At the river, I looked at my reflection.
After a year, I couldn't help but think about how far I've come.
I watched my reflection calmly.
CLICKK!
A stick snapped.
I quickly grabbed my short blade and glanced toward where the sound came from.
"Hey, calm down, kid!"
It's just Gabriel...
I slowly lowered my blade and asked,
"What are you doing here?"
Gabriel sighed.
Which was weird.
He would usually joke around.
"About your siblings... I won't be able to go with you."
"Something urgent has occurred."
I stopped brushing my body and faced him.
"What do you mean?"
Gabriel pinched the bridge of his nose as he shook his head.
"I wouldn't be able to help you find them."
...
Silence.
"But don't worry. I'll give you something you'll need."
"Uh huh."
Gabriel looked at me with an annoyed expression.
"Don't be a brat. I'll still help you, you know?"
Gabriel dropped a map and a pouch near my clothes.
I glanced at them.
"What's that?"
"Your supplies. The map is marked with where you should go."
I turned around and continued cleaning myself.
Hiding my disappoinment.
Gabriel turned around, ready to leave.
But he stopped.
"One more thing. Do not cross the WildLand."
...
"You'll die."
I tensed when I heard that.
I quickly glanced back at him...
But he was nowhere to be seen.
I glanced around.
I quickly put on my clothes and grabbed all my stuff.
I returned to the camp and saw...
"His carriage?"
I glanced around.
He's not far yet...
But then, I realized...
He's already far.
I approached the horse and petted it.
Then I went to the carriage and opened the map.
A letter fell out when I opened it.
I glanced at the floor.
I quickly picked it up and opened it.
"If you're reading this, I forgot to tell you a thing or two."
"Jean, register as an adventurer. It'll come in handy."
Adventurer, huh?
I looked up, thinking about it.
Then I noticed...
That's all?
That's all that's in the letter?
I smirked.
"That old man."