Aiden stood at the edge of the worn-out wooden porch, the cold night air brushing against his skin. The cabin that had been his home for three years stood behind him, its windows glowing faintly from the fire inside.

  Darius leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his ever-present smirk tugging at his lips. "So, this is it, huh?"

  Aiden nodded, adjusting the straps on the small bag over his shoulder. "Yeah. Thanks for everything, old man."

  Darius snorted. "Old man? You really wanna leave on an insult?"

  Aiden smirked, but there was a hint of emotion in his eyes. They both knew this wasn’t just some casual goodbye.

  Darius sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Listen, kid. I know you think you're not strong enough yet. And maybe you're right."

  Aiden shot him an annoyed gre.

  "But," Darius continued, "strength ain't just about power. It’s about getting back up, no matter how many times you get knocked down. You? You never stayed down, even when you should have. And that’s why you’re gonna make it."

  Aiden swallowed, looking away. He clenched his fists.

  "I won’t let this be a waste," he said quietly.

  Darius smirked. "Damn right, you won’t. Now get lost before I start getting sentimental."

  Aiden chuckled, then turned and walked into the night.

  The road was quiet, lined with gnarled trees that swayed gently in the wind. Aiden’s boots crunched against the dirt path as he moved toward his destination.

  It wasn’t long before he felt it.

  A low growl echoed from the trees. Aiden stopped, hand drifting toward the dagger at his waist.

  A pair of glowing eyes emerged from the darkness. A creature with matted fur and twisted limbs—a low-tier beast, barely intelligent, but still dangerous.