[ ] = main character thoughts

As far as I know, Thorin lives in a nearby village.

[I've heard the whispers about him. A simple butcher, they say. But I know the truth.]

In the game, he was just another NPC like any other. 

At least, that's what everyone thought.

But one day, while reading some hidden articles about the game, I discovered something incredible: Thorin wasn't a simple NPC. He was a secret easter egg, a hidden master.

[Perhaps it was luck that led me to that article. Or maybe it was fate.]

For a novice like me, seeking to improve my skills with the blade, this discovery was like finding treasure.

 And that's why I'm here now, sitting on this public carriage headed to his village.

The journey is peaceful.

 We're only about ten passengers, each lost in their own thoughts. 

Three hours of travel - not too long, but enough to let my anxiety grow.

The name of village is Bitehill.

Bitehill It is a place known for its gluttonous delights, as the village itself is quite small. What makes it famous is its exceptional food; 

in fact, many people visit specifically to enjoy the renowned culinary offerings.

[Will he accept me as his student? Or will this journey have been in vain?]

When we finally arrive, the village's atmosphere immediately strikes me. It's so different from the city - calm, peaceful. The air itself feels lighter here.

First and foremost, I went to sample the traditional cuisine of this village. After tasting it, I understood why people rave about the food here—it was truly delicious.

[I can't afford to waste time. I need to find him.]

After lunch, I begin my search. His cottage isn't hard to find - it's nearby, the locals tell me. 

After a short walk, I'm standing before his door.

The house is sturdy, built with rough, unpainted stones. 

Time has left its marks on the walls, but this only makes it more imposing.

[This is it. No turning back now.]

I knock on the door, and the sound seems to echo in the afternoon silence.

When the door opens, I have to hold my breath. An elderly man towers before me, but "elderly" doesn't do justice to his presence.

 He's a giant, taller than me, with white hair flowing down to his shoulders. His long, well-groomed mustache frames a face marked by experience. Thick eyebrows shadow deep-set eyes, and his massive frame speaks of years of hard work.

His hands - those enormous hands with callused palms - tell stories of countless blades handled. He wears a red checkered sweater with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, dark blue pants, and well-worn leather shoes.

"Good morning, what do you want?" His voice is deep as thunder.

[Don't tremble. Not now.]

"Good morning, I'm Doruuk Verol. I want to become your apprentice, to master the blade. I want to learn how to better use the dagger on meat."

His eyes pierce me like swords. I feel as if a mountain is judging me, and for a moment, courage falters in my chest.

"And why should I teach you?"

"Because I want to become strong, and learn to survive in this world."

"But there are many people out there who are much better and more skilled than me," he replies. "So why have you come to a butcher whom no one knows?"

[This is the moment of truth.]

I smile, feeling a strange calm spread through me.

 "Because everyone here is an animal, and only a true butcher knows how to handle them."

His laughter shakes me. "I like your answer, but first you must show me if you're worthy of being taught or not."

"Very well, I'm ready."

[Everything I've learned so far... it's time to prove it.]

He leads me inside his dwelling. The rough stone walls seem to whisper stories of years of practice and dedication. In the backyard, his true domain, he has me wait while he goes to get the necessary tools.

He returns with a massive wooden cutting board and a sheep already lifeless. "Well, young man, show me what you can do. Here's the sheep, create me its meat that should melt in my mouth the moment I taste it. If you do it, I'll teach you; if not, you'll have to leave."

[Don't fail. Not now.]

I get to work, remembering everything I learned during my adventure with the goblins in the portal.

[ During my time working at the fast food restaurant, I had the opportunity to observe the meat processing several times. With this experience, I will do my utmost to complete this task. ]

 I bring water to a boil and immerse the sheep for a few minutes. The heat gently melts the fat under the fleece, making the subsequent work easier.

Thorin never takes his eyes off me. His gaze follows every movement like a hawk studying its prey.

[Focus. Every cut must be perfect.]

With precise movements, I remove the fleece starting from the feet. My dagger naturally finds the right points to cut. I rinse the meat in cold water, removing any impurities, then begin sectioning it into perfect portions.

I'm about to prepare the meat for cooking when Thorin raises a hand. "Wait, that's good."

[But I'm not finished yet...]

He takes a piece of raw meat and puts it in his mouth.

"But it's still raw!" I exclaim in surprise.

"I don't need you to cook it to verify. It can be discovered before that."

I watch as he slowly chews, savoring every nuance of flavor. His deep eyes close for a moment, completely focusing on the sensation.

[My fate rests in that bite of raw meat.]

When he reopens his eyes, his gaze pierces my soul. "I liked what you did, and you've convinced me. Well done. For the next month, you'll stay here with me, and I'll show you how to hunt for real."

[The beginning of my true journey starts now.]

Chapter-End