From Blade To Spell

Edrin paused, then added with a hint of excitement,

"There are rumors he's advanced to the rank of Great Knight. If that's true, he's not just influential, he's dangerous."

Then Edrin narrowed his eyes slightly.

"But Aaron… why are you asking about him?"

Aaron hesitated, then finally confessed,

"I got a territory… and it's Green Fort."

Edrin froze, stunned.

"Aaron… what did you just say? Say that again!"

Aaron stopped walking and repeated calmly,

"I'm serious. Today, Lord Alaric asked me to choose a territory as a reward. He didn't give me time to think. Only three options were placed before me, one near Frigid Mountain, one near the Sandy Desert, and one in the Forbidden Zone. I trusted my luck… and ended up with the worst one."

Edrin's expression shifted from shock to concern.

"Aaron… you didn't offend Lord Alaric in any way, did you?"

Aaron looked confused.

Seeing this, Edrin continued,

"I told you about the three Forbidden Zones, remember? Green Fort is one of them. The other two, White Fort and Red Fort, are near Frigid Mountain and the Sandy Desert."

Aaron's eyes narrowed as the truth sank in.

A grim look settled on his face.

He cursed silently,

"Damn Alaric… you set the trap from the beginning."

Edrin added quietly,

"There were still vacant territories with good locations. He didn't have to push you toward the Forbidden Zone."

Aaron raised a hand.

"Edrin, no need to say anything."

But inside, the grievance burned.

When the time comes… I'll repay this debt.

After a long pause, Aaron asked,

"Edrin, do you know the monster strength around the Savannah Mountain Range?"

Edrin nodded.

"It varies. There are a few wild beasts, but most monsters strength range from apprentice knight level and above. Since no one's explored the region fully, we can't say for sure. But one thing's certain, it's dangerous."

Aaron sighed, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him.

In this world, strength meant survival, and he was beginning to understand that more than ever.

Just then, Edrin pointed ahead.

"Aaron, we've reached the place. Come on, I'll help you choose a skiff."

Aaron looked around.

The shoreline was lined with fishing boats, some old and weathered, others freshly painted. Nets hung from wooden posts, and the scent of salt and fish lingered in the air.

Near the edge of the dock stood a small building, simple but sturdy.

Outside, seated on a worn stool, was a man in a robe, his long hair and beard swaying gently in the breeze.

He held a lute, plucking its strings slowly, eyes closed as if lost in another world.

The melody was soft, almost haunting, a song of the sea, echoing across the quiet port.

Aaron paused, watching him.

There was something unusual about the man, a calmness, a depth that didn't match the rustic setting.

As Aaron stood quietly, Edrin leaned in and whispered,

"Don't disturb him. That's Venti, the bard. Rumors say his music is magical… able to heal wounds and even control water to some extent. Though I've never seen it myself."

They both stood in silence, letting the soft, haunting melody of the lute drift over them like sea mist.

After a few minutes, Venti broke the silence.

"Hey Edrin, how come you're here alone? It's rare to see you without your friends."

Edrin smiled and stepped forward. 

"Sir Venti, I've come today with my friend Aaron, from Riverbend. He's looking to rent a skiff."

Venti opened his eyes slowly and turned to Aaron. 

There was something about the boy, a quiet intensity, a presence that felt older than his years.

Though clearly a teenager, Venti sensed something deeper, something that stirred his curiosity.

He gave a small nod.

"You may choose any ship you like. The price is ten silver coins per day."

Aaron reached for his pouch, but Edrin was quicker, he handed over the coins before Aaron could speak.

"We'll pay the deposit," Edrin said with a grin.

Venti accepted the coins with a nod, then returned to his lute, plucking a new tune, this one lighter, almost playful.

Edrin tugged Aaron's sleeve, leading him toward the row of skiffs.

"Come on, let's find one that suits you."

A few minutes later, Aaron stood beside a skiff, a satisfied look on his face.

It was modest but sturdy, five meters long, two meters wide, with space for up to three people.

Four oars were fixed in place, two at the front, two at the rear, ready for manual navigation.

Edrin glanced at the boat and asked,

"Aaron, do you want to recruit oarsmen?"

Aaron thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"No need."

He paused, then added,

"But I do need a strong fishing rod and some bait."

Edrin smiled.

"That's easy enough to find."

Half an hour later, the two stood at the dock, their preparations complete.

Aaron boarded the skiff with Edrin, carrying a sturdy fishing rod, a pouch of bait, and two wooden barrels, one for storage, the other for any catch.

The sea stretched out before them, calm and endless.

Aaron gripped the oars, his gaze steady.

On the skiff, Aaron studied the map, his eyes scanning the waters ahead.

Just 500 meters from shore, he spotted a marked fishing spot, home to Level 1 Blue Fishes.

Without hesitation, he stopped rowing.

"Edrin, let's fish here," he said calmly.

He baited the hook, dropped the line into the water, and watched the ripples fade.

Within three minutes, the rod jerked, his first catch.

Edrin watched with envy as Aaron reeled in the fish, then killed it swiftly, slicing it into pieces with his knife.

Without a word, Aaron tossed the pieces back into the water and said,

"You can fish too, Edrin. Maybe you'll get lucky."

Edrin was stunned, not by the catch, but by Aaron's calm, deliberate actions.

Still, he nodded, grabbed his rod, baited the hook, and cast his line.

Just a minute later, he felt a tug.

His eyes lit up.

"I got one!"