the name sounded ominous.

"Darling, I know very little about it myself. Only what my parents told me. And even they only heard about it from rumors on their travels. The Taboo Forest is something like the border of our continent. It is said to contain endless monsters that regularly come out of the forest to terrorize people. Fortunately, we only have one place in the kingdom that borders the Taboo Forest."

"And what is behind the Taboo Forest?"

"I don't know. Some say it's the end of the world, others believe that there is paradise behind it."

Naemon was shocked that all of this actually existed. Before, he had only been involved with his village, apart from the trip to the main family. That's why he needed some time to process Anne's words.

"I was also fascinated when I first heard about it. But fortunately, we are far from it." said Anne and ended the speech. Next, she would chase him through all the important nobility!

Chapter 4: Hand-To-Hand Combat

"I don't know. Some say it's the end of the world, others believe that there is paradise behind it."

Naemon was shocked that all of this actually existed. Before, he had only been involved with his village, apart from the trip to the main family. That's why he needed some time to process Anne's words.

"I was also fascinated when I first heard about it. But fortunately, we are far from it." said Anne and ended the speech. Next, she would chase him through all the important nobility!

And so the next few days passed. In the morning, Naemon had lessons with Anne, and in the evening, he trained with Gunther. What was initially exhausting and monotonous became a pleasant routine for Naemon. He liked seeing how his development progressed.

One day, however, the routine was unexpectedly broken.

"So, my boy. You finally have a bit more meat on your bones. Now I can teach you to fight without accidentally being taken away by the wind HaHaHa" Gunther stood with Naemon on their usual training ground and surprised him with the news. He was not blind; he could see how much effort Naemon had put in over the last few days.

"Thank you, father!" said Naemon, full of anticipation. He had really put in a lot of effort and had even become a small training maniac. Of course, he still hated being sweaty.

"Naemon.." Gunther began, his voice rough but laced with affection, "There will be times when you don't have your weapon with you. That's why we'll work on your fists."

"I learned after a while in the military that weapons are powerful, but they can get lost, taken, or even break." Gunther remembered his worst moments.

"Your body, on the other hand, is always with you. It's a weapon that you can rely on if it's well-trained."

Naemon held his breath in tension. His father never talked much about his time in the military.

"It's not just about fighting; it's about independence, about facing every situation with what you have."

"Do you understand your old man?"

"Of course, Father, why should I doubt you?" And that was true. Naemon was not naive. His father's words made sense.

"Good, good, my son." He was proud to have such a diligent son!

A grin split Gunther's face. "Alright, let's get started, shall we? First things first: your guard." He raised his arms, elbows bent at a 90-degree angle, forearms crossed in front of his chest like a sturdy gate. "This will keep the opponent's strikes away from your face. Think of it as a shield made of your own strong arms."

Naemon imitated the movement, feeling a little uncomfortable. His arms felt stiff, and the posture seemed unnatural. "Like this?" he asked.

"Hmm... almost." Gunther chuckled and stepped to Naemon's side to correct his posture. He slowly pushed Naemon's elbows closer to his body until they were in the right spot and lowered Naemon's crossed forearms a centimeter. "Remember that your body is a weapon now. Keep it strong and stable, like a sturdy oak in a storm."

Next came the footwork. Gunther began to move slowly. He demonstrated a sideways shuffle with exaggerated steps and then hopped back with a deep knee bend. He stressed the importance of staying light on his feet and explained how this would help Naemon avoid attacks and keep his balance.

Naemon stumbled a few times, caught his foot on an uneven patch of ground, and landed on his bottom with a surprised grunt. He tried again. With each awkward step, his movements became a little smoother, a little more controlled. The initial awkwardness disappeared as he found a rhythm and imitated his father's movements with growing confidence.

Beads of sweat formed on Naemon's forehead. In contrast, Gunther's forehead remained dry, as if it was child's play for him.

Despite the exertion, a spark of enthusiasm ignited in Naemon. These were not dry exercises or memorization like his lessons with Anne, which he, of course, still liked. This felt more alive and dynamic. It felt like a game between his father and him. Every successful block, every balanced jump felt like a victory over himself.

The afternoon passed, and the suns colored the sky orange and red. As the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the horizon and darkness embraced them, Gunther clapped his hands and pulled Naemon out of his concentration.

"That's enough for today, my son" he said in a rough voice, but with a hint of pride. "You did well. Remember, practice makes perfect. Even a clumsy bear cub can prove himself against any beast as long as he practices enough, haha."

Naemon grinned, the pain of the effort long forgotten. His muscles ached, but in a pleasant way, since the pain was proof of the day's work. He looked at his father, a newfound respect lighting up his eyes. It wasn't just learning to fight; it was a shared experience, a bond forged by sweat and determination. Naemon knew there was still much to learn, but for now, he was content with this small victory over himself, this first step on the path to becoming more than just an outcast.

He was Naemon, Gunther's son, and he was learning to fight for the first time. The future, once shrouded in uncertainty, now held new possibilities—a future in which he could stand tall and face all the challenges that awaited him. A future in which no one would dare to do him an injustice again!

Chapter 5: Plague in Horizon

Sunlight streamed through the simple windows, casting warmth on the family's lunch table. The family was in a good mood. Gunther told Anne about training and made light jokes at Naemon's expense, which Naemon naturally took well, making his own jokes about Gunther in return.

Laughter and the clinking of spoons against bowls spread throughout the hall. However, Anne had thoughts in her head that she couldn't shake off.

"There are rumors..." Anne began, her usually bright voice sounding worried. "Rumors about a disease that is spreading in the area. An epidemic, some say." She let the words sink in on Gunther and Naemon.

Gunther grunted and instinctively massaged the bridge of his nose with his large hand. He was an experienced warrior, and his weather-beaten face betrayed a little unease.

"And the church?" he asked in a low voice. "Any news from the Temple of Mebus?"

The Temple of Mebus was one of the many religious communities in the kingdom. It worshipped the god of forgiveness and purity, Mebus. The Temple of Mebus was the most influential temple in the area.

"They say the temple took responsibility" Anne continued, the worry lines on her forehead deepening. "The villages where the disease appeared were quarantined. But..." she hesitated, her voice trembling, "no one hears anything from them anymore."

Naemon, who had been silently spooning his stew, looked up. His face was marked by concern. "Maybe the priests need more time to heal everyone, Mom?" he asked with a hopeful look.

Anne forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Of course, my darling. But not every illness can be cured by a priest."

The air was heavy with unspoken thoughts and worries. The carefree chatter of a few moments ago seemed a distant memory. Naemon, sensing the heaviness of their conversation, pushed himself away from the table. 'There's no point in thinking about it. I'd rather do something that helps me.'

"I'm going to get ready for training, Father" Naemon announced, his voice barely a whisper. "Might be a bit stiff today."

Naemon scurried out of the dining room and left his parents behind. He knew that his parents still had a lot to talk about. He trusted them to find a good plan, and in the meantime, he would work on himself. His father would join the training later.

The wooden floorboards creaked softly under Naemon's feet as he hurried through the house to the front door.

Just before he reached the exit, he bumped into a familiar figure. "Oh, Manfred, sorry" Naemon apologized, checking to see if nothing was wrong. Manfred, the family's kind old butler, smiled at him with his usual gentle warmth.

"Ah, Young Master" Manfred chuckled, his voice as soothingly low as ever. "Off to training so soon? Everything alright?"

Naemon didn't hesitate and answered, "Everything is fine, Manfred." Manfred was something like a grandfather to Naemon, and he could confide his worries to him, but he was already an adult and didn't want to run to his parents or Manfred for every little thing!

The old butler's gaze, sharp despite his age, held Naemon's gaze for a moment too long. Manfred knew Naemon inside and out, which also meant that he could guess what was going on in Naemon's head.

"Well" said Manfred, his voice becoming a quiet murmur, "if something is bothering you, Young Master, remember that the door to my ear is always open." He winked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Now go ahead and show the training grounds what you're made of, young master. And good luck!"

Naemon smiled gratefully and opened the heavy oak door. As he stepped out, a wave of warm summer air rushed through his black hair, carrying with it the scent of sun-dried earth and wildflowers. The wind brought the feeling of freedom.

With a lighter heart, Naemon made his way to the training ground.

Finally, he reached the edge of the clearing where the training ground lay. The familiar patch of sun-warmed sand stretched before him. A place where he would hone his skills. Taking a deep breath, he focused on his body and started his usual stretching.

Chapter 6: Naemon's Spear

The familiar ache in Naemon's muscles was a pleasure these days. It meant that he was giving his 100% during his training with his father.

Gone were the days of awkward shuffling and clumsy footwork. Now Naemon moved with newfound confidence, and his body responded better to his commands.

Gunther, the beast of a man, watched his son in silence with a satisfied grin. He had just come from talking to Anne and didn't want to distract his son.

When he saw Naemon finish his warm-up exercises, Gunther couldn't help himself any longer.

"Not bad, Nae" he boomed, his voice rough and unstoppable. "You're starting to move like a soldier, not a scared rabbit, HaHaHa!"

Naemon chuckled and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Thanks, Dad. I'm trying." He knew he still had a long way to go, but the progress was noticeable.

Gunther grunted. "Trying is never enough. You have to want it, boy. The will to fight, to protect yourself and the people you care about, that's what drives a warrior."

Gunther nodded and patted Naemon on the shoulder. The gesture was surprisingly gentle for such a large man. "Okay, enough of that for now. Let's move on to something new" he said and disappeared behind a nearby shed.

He reappeared a few moments later, holding two long, sturdy objects. Naemon's eyes widened. They were wooden spears.

The spearheads were blunt and carved from sturdy but harmless wood. "A soldier learns to use a spear first, Nae. It is a versatile weapon, good for attack and defense. And for a beginner, it keeps one at a safe distance from his opponent" Gunther explained.

He tossed Naemon one of the spears, the weight of which was surprisingly balanced despite its length. Naemon caught it instinctively and held it close to the base. 'You can't buy spears like this here, and he didn't bring them from the city either. That means he carved them himself!' Naemon concluded.

"Hold it firm, but not too tight" Gunther instructed, stepping in front of Naemon. "You want control, but not so much that you can't react quickly enough."

Naemon adjusted his grip accordingly, finding the ideal point between tension and flexibility. He raised the spear in front of him and felt the shift in weight as he experimented with various imaginary positions.

"Good" Gunther said, nodding in approval. "Now, watch closely."

Gunther took a step back and began to demonstrate basic spear techniques. He showed Naemon how to thrust the spear forward with a powerful, controlled movement, then quickly pull it back into a defensive position. His movements were fluid, a combination of power and simplicity.

"Remember, Nae, the spear is an extension of your body" Gunther instructed. "Move it purposefully and always be aware of your surroundings. Attack and defense are two sides of the same coin."

"Your turn" said Gunther, stepping aside and motioning for Naemon to take his place.

Naemon took a deep breath and positioned his spear as Gunther had shown him. Then he began to imitate the thrust and pull-back movements. His first attempts were clumsy, but with each try, he improved.

Gunther watched closely, his sharp eyes analyzing every move. "Not bad, son" he said with a hint of pride in his voice. "You're learning quickly. Now let's see how you handle a real target."

Gunther set up a simple straw training dummy. "Aim for the center" he instructed. "Focus on precision and control."

Naemon nodded and gripped the spear a little tighter. He assumed a stance, preparing for thrust and strike. Then he thrust the spear forward with a quick movement and hit the middle of the training dummy. He pulled back and thrust again, his movement becoming more confident and fluid with each attempt.

However, no one could have expected that it was not a normal training dummy. Gunther pulled on the ropes attached to the dummy, and it began to move in place.

Initially irritated that his thrusts missed the target, Naemon soon adjusted and started hitting the dummy again.

Gunther's eyes widened slightly as he watched his son. "You have a knack for it, Nae" he said, a broad smile spreading across his face. "You are a natural with the spear... of course, nothing else was to be expected, you are my son after all, Hahaha!"

Naemon beamed with pride. "Really, Dad?"

"Really" Gunther confirmed. "But don't get cocky. There's still a lot to learn. The spear is a versatile weapon, but it requires discipline and practice. Every day we'll work on different techniques and exercises that I picked up in the military. Before you know it, you'll be handling the spear like a pro, and if you're lucky, you'll even find a spear manual."

Naemon's heart filled with determination. 'Father is right! I don't need a family legacy if I can find a Spear Manual of my own!'

The father and son duo spent the rest of the afternoon honing Naemon's skills with the spear. Gunther showed him different moves and strategies, and Naemon practiced them diligently. Together they found a suitable training regimen. By the time the sun set, Naemon was exhausted but enthusiastic.

"That's enough for today" Gunther said, patting Naemon on the shoulder. "You did well, son. I'm proud of you."

Gunther chuckled. "We're going to make a real warrior out of you, Nae. Now let's go home and get some rest. You deserve it."

As they walked back to the house, Naemon felt a deep sense of accomplishment. He was on his way to becoming a warrior. He could already imagine the Drei Family prostrating at his feet, begging him to come back into the family, but he never would.

Chapter 7: Escape Part 1

Naemon's sleep was disturbed. One moment he was dreaming, the next he was startled awake by a hand on his shoulder. Disoriented, he blinked into the darkness and tried to make out the blurry figure next to his bed.

"Naemon" whispered a muffled voice. It was Manfred, the family's old butler. His face, usually marked by a warm smile, was lined with worry.

Before Naemon could ask what was wrong, Manfred put a finger to his lips and signaled him to be quiet. A strange shiver ran down Naemon's spine. Something was wrong.

Naemon threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. His bare feet trotted silently across the wooden floor. Manfred motioned for him to follow, and together they left the bedroom with quiet steps.

The house was shrouded in darkness. Moonlight shone through the small windows, casting long, inky shadows on the old wooden walls. The familiar creaks and groans of the old house seemed to be amplified in the silence, sending a shiver down Naemon's spine. Although he was still sleepy, he concentrated on Manfred as best he could.

They walked through the empty corridors, Manfred leading them like a silent ghost. 'Where are we going? What's going on?' Naemon's heart pounded against his ribs in a wild rhythm.

Finally, they reached their destination and entered the large living room.

A single flickering candle bathed the living room in warm, dim light. Naemon saw two figures. One was his mother, Anne. She was dressed in traveling clothes, and her face was lined with a desperate fear he had never seen before. Beside her stood his father, Gunther, who contrasted sharply with his worn leather armor and the heavy spear he held tightly in his hand. He had a stoic expression, as if he was ready for anything.

Thoughts raced through Naemon's sleep-drunk head. He tried to make sense of the scene before him. Fear and confusion fought within him.

"Sir, madam" Manfred spoke with a hint of relief in his voice. "I brought Naemon with me. No one noticed."

Anne rushed to him and hugged him tightly. Relief and worry choked her voice as she spoke. "Naemon" she began, "the Temple of Mebus has closed all roads leading in and out of Keld. We don't know why, but it doesn't feel good. We must leave, and we must leave immediately."

Before Naemon could ask a single question, Anne was already explaining the plan. As she spoke, Gunther and Manfred disappeared into the night. The haste in their movements left no room for questions. Naemon learned that they were going to the stables to prepare the horses.

His mind was whirling. Escape? Why? Where were they going? What about the other villagers, the servants?

As if she could read his mind, Anne replied, "We can't risk causing a commotion, darling. It's too dangerous. We're going with Manfred, that's all we can do right now."

"Do you think... something could happen to them?" Naemon asked hesitantly.

"I don't know, but the odds don't look good" Anne revealed.

Naemon clenched his shaking fists. He was ashamed to just run away and leave everyone behind.

Anne took one of the two travel bags that were lying next to her feet and slung it over her back. "Take the other bag, darling. We wanted to be on the safe side and packed emergency bags. This is yours" she said, handing him the second bag.

Naemon threw his bag over his back and tightened the straps. 'They have taken everything into account...'

Muffled footsteps sounded from the front door. Naemon and Anne jumped, but luckily it was only Manfred. "The horses are ready" he announced in a low but firm voice.

Manfred led Naemon and Anne outside. The cool night air enveloped Naemon, who was still barefoot in his pajamas. He looked back at their house, a strange feeling of finality spreading in his stomach.

"But how are we supposed to leave?" he whispered, his voice tense with worry. They lived in the farthest corner of Keld. They would have to go through the whole village. How could they escape without waking up the entire village?

Gunther, who had now joined them outside, smiled grimly. "We have a little secret" he said in a rough but reassuring voice. "A hidden exit in the back wall, built for emergencies like this."

Relief washed over Naemon. There was a plan. With renewed determination, they followed Gunther, who led the way with two horses beside him. Manfred, who also led two horses, covered the rear.

The sound of their footsteps echoed faintly, mixing with the occasional rustle of leaves and distant night noises.

Gunther led them through the narrow gates hidden behind the bushes.

As they emerged through the gates, the cool night air rippled through Naemon's hair. The moon cast a silvery glow over the forest, creating an unearthly atmosphere. The horses stood ready, their warm breath visible in the cool air.

Gunther mounted his horse and motioned for Naemon and Anne to do the same. Manfred, ever alert despite his advanced age, brought up the rear. They set off at a steady but urgent pace toward an old forest path that Anne had mentioned.

The ride through the forest felt like an eternity. The shadows of the trees loomed over them, and only the sound of hooves pounding the earth broke the silence. Naemon's heart raced with nervousness.

Suddenly, a distant sound shattered the silence of the night. The unmistakable rhythm of hooves grew louder, signaling that they were being pursued. Gunther's face hardened with determination as he looked back at his family.

"They're coming closer" Anne whispered, her voice filled with concern.

"Keep riding!" Gunther ordered. "We can't let them catch us."

The Templars' voices echoed through the trees, ordering them to stop. Naemon's pulse quickened and he gripped the reins tighter. Then, without warning, arrows whistled past them, striking the ground and the trees nearby.

Gunther looked back once more, his expression stoic. "We must split up. Manfred, take Anne and Naemon and keep running. I will stop them" he said, taking his spear from the holder on the horse.

"No, Gunther!" Anne cried, her voice breaking. "We can't leave you behind!"

"We have no choice" Gunther said, leaving no room for argument. "Naemon, you have to protect your mother, do you understand?"

Naemon nodded hesitantly. "I will."

"Good son" Gunther said, smiling.

"No, please don't!" Anne screamed.

"Mom, we have to go on... otherwise we'll taint father's decision."

Anne trembled.

With tears in their eyes, Anne and Naemon watched as Gunther turned his horse and faced the approaching Templars with his spear. "Go!" he shouted, and his voice was a mixture of authority and desperation.

Reluctantly, Anne and Naemon urged their horses forward and followed Manfred, who led them deeper into the forest. Soon, sounds of battle rang out behind them, the clash of steel and battle cries filling the air.

Naemon couldn't hold back his tears anymore as he rode, the image of his father fighting bravely against the Templars burned into his memory. Anne's sobs mingled with the noise, her grief palpable.

Chapter 8: Escape Part 2

Manfred led them on, urging their horses faster as the trail wound through the thick forest. Hooves pounded on the uneven ground, and the sounds of battle gradually faded behind them, replaced by the stormy crash of the waves against the cliffs ahead.

The trail narrowed as they approached the cliff, and the towering rock formations cast long shadows in the moonlight. The roar of the river grew louder, drowning out all other sounds. Manfred looked back, scanning the dark forest for any sign of pursuers.

"We must keep going" he urged. "The Templars will not be far."

As they rode along the edge of the cliff, the cold spray of the waves below them wet their faces. The moonlight reflected off the churning water, creating an eerie glow. For a moment, it seemed as if they had lost their pursuers. The only sounds were the labored breathing of their horses and the incessant crashing of the waves.

Suddenly, two figures emerged from the shadows in front of them, blocking their path. Young men in Templar uniforms, their swords drawn, their eyes full of fervor.

"Halt, heretics! Let yourself be purified!" one of them shouted, his voice barely audible over the roaring waves.

Naemon's heart was pounding in his throat. He looked at his mother, whose face was pale with fear. Without thinking, he urged his horse on, his body moving instinctively. He jumped off his horse and threw himself at the nearest Templar.

"Mother, go! I will hold them back!" he shouted in a determined voice.

Anne, in shock, tried to turn her bolting horse around, but it was too late. Sensing danger, the animal charged forward, carrying her away from the confrontation on the cliff. Anne's anguished cries echoed through the night as she desperately clung to the reins.

Naemon landed heavily on the rocky ground with a Templar beneath him. The second Templar slammed his fists into Naemon's back. Naemon screamed in pain and rolled to the side.

The world around Naemon blurred. Pain shot through his back. He picked himself up, barefoot and in his pajamas, and gasped for air. The knocked-over Templar stood up, and Naemon saw his two opponents more clearly for the first time.

'Templars... young Templars?' Naemon suddenly realized, barely older than himself.

The training with his father flashed in Naemon's mind. He remembered his father's rough voice: "Dodge, parry, disorient. Don't forget, son, surprise and speed are your only advantages." He crouched down, imitating the position his father had taught him. His pajamas fluttered in the wind.

The young Templars exchanged a hesitant look. Fear flickered in their eyes, masked by a facade of fanaticism. They were clearly used to overpowering defenseless opponents with brute force, not facing someone who could fight back.

Naemon took advantage of their hesitation. He darted to the side, narrowly avoiding a downward slash from the first Templar's sword. The wind whistled past his ear, whipping his hair into his face.

"In Mebus' name, face his judgment!" the first Templar roared, his voice cracking in a desperate attempt to show bravery. "You disrespect the purity of the Temple?" the other Templar added.

Naemon sprinted forward, crouched, and used the momentum to launch himself at the second Templar's legs.

The Templar stumbled, surprised by the unorthodox attack. Naemon used the gap to grab a handful of dirt from the loose ground at the edge of the cliff and hurled it at the Templar's face.

The young man screamed, momentarily blinded. He lashed out wildly, his sword clattering against the rocks. Naemon scrambled back, the edge of the cliff dangerously close behind him. He couldn't believe it. These were not hardened warriors, but frightened boys barely out of their teens, indoctrinated into a fanatical ideology.

"No!" the second Templar shouted, wiping the dirt from his eyes. His voice trembled, not with anger, but with sheer fear. "We must... we must..." he stammered.

"Cleanse!" the first Templar finished, his fear replaced by desperate zeal. He charged at Naemon, his sword poised for the fatal blow.

Naemon turned away, the blade grazing his leather bag. He stumbled back, the edge of the cliff a constant reminder of his precarious situation.

Naemon's heart pounded against his chest. He was outnumbered, his body screaming in protest. Every evasive maneuver tensed his muscles, every near-hit left him breathless. He couldn't keep this up much longer. His only hope was to create an escape route.

He looked in the direction his mother had fled and back at his opponents.

The two Templars sought their strength in numerical superiority and came at him at the same time.

'I can't give up, or they will follow Mother!'

Panic gripped Naemon by the throat. A thought pounded in his head: 'I won't let them!'

With a roar, Naemon threw himself—not at one Templar, but at both. A desperate attempt to get them all off the cliff.

They fell backward, a tangled mess of limbs and armor. The first Templar hit a rock with a sickening thud, but the second fell into the churning water with Naemon.

The cold took his breath away. The current pulled him under. He struggled to the surface, limbs heavy and vision blurred. He saw the second Templar struggling beside him, a look of pure terror on his face.

Darkness crept to the edges of Naemon's vision.

'Father, I'm coming to you sooner than I thought,' was Naemon's last thought.

Naemon surrendered and let the angry river do the rest.