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Chapter 15: Grandpa's Legacy
The sun peeked over the misty hills as Elric ran across the soft grass, his small feet barely making a sound. The scent of morning dew and the earthy fragrance of tilled soil filled the air. A faint whistle echoed from the barn, followed by the low grunt of a bull. Elric grinned.
He wasn't just running.
He was leading.
Behind him, a flock of sheep followed with strange discipline. Two dogs, Blade and Whistle, darted around the sides, keeping the herd tight. A few goats bleated lazily, trying to catch up. And somewhere near the back was the old cow, Daisy, always stubborn but loyal.
This wasn't just morning play anymore.
It was training.
"Grandpa!" Elric yelled, his voice filled with childish excitement. "I did it! They followed the whole round!"
From the porch of their old wooden house, Grandpa raised his head, squinting through the smoke of his pipe. His sharp eyes didn't miss the proud stride in Elric's walk—or the way the sheep obeyed him as if he was their king.
Grandpa grunted. "Hmm. Not bad for a brat."
Elric laughed, running up. "They even sat when I told them. That means the skill is working, right? The 'Minor Beast Bond'?"
Grandpa took a long puff of his pipe, then knocked it against the wooden rail. "Maybe. Or maybe they like your stinky socks."
Elric rolled his eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "Come on, Grandpa. You saw it, didn't you?"
The old man chuckled. "Aye. I saw it. That wasn't bad, boy. But don't get cocky. It's easy to make animals follow you when they're used to you. The real test is when danger strikes."
As if on cue, the system chimed softly in Elric's mind.
> System Alert:
You have successfully led a domestic beast herd in formation.
Bond Progress: +12%
Skill Unlocked: Basic Herd Instinct – Pack members gain temporary courage and unity while moving under your leadership.
Elric's eyes widened. "It gave me a new skill!"
"Good," Grandpa said. "Because you'll need it soon."
Elric turned, blinking. "Wait, what?"
The old man's gaze turned serious, deep lines on his face casting shadows. "Come sit, brat."
Elric hopped up on the porch beside him, his heart beating a little faster.
"You're eight now. Still a pup. But your path ain't normal. That system in your head? The way those beasts react to you? The aura you have? That's Shepherd blood… and something darker."
Elric swallowed. "You mean the... the blessing?"
Grandpa didn't answer directly. Instead, he reached into his coat and pulled out an old, torn journal. The cover was worn leather, barely held together by string.
"This belonged to my father," Grandpa said. "Your great-grandfather. He was called the Black Shepherd of the Borderlands."
Elric's eyes widened. "Wait… he was real? I thought that was just one of your bedtime stories!"
"Half my stories are real," Grandpa muttered. "Just toned down for your weak heart."
Elric grabbed the book and opened it. Inside were hand-drawn maps, beast anatomy sketches, system logs written in blood, and notes about world invaders—especially the insect queens and undead scouts.
"The invaders you fear... they've been preparing for generations. We're just too busy farming to notice."
Grandpa's voice dropped. "The Shepherd Class is older than most people think. It wasn't always peaceful. In the ancient wars, Shepherds led not sheep—but monsters, beasts, and even enslaved gods."
Elric looked up slowly. "You want me to become that kind of Shepherd?"
"I want you to become your own kind," Grandpa said. "One who protects the ones who matter—your sisters, your mother, your village. Even the beasts you bond with."
"But if you must," he added with a wicked grin, "don't be afraid to enslave a few enemies."
Elric chuckled nervously. "You really are a bandit…"
Grandpa stood and stretched. "Old habits die hard."
Suddenly, loud barking echoed from the barn. Blade ran over, fur bristled.
"Someone's here," Elric muttered.
From the path leading into the village, a figure rode toward them on a massive bird-like beast. A young woman, armored in silver-lined robes, dismounted gracefully and bowed. She had strange eyes—like starlight trapped in a lake.
"Greetings," she said. "I am Zara, messenger of the Royal Academy."
Grandpa's face soured. "They're here already, huh?"
Zara smiled. "The Shepherd class has awakened in this region. The Academy cannot ignore it. We're here to test and recruit the boy. Elric, correct?"
Elric stepped forward.
"Yes," he said. "I'm Elric. And I don't want to leave my village. Not yet."
Zara raised an eyebrow. "That's not how the test works."
Grandpa cracked his knuckles.
"And here I thought I'd enjoy a peaceful day," he said.
Zara's smile didn't fade. "The Academy will not force anyone... yet. But the tests begin tomorrow morning. I'll be staying at the Elder's Hall. I suggest you prepare, Elric."
She bowed again and left.
Elric stood silently as the wind rustled through the trees.
"I guess it begins," he whispered.
Grandpa clapped his back. "It began the day you were born, brat. Now it's just picking up speed."
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