— Enough.
The voice was quiet, calm, but still... chilling and threatening. There was authority in the tone—confidence and composure. The menacing man froze mid-motion, his hand still raised.
Then he flinched and slowly turned around. Behind him stood an old man. But not an ordinary one. The old man's lean figure matched—and perhaps even surpassed—that of the threatening man. His white hair was cut short, just to his neck, the same with his beard. At his waist rested a sword, and his left hand lay on its hilt.
— Aren't you ashamed of bullying a poor child? If your hands are so itchy for a fight, then come at me. Here I am. I won't use my weapon or any abilities. Well? Don't you want to test your luck?
The man quietly let go of the basket. He didn't think for long before deciding to attack. But of course, he didn't go alone. The old man was standing among a crowd of people, and some of them might have been allies of the brute. Two men from the crowd didn't hesitate—they immediately rushed at the old man from behind. The rest of the crowd stood still, watching the scene unfold like a play. Three men, one of whom was especially strong and menacing, lunged at the white-haired elder, who seemingly hadn't even moved. An inexperienced person would have thought the old man had simply frozen in fear and panic. And that inexperienced person... was the nameless child.
"Why is he trying to save me? No, more importantly—why is he afraid!? He looked so confident! Why hasn't he drawn his sword yet? They were the ones who broke the deal!" — the nameless child, unfortunately, was that very inexperienced boy. Others, though surprised, weren't worried. The old man was strong. Very strong. And quite well-known. Though, he had disappeared years ago and hadn't been seen since.
The three attackers charged at the old man. Just as they were about to strike with fists, feet, and a stone, the old man moved. With simple motions, he dealt with the most dangerous of the three first, knocking him out with a single strike to the neck. Then he caught a flying kick with his left hand, raised his right, and slammed it into the center of the leg—breaking it perfectly. As for the third... he didn't even have time to react before a punch to the face sent him flying a full meter. Just like that, three energetic and relatively young men were laid flat by an old man—who was clearly holding back.
Whispers spread among the crowd—witnesses to the return of the legendary sword master, who had retired several years ago.
— So the rumors were true? The dragon really is awakening and heading this way?
— Of course. Otherwise, Rine, that damned sword maniac, wouldn't show up among people. That alone says the dragon could attack any moment.
— I heard the dragon wouldn't awaken for a few more decades... Were we lied to?
— What did you expect? They want to keep the peace among the people. Of course they're hiding the truth, afraid it'll cause chaos.
— Still, why would Rine, that heartless monster, bother helping some rat from the slums?
— No idea. But when he tried to play the hero, protecting that child... I wanted to puke. He's killed so many kids, so many families...
— Shh! He's the sword master. What if he hears you...
— Yeah, let's get out of here.
Rine, the white-haired elder, had heard enough. But he didn't care what they said about him. Truthfully, he hadn't planned to save the child at all. He was heading to the royal castle when he sensed a powerful will… a deadly will. To his surprise, its source wasn't an adult... but a child. Such a strong will! And such a weak body. If the child had time and resources, he could surpass even Rine. And so the old man decided to become that sponsor. He had been searching for a student... but hadn't found a worthy one—until now.
Rine walked over to the corner where the child sat. His body was trembling slightly, eyes wet. He was filthy, and the stench reached meters away. Yet… his gaze was sharp, even if weak, confused, and stunned. He was a child, after all…
— Hello, young man. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Rine Edgar, master of the sword.
The child's dark hair fluttered in the breeze.
And his deep, dark eyes were filled with confusion as he was addressed… by Rine. The sword master.
— Hello, Master Rine. I... I don't have a name, but I'm happy to meet you too. Thank you for helping me.
Rine looked over the boy's body and smiled. Then he noticed something: the boy really was far too young for such a strong will… It piqued his curiosity.
— So, if you don't mind, tell me—how old are you?
The boy hesitated. Not because he didn't want to answer… but because he honestly wasn't sure.
— Maybe 8? Or 9... I don't really know. I don't celebrate my birthday and vaguely remember being kicked out of the orphanage when I was 6.
Rine nodded understandingly. Then his eyes flicked to the basket, and with curiosity, he asked:
— So you were willing to die—or kill—for that basket of food?
The boy gloomily followed Rine's gaze, then looked into his gray eyes. After a brief pause, he replied:
— Yes... You see, it was my dream—to try real, prepared, whole food at least once... Then I could die in peace.
Rine's expression darkened a bit.
— Oh? So you want to die?
The boy shook his head.
— Of course not! But if things go on like this, I'll die anyway. What's the point in living? No family, no love, no friends...
Upon hearing this, Rine chuckled:
— You and I are quite alike. Although, I must admit—I did have those things… Once. But now they're gone. Long gone.
Rine fell silent for a moment before finally bringing up the topic he'd intended from the start:
— So, young man, I have a question. Would you like to become my... student? Oh gods, did I actually say that...
The boy thought for a moment and asked:
— Will there be food?
Rine raised an eyebrow, but didn't lose his composure:
— Of course! Not just food! Drinks, treats, and lots and lots more!
The boy hesitated, then picked up the basket and stood before Rine.
— I'm at your service... teacher.
Very soon, he would realize he had been tricked. And tricked very badly, at that. Very soon, he would regret not dying today...