The day passed, and so did the next.
Early in the morning, Rhian stepped out of the container home, carrying a single bag slung over his shoulder.
Inside were a few sets of clothes and his makeshift blade, wrapped tightly and secured to the side.
He had said his goodbyes the night before, neighbors, kids, even the quiet old man who barely left his chair.
Everyone had wished him luck in their own way. Some offered to give him food, others gave him advice. A few simply nodded with pride.
Now, he walked quickly through the narrow paths between homes, trying not to linger. But even this early, some kids were already awake.
"Rhian! Rhian!"
They ran up to him, crowding around. He smiled and greeted them, ruffling a few heads, giving quiet waves as he moved through.
He didn't stop.
Eventually, he reached the edge of the community. The broken fence. Beyond it, the old path led to a rusted bus stop just outside the settlement.
Doctor Calista was already there, standing with her arms crossed, coffee in hand. She looked his way as he approached, eyes calm but proud.
Rhian looked sharper than usual. His clothes weren't new, but they were clean and neatly arranged. His black hair was brushed, and the scratch on his cheek had completely faded. He looked ready.
Doctor Calista gave him a warm smile. "Look at you. Don't bring back girl troubles."
Rhian chuckled, shaking his head.
She reached into her coat and handed him a card.
He took it, reading his name printed cleanly across the front.
"Your parents left that for you. It's a bank card. Should be enough for what you need, clothes, supplies. Make sure to use it wisely, okay?"
Rhian stared at the card for a moment, unsure how to feel. "Thank you, Doc."
She smiled again, more softly this time.
They stood quietly at the stop, the air still a little cold from the morning. Then footsteps echoed behind them.
Rhian turned, spotting a figure walking toward them. A tall young man, close to Rhian's age, maybe the same. He had short brown hair and a confident stride. His expression was easy, self-assured.
Rhian narrowed his eyes. He recognized him, barely. The boy probably lived nearby, but Rhian had always kept his distance from others his age. Most of them didn't share his interests or his past.
Behind the boy came an older man, tall with dark hair streaked with grey. He gave Doctor Calista a polite smile.
"Doctor Calista, good morning."
Calista returned the greeting with a nod. But her gaze quickly shifted to the boy beside him.
"Oh? Is he joining Rhian?"
The man smiled proudly and rested a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Yes. Young Kye here awakened his core recently. I figured it was time he received proper training."
Awakening was common and rare at the same time. When it happened, a divine core formed in the body. Only those with divine blood could awaken it.
Rhian had the bloodline, but he had never managed to access his core. It was one of the reasons he hadn't progressed in strength.
Maybe the academy could help with that.
Still, it surprised Rhian that no one had mentioned Kye's awakening before. Usually, news like that spread quickly in small communities.
It seemed the family had kept it quiet.
The man stepped forward, his tone light but sincere. "So I thought, why not send him with little Rhian here? They grew up together, after all. I'm sure they'll look after each other."
He smiled genuinely, clearly proud of the idea.
Rhian glanced at the boy, Kye. The other boy gave him a nod. Rhian returned it, though his expression stayed neutral. They weren't close, but maybe that would change.
The adults shifted into conversation, mostly the man doing the talking while Calista listened, occasionally sipping the last of her coffee.
She didn't say much. Her face was calm, but the way she stared into the cup said enough. When she finally set it down, her expression didn't hide the disappointment.
Then the bus arrived with a loud hum and a hiss of air. It pulled up beside them, metal doors creaking open. No more waiting.
The man turned to his son, placing a hand firmly on his shoulder. "You're the future of this family, Kye. Make something of yourself."
Kye gave a confident nod, then moved toward the bus.
Rhian turned to Doctor Calista.
He wanted to say something. Thank her again. Promise her something. But nothing came out.
She didn't speak right away either. Just pulled him into a hug, holding him for a brief moment. Then she stepped back, straightened his collar, and looked him in the eye.
"Don't die," she said. "And don't forget to write. Or send a message. Or something."
Rhian gave a soft laugh, fighting the lump in his throat. "I will."
She reached into her coat and handed him a second small packet, bread wrapped in cloth.
"For the road," she muttered.
With that, she gave him a final nod and stepped back. Her hands slid into her coat pockets, her expression unreadable.
Rhian took one last look at her, then turned and boarded the bus.
The bus was nearly empty.
A few people sat scattered around, some heading to work, others maybe just passing through. The quiet hum of the engine filled the space, along with the occasional creak of the old frame.
Rhian stepped in and paused for a moment, taking it in. He smiled to himself. This was it, the beginning of something new.
He scanned the rows for a good seat. At the back, he spotted Kye already settled in, leaning against the window.
Rhian gave a small nod and walked down the aisle, sliding into the seat next to him.
The bus gave a soft jolt and began to move.
Rhian leaned back, his stomach growling. He hadn't eaten since yesterday. Pulling out the wrapped bread Calista had given him, he tore off a piece and started eating. It was still warm.
After a few bites, he broke off another piece and handed it to Kye.
Kye looked surprised for a second, then smiled and took it. "Thanks."
Rhian didn't say anything, just nodded as he kept chewing, staring out the window as the forest faded into the distance.