As Malric and Nolan made their way back to the cave, Zuru was already out hunting. Ever since Nolan had tamed him, the boar had grown stronger and faster, able to track down animals with ease. Hunting had become his role.
Zuru returned with fresh meat clenched in his jaws. Nolan smiled and rubbed his head.
"Wow, good boy," he said.
Zuru grunted in satisfaction.
He had also brought meat for the other boars. While they usually ate it raw, Zuru never touched his share until Nolan cooked it. To him, Nolan's cooking was the best.
Nolan took the meat outside the cave, Zuru following close behind. He gathered branches, snapped off a thick stick, and carefully skewered the deer meat. Then, using fire magic, he lit the branches and began roasting it.
As it cooked, Nolan imagined the juices locked inside, the heat soaking through the flesh. The scent filled the cool morning air. When it was done, he pulled it from the fire and divided it into three portions, saving the rest for later.
Malric stepped out of the cave. Nolan handed him one of the pieces.
Malric took a bite and froze.
"This is so good. How did you learn to cook like this? You're really good at it."
Nolan smiled.
"You flatter me."
Zuru was already digging into his portion, clearly enjoying every bite.
But then Malric's expression grew serious.
"Nolan, I want to tell you something. You know tomorrow is the last day. I'm going to train you… and then I'm leaving."
Nolan nodded.
"I understand. I already knew you were going to leave."
"Good," Malric said. "So, when do you plan to head to the village?"
"Well," Nolan shrugged, "I don't know the direction. But I'll try to find it."
"Alright," Malric replied. "Tomorrow, after our training, I have something to give you."
"Okay," Nolan said. "Let's go all out tomorrow. Let's train hard and push each other to get stronger."
Malric nodded.
"Yes. I agree."
The following day, as the sun began to rise, Malric and Nolan woke and headed straight into the forest. Without a word, they faced each other, the morning air heavy with tension. Both were ready.
Malric held his sword.
Nolan stood calmly, fists clenched.
"Don't forget," Malric said, eyes locked on Nolan's. "This is the last training fight we're going to have."
"Yeah, I understand," Nolan replied. "And I'm going to give it everything I've got."
"Now!" Malric shouted.
In an instant, they dashed forward. Malric swung his sword, but Nolan raised his hand—now encased in an invisible shield forged by his magic. If Malric's strike had landed clean, it would've sliced through bone. But Nolan's shield absorbed the blow.
Malric didn't let up. He twisted, slashing again and again. Nolan shifted his shield with precision, blocking each strike—whether aimed at his chest, arms, or sides. The shield moved where he needed it, sometimes wrapping around his entire body.
Then Nolan dodged low and to the side. In one swift motion, he drove his fist into Malric's jaw. Malric staggered but recovered instantly, delivering a powerful kick to Nolan's stomach.
The force knocked Nolan back a few steps, but he regained his footing, and they clashed again—unleashing a storm of sharp, powerful blows.
That was when Malric shouted,
"Special Move… Beast Warrior… Temporary… Dragon Wings!"
Fiery wings burst from his back, and he shot into the sky like a rocket. From above, he raised his sword toward the earth.
Nolan looked up, smiling.
Malric pointed his blade downward. A surge of purple energy erupted from it, crashing toward Nolan like a wave of destruction.
Nolan broke into a sprint, arms trailing behind him. He moved fast, weaving side to side as the blast tore up the forest floor. Trees splintered. Dust rose in clouds.
Then Nolan leapt as high as he could, soaring upward.
"He's getting stronger…" Malric muttered, hovering in the air.
As Nolan rose, he thrust his fist forward, locking eyes with Malric.
Just before Malric's sword could strike, Nolan's energy burst out—colliding with Malric's midair.
The clash triggered a violent explosion. The shockwave sent Nolan hurtling downward, crashing into the ground.
Malric was thrown upward by the blast. Twisting in the air, he fought to regain control.
He was preparing to fire another energy beam at Nolan when he felt it—a sharp drop in power. His wings had reached their limit. They vanished in a flash of fading light.
Before he could react, he plummeted toward the earth.
Nolan didn't move. He simply watched as Malric crashed down… and landed on his feet.
"Well, you've got strong legs," Nolan said, smirking. "Now, let's go even harder."
Malric stood up, brushing dirt from his clothes.
"Nolan… I think that's all for today. That was our last fight. I really enjoyed it. But I think it's time I got going."
"I see," Nolan said quietly. "Can't you stay a little longer?"
"No," Malric shook his head. "Unfortunately, I can't."
Nolan sighed.
"Alright. So, before you leave… what is it you wanted to give me?"
Malric's expression turned serious.
"You've probably noticed… that sword of yours isn't just a regular one. I figured I should give you something that suits it."
He reached for his back and pulled out a strange, compact-looking bag.
"When I left my village—after I became the successor of this sword—they gave me a few special items. Among them, this suit."
Nolan raised an eyebrow as Malric unfastened the bag. One by one, he pulled out armor plates, gloves, boots, and a long coat. All of it had somehow fit inside the tiny bag.
Nolan stared.
"Wait… how did all that fit in there?"
Malric grinned.
"This bag isn't ordinary. It's priceless. When you become a full adventurer and start making real money, maybe you'll be able to afford one. But not anytime soon."
Nolan knelt, running his fingers along the fabric of the suit.
"It's really impressive."
"Yeah. And it'll come in handy," Malric said. "Go on—try it."
Nolan nodded, gathered the pieces, and walked behind a tree. He undressed, removing the worn-out clothes he'd worn since arriving in this world, and began putting on the new gear.
The suit was dark and practical, made of durable material that still allowed easy movement. Flexible armor protected his vital areas, and faint glowing blue patterns ran through the fabric—signs of embedded magical power. Finally, he slipped on the long black coat, which flowed past his knees, adding a mysterious edge to his appearance.
"Wow, this is really good," Nolan said, admiring the outfit. "My body feels… lighter."
Malric nodded. "Yeah, it certainly does. Not just that—it's great for defense. Magic won't work on it. The fabric resists it."
Nolan looked at him, sincere. "Thank you, Malric. I really appreciate it. You've done so much for me… I don't know how to repay you."
Malric smiled. "You can repay me by saving the world."
Nolan scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. "I'm not sure I'm capable of doing that."
"You are," Malric said firmly.
Then Nolan stretched out his hand toward him. "Thank you… for training me and taking care of me."
Malric took the hand and shook it firmly. "Yeah. It was my pleasure. And I hope we meet again."
Nolan nodded. "I appreciate it. I appreciate everything you've done for me."
The two of them slowly let go, and silence settled between them.
"I guess… this is goodbye," Nolan said quietly.
"Yes… it's goodbye," Malric replied.
They turned away from each other and began walking in opposite directions. Nolan paused, glancing back one last time, watching as Malric disappeared into the trees.