After several days of travel, Kaiya returned to the Holy Kingdom of Tianlai. After paying respects to the king, he hurriedly headed to the Sacred Hall in the suburbs. "Master!" Kaiya pushed open the door, searching everywhere. Master Wutai, brewing tea in the inner courtyard, calmly asked, "What's the matter?" "Master, please teach me stronger swordsmanship! This time, our expedition against the demons ended in a crushing defeat. I've realized my shortcomings. Please, Master, teach me the proper use of the Holy Sword!" Master Wutai pondered for a moment, then said, "Follow me." He stood up. "Yes!" Kaiya followed.That evening in the village, I returned to Bona's house, feeling shy like a newly joined family member. "Little White has grown tall and handsome! By the way, what's your human name?" Bona asked me. Uh, I didn't want to reveal my real-world name just yet, so I said, "Sorry, I lost some memories after being hit by magic and can't recall my name. Just keep calling me White." "Alright, then I'll call you Big Brother White from now on," Anna said with a smile. "I didn't expect Little White to be human. We must thank you for saving the village and everyone today~" Bona's mother praised. "It's what I should do, Aunt. I used to be a hero, but I was cursed by demon magic and turned into this form. Now that I've recovered my body, I'll rest for a bit and then set out to defeat the Demon King." "Big Brother White, are you leaving? Does that mean I won't see you anymore?" Bona looked at me sadly. "Don't worry, after I defeat the Demon King, I'll come back. Until then, let's make a promise to meet again." "No, you almost died today, Big Brother White. I don't want to see you take risks anymore!" "If I stay here, the demons will attack again sooner or later. None of us will escape that fate. Only by defeating the Demon King can the human world find peace." "I understand. Though our family doesn't want you to go, we can't stop you if you're determined. I hope you'll spend more time with Bona in the days left," Bona's father said as he joined us. "Thank you for understanding, Uncle. I plan to visit the capital a few more times to learn some knowledge and prepare thoroughly before setting out." "Then I'll go to the city with Big Brother White tomorrow!" Bona suggested. "Sounds great, I'd love that," I replied with a smile.The next day, we went to the capital as usual. News of the village attack had reached the city, and I heard the king had sent additional troops to station near the village. "I never thought Little White would turn into a human, walking hand in hand with me on the streets," Bona said happily. Indeed, this brief moment of peace was so precious. Just yesterday, I faced life and death, and today I could leisurely stroll the streets. I noticed a recruitment poster on the street: the Holy Kingdom of Tianlai was preparing to enlist new soldiers to march into the Demon Realm. (This might be an opportunity to hitch a ride to the Demon Realm,) I thought as Bona and I headed to the library."Catch the thief!" Suddenly, someone shouted. We looked back and saw a bakery merchant chasing a small child. The kid skillfully weaved through the crowd and disappeared in no time. "That little brat, don't let me catch you next time!" the shopkeeper cursed angrily before heading back. I was intrigued by the thief and said to Bona, "Bona, you go to the library first and wait for me. I need to buy something." "Alright, but hurry back!" Bona said before leaving. I used the magic Super Smell and followed the scent of bread. After passing a few streets, I found my destination in a small building in a neighborhood. I went upstairs and quietly listened at a door. "Grandma, eat slowly. I'll get you some water," I heard. I gently pushed the door open. "Who are you?!" A brown-haired boy with curly hair looked at me warily. "Sorry, I followed your trail after hearing the commotion on the street." "Are you here to catch me? I won't go down without a fight!" The boy kicked at me. Now an adult, I easily dodged and grabbed his kicking leg. "Let me go!" he shouted. "Relax, I'm not a guard. I saw what happened. Do you live here with your grandma? Where are your parents?" I let go and asked. "Hmph, my dad died in battle long ago, and my mom remarried." "I see." So, even in this other world, there are unfortunate souls. I took out all the money in my pocket and handed it to the boy. "I'm not a bad person. Take this money and use it. I'll pretend I didn't see you steal the bread. Go on, take it." "You're being this nice?" the boy asked suspiciously. "I'm sorry, this child is pitiful. I didn't know the bread was stolen. I'll return it, please forgive him," the boy's grandma pleaded. "You've misunderstood, Grandma. I said I'm not a guard. I was just passing by." I stuffed the money pouch into the boy's hands. "Take it, and try not to steal anymore. When I was your age, I was a lot like you. I stole when I was hungry too. Just learn from your mistakes." After giving him the money, I turned to leave. "Wait, Big Brother!" the boy called out. He went to a cabinet and rummaged around, pulling out a short dagger. "This was my dad's weapon. I don't have anything to repay you with, so take this dagger, Big Brother," he said, holding it out. "No, thank you for your kindness. This is an important keepsake from your father. When you grow up, you can use it to protect your family. For now, take good care of it. This dagger is more important to you than it is to me." After declining the boy's offer, I left the house. No matter the era or world, misfortune and fortune always coexist, and there's little we can do to change it.
