The air around the dining room was heavy.The maids stood frozen in place, not daring to take a single step.
Noeli and Babel stared at him with grim expressions, while Evo calmly ate his food as if nothing in the world could bother him.
His mother's expression was the darkest in the room.
– W-w-what did you just say? – asked Noeli, her voice trembling slightly.
– Hmm! I said I'll enter the Forest of Dawn today – he repeated, putting a large piece of meat into his mouth.
..... The silence that followed was deafening.
– You're not going! There's no way you're setting foot in that forest!
– Do you understand me?! – she said firmly.
Evo, still staring at his plate, finished chewing and then lifted his eyes toward her.
– Why? – he asked, tilting his head slightly.
– Annn? You're seriously asking me why?
– You know very well how dangerous that forest is! It's crawling with monsters! There are so many that even the Emperor himself gave up trying to clear it and assigned our family to keep watch — to make sure those creatures don't escape and ravage the nearby towns and villages!
He knew she would react that way — and with good reason. The forest was treacherous, used as a training ground for the knights of the family. That way, they could regulate the monster density inside and prevent overflow into nearby settlements.
– But there's no helping it... I have to go, no matter what – Evo thought to himself.
– Fair enough! – he said aloud.
– I'm glad you understand, son. Now let's finish our lunch and–
– But even so, I still need to go – he interrupted.
– And before you say anything, could you at least let me explain my reasons first? If you still disagree after hearing me out, I'll drop the subject.
Evo spoke calmly, looking straight at his mother, patiently waiting for her answer.
Noeli stared back at her son, trying to read what was going on in his mind. She didn't want her precious boy walking into such danger — but decided to listen. At least this once.
– All right... go on.
– First of all, my reason is personal and selfish – he said, raising one finger.
– I had planned to earn my first Existence after joining the academy three weeks from now, but... – gulp – he paused to take a sip of juice.
– I changed my mind. I want to get there already as an Initiate.
– If I arrive at the academy without an Existence class, I'll become a laughingstock for those arrogant noble brats who don't even know their place.
– And... – Evo paused, his tone sharpening – I won't allow that to happen. Ever. – he stated firmly.
– Just imagine it, Mother... the eldest son of a swordsman clan being nothing more than a kitten who's never seen or killed a single monster in his life – he said, resting his chin on his hands.
Noeli listened to every word in silence, not interrupting.
– You know, Mother... since the first time I picked up a sword, I never asked for a real battle experience — just so you wouldn't worry.
– But that's enough!
– Things can't go on like this anymore – Evo said decisively.
He took another sip of juice, set the glass down, and looked back at his mother.
– Now, the second reason – he said, raising two fingers.
– This one ties into what I just told you — it's the reasonable one.
– I'm already fourteen. I'll turn fifteen in four days and will soon enter the academy. I'll start my life there and become an adult.
– I can't stay under your wings forever, Mother. You know this world doesn't allow that. If I remain weak and dependent on you... ahhh – he sighed, leaning back in his chair, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
– Sooner or later, someone will take away the things that matter most to me... because I won't know how to protect them. – He lowered his gaze back to her.
– You know our time together will grow shorter from now on. You won't always be there to protect me.
– I need to learn to do that myself – he murmured softly, but loud enough for her to hear.
– And don't worry – he suddenly slammed both hands on the table, startling everyone.
– I've already made another decision to help you calm down a bit.
– I'll take a few of our knights with me. That way, the expedition will be safer.
Noeli wanted to reject his decision with every fiber of her being... but she couldn't. As Evo spoke, it felt as though a bucket of cold water had been thrown over her — forcing her to wake up to reality. Her son was right.
She had never prepared him for the outside world. And he had never complained, never blamed her — always trying to keep her happy and unburdened, even at his own expense.She had a wonderful son... and she thanked the heavens for that every day. But now... it was time for him to grow.
Gripping the edge of the table tightly, she finally spoke, her voice trembling:
– A-alright... but! – she lifted a finger.
– You must promise me you'll be careful — and that you won't go too deep into the forest!
– Promise me!
Evo smiled gently at her and nodded.
– Alright, Mother. I accept your terms – he said softly.
– Take this. – Noeli tossed something toward Evo.
He caught it deftly with one hand and looked at it curiously.
– What's this?
– A storage ring. Take it. There are healing potions inside — you'll need them.
She calmly returned to her meal.
Evo stood up, walked over to his mother, and kissed her forehead.
– Thank you. I'll take good care of your gift – he said with a faint smile.
Then he went to his little sister and kissed her forehead as well.
– Take care of Mom while I'm gone, alright?
– Hmpt! Of course I will! Who do you think I am? – she said with a proud smirk.
– Tac! – Evo flicked her forehead lightly.
– Ahh, you little brat! Stop being so smug and respect your brother – he teased, making his mother giggle.
– Hihihi, Ev, be careful.
– I will, Mom. See you in two weeks – he said, waving as he went to pack his things.
After gathering his gear, Evo chose a few soldiers and marched toward the forest, north of his residence.They walked for several hours until they reached the entrance to a dense woodland.
Before them shimmered a translucent barrier faintly glowing, encircling the entire forest.
– Is that a rune barrier? – he asked aloud.
One of the guards quickly answered:
– Yes, young master. Only authorized members of your family can pass through it. It was built to prevent outsiders or accidental intrusions.
– I see... The ring Mother gave me probably works as a key to pass through – he said, running his thumb across the ring.
– Let's move. I don't want to waste any more time.
– Yes, young master – the guards replied in unison.
As they followed the forest trail, only the occasional chirping of birds broke the silence. The group pressed forward quietly.But the ominous air that hung over the place made it impossible to lower their guard.
– Young master, from this point onward, monsters will begin to appear. Please be careful.
– Got it.
The atmosphere among the men was calm, almost relaxed. But Evo was more alert than ever — this was his first time here.
Boom!
A small explosion echoed from deeper within, followed by the grinding of rocks.
– What was that sound? – Evo asked, narrowing his eyes toward the noise.
– Lesser Golems – one of the guards replied.
– Lesser Golems? – he repeated.
– Yes, young master. Please, follow me – said the guard, nodding slightly before moving ahead.
When they reached the source of the noise, everyone crouched behind a bush.
– Look over there, young master – the guard whispered, pointing ahead.
Evo looked toward a small clearing. A cave entrance stood just beyond it. Several small, brown-colored golems were wandering about, punching rocks and collecting the shards that fell.
– They feed on stones, so they break rocks and store the fragments inside the cave, making it their nest – explained the guard.
As Evo watched one of them, he felt a sharp twinge in his eyes.They began to glow with a deep golden light as his status window appeared before him.
Bling!Eyes of Pride activated.
Analyzing target...
Information found:
Name: Lesser Golem
Race: Golem Fragment
Level: 5
Weak Points: Head Region → Fatal | Leg Region → Movement Disabled
Description: It is said that Lesser Golems are fragments of a once-complete Golem that shattered, each piece giving birth to a new life.
Evo looked at the screen and a wicked smile spread across his face.
– How perfect... how perfect... – he muttered, drooling slightly as if staring at a delicious piece of meat.
– Hahahaha! Now then... let the massacre begin!