— Enough.
The voice was quiet, calm — and yet chilling, threatening. It carried authority, confidence, and control. The imposing man, Hale, froze mid-motion, his raised hand trembling.
He slowly turned around. Behind him stood an old man — but not a frail one. His slim, upright figure surpassed even Hale in presence. His white hair fell just to his neck, matched by a short, well-kept beard. At his waist rested a sword, and his left hand calmly gripped the hilt.
— Not ashamed to bully a starving child? If your hands itch so badly, then try me. I won't use my sword. I won't use any abilities. Come on — want to test your luck?
— You look familiar... Whatever. Probably just another stray dumped to the third level. You seriously picking a fight over this trash?
— Boss, he's just some retired knight. Let's take the bread and go.
Hale silenced the thug with a glare and slowly released the basket.
The old man smiled slightly.
— I don't care about your grudge. But I have business with the boy. Leave — or fight. Just be ready for the consequences.
Hale gave the man a once-over, then smirked.
— You won't use your sword?
— No.
«Idiot. I'll beat you barehanded and sell that sword on the second level,» Hale thought, already counting contribution points.
Contribution points were the currency of this grim city. Earned mostly through killing monsters and clearing their remains, they were given only to knights registered with a military badge.
Regular citizens couldn't earn them — unless they held a special role, like a tailor, chef, or blacksmith. Those with value to the city received identity tags and could afford homes on the second level.
Hale was a former knight. He had one of those tags. But after retirement, he was useless — except to buy and sell.
He could afford tons of food, drinks, desserts. And now, without hesitation, he attacked.
He didn't move alone. Two other men flanked the old man from behind. The crowd — regular citizens — stood silent, watching like it was theater.
Three men, from two sides, lunged at the white-haired elder — who didn't even budge.
To the untrained eye, it looked like he froze in fear.
And one untrained eye was watching: the nameless boy.
«Why is he saving me? No — why does he look scared!? He seemed so confident. Why isn't he drawing his sword? They broke the agreement first!»
The crowd remained calm. They knew him. The old man had once been a famed figure in the city. Years ago, he'd vanished without a trace.
The three men attacked. And in a flash —
With a single strike to the neck, the elder knocked Hale unconscious.
Then, catching a flying kick with his left hand, he struck the leg's center with his right — snapping it clean.
The third attacker didn't even react before a blow to the face launched him backward.
Three grown men, energetic and aggressive, were dismantled like children by an old man holding back.
Whispers spread through the crowd — the return of a legendary swordmaster.
— I wasn't mistaken. That's Rain, former general of the army, — muttered an old man in rags.
— How dumb do you have to be to attack Rain? Hale used to be a knight — how didn't he recognize him? — asked a middle-aged woman in tatters.
— Hale was new. He ran to the third level after his first hunt, — added another elder.
— So the rumors were true. The dragon is awakening and heading here?
— Of course. Why else would Rain — that monster obsessed with slaying beasts — show up among people? That means the dragon could strike any moment.
— I heard it wouldn't awaken for decades... Were we lied to?
— What did you expect? They hide the truth to avoid panic and chaos. They'll never tell us the real threat.
— Still... why would Rain help that brat who killed Jack?
— I don't know. But seeing him pretend to be a hero made me sick. That's the same man who wiped out half the noble houses...
— Shh! He's the swordmaster! What if he hears?
— Right, let's get out of here.
Rain, the white-haired elder, heard enough — but didn't care. Saving the child hadn't been his plan.
He was heading to the royal castle in the first region when he felt it — a powerful, deadly will. But it wasn't coming from a warrior.
It was from a child.
Such an intense will — inside such a weak body. If nurtured, the child could surpass even Rain.
He had long searched for a disciple. None were worthy.
Until now.
Rain walked toward the corner where the boy sat, trembling. His eyes were wet, his body filthy and stinking.
And yet... his gaze was sharp, though confused and lost.
— Hello, young man. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rain Edgar, a swordmaster.
The boy's dark hair fluttered in the cold wind. His deep eyes stared up in shock.
— G–Greetings, Master Rain. I... I don't have a name, but it's an honor. Thank you... for your help.
Rain examined the boy with interest. So young — yet that will.
— If you don't mind me asking... how old are you?
The boy hesitated.
— Maybe eight? Or nine. I'm not sure. I don't celebrate birthdays. I just remember they kicked me out of the orphanage at six.
Rain nodded. Then, noticing the basket, asked:
— So you were ready to die — or kill — over this food?
The boy followed his gaze, then met his gray eyes.
— Yes... It was my dream. To eat a real meal, just once. After that, I could die in peace.
Rain's expression darkened slightly.
— So... you want to die?
The boy shook his head.
— Of course not! But if this continues, I will. What's the point of living? No family. No love. No friends...
Rain chuckled.
— We're not so different, you and I. I had those things once... Not anymore.
He paused — then asked the question he came for:
— Enough of the sad talk. So, young man... would you like to become my disciple? Gods, I actually said it. Glorius owes me for this.
The boy hesitated.
«After this basket, I'll starve again. No one will help me. Someone might even try to kill me. But this old man... he's respected. I have no choice. It's risky, but I have to trust him.»
He was clever for his age.
After weighing the risks, he nodded.
— Will there be food? A place to sleep? — he asked after a pause.
Rain spread his arms with a grin:
— Of course! Not just food — drinks, sweets, so much more! Well... sweets might be tricky. But tea, definitely!
The boy lifted the basket and stood.
— In that case... I'm at your service, Master.
As the crowd dispersed, a knight approached Rain and the boy.
He glanced at the unconscious men, then bowed.
— Greetings, former general!
Rain stepped toward him, leaving the boy to eat slowly in the corner.
«Smart kid. Eating too fast would've made him sick. Maybe even killed him,» Rain thought.
He leaned in and whispered to the knight:
— I'll head to the castle myself. As for them...
Rain looked at the fallen thugs and said quietly:
— Dispose of them.