Chapter 4: Weapon Shop (1/2)
A few years ago.
A 17 years old male with deep blue hair smiled at a young kid with the same hair color.
Patting his head, he put on the warmest smile and said, ”Listen up, Theo. Big Bro needs to do something and I can't return for a few years. I know that my Theo is strong and can do everything by himself. Big bro is enjoying your food, you know. That's why I know that Theo will grow up just fine.”
The little Theo's face turned pale as he grabbed his brother's sleeve and asked. ”Are you going to leave me, big brother? You won't come back like mother and father? Then, won't Theo become alone from now on? No! I don't want to be alone anymore.”
He couldn't help but cling to his hand, not wanting to let it go.
”Listen to me, Theo. Your big brother needs to go. I need to fight against bad monsters that will endanger my precious Theo. You are smart, but if you find someone more important than your life, you won't mind doing anything for them. You are the most important thing in my life, so big brother isn't afraid to fight out there for a few years.
”Then, I can follow you. Theo can fight too! Big brother is the most important thing to Theo, so I want to protect you.”
”Ahaha, thank you for the thought but hear me out, Theo. You can't go with me this time. Although it will take a bit too long, please believe in your big brother. I will certainly go home. You must take care of yourself, okay?” He smiled. ”When I come home, I want you to welcome me with a big party. Can you do that?”
”Un.” Theo wanted to cry but held back his tears, using all his energy to nod a few times.
”Good. If you find yourself in trouble that you can do nothing about, take this with you to meet someone.” He took out a pocket watch and handed it to Theo. ”Remember. Don't open this pocket watch unless you find yourself in a situation with no way out. You will know what to do and where to go as soon as you open this. Of course, don't use this to find your brother because you won't be able to find me.”
”Un, Theo will treasure this.”
”That's my Theo.” He patted his head a few more times before rising to his feet. ”I will be going now. Take care, okay?”
”Yes, big brother. Theo will always be waiting for you.”
Theo looked at his brother's back until he couldn't see him anymore before locking himself up in the house and crying.
Crick, Crick, Crick.
Crick, Crick, Crick.
In a small dark room, Theo was sleeping on a broken bed. Next to the bed, on the table, was the same cylindrical device Theo took out yesterday.
He gradually opened his eyes and grabbed his device with sleepy eyes.
”Ugh, my head,” Theo mumbled and opened his device to watch the morning news while preparing himself.
As soon as he found his usual channel, the device projected it on the air as if there was a television on the table.
”Eilric Group President Hans Eilric entered the fifth rank or the one we know as Supreme Rank in the age of 45. He is known as the father figure of the Eilric Group, but it seems he has been working hard not only to build the foundation of our economy but also the strength of our country. This is something to be rejoiced for.”
”However, he himself said that his talent is nothing compared to his daughter, Alea Eilric. According to our information, she almost reached Champion Rank. We don't know about her current level, but we can safely assume she is above 130, only twenty levels short of becoming a Champion Rank.”
”Many are saying that her strength is as strong as any prodigies all over the world. This is something that we should be proud of because big countries will begin to look our way and brighten the future of our country.”
”It's true. Everyone holds high expectations of her. I can't wait to see what will happen in the next ten years or twenty or even thirty years from now.”
Theo stayed silent when he heard the news before sighing. ”She is lucky to have a wealthy family.”
Theo let out another long sigh before walking toward the table, holding the neatly framed picture and putting it on the table. It was the picture of four people, all smiling.