[Sinseki Era — Year -21]
[Northern Nations · Ält Forest]
"Huff… huff…"
In the depths of the forest, a young man leaned against a tree, gasping heavily for air.
"Finally… finally shook it off…"
He glanced down at the sword in his hand—its blade was chipped from a vicious bite. Just thinking about it sent a chill down his spine.
"To think there were such vicious bird-type magical beasts in the Ält Forest… If I hadn't blocked its beak with my sword, it would've pecked a hole straight through my chest."
Muttering to himself, the youth—Mut—began replaying the battle in his mind.
"If it had been Father or Big Brother facing it, would they have ended up like me?"
"No… if it were Big Brother, that beast would've been the one running for its life."
Recalling his brother's monstrous strength, Mut slumped to the ground with a wry smile.
"That kind of talent is just insane. How can someone like me possibly catch up?"
"I don't get why Father insists on holding me to his standard…"
But then…
Mut looked down at the scroll clutched tightly in his arms—and found his resolve once again.
"Just wait, Mother…"
"When I find this hidden sanctuary, I'll gain the power to rival my brother. You won't have to fight with Father on my behalf anymore."
Suddenly, as Mut was catching his breath, a faint and ghostly whisper echoed in his ears.
"Who's there?!"
He instinctively shouted toward the direction of the sound—but the moment the words left his mouth, Mut slapped a hand over his lips.
"Dammit… I forgot Father's warning…"
In the wild, never reveal your presence before your target.
Gritting his teeth and steadying his nerves, Mut gripped his chipped sword tighter.
With only a sliver of stamina left, he didn't try to run. He wouldn't make it far, and better to die fighting than to be taken down defenseless.
Back pressed to the tree, eyes scanning the surroundings, the young noble gave a bitter smile.
In moments like this… I never thought Father's training would be so useful.
Step by step, just follow the process—it's like he's standing right beside me.
If I make it out of this alive… I'll start taking his lessons seriously.
"Tap—tap—"
A light footstep rang out. Alert and focused, Mut zeroed in on it.
"There!"
With a roar, he surged forward—his sword slicing through the air toward the sound.
This would decide it all—life or death!
As his focus heightened, a thin mist seemed to envelop the forest. The footsteps drew closer…
And then—someone stepped out from the trees.
Muscles tensed, sword drawn, Mut lunged—
But halted his strike just inches in.
"...Mother?"
"You… what are you doing here?!"
Tears welled in his eyes. It was her—Yava, his mother.
She stood there, eyes glistening, calling his name.
"Mut…"
"Why did you leave home without telling me…"
"It's okay. Come here, let me see you…"
At her gentle voice, Mut let the sword fall from his hand and ran into her arms.
"But Mother…"
"This place is so dangerous—how did you get here? Is Father with you? And Brother?"
As he neared her, he suddenly asked—and glanced around.
"I… came—"
Flying.
A thick beam of magical energy tore through the clearing, blasting the figure of Yava into scattered pieces.
"MOTHERRRR!!!"
Mut's scream rang through the forest, as the remains of his "mother" flew in every direction.
"Why the yelling?"
"Look again. That wasn't your mother."
Another voice called out from the woods—calm, composed.
Mut turned.
It was Gut—and the beam of magic had come from his hand.
"You… You monster! How dare you insult her after what you've done?! I KNOW my mother when I see her!"
Rage and despair surged through Mut as he gripped his sword, mustering the last of his strength to charge.
Gut sighed.
"Should I say you're a dutiful son, or a foolish one?"
"You're willing to fight for your mother's sake, but you won't even turn around and look at her body?"
Look… at Mother's…
He hadn't dared. Too afraid of what he might see.
But this mage kept bringing it up.
Clenching his jaw, Mut forced himself to look.
There—on the ground—was no mother.
Only scattered remains of a beast, its form dissipating into mist.
"This… this is…"
"A Phantom Demon," Gut said flatly. "Mut von Orden, right? As a noble, surely you've studied them?"
"Y-Yes…"
"I've heard of them. I just never expected to encounter one in the Northern Nations…"
"They're only supposed to appear near the Virei Region, aren't they?"
"Pfft. You think monsters migrate based on logic?" Gut shrugged.
Mut was still shaken. His heart pounded in his chest as the realization sank in—he had nearly died.
With a trembling breath, he placed a hand on his chest and bowed deeply to Gut.
"Esteemed Mage… thank you for saving my life."
[Ding!]
[Daily Quest: Perform One Good Deed — Completed]
Hearing the system prompt, Gut's gaze softened slightly.
At least this one's got manners. It'd be disappointing to save someone and get less gratitude than a dog.
"Can you still walk?" he asked, glancing at Mut's exhausted state.
"I… I'd like to follow you, but… I really don't have the strength."
"Would you mind waiting here with me a bit? Once I recover, I'll leave with you."
"I swear it on my family's honor. I'll repay this kindness. My family is—"
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