My magic training with Hestia has been progressing smoothly over the last year. I can now use Revivas fluidly and concentrate on specific healing outcomes, such as stopping bleeding or reconnecting tissue. I mostly practice on plants, but occasionally, I still use animals—nothing as intense or trying as my first experience.

Because of my success, she has introduced more variety and is beginning to teach me some hybrid and incantation-level spells. Though as of now, I’ve only used the hybrid version of Revivas.

My mother has also continued in her promise of using the book. She still hasn’t taught me any spells herself, but the knowledge I gain during our sessions helps greatly in allowing me to focus on more practical teachings with Hestia.

But for now, all that will be put on pause. Today marks the beginning of a journey beyond the village, a trip up north near the island peak with Valor and Eldrin. I’ve never been myself, but Eldrin’s been a few times now, the first being around when he was my age. I suppose that’s why Valor wants me to go. He claimed that it’s something every prospective warrior should do—a rite of passage, if you will.

The only issue I have is how early he insists we leave. Between expending mana during my magic lessons and stamina during my training with Valor, I’ve grown rather fond of my sleep. So for us to leave before the second moon has even set...

Nevertheless, I finally finished packing what was needed. Plenty of clothing, a couple of sleeping hides, spare waterskins, and, of course, my spear—everything that Valor instructed. With it all rolled into a pack, I made my way out, only to be stopped by my mother at the front door. I could tell she was worried, as any good mother would be, but she did her best to hide it.

After a few words of encouragement, she handed me a chunk of fresh bread for breakfast and wished me well as she saw me off with a wave.

When I reached the Mercia residence, I was welcomed by Eldrin, who was in the front readying two horses. The journey alone would take anywhere from four to five days by foot, but on horseback, it could easily be halved. Since the only breed used by the village is indigenous to the island, the rocky tropics we were headed into would be light work for them.

“Morning, Sennin!” he called out to me in an all-too-eager tone.

“Morning?” I replied sarcastically, looking up at the dim sky with a confused look.

He simply laughed as he offered to take my pack, hastily strapping and securing it to the side of my mount. I would be borrowing and riding Silviannas since I didn’t have one myself.

The warriors of the village used captured and broken wild horses, as the ones that resulted from domesticated breeding had significantly shorter and stockier builds. It made them ideal for use as labor animals, but the notable loss of agility and speed put them at a disadvantage against common beasts like a Noxpanther.

Because of the difficulty that came with their capture, only the best of the village guards were able to become riders. It was only thanks to Valor's position that each of the Mercias were able to possess a mount of their own. Something I was very grateful to take advantage of from time to time.

That said, I was far from being the most adept rider.

“Sennin!” Valor called out to me enthusiastically as he rounded the side of the house. “How convenient, I’ve just finished ensuring everything is in place for my absence. Are the horses ready?” he asked, looking at Eldrin, who answered with a confident nod.

“Very good,” he spoke with praise. “Then let’s not linger any longer!” he commanded as he effortlessly launched up onto horseback. Eldrin swiftly mounted himself as well while I took a moment to hoist myself up.

One after the other, the horses began to pick up the pace, and we began our journey north.

“Shouldn’t you say farewell to Silvianna?” I inquired, to which Valor calmly shook his head no.

“It only makes things harder on her. Besides, farewell implies that I’m not coming back.” He ended with a lighthearted laugh.

A few moments of silence passed as we made our way to a trail that led into the rainforest surrounding the edge of the village. The sound of our horses’ hooves could be heard thudding softly against the earth before Valor called out to me.

“Oh, by the way Sennin, Happy Twelfth Birthday,” he declared heartily as his horse began to pick up pace and gallop into the growing sea of trees.

“Happy Birthday Sennin!” Eldrin continued cheerfully as his horse followed in step.

My horse lingered behind for a second as I smiled in response.

“Happy Birthday to me!” I exclaimed, spurring my heel and beginning a gallop after them.