Results of Training

The morning sun was dripping through the leaves like liquid gold as Ark walked silently into the dense forest. He sang softly, taking in the scent of wet soil and the birds fluttering overhead. The forest seemed to be welcoming him with each step.

But peace never lasted long.

In the bushes ahead, faint rustling grew louder. Not one set of footsteps-but many. The underbrush shook as shadows darted left and right. Ark noticed immediately, but his expression didn't change. His calm eyes simply scanned the surroundings, as if he were watching the wind pass through trees.

Then, with a sharp screech, a goblin burst through the bushes. The ugly creature raised a rusted dagger and lunged for Ark's back. 

Before the blade could touch him, the sky roared.

CRACK!

A blinding bolt of lightning slammed down, striking the goblin. Before it even reached the ground, the goblin's body turned to ash after a single scream. The blackened earth wrapped in smoke.

Ark didn't flinch.

"Too slow," he said, “ Just like a turtle. No, I think comparing the turtle to this monster is an insult to the turtle's community. I am sorry for my turtle brother and sister.”

The forest erupted. At once, dozens of goblins charged, their blades and claws flashing in the darkness. They appeared, their shouts echoing between the trees.

Ark held up his hand. In the air, a ring of glowing light appeared. He flicked his wrist, sending out a number of glowing energy spheres that exploded upon impact and sent goblins flying to the ground.

The cold blue magic moved around his fingers as he turned. Crack, break! Two goblins were impaled in mid-leap as sharply crystals of ice erupted out. They fell like statues of brittle glass, their bodies frozen solid.

Fear spread through the group. The goblins slowed, hesitating. They had hunted humans before, but this child-this boy-was something else entirely.

Ark stepped forward, his calm eyes now sharp as blades. He raised both arms. Water surged around his feet, swirling with unnatural speed.

"Drown.”

A whirlpool erupted, massive and merciless. The shrieking goblins were caught instantly, dragged into the spiraling torrent. Their claws raked uselessly at the air as the current swallowed them. Ark lifted his hand higher, and the whirlpool stretched upward-fifty feet, a hundred, then three hundred feet tall, towering like a giant made of water.

The goblins screamed in panic, spinning helplessly.

Then, with a snap of his fingers, Ark released the spell.

The whirlpool vanished. Dozens of goblins fall from three hundred feet, their bodies smashing against the forest floor. Bones cracked, flesh tore, and silence swallowed the battlefield.

Ark lowered his arms. He bent slightly at the waist, bowing like an actor after a grand performance.

The forest, covered in blood and silence.

The forest behind him was silent, as if the world itself held its breath after the massacre. Ark stepped out from the shadows of the trees, his boots damp with blood and dew. His expression remained calm.

As Ark reached the wide grassland, he noticed a few farmers gathered together, their faces heavy with worry, discussing how the crops were drying up and dying because the season had given them no proper rain to nurture fields.

"The season's been cruel," one sighed. "Not enough rain," another said. "Half the fields are ruined already. If this continues... our families will starve."

Ark paused, watching them. The helplessness in their tone echoed in his chest.

He clenched his fists. “Let's see …what I can do for farmers 

Then Ark walked further into the grassland, stopping at its wide center. The horizon stretched endlessly around him. He slowly closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and raised his right hand toward the sky. Mana pulsed through his veins, responding to his will.

Overhead, heavy, dark clouds gathered. As distant thunder rumbled, the bright day became darker. Ark focused more intently, using all he had studied over the previous two years.

Then-plop.

A single raindrop splashed against his cheek. His lips curved into a small smile.

Within seconds, the skies opened. Rain poured down in waves, drenching the fields and soaking into the thirsty soil. Farmers gasped in disbelief, shouting joyously as they turned their faces upward, laughing and crying beneath the long-awaited blessing.

But the Ark stood apart. He was protected from the rain by an unseen shield that glowed faintly around him. He lowered his hand after silently observing.

"...That's better.”

He turned and headed home without saying another word, his figure disappearing behind the rain.

Wiping the last of the rain from his cheek, Ark entered the front door. He expected a normal evening, but as soon as he walked in, Rose and Karl hurried forward, smiling with happiness.

"Something happened, Mom, Dad?" Ark raised his head, confused by their excitement.

Then, in perfect unison, Rose and Karl shouted, "Happy Birthday, Ark!”

Ark froze for a second. Before realization hit him like a spark, he blinked once and then twice. With a slight smile tugging at his lips, he said, "Oh... today's my birthday..." He was unaware that the day had arrived.

The home quickly filled with warmth and laughter. Rose brought out a freshly baked cake, its sweet scent filling the air. Karl set the table, piling it with Ark's favorite dishes. Together, the three of them sat down, enjoying their simple but heartfelt celebration. The cake was cut, laughter echoed, and Ark couldn't help but feel the deep warmth of family emitted in every corner of the room.

Rose reached out, gently brushing Ark's hair. "Eleven years already... you're growing so fast," she said, her voice filled with loveness. 

Karl said  proudly, his eyes sharp yet warm. "Ten days from now, our village will hold the annual arrow-shooting competition. It's a tradition among us, and I want you to take part this year.”

Ark's eyes widened slightly. "Me? In the competition?"

Karl nodded firmly. "Yes. You've shown great spirit, Ark. After tomorrow, we'll begin practicing seriously. Archery demands patience, focus, and strength. This will be your chance to test yourself-and show the village what you're capable of.”

Ark's hands tightened firmly into fists. "Then I'll give it my all, Father. I'll put in one hundred percent!”

Rose smiled gently, watching the fire in her son's eyes. The little boy who once toddled around the house was growing into a strong boy, someone with a future full of light.

And so, Ark's eleventh birthday ended with joy, laughter, and a new goal set firmly in his heart.

Ark looked forward to archery practice the following morning, but the sky was dark and gray. Rain fell continuously pounding on the roof like never-ending footsteps. Two days went by, and by the third day, there was still no indication that the rain would stop.

As droplets tapped lightly outside, Ark lay on his bed, looking at the wooden ceiling. He let out a long sigh. He said, "This is my fault... isn't it?" He thought about the time he had summoned the rain for the farmers. He had cast the spell with high  mana at the time, ignoring its consequences.

"I used too much mana," Ark said,  pressing a hand against his chest. "That's why the rain won't stop. I must learn control... next time, I'll be careful.”

Resolve replaced guilt in his eyes as it was raining outside continually.