Chapter Text
Cale opened his eyes when he feel something—or someone—poking his cheek.
"Miaaaw!"
"Miaaaaaaaw."
A voices from the kittens filled the quiet room. Cale who trying to sit, frowned when he feel dizziness inside his head. He decided to laying back and take a deep breath.
The kittens rubbing their head on Cale's arm, still miawned. Somehow, their voices makes Cale feel little relaxed. The boy lift his hand and carressed the now clean red and silver fur. Looks like someone had taken care of them when he was out.
... Wait.
Cale immediatelly opened his eyes wide and jumped to sit, instantly regret because his head feel like shit. The boy scanning his surrounding. He was currently inside a small room with simple wooden furniture, on a simple bed and thin blanket—which is way much better than the stinky warehouse where he got kidnapped earlier.
Bandages warped all over Cale's body, at the point he looked like a mummy. Some of his body still hurt, especially his left leg thanks to a certain mage. May his soul freeze to death and burn in hell.
The door suddenly opens, showing a figure of raven haired teen holding some teapot and mug on his hands. He flinched a little when seeing Cale, before walking toward him with gentle and innocent smile.
"Ah, you're awake."
Cale was really aware of this man's identity. He quietly staring at him from head to toes. The raven head had soft and gentle face that seems easily get along with everyone, good body propotions, tall, and Cale doesn't want to admit it but this man indeed handsome. Really someone with main protagonist vibes.
The raven head pour some warm water and give it to Cale. Cale just accept it in silence and drank the whole content in one big gulp, making him coughing.
"Be careful! You're just awake."
He said while gently patting Cale's back.
No, that's not the problem. The thing is, Cale's brain right now is in denial phase.
'... I went to the city with Basen so I don't need to go to Harris Village with Father, but then here I am. Alone with someone that I avoid the most.'
The kittens meowned once again once Cale stop coughing.
"Are you feeling better?"
"... Yes."
Cale finally answered after a long silence.
"That's a relieved then!"
"What's your name?"
"My name? Ah, it's Choi Han."
"Choi Han, thank you for saving me earlier. I owe you a lot."
Cale give him a small bow. Yes, even though he's a trash, he know how to treat someone who saved him. He will make sure to tell his Father to reward Choi Han handsomely, and then he will never going to meet him ever again.
"There's no need to! I'm glad that you're alright, um, young master."
Cale raised one of his brow.
'Oh? This punk is aware of my identity? Looks like the villager told him.'
"This morning, some of the villager already travel to Rain City to inform about your well being, Young Master. It took about one day to get there, so I assume that at the very least your family will arrive here by tomorrow. Until then, please rest a bit."
Choi Han explained with a bright smile that almost made Cale blind. Is this the power of main character?!
Cale doesn't want to think about how this bright Choi Han is the same as someone who beat the kidnapper with vicious aura.
"Ah, right. By the way, what happen to the kidnapper?"
"Oh, don't worry about them, Young Master. I already make sure that they won't able to hurt you."
For some reason, his answer make Cale shivers. He regret asking.
"I will bring some food for you then. Please excuse me."
Choi Han give him small bow, then exit the room. Last night, Choi Han were looking for some dry wood from poisonous tree. One of the villager found out that wood could turn into a strong and fine wood if produce correctly. As someone who know Forest of Darkness the best, Choi Han voulentire searching the wood. He got carried away, doesn't realize it already dark. When he was on his way back, that time, he smell faint scent of blood and rushed footstep.
He decided to follow the scent, and of course, shocked when he saw a boy with poor conditions screaming for help. Seeing tha boy reminds him of the past him when he still struggling to live inside the forest. He subconsciously throw all the wood he has gathered all day, immediatelly drawing his sword. His black vicious aura risen up from the tip of his sword.
Those filthy men who trying to kidnap the poor boy, Choi Han doesn't see them as a human. They're monster, and monster doesn't deserve to live. That's why he doesn't hesistate swinging his sword at them.
When he come back to his sense, he already killed all of them.
He then carry the unconscious boy on his back. The kittens following him, made him realize that these kittens is not an ordinary one, but he let it be since he didn't feel any threat from them. Of course, when he arrived at the village and explain the situation, the villager immediatelly recognize this boy's identity by only looking his hair color.
That fragile little boy, with blood as red as his hair covering all over his body. Choi Han couldn't bear at the sight. When the boy is awake, he seems like blanking and has no clue what happened to him, or maybe he also still traumatized. He's still so young, and his face looked pale. Why does something horrible have to happen to him? Such though made Choi Han really mad at those rotten bastard who trying to kidnap an innocent kid.
Of course, this is only Choi Han's personal thought, blessfully unaware that Cale actually blanking because of him, not because of the kidnapping incident.
Meanwhile, the person who cause such a headache was currently laying on the bed while carresing the kittens' soft fur.
"So, you two were a beast people? Anyway, what's your name?"
The kittens flinched, then nodded their head.
"Yes, nya. We're from fog cat tribe. I'm On, and this is my brother Hong!"
"Fog cat tribe, hm ... never heard of them."
The novel only mention the blue wolf tribe, Lock. It's natural he doesn't know, and it's not like he want to know either.
"Our tribe is from eastern continent, nya!"
"I see—wait, what?"
Cale frowned.
"That's really far, isn't it? How did you two get here?"
The two kitten look at each other, seemed hesistate about something. Seeing that, Cale realize he just asking something wrong and quickly say.
"No, you don't need to tell—"
"We ran away! Our tribe want to kill us."
'Shit.'
Cale closed his eyes for a while, before opening it back and stare at the two kittens.
"W-When they chasing us, we hide inside a merchant's carriage. We just stay there, letting the carriage take us somewhere far, hopefully far enough from our tribe. And before we know it, we already here, nya! We wandering around and ended up at slump."
The silver kitten explaining, while the red kitten curled beside Cale. Cale just let out a deep sigh, patting the kittens, trying to console them before they crying.
"Don't worry. You two can come with me after this."
The kittens' ears twitched upward. They raised their head, staring at Cale's indiffirent expression with sparkling eyes.
"R-Really?!"
"We can come with you, nya?"
"Of course, except you don't want to."
"No, we want to go with you!"
The kittens jumped to his stomach, make him jolted, then let out a long sigh. He raised his arm, hugging the sniffling kittens. He doesn't know what to do, so he just stay still until the kittens fell asleep.
Not too long later, a woman and a little gir entered the room. She smiled, bowed a little at him. She brought some warm and hearty food.
"Young Master-nim, how's your condition?"
"I'm feeling way much better, thanks to all of you."
Cale starting his good boy act, smiling brighty.
"My name is Rilana, and this is my daughter Rolia. She said she wanted to meet you, Young Master-nim. I hope you don't mind."
Cale doesn't understand why is the little girl want to meet him. The little girl named Rolia hide behind her mother, peeking shyly. She's around Basen's age, or maybe younger. Seeing her remind him of his siblings. How's their doing? He hope he doesn't make them worry too much.
"R-Rolia greet the Young Master."
The little girl saying with quiet voice, but loud enough for Cale to hear it. Cale smiling gently, nodding his head.
"Nice to meet you Rolia."
Rolia's face turn as red as tomato. She fidgetting her finger for a while, before bravingly approach Cale and put something on Cale's palm, before hide again behind his mother.
"A-A book said that candy can cure sick people! I hope Young Master can be healty again!"
Cale staring at the candy on his palm, couldn't help but chuckled.
"I see, thank you."
"Y-Yes!"
Rilana, the mother, laughed at the sight. She then warmly stare at Cale.
"Please eat well, Young Master-nim. I hope you can get better soon. Count Deruth actually was here yesterday afternoon, but rushed back after hearing the news that you gone missing. The Count seems really worried about you, Young Master-nim. It usually take one day to travel using carriage and half day if in rush."
Cale eating the soup slowly while listening. He suddenly feel bad. Maybe sneaking to the slump yesterday indeed isn't a good idea. Not to mention the poor knight that escort him, hope Hilsman didn't giving him a hard time.
"Ah, I need to go now. If you excuse me, Young Master-nim. Rolia, let's go."
The little girl who observing the sleeping kittens quickly nod her head and grab her mother's arm. She shyly wave her hand at Cale, before exit the room.
The villager were so nice and friendly. No wonder Choi Han gone like a madman when the Secret Organization destroyed Harris Village.
At first, he doesn't get involved with the novel's event, but now since he already here, it's impossible for him to let the destruction of Harris Village.
Cale clicked his tongue. Why does everything got so complicated?
Okay, there's still six years before the timeline of the main events start. He will just help Choi Han save Harris Village. With that, Choi Han also won't get into his emo phase and beat Cale Henituse to pulp. It's a win win solution for both of them.
Yeah, after that he will let the story proceed on it's own and send the father-son assasin duo with Choi Han. He will let them be a hero and let Basen take the heir position. With that, he can enjoy his slacker life somewhere far from the commotion! Isn't that an amazing plan?
Done with his food, he layed on the bed with the kittens, Cale humming happily while thinking about his perfect dream.
In the afternoon, Choi Han entered the room bringing some lunch. Cale share his meal with the kittens, while Choi Han just stood there watching him eat with a smile.
Cale, who feel awkward, look at the raven head while titled his head.
"You want some?"
Choi Han smiled even more, shaking his head.
"No, thank you Young Master. If you want more, please let me know."
"I think this is enough."
Cale let the kittens finish his food, since he already full. Cale moving his legs, then trying to stand, only for Choi Han prevent him for doing it.
"Young Master, I think you shouldn't stand for now."
"My body feel stiff, I just want to move a bit ad breath a fresh air."
"But your wound—"
"I'm fine."
Cale really feel fine, except for his left leg that still hurt a bit, but overall he's alright. He also already drank some health potion, and his wound slowly recovers.
Choi Han staring at him with unexplainable gaze, making Cale feel iffy. The looking teen let out a long sigh.
"Okay, but let me accompany you."
"But you don't need—"
"Just to make sure you're alright."
"Nya!"
The kittens seemed agree with Choi Han, and it's not like Cale has other choice. He just held his sigh, and nod obediently.
In his surprise, his leg feel better than he thought—even though still throbbing with pain a little, but it was bearable. When Cale was about to walk, his leg feel numb because laying on bed for too long. He subconsciously grab Choi Han's arm so he won't fall and cause useless misunderstanding.
Choi Han who doesn't aware what was happening just smiling innocently. Cale come back to his sense, immediatelly release his grip at Choi Han's arm, make the latter chuckle.
"It's okay if you want to hold hand, Young Master."
'No, that's not it! Oh, shit.'
Cale quickly shook his head in horror, while Choi Han thinks he just shy.
The two of them, plus the kittens in Choi Han's embrace, walking around Harris Village. Choi Han show him some beautiful spot. Every villager warmly greeted them everytime they see each other. Some of them give Cale sweets and wished him to get healthy soon. They're really kind and nice.
Cale thought maybe staying here isn't a bad idea after all. Just as he think that way, when a voice inside his head made he drop his smile.
— Ooooh! I can feel an unusual presence!
'Why can't I enjoy some peace for a moment?!'
Cale feel like want to choked this old man's voice, unfortunately this voice doesn't had a form.
Unaware of what's Cale thinking, the assasin continue.
— It feels familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time! I think there's an ancient power residing in this Village!
They said finding an ancient power is a rare case, that even you need your whole life's luck to find one. But look at him now, keep encountering ancient power that even doesn't mentioned in the novel. Cale doesn't know whether he want to laugh or cry. Yes, he need to be strong enough to protect himself, but also not too strong that make him carry lot of responsibility!
— It's getting closer! Oh, I think it's that tree over there! The big tree near the garden!!
Cale turn his head, looking at the tree that the assasin means.
"Young Master, what's wrong?"
Choi Han asked after realize Cale suddenly become too quiet.
"Ah, nothing. I think I want to rest a little under that tree. Can you watch over the kittens for a while?"
"Nya!"
On and Hong jumped around Choi Han, excited.
Choi Han nod his head without a second thought.
"Of course!"
Cale walked and sat under the big tree, while Choi Han play with the kittens not far from there. As he lay his back on the tree, he could hear a woman's voice inside his head.
— Are you interested about the annual ring of life—huh? Cale??
"Huh?"
Cale blinking his eyes in confusion.
— Cale? What are you doing here?? And what's with those injury???
"Do ... I know you?"
— My son ....
The voice sounded trembling, and Cale oddly feel warm when hearing her voice. This voice know his name, well, his current name, and called him her son. Then ....
"Are you ... Cale Henituse's mother?"
Hearing Cale asked if she was 'Cale Henituse's' mother and not 'his' mother made the voice realize something.
— Ah, so the transmigration already happened.
'Transmigration?'
Cale was taken aback by the voice's mumbling. Never he imagine that the person who used to be this body's mother know about the secret that he keep tight all this time.
— You must be wondering what's currently happening right now. First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Jour Thames, Cale Henituse's mother. I possessed a wood attribute ancient power that allowed me to see the anual ring of living creatures.
Cale closed his eyes, listening to Jour's voice while his brain working really fast. He quickly recalled the content of the novel, The Birth of Hero. None of this mentioned in the novel. Also, the destruction of Harris Village six years later. The ancient power that secretly resides here. Perhaps ...?
'This getting more and more complicated.'
Cale brushed his face using his palm.
— I leave portion of my power inside a diary that burried under my headstone. If you want to take my power, I recomend you to take that first. I also write some explanation there for you.
"Actually, I intended to take another wood ancient power."
— Oh, is it the indestrucible shield? What a good choice. That power is good for defense.
— Whoa, who is this lady? How did she know about my friend's ancient power?
Cale nod his head at the assasin's voice.
'Right, I wonder too.'
— Hm, gaining two ancient power with the same attribute kinda dangerous for your plate, especially you're still young. So! You can get my other power first, then after that you can come back and I will get inside the diary so it won't danger your plate!
"Hum, I see, so such method also possible. Okay then, I'll take the diary first before come back here."
Cale couldn't see the voice nor it had a form in the first place. But for some reason, Cale could feel that Jour Thames is smiling at him. Her voices then turn into joyful and full of delight.
— Thank you. I'm glad you're the one who transmigrated inside my son's body.
Another weird warm feeling blooming inside his chest for no reason. Cale just let out a fake cough, just was about to open his mouth and say something, when Jour cut him first.
— Oh, by the way the other portion of my power has some test with my younger self in it. So ... good luck I guess?
"Wait, wha—"
"Young Master."
Cale jolted, turn his head toward Choi Han with the kittens in his arm. The teen approach him with an innocent smile.
"I think it's better for you to head back and rest."
"Uh ... yeah, okay."
Hesistate for a moment, Cale finally stand up and walk with Choi Han to his temporary room.
***
The next morning, Cale already greeted by Ron's usual benign smile the moment he opened his eyes. Cale closed back his eyes for a moment. To be honest, he got jump scared. He prever Choi Han's innocent smile than this.
"Good morning, Young Master-nim. How's your feeling?"
"... Ron."
Cale change his position to sit immediately, smiled awkwardly at the old butler.
"I'm feeling much better."
And it's true. Cale indeed feel way much better than it seen.
However, Ron's gaze turn cold when he saw all the bandages covering the boy's body. Cale's face is more paler than usual, and there's faint black eye bags around his eyes. He also could smell faint scent of poison. There's a reason why he decided to stay beside his young master all night and told the lord to wait in the different room when they got here since middle of the night.
Carressing the dagger that hiden behind his long sleeve, Ron asked with a benign smile.
"Young Master-nim, may this Ron know what happen to you?"
Cale swear he could sense viciousness in those gentle tone. It's like Ron definetely gonna turn him into soup if he decline to tell him.
'And it's not like I can lie either!'
Behind those stoic expression, there's a chaotic mess inside his head.
"Well, when I wake up, I was inside the Forest of Darkness. I got scratched by the poisonous plan when I running away."
"Then, what about your leg?"
Cale flinched. He turn his gaze toward another direction, avoiding the old man's vicious glare.
"I ... got hit by a magic arrow."
"Ho."
'Mmh.'
Cale still doesn't want to see Ron's expression right now. Just hearing his voices already give him goosebumps. Anything that cross inside Ron's mind right now, Cale doesn't want to know.
"Alright then, Young Master-nim. I will inform the Lord that you're awake. Please excuse me."
He finally breathed a relief sigh after Ron exit the room. But not too long, because after that, a certain man rushing toward him with tears flowed from his eyes.
"Cale, oh my god! What happened to you?! Are you okay??"
Cale trying his best to held his frustrating sigh and smile instead. Unfortunately, in Deruth's eyes, Cale looks like someone who trying to smile and hide his pain to not making the other worry about him.
'Just how much pain he had endure ...!'
Deruth kneel beside Cale's bed, touching his son's cheek.
"Cale, from now on you don't need to worry about a single thing. Father promise will protect you."
Cale blinking his eyes, awkwardly nod his head.
'... What's wrong with him? He's acting weird.'
Of course, the smart but not too smart Cale is oblivious about the affection arround him.
"Miaaw."
On and Hong entered the room, hesistate when they saw Cale was currently with someone else they unfamiliar with. Cale then opens his arm, montioning the kittens to come. The two them ran and jump into his embrace after know it's fine for them.
"Ah, Father, can I brought these two home?"
Cale asked with his best puppy eyes that he always use in front of Beacrox. This puppy eyes—even though kinda disgusting to him—is quite effective. Well, it's a good thing this body had a cute and innocent face.
Deruth, of course, fall for it, and it's not like he can say 'no' to Cale either. So he allowed without a second thought like a doting father he is.
"Of course, anything for you, Son."
Cale subconsciously smiling brightly. The kittens in his embrace miawned and poked Cale's arm in excitement. To be honest, seeing this lively expression on his son's face bring a priceless joy for Deruth.
Maybe he had failed once to be a father for Cale, but now, he promise that he will be a better father. He won't wasting this second chance and make sure Cale could live a happy life this time.
Cale, unaware about what his father's thinking right now, just smiled in satisfaction. Finally he will come home. Oh, he really missed his comfortable bed!
Yeah, that's because Cale doesn't know yet what kind of trouble waiting for him later.