Chapter 10: Fragile Peace
That night, when everyone fell asleep, Derek immersed himself in training again. He inhaled, allowing the air to fill his lungs with the natural energy from the environment. He held it for a few seconds and then exhaled slowly. With each cycle, Qi surged through his entire body, loosening and improving the meridians. The dantian, or internal energy core, continued to grow. Even at this point, it was just the size of a rice grain.
But still....
It was a feat that no one had ever achieved at this age.
He continued to follow the Void Realm Breathing Technique. His training was progressing at a steady pace, like all other days.
But today, something was different. Without him having the faintest idea, Rudeous had his eyes locked on him. His body was still, lying just beside Martha, but his gaze was unwavering.
Derek, who was lost in his cultivation, had no idea that he was being observed. Soon, time passed by, and Derek was done with tonight’s session. He quickly fell asleep, impressed by his progress.
But Rudeous..... He was still awake. ’Why did fate turn out to be like this. He’s just a child. How can I do this? How?! But I should observe him a bit more. I should be certain.’
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Soon, a new dawn arrived, chasing away the darkness of night. Sunlight spilled through the wooden window. It spread warmth and a fresh sensation. From the yard, the sounds of the morning training session echoed... Rudeous’s firm commands, and Arthur’s wooden sword cutting through the air.
As always, Daisy stood nearby with Derek in her arms. His eyes followed every movement, every correction, every tremble of effort in Arthur’s small arms. Daisy never felt tired standing like this. She watched Arthur progressing day by day with genuine interest, but at the same time, holding her little brother close filled her with a different kind of warmth. His giggles and innocent stares would brighten up her mood at any time.
From the kitchen, the smell of porridge drifted through the air. Martha moved about with practiced ease, handling one task after another like an expert housewife.
After breakfast, the day slipped into its steady rhythm. Rudeous laced his boots tight and stepped out for work, pausing only to ruffle Arthur’s hair and rest a warm hand on Derek’s head. "Don’t give your mother too much trouble, alright?" he said softly before disappearing into the day.
Martha then gathered the children for lessons. Books came out, Daisy and Arthur sitting cross-legged on the floor as her gentle voice guided them through numbers, letters, and the shapes of things in the world. Derek, who was now able to walk on his own, was still never allowed to wander far. Martha always kept him close. Even while teaching, Derek was nestled in her lap. Whenever he tried to wriggle away, she would pull him back, press her face against his chest, and shower him with kisses. "Not so fast, honey. You haven’t even grown much, and you’re already trying to run away from your mother? Naughty boy."
Derek enjoyed her affection, but it often frustrated him as well. ’It’s natural, I know. To them, I’m still just a baby. But if only I could have a little time alone... just a little. I could train. I could push myself further. Yet she never lets me out of her sight for more than a minute.’
After lessons, Daisy practiced her healing magic. Not on people but on plants. It was safer that way. She would cradle a withered sapling in her hands, softly stroking its leaves as a gentle green glow spread from her palms. Slowly, the fragile stem straightened, its leaves regaining freshness and life.
Sometimes Arthur played with Derek during these moments. He would hoist him onto his back and gallop around like a horse, or tie a towel around his neck like a cloak and swing his wooden sword, pretending to be one of the great heroes from myth. At other times, he simply stood with Derek in his arms, both of them watching Daisy’s glowing hands with quiet fascination.
And so the days blurred together.... morning training, lessons after breakfast, playtime, and then practice. At night, Derek had his own secret training.
Before he realized it, a whole week had passed.
The very next day, Daisy began going to Florence’s chamber at the village center every morning. Two other children from the neighborhood joined her. They would go together every morning and return in the afternoon.
During those hours, Derek couldn’t help but feel a little lonely without his sister by his side.
But still, in the midst of all this, time continued to pass for Derek. The days had been good, peaceful, even. But nothing lasts forever. Whether good luck or misfortune, change always comes.
After three more months, one holiday morning carried a rare excitement. Unlike other days, the family was not bound to the usual routine of training, lessons, and chores. They were preparing for a trip to the city.
Every three or four months, they made such a journey, partly to gather supplies that the village could not provide, and partly to give the children a glimpse of the world beyond their small home. However, after Derek was born, they didn’t have the opportunity to tour the city, considering Martha’s health and Derek’s tolerance for a long journey as a newborn baby. But now, as Derek was already nine months old and Martha had also fully recovered, they decided it wouldn’t be a problem.
Arthur brimmed with energy, swinging his wooden sword in the yard even before departure. Daisy held Derek close, humming softly as Martha packed some dry food. After everything was ready, they all settled inside the wagon. Rudeous, though used to these trips, checked the wagon and harness twice over before signaling the coachman to start.
The wagon rolled ahead.
The dirt road stretched on, lined with trees and open fields. The city was almost five hours away.
Inside the wagon, the atmosphere was cheerful. Daisy pointed out wildflowers to Derek, Arthur leaned forward eagerly as if the road itself were an adventure, and Martha smiled faintly at their liveliness. For a time, all seemed peaceful.
But peace was fragile.
Just when they were busy enjoying the journey, something happened.
Suddenly, a few men emerged from the roadside. There were six of them. They were wearing rough clothes and all had weapons. Their faces weren’t visible due to the clothes being wrapped up, but their eyes glinted with greed. They blocked the path.
The wagon jolted to a halt as the coachman yanked the reins, fear draining the color from his face. His hands trembled so badly he nearly dropped them.
Rudeous reacted instantly. He jumped out and moved forward, standing just in front of the wagon as if shielding the people behind.
At once, the atmosphere shifted. Martha’s heart leapt into her throat. She pulled Daisy, Arthur, and Derek closer, wrapping her arms protectively around them. The children froze, sensing her tension.
From the enemy side, a bald man walked ahead. His right arm flared with fire. A mage.
On both sides of him, two men were standing with swords. Most likely, they were Aurans. And three more were stationed behind. They didn’t have any imposing presence. They were most probably just cultivators.
Six against one!
Rudeous didn’t flinch. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword at his waist. His calm voice rang out. "If you value your lives, leave now."
The mage who was likely to be the leader chuckled. "Leave empty-handed? Then why did we even come in the first place? You look like an Auran, but you sure talk big. Leave the woman and all the goods. The wagon, too. You can take the children and crawl away."
Arthur’s fists clenched, but Martha pressed him tighter to her side. Daisy bit her lip hard, whispering a prayer under her breath.
But Derek? His gaze, though childlike, sharpened faintly, something stirring deep inside that no one noticed. ’They sure are looking for death.’
Rudeous knew there was no way out without fighting. So unsheathing his sword, he shot forward.
And a clash began.....