The World Beyond the Rift

The monster roared, its crimson eyes blazing with fury as it struggled to its feet. Its massive, shadowy form loomed over the clearing, its claws digging into the earth as it prepared to charge. Adam stood calmly, his expression indifferent, as if the creature before him was nothing more than an annoying insect.

[Weak. Too weak.]

Adam had already tested its strength. The monster's attacks were slow, its movements clumsy. It wasn't even worth using one of his techniques. But he was curious. This world's mana-based combat system was different from what he was used to, and he wanted to see how his own abilities translated here.

With a swift motion, he channeled energy into his hand. His flesh, his molecules—everything vibrated with raw power. He didn't need to shout or make a grand gesture. He simply swung his arm.

Boom.

A shockwave tore through the air, the force rippling outward like an invisible blade. The monster didn't even have time to react. One moment, it stood ready to attack. The next, only its lower half remained, the rest of its body erased from existence.

Silence followed.

---

The Aftermath

Elara and Kael stood frozen.

Neither spoke. Neither moved.

Their minds struggled to process what had just happened.

Kael finally found his voice, though it came out as a whisper. "Did… did he just one-shot an A-rank monster?"

Elara didn't answer. She was still staring at the aftermath. She had seen powerful warriors before—her own family held some of the strongest Awakeners—but this? This was different.

There had been no dramatic buildup, no extended battle, no visible exertion. Just a single motion. And that, more than anything, sent a chill down her spine.

Adam turned to them, his expression neutral. "If you're unharmed, I suggest you leave."

There was no arrogance in his tone, no intention to intimidate—just a simple statement. The battle was over, and he saw no reason to remain. Without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the trees.

Elara and Kael exchanged a glance. Their earlier confidence was gone, replaced with something else.

Wariness.

Respect.

And an unshakable realization—whoever Adam was, he wasn't someone they could afford to ignore.

---

Back at the House

Hans and Bam sat near the front of the house, their shoulders tense. The distant echoes of battle had reached them, but they had no way of knowing what had happened.

Bam exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "What if the monsters from the rift break through? What do we do then?"

Hans tightened his grip on his makeshift weapon. "We fight."

Bam shot him a look. "Fight? Against an A-rank monster? Are you serious?"

Hans shrugged. "What else are we supposed to do? Run? Leave the kid behind? Not happening."

Despite their initial reluctance, both had grown attached to their new life here. Adam, for all his strength and mystery, had treated them fairly. He paid them well, let them visit town, and most importantly—he trusted them with Barolt.

And Barolt… well, that kid had a way of making people care.

Then, footsteps approached.

Hans and Bam immediately straightened, shifting into defensive stances. Barolt peeked out from behind Hans, his small hands gripping the fabric of his sleeve.

Then they heard his voice.

"It's me. Open the door."

Relief crashed over them. The tension faded in an instant as Hans unlocked the door. The moment it swung open, Barolt wasted no time.

"Papa!"

The little boy ran forward, arms outstretched. Adam caught him effortlessly, lifting him up with one hand. His expression, usually unreadable, softened slightly.

Adam picked him up, his expression softening for a brief moment. He glanced at Hans and Bam, noticing their defensive stances, the way they had positioned themselves to protect Barolt. A flicker of emotion crossed his face—gratitude, perhaps, or something deeper.

Hans and Bam exchanged a glance. They had been ready to fight for the kid. And Adam had noticed.

It was a small thing, but it meant more to Adam than he cared to admit. He had always been a solitary figure, relying on no one but himself. But now… now he had people he could trust. People who would protect his son when he couldn't.

That night, as Barolt slept peacefully in his crib, Adam sat outside, staring at the stars. His mind was restless, filled with thoughts of the future. He had always known that his peaceful life wouldn't last forever. The rift, the noble families, the monsters—they were all reminders of the dangers that lurked in this world.

[I can protect Barolt now. But what about the future? What happens when I'm not there?]

The thought was unsettling. Adam had lived through enough battles to know that no one was invincible. He needed to prepare Barolt for the challenges ahead. And not just Barolt—Hans and Bam too. They were loyal, but they were weak. If they were going to protect his son, they needed to be stronger.

With a deep breath, Adam made a decision. He would train them. Not just to fight, but to survive. To thrive. He would teach them everything he knew, and in doing so, he would ensure that Barolt would always have someone to watch over him.

---

The Next Morning

The sun rose over the forest, casting a golden glow over the clearing. Adam stood in the center, his arms crossed, as Hans and Bam stood before him, looking nervous but determined.

"From today," Adam began, his voice firm, "you will train. Not just for yourselves, but for Barolt. I will teach you how to fight, how to survive, and how to protect what matters most."

Hans and Bam exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of excitement and apprehension. They had seen Adam's strength firsthand. Training under him would be grueling, but it was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.

Barolt, sitting nearby, clapped his tiny hands together, giggling as if he understood what was happening.

Adam's gaze softened as he looked at his son. [This is for you, Barolt. For your future.]

And so, the training began.

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