By sixteen, Liam had become the village's protector. Neighbors turned to him whenever trouble arose, and he gladly helped. He and Tomlin also organized practice fights to train anyone willing. On cool mornings, a handful of villagers would spar behind the barn under the friends' guidance. Tomlin led the drills with energetic shouts, while Liam offered quiet pointers and encouragement.
One morning after training, a group of villagers came by with gifts of bread and fruit. "Thank you, Liam," said Maren the baker, pressing a warm loaf into his hands. "We all rest easier thanks to you." She then gave Tomlin a loaf as well, adding, "Thank you too, Tomlin."
As the villagers headed off, Tomlin attempted a grin. "They've practically made you a hero," he quipped, eyes down on the bread in his hands.
Liam sensed his friend's hurt pride. "They mean well," he said gently. "And you deserve as much thanks as me."
Tomlin shrugged, mustering a smile. "I'm alright. I'm used to you getting the spotlight, oh mighty violet-eyed one." He nudged Liam playfully. "Just don't get a big head."
Liam snorted and gave a half-smile. "Never. Not with you around to keep me humble."
The tension eased and Tomlin's smile grew more genuine. Still, Liam knew being second to the "village hero" wasn't easy for his friend.
Some troubles, however, Liam couldn't share with anyone. Lately, he had been jolted awake by faint, eerie whispers echoing in his mind. They came at random in the dead of night, leaving him in a cold sweat. The words always faded as soon as he opened his eyes, but the dread lingered. Liam told no one, praying it was just bad dreams and not a sign of something wrong with the Abyssal power in his eye.
Despite private worries and subtle strains, the two friends remained as close as brothers. As Liam's nineteenth birthday drew near, they grew restless for the wider world. They had promised years ago to leave together and become hunters—traveling monster slayers making their mark beyond the village.
One evening at sunset, they climbed the rocky hill outside the village. From the top, plains and distant forests stretched to the horizon. The sky was ablaze with orange and pink, fading to purple as the sun sank.
"In a few months we'll be out there," Tomlin said, excitement and nerves mingling in his tone.
Liam nodded. "We will," he replied softly. Saying it aloud made his stomach flutter. Their childhood dream was nearly at hand.
They sat on a flat boulder, shoulder to shoulder. Below, their village looked small, its cottages and fields bathed in golden light.
"We'll join a guild," Tomlin went on, managing a grin. "Slay monsters, maybe even become legends."
Liam chuckled. "Or spend the first year chasing off stray goblins and mucking stables."
Tomlin laughed. "Probably." He tossed a pebble over the edge. "But as long as we do it together, I'm okay with it."
"Together," Liam agreed, returning the smile.
Twilight settled in and stars began to appear. The friends sat in silence for a long while, each lost in thought.
Liam wondered if the whispers that haunted his sleep would follow him into the wider world. Would he find answers out there about his Eye of the Abyss?
Tomlin likely imagined proving himself away from Liam's shadow, finally to be seen as more than just the hero's friend.
Neither voiced these thoughts, but they didn't need to. After so many years, they understood each other without words.
Eventually, Tomlin stretched and stood. "Time to head back?"
Liam got to his feet. "Yeah. Let's go home."
They began the familiar walk down the hill. Halfway down, Liam paused to glance back at the horizon one last time. The sky was midnight blue now, the last daylight gone. Somewhere beyond those hills lay the future they had dreamed of for so long.
He turned and caught up to Tomlin, who watched him with a curious eyebrow raised. Liam just grinned and fell into step beside him.
In a few short weeks, they would step beyond the glow of their village lights and into the unknown. It was daunting, but they were ready. Their skills were honed, their loyalty to each other unshaken. Whatever awaited them—monsters or marvels—they would face it side by side, hearts united for the road ahead.