CID walked and walked in search of life.
Finally he spotted some buildings in the distance. Smoke rose gently from rooftops. A village-- finally, a sign of life.
His clothes were torn and bloodstained, hanging loosely on his bruised frame. The worn spear across his back looked more like scrap than a weapon.
As he stepped through stone archway leading into the settlement , people glanced his way-- but quickly looked away.
No one spoke.
No one came close.
He remembered his past life it was same like this, the society saw him as trash. People didn't speak to him. They didn't yell or mock. They simply watched, eyes sharp with disgust, and then turned away as if even acknowledging him would stain their lives. That quiet rejection hurt more than words ever could.
CID passed a busy marketplace, the smell of roasted meat pulling at his empty stomach. Stalls lined both sides of the path, displaying glowing fruits, enchanted tools, and floating loaves of bread. Magic seemed common here—used for lighting homes, watering crops, and cooking food. Simple spells made everyday chores effortless.
"They use magic for everything… even baking," CID muttered, watching a flame hover above a pot.
Still, no one offered help. No curious questions. Just silence.
He kept walking.
The crowd thinned as he moved deeper into the village. Cobblestones faded into dirt.
Then he saw them.
Three older kids stood in a circle, laughing and pushing a younger boy around—barely twelve, smaller than the others. His books were scattered, his shirt torn, and his face marked by dirt and frustration.
CID stopped.
He didn't rush forward.
Just stepped in quietly, voice low but firm.
"Hey. That's enough. Leave him alone."
The bullies turned, startled. They hadn't noticed him at all.
But now, he stood there—like a shadow that had found its shape.
The boys ran as their life was in danger , they ran as if they saw a ghost or a demon king who was about to eat them...
The younger boy slowly stood, brushing dirt from his sleeves. His eyes, still red from frustration, now held a spark of surprise… maybe even admiration.
"Thank you," he said, voice quiet but steady. "I'm Alex."
CID gave a small nod but didn't reply.
He turned away and started walking again, boots dragging lightly across the path. Alex hesitated, then jogged a few steps to catch up.
"Where are you from?"
"Did you fight somewhere?"
"How did you scare them like that?"
CID kept walking.
No answer. No glance.
Alex frowned but didn't give up.
"Are you… hurt? Or just tired?"
CID stopped.
Then turned just enough to speak, voice low and dry.
"I'm hungry."
Alex blinked.
"Huh?"
CID looked him in the eye.
"You give me food… I'll answer your questions."
There was no threat in his voice. No emotion, really.
Just a simple trade.
Alex's lips pressed together in thought.
"Fine. Come with me. My house isn't far."
Alex led CID off the beaten path, the forest growing thicker with each step. Twisted roots crawled along the ground, and the air turned cooler under the shade. Tucked between trees stood a small, broken cottage—its roof half-collapsed, wooden walls patched with cloth and hope.
CID ducked inside, glancing around. A worn rug covered the floor, a cracked lantern hung from a rope, and a small pot steamed quietly over a makeshift fire.
Alex handed him a bowl of rice—plain, a bit cold, but enough to silence the ache in CID's stomach. He ate quickly. Every grain. Only after finishing did he glance at Alex, who hadn't touched a bite.
CID frowned. "I… I didn't realize there was only one serving. Sorry."
Alex gave a small smile. "It's okay. You needed it more."
CID looked away for a moment. There was something sharp in that kindness.
He asked quietly, "Where are your parents?"
Alex lowered his gaze. "They were adventurers. Left on a guild mission two years ago… never came back."
CID felt a little connection to Alex as he was in same predicament as he was....
CID didn't respond at first. The silence spoke.
Alex continued, "So I live here. Alone. And those kids… they know it. That's why they bully me."
His voice cracked slightly, but there was fire underneath.
"I love magic. I study every day. But when I practice outside… they find me. They beat me. They say I'm weak and stupid."
CID sat up straighter, eyes locked on him. A pause. Then...
"Teach me."
Alex blinked. "What?"
"Teach me magic," CID said. "And in return… I'll help you earn. Protect you. Make those kids afraid to touch you again. You want to survive—and I need power."
Alex stared. Then slowly nodded.
"Alright. I'll teach you what I know."
A pact, sealed not with spells, but survival.
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