As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, painting the sky in hues of soft lavender and fiery orange, the training field glowed with the memories of battles, laughter, and determination. The soft wind whispered through the tall grass, carrying with it the scent of spring and change.
Brann stood before the four young warriors—Eren, Kael, Lyra, and Reina. His strong arms were crossed, but his eyes betrayed the swell of pride he felt. Lines of age etched deeper into his face than before, not from weariness, but from the weight of watching children become warriors.
They stood tall before him—Eren with his calm, icy gaze and quiet strength, Kael radiating fiery determination, Lyra holding her bow close with steady grace, and Reina smiling with her usual spark, masking nerves with brightness.
Brann's voice cracked slightly as he began.
"All four of you…" he paused, his eyes glistening slightly under the fading light, "you've grown beyond anything I ever imagined. You were just kids, filled with curiosity, fear, and questions... and now—now you stand like the start of legends."
The breeze lifted Eren's white hair gently as the boy lowered his eyes, absorbing every word.
Brann stepped forward, placing a hand on Eren's shoulder, then Kael's, then the girls'.
"I've trained you with everything I had. My techniques, my heart, my experience—it's all been passed on. But what comes next… that's your path to choose."
He took a breath and looked toward the distant hills.
"Go. Travel. See the world with your own eyes. Learn not just the way of the sword, but the weight of your choices, the meaning of strength, and the beauty of the world that lies beyond these trees."
A silence settled. The wind fell still for just a moment, as if the world was listening.
"But always remember," he said, voice firm and warm, "Liria's gates will always be open. This place… this village… it's your home. If the world becomes too heavy—come back. Rest. Find yourself again. We'll be here."
Kael wiped his eyes quickly, pretending to scratch his cheek.
"Old man, you're getting sappy…"
Lyra chuckled, but her eyes were already misty. Reina clung to Lyra's arm, nodding with a shaky grin.
Eren didn't speak. He stepped forward and bowed deeply, his voice soft but steady.
"I won't forget. I promise."
Brann placed both hands on his hips, exhaling with a rough chuckle.
"You'd better not. Now—five days. Pack your things, sharpen your blades, and say your goodbyes. The world is waiting."