Despite his bleak situation, Rasian was resilient. He focused on surviving, hoping for a better future. He would often find solace in books that the nobles dumped out of their homes, losing himself in the tales of heroes and adventure. He found hope in the fact that the heroes in those books often started from humble beginnings, just like him, yet they were able to change their circumstances and achieve greatness.
His dreams didn't stop at surviving, though. He dreamt of a life free from his father's tyranny, a life where he could take care of his mother without worry, a life where he could find happiness. And although he knew it was a long shot, he dared to dream of becoming a hero, like those in his favorite books.
However, as fate would have it, misfortune did not confine itself to a single instance.
When Rasian Achlys was merely twelve years old, his mother's condition took a turn for the worse, plunging him into despair. Determined to find a way to alleviate her suffering, Rasian embarked on a quest to seek better opportunities. Rumors reached his ears about a well-paying job in the capital city, and with hope shining in his eyes, he set forth on a new journey.
Arriving in the bustling capital, Rasian found employment as a guide. To his astonishment, the wages he earned in a single day far surpassed what he could have earned in an entire month back in his humble county. The newfound income provided him with the means to purchase the much-needed medicine for his ailing mother. Through his unwavering dedication, he managed to save her life.
Yet, the prolonged neglect of her illness had taken its toll, leaving his mother with a permanent ailment that required continuous treatment. With each passing year, Rasian would return to the capital during the awakening ceremony, assuming his role as a guide for foreigners, utilizing the opportunity to accumulate funds for his mother's life-saving medicine.
Roy, after uncovering the arduous life Rasian had endured, found himself deeply moved by the young boy's experiences. Manly tears welled up in his eyes as he contemplated the magnitude of Rasian's hardships.
'He had lived quite a hellish life. This world… it's really cruel.' Roy thought, as he reached up to wipe away the tears that trickled down his cheeks. The sheer resilience and determination displayed by Rasian, facing each obstacle head-on in order to provide for his mother's well-being, stirred something profound within Roy's heart.
Observing Roy's unwavering focus on Rasian, a sense of intrigue tinged Damien's thoughts.
Perplexed, he murmured to himself, "Why is he staring at him so intently? Could there be something special about our guide? But I can't seem to pick anything odd about him. He just looks like a regular person to me."
Little did Damien know, Rasian Achlys held a greater significance than just being a guide. He was destined to be one of the future Savior of the Far West Major World, one of the many heroes that dared to stand up against Chaos and Death.
It was a destiny yet unknown to Rasian but it was inked onto the pages of the novel that Roy had read in his previous life, so it could only be true.
Following Rasian's guidance, they arrived at the location where the first trial of the awakening ceremony was set to take place.
They stood at the edge of a sprawling forest, enveloped in an otherworldly mist that added an aura of mystery to their surroundings.
Towering ancient trees loomed above them, their branches reaching skyward.
Peering inside, they saw that the forest floor was a tapestry of vibrant moss and delicate wildflowers, as if nature itself had painted a masterpiece at their feet.
Sunlight pierced through the thick canopy, casting enchanting patterns on the forest floor.
The air carried the earthy scent of the woods, invigorating their senses and evoking a primal connection to the natural world, and at the same time, the gentle whisper of the wind through the leaves created a symphony of rustling that left them feeling pleased.
Countless individuals had already gathered in the depths of the forest. It seemed like they were eagerly waiting for the awakening ceremony to begin.
"We're here," Rasian announced, his gaze sweeping across the verdant landscape and then returning to rest on Roy and the others. There was a hint of disappointment and desire in his eyes. He was yet not of age. He couldn't participle in the awakening ceremony, although he really wanted to.
With a grin, Roy pulled out a gold bar from his subspace and handed it to the shocked Rasian.
"W-why?" asked Rasian, almost biting his tongue in the process.
"For your guidance and steadfastness," Roy replied, his voice warm with genuine appreciation.
A single gold bar might not mean much to Roy, but for Rasian, it was enough to transform his entire life. Roy trusted in Rasian's sense and the security of the capital under the emperor's will. That's why he dared to gift such a precious object.
It wasn't the act of finding the treasure that led to the demise of the fortunate villager. Rather, it was their lack of strength to protect it that sealed their fate. However, in the capital, there can't be an unfortunate soul like that, as everyone was equally protected by the emperor!
Rasian stared at the gold bar in his hands, a look of disbelief etched across his face. He had never seen so much gold in his life, let alone held it hence why he was struck silly.
"This...this is too much. I-I haven't done anything to deserve it. Please take it back," he protested, trying to give the bar back to Roy.
"Nonsense," Roy waved him off, folding Rasian's fingers back around the gold. "I liked your attitude, Rasian. You've more than earned it."
"Since he is being so generous, just take it," Lyra said to the young boy.
"This is a lucky opportunity. Grab it before he changes his mind," Damien teased Rasian.
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