Offer of bulling

Ark yawned, wiping the sleep from his eyes as the morning light came through the wooden frames. Still recalling the conversation of the beast humans he had aided the previous day, he walked and left his room. However, upon arriving at the dining table, he saw Karl, his father, seated there holding a letter. Karl's lips raised in a mixture of surprise and pride, and his brow was raised.

“Good morning, Father,” Ark greeted. “What’s that you’re reading so seriously?”

Karl looked up and smiled. “Good morning, Ark. Well, you won’t believe this… it’s about you.”

“Me?” Ark blinked, curious. “What did I do this time?”

Karl smiled, shaking his head. “Nothing bad. This is a letter from the noble house—the very one whose son you defeated in the archery tournament final. They are offering you a job.”

“A… job?” Ark raised his head.

“Yes,” Karl said, unfolding the parchment and reading aloud. “It says here: ‘As a recognition of your remarkable talent and victory in the archery contest, our noble house extends an invitation for young Ark to serve under us. He shall receive ten silver coins as payment, along with a personal room and daily meals.’”

Ark froze for a moment. Ten silver coins? That was more than most farmers saw in several months. Food and a private room on top of that? Any other boy his age would jump at the offer. Yet his stomach tightened.

Karl leaned forward, smiling proudly. “Ark, this is an incredible opportunity. Do you understand? Many children would envy this chance.”

Ark forced a smile, scratching his face. “Yeah… it does sound good.”

But in his mind, the words whispered differently. A job under nobles? Hmph. That boy I defeated still thinks of me. This doesn’t feel right. And… if I leave, what about Delta and the others?

He clenched his fist under the table.

Karl noticed the hesitation and asked, “What is it, Ark? You don’t look excited.”

Ark exhaled deeply and spoke with honesty. “Father, I don’t want to go. I’m not interested in working for nobles. I don’t want to be bound by them.”

Karl frowned slightly, placing the letter on the table. “Ark, listen to me. This isn’t just about the money. If you accept, I will have the chance to recommend you to one of the world’s best schools. Think about it. The best teachers, the best resources—training that even I can’t provide you. That kind of education could change your entire future.”

Ark’s eyes widened. “The world’s best school…?”

“Yes.” Karl’s voice grew softer, more persuasive. “Ark, you have incredible talent. You defeated every competitor in that tournament with ease. But raw talent isn’t enough. You need guidance, refinement. If you go, this job is just the first step toward that. With the right education, you could become not just strong… but unstoppable.”

Ark seated and broken. His mind flashed to Delta and the beast humans, their weak shelters they were constructing, their smiles after being saved. He wanted to protect them, to build something greater. But… if he grew stronger, wouldn’t he be able to protect them even better?

Karl noticed the conflict and placed a firm hand on his son’s shoulder. “I know you want freedom. I know you don’t like the idea of serving under nobles. But sometimes, taking a step back now lets you leap forward later. Do this for yourself, Ark. For your future.”

Ark bit his lip, thinking hard. Finally, he sighed and smiled. “Alright, Father… I’ll go. But not because I care about nobles. I’ll go because you’re right. If this leads me to the best school, then I’ll endure it.”

Karl’s face broke into a wide smile. “That’s my son. You won’t regret it, Ark.”

Ark smiled faintly. We’ll see about that. But if this makes me stronger… then fine. I’ll play along.

The wax seal on the letter glowed in the morning light as it rested on the table. Ark had begun the journey that would take him far beyond his father's wildest expectations.

Ark walked the silent path up the hill as the morning sun coated the sky a gentle orange. As if to try to stop him, the wind touched past his face with the delicate smell of flowers. It was the decision he had made that made every step feel heavier, not the road.

Finally, he arrived at Delta's home. The handmade flag of red and golden birds fluttered softly as the small wooden building stood proudly at the hill's edge. Delta sat calmly nearby, some paperwork regarding the beast human condition. Her eyes widened slightly at her sight of Ark.

“You’re here early,” she said, tilting her head. “What happened? You look like you’re carrying a mountain on your shoulders.”

Ark exhaled slowly and walked closer. “Delta, I need to tell you something important.”

She raised a brow, waiting.

“I’ve decided,” Ark began. “The nobles… they offered me a position. A job with food, money, and even a chance at the best school. At first, I wanted to refuse, but after thinking carefully… I’ll go. It’s not for me, but for the future. If I go to a noble house, my father promised to me . He talked about my admission to the best school in the world. So, i.decided for the future, and gained a chance for admission in the best school.”

Delta’s eyes widened slightly. For a moment, she stayed silent. Then, with a deep breath, she stood. “So you’re leaving,” she said quietly, her voice calm but carrying a trace of sadness.

“Yes.” Ark smiled. “But before I go, I want you to take care of the beast humans we rescued. They need a leader, someone they can trust. You’re the best for that. If you ever face problems, if something becomes too heavy, contact me immediately. No matter where I am, I’ll come.”

Delta looked at him, her sharp eyes softening. Then she gave a small, playful smlied. “You’re talking like some hero, Ark. But fine… I’ll protect them. I’ll make sure they live in peace until you return. Don’t make me regret trusting you.”

Ark smiled faintly. “I won’t. That’s a promise.”

He turned to leave, but Delta suddenly called out. “Ark.”

He paused.

Her voice was quieter now, carrying the weight of unspoken emotions. “…Come back safely. That’s all I ask.”

Ark gave her one last nod, his back straight, and started down the hill.

His parents were already taken home. His mother carefully prepared the food, cleaning away the tears that sometimes rose up in her eyes. Karl, his father, went outside and looked at the cart to make sure it was coming on time or not.

Ark entered, and his mother rushed to hug him tightly. “My boy… today you leave us. Please, take care of yourself. Eat well, sleep enough, and don’t push too hard.”

Ark chuckled softly, returning her embrace. “I’ll be fine, Mother. Don’t worry too much.”

Karl clapped his son’s shoulder, his usual sternness softening. “Remember what we taught you. Work hard, learn well, and one day, you’ll one day become the best warrior of the nation. We believe in you.”

The butler assigned by the noble family stood by the cart, bowing respectfully. “Young master Ark, the carriage is ready. We may depart whenever you wish.”

Ark carried his bag, which contained a few books, some basic clothing, and a small wooden design that his mother had given him when he was a child. He looked back as he stepped into the cart. Despite the sadness in their eyes, his parents stood next to each other, smiling proudly. He also saw Delta on the far hill, her body shape reflected against the sky, silently observing.

The cart door closed with a soft thud, and the wheels began to roll.

The road was long, stretching past forests, rivers, and villages. Ark stared out the window, watching the scenery pass like flowing water. He thought of the beast humans, of Delta’s determined face, of the promise he had made.

Hours turned into half a day, and the sun had begun to set, dyeing the sky with shades of red and purple. Finally, in the distance, the noble mansion came into view.

Ark's eyes opened a little larger. Built of shining white stone, the mansion was tall and majestic, its golden roofs glistening in the last of the sunlight. The expansive gardens were dotted with fountains, flowers, and statues of former wealthy people. The front gates were guarded by polished armored guards, and servants moved about with accuracy.

The cart stopped with a gentle jolt. The butler stepped down first, opening the door. “We have arrived, young master Ark.”

Ark breathed in deeply before leaving. Here, there was a distinct sense of wealth, authority, and power in the air. He looked up at the immense mansion, the tall windows of which were dimly lit by candles.

“So this is the place… the place is very expensive and huge. But that thought doesn't matter,”he said under his breath in a relaxed way.

His heart tightened for a moment. He remembered Delta telling him to return alive and his parents waving good-bye. The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders.

But then, he straightened his back, determination hardening in his eyes.

“I am ready for an upcoming problem, he will definitely take revenge from me. In the final match results regarding. Let's see what problem is waiting for me.,” Ark said to himself.

The mighty gates opened slowly as the butler led him forward. Ark stood in front of the luxurious mansion as the cart rolled away as he passed them.

The door opened with a creak. His shadow moved across the polished floor as he entered.

Ark’s new journey had begun.