Darcy was in shock. For a twelve year old to survive against an ogre was unthinkable!

Fausto came back with Roussel a few moments later.

“I think…I think I’m about to barf.” Roussel vomited before he stepped into the house. He couldn’t even handle riding wagons and he was dragged along by Fausto since Fausto did not like the idea of carrying such a big burly man.

Roussel cleaned himself up and gave Astra a bear hug.

“I knew you didn’t die. A smart kid like you, what could ever kill you?” Roussel chuckled.

“Urgh…” Astra couldn’t breathe.

“Let him down you big brute. You’re suffocating him,” scolded Darcy.

“Oh…sorry, Astra.”

Roussel let Astra down.

Fausto coughed and got everyone’s attention.

“Child, you saved my life. If there’s anything you want, I’ll do my utmost to get it for you.”

Fausto turned to the young boy, “What would you like, Astra?”

“I want to learn at Ascelyn Academy.” Astra grinned.

“I’ll help you enroll under my recommendation,” replied Fausto.

Astra laughed inwardly. His plan to save the teacher and get into Ascelyn Academy for free had worked.

“How old are you, Astra?”

“Twelve.”

“TWELVE?!” Fausto yelled in shock.

Fausto had thought the kid to be at least fourteen years old from his height. It would be a miracle that a fourteen year old survived against a monster at the peak of white rank, but this kid was only twelve years old! He wasn’t even old enough to take the entrance exam for Ascelyn Academy! But with Fausto's recommendation, Astra would be able to take the exam at any age and be pardoned from any tuition fees.

“Are you sure you want to go to Ascelyn Academy right now? Most of the freshman there are at least fourteen years old. There’s a two year gap between you and them.”

Astra nodded, “Yes, I’m sure.”

Astra wanted to get stronger as quickly as possible. If he could enter a school right now, why wouldn’t he?

Fausto closed his eyes and rubbed his chin in deep thought.

Fausto opened his eyes and stared at Astra, “How long do you need to get ready?”

“I’m ready,” said Astra immediately.

“You don’t have any armor or weapons that you need to pack? Keepsakes?” asked Fausto.

“Nothing.”

“Good, then let’s leave right now…” Fausto turned around and started walking out.

“Wait!” Roussel stopped them.

“Father?” Astra stared at Roussel. Could it be that Roussel thought that Astra was too young and that he shouldn’t go?

“I have a farewell gift for you.” Roussel went to the back of the house.

There were sounds of dirt being dug and locks being opened.

Roussel came back with a three foot long sword in a silver sheath.

“My father had passed this on to me because he had wanted me to be a mercenary. He told me that this sword was special, that its power would explode once I learned how to use mana.”

Roussel sighed.

“Sadly, I never wanted to be a mercenary. I just wanted to lead a calm and quiet life. So now I’m giving this sword to you as my father gave it to me.”

Astra took the sword and unsheathed it.

The sword was pale, white three foot long and four centimeters wide.

Astra swung it a couple of times. It was very well balanced, not too heavy, and not too light.

The excitement in Astra’s eyes reminded Roussel of when he first held the sword.

Astra asked, “What’s the name of this sword?”

“Sword of Gale,” Roussel said proudly.

Fausto stared at the sword. Sword of Gale? Could it really be THAT sword?

Astra noticed Fausto’s eyes were filled with curiosity as he stared at the sword being swung around.

Was this sword really that special? Astra wondered.

Fausto stopped staring at the sword and said, “Let’s set off.”

Suddenly, the stomps of hooves and the neighs of horses echoed off in the distance.