What was even good? The life one lives here is everything he could ever hope for — from beautiful lands to mountains, the fields covered with yellow wheat, and the green grass dancing softly with the wind.
It was a whole world on its own, it felt like heaven. Through the winter, the air becomes colder and stronger toward its end, and even then, it feels peaceful. I chose to live here not because I was afraid, but because I saw a change — a change in my life, something I could never get before. And then it changed me... made me more than just a human — a kind human. Though I can never change the past, nor do I want to.
I saw a path, a path that led somewhere... or maybe it fell somewhere. I was growing, I was learning many things. But why? Was it my destiny that led me here? Or was it pure fate? I don't think it was either of them. Because at the end, it was me who made the decisions — precise decisions — what I will call good decisions, the ones that led me here, to this very moment.
Aron was sitting silently, lost in these thoughts. Carlos, beside him, was eating food happily, while the cold air brushed through their hair gently. The warmth of the fire lit near the wall flickered softly, glowing across their faces.
"These humans," Aron thought, "the ones close to me... I have to protect them. They made me realize who I was, and where I was. I will protect them, even if it costs my life. Even if I have to kneel down, even if I become powerless. Because I am afraid... afraid of digging more graves."
He had decided that he would live his life without weapons. That he would help as much as he could — even if he had nothing to give. He wanted peace, even if the world around him didn't.
He felt something deep that day — that even in this cruel earth, someone still loves you... like a parent does, or a sibling does. So make them feel that you love them too. Because that, itself, is a kind of solution. Forget the past, which only exists in your mind. Try to find a meaning — a meaning for the future. Because that's the only thing you can live your life through.
The birds were flying freely under the golden light. The snow reflected the sun so brightly that even the ice looked yellow. The chirping echoed like music through the valley.
Carlos sighed, his breath visible in the cold air. "I'm gonna miss this winter," he said softly, "it's sad it's about to be over."
Aron glanced at him and smiled faintly. "Sounds about right."
Then, suddenly, a sound echoed — the rumbling of a cart. It grew louder as it climbed the snowy path toward Wood's house. The wheels creaked under the heavy load until it finally stopped near the entrance.
Two people stepped out. Because of the freezing cold, they were covered in thick coats and scarves. Their boots pressed deep into the snow as they walked forward. Aron and Carlos stood up instinctively. The two strangers reached the wooden house and stopped near the door. When they removed their hoods, Aron's eyes widened — it was his old master from Wingman City… and with him was Lily, Lilith's younger sister.
Master looked at Aron, surprised and proud. The child he once sent here had grown into a man — with the calm eyes of a warrior and the presence of someone much wiser than his age. Yet, Master sensed something else in him too… something pure.
He walked forward and placed a hand on Aron's shoulder. "You've grown stronger, son."
Aron found calmness in his voice and replied, "I didn't expect you here, Master. Must've been a tough journey?"
The Master smiled faintly. "It was. Now, let's go and meet Wood."
They approached the house. The door creaked open, and Wood stood there with his usual tired face. But when he saw who it was, his eyes widened. A loud laugh burst out of him — so sudden that even the Master looked uncomfortable.
"Look who's here!" Wood said between laughs. "Isn't it Master himself?"
They all entered together. Carlos followed last, closing the door behind him. Inside, the warmth returned — the fire crackled again, filling the room with orange light. Aron and Wood helped prepare hot water and placed bowls of food in front of their guests.
"Friend," Wood began, "I didn't expect you to come here in the middle of winter."
"I came for a reason," Master replied calmly, "and an important one."
Wood tilted his head. "Reason, you say?"
Master nodded. "I want a home here — in this village."
Everyone went silent. Even the fire seemed to pause.
"But why?" Wood asked. "Why do you want a house here?"
Master leaned forward. "The Wingman City is collapsing, day by day. Murders in the streets have become common. Even higher-ups are being killed. When I learned this, I knew Wingman City was no longer safe."
Aron froze. The city collapsing? Higher-ups getting murdered? The world he once knew was falling apart.
Wood shook his head slowly. "But... you cannot build a house in winter, can you?"
Master replied, "That's why I came early — to tell you. I need the house ready by the start of summer."
Behind Master, Lily sat quietly. She was shy, barely speaking a word. The heat from the fire made her cheeks warm, and she finally stood up. "I need some fresh air," she whispered, and stepped outside.
Wood watched her go. "Who's that girl?" he asked.
"She's Lily — Lilith's sister," Master answered.
"Ah," Wood nodded, "then I'll make sure you have your house ready by summer."
"Thank you," Master said with gratitude. "And thank you again for training and helping Aron."
Wood smiled proudly. "No, no — thank you for sending him here. He does all the work himself. He's one hell of a Norm."
Aron smiled quietly. "Thank you, Mr. Wood."
Carlos just kept eating, enjoying the moment like it was some big family dinner.
Aron stood up to take the dishes outside, his mind calm again. As he reached the door, Lily was standing near the edge of the porch, staring at the snow.
"Did you meet Lilith?" she asked softly.
Aron paused. "No, I didn't. I will... once his four years are completed."
Lily was around Aron's age, just a bit younger. Her long brown hair flowed down to her shoulders, and her height barely reached Aron's. Her eyes were calm but curious.
"Is there any place here with beautiful fields?" she asked suddenly.
Aron smiled faintly. "Have you seen my field? But right now, everything's covered in heavy snow."
"Let me see it, please?" she insisted, her voice sweet and shy.
"Alright," Aron said, nodding. He led the way, and they both walked through the snow-covered path. When they reached the field, Lily gasped softly — the trees, the frozen plants, everything glimmered under the golden sun.
Aron spoke gently, "This was once a dead land. It took me two years to reach this far."
Lily looked around, smiling. "It's beautiful."
Aron blushed slightly. "Th... thank you. One day, I'll build a wooden house here — with my own hands."
"It will look perfect," Lily replied warmly. "Especially with this field you created."
"I think it's time to go back," Aron said. Lily nodded, and together they walked back toward the house.
The Master, Carlos, and Wood were already near the cart, ready to leave. Aron and Lily approached quietly.
Master turned toward Aron. "Where were you two? Never mind. I needed to speak to you anyway."
He looked at Aron seriously. "Protect and learn, Aron. This is your best choice. That anger you once had when you came to my house... it's gone. You've changed so much. I don't see your past self in you anymore. Remember this — you have a pure heart and a pure soul, Aron."
Aron lowered his head respectfully. "I will, Master."
The Master smiled, then climbed onto the cart beside Lily. The driver whipped the ropes, and the wheels began to roll. The cart started its slow journey down the snowy path.
The sun was long gone now, leaving only orange light fading behind the mountains. The cold wind whispered softly through the trees, carrying with it a sense of peace — and a promise of change.