A voice came from the other side of the door.
"Open up, Rowan. It's me."
Rowan blinked in surprise. Dad? He hurried to the door and swung it open.
Aldwin stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
"What… Dad? What are you doing here?" Rowan asked, a flicker of nervousness in his voice.
"I wanted to talk," Aldwin said, settling onto Rowan's bed. His expression was calm but serious. "About what I mentioned earlier, the idea of you becoming an adventurer. Do you want that path, or not?"
The path of an adventurer… Rowan's gaze dropped to the floor. I don't really know. But… it's one of the only ways I could grow stronger in this world. If I want to face the Demon Lord, I need that power. Lin Min isn't here anymore. I have to find something, something to drive me, something to give my life purpose.
He lifted his eyes. "I wouldn't say I don't want to," he answered carefully. "You said adventurers fight monsters, that they're heroes. I want that too. Fighting monsters, saving people—I like the idea."
A warm smile spread across Aldwin's face. "That's what I hoped to hear." Relief and pride shone in his eyes. "The happiest day of my life was when you were born. From that moment, I dreamed of seeing you grow strong, maybe even as an adventurer. But you've surprised me already. Learning to read at four, faster than anyone I've seen—it shocked me. Your mind… it's remarkable."
He reached out, resting a hand on Rowan's shoulder. "And with the sword, even with the little training I've given you, you're already far beyond most children your age. Truly gifted."
"Gifted? Really? Not many children my age could do this?" Rowan asked, incredulous.
"For six years old? Absolutely," Aldwin replied. "Most children don't even start reading until seven. By ten, they enter the Royal Academy to train as adventurers, a prestigious path. You're already ahead of the curve."
He studied Rowan closely. "When we trained with the sword the other day, the way you moved, the way you held it—it was perfect. Years of practice tell me when someone is holding back. You're hiding your true potential, Rowan."
Rowan tilted his head. "Holding back… huh? Okay. But tell me, Father, your life as an adventurer… was it fun?"
Aldwin chuckled. "Fun? In a way. Dangerous, too. Adventuring is one of the most rewarding paths, but also one of the riskiest. Still, I believe you'll surpass me, far surpass me. And when you journey on your own, you can earn money from monster parts. Their cores are especially valuable. Sometimes whole bodies fetch a good price."
"Just like that?" Rowan's eyes widened.
Inside, a flicker of doubt crept in. In my previous life, it was never this easy. Money didn't come from slaying monsters, not even as a Sword Saint. My journeys were endless blood and exhaustion, resting only when chance allowed. Nine months after defeating the Demon Lord, everything changed, but the struggle was still real.
Rowan's hand clenched slightly in his lap.
"You have the potential to use all five primary attributes," Aldwin continued, his voice firm but proud. "Fire, water, ice, rock, and wind. Most people can only wield one, maybe two if they're exceptionally gifted. But you…" His gaze softened. "You can master them all."
Rowan blinked. All five?
"Yes," Aldwin nodded. "Unheard of. The last time someone like you appeared in the kingdom was over two hundred years ago, and they only mastered three. You've already surpassed them, and you're six."
Rowan's mind raced. In my old life, I had only my sword and countless techniques. Every demon I cut down was through sheer skill. Now, I might have both sword and elemental power.
Aldwin lowered his voice. "But, son, keep this between us. Talent draws envy, and envy draws danger. For now, stay careful until you're strong enough to protect yourself."
Rowan nodded slowly. "I understand, Father."