The mysterious order

I'm training with Oron as usual.
Sina still watches me during my training, just like before. We even talk to each other normally when we meet.

But it doesn't feel as close anymore.
We only exchange a few sentences and that's it.
We don't do anything together. We don't even cuddle.

And I really can't stop thinking about something.
What is Oron doing to Sina behind closed doors?
But there's no point in finding out about that. She wouldn't want me to know anyway.

So I keep visiting Oron for training and try not to think too much about anything else anymore.
Training itself is fun after all.
And there isn't anything else I really care about in my life.
He's my last anchor in this city.

One day, when I'm visiting Oron for training, he wants me to sit down.
He never did that before.

What is it? Is something wrong?

I'm really getting scared. I look around and Sina isn't there today.
Something must have happened to her. Is she...

So, it's time to tell you something.
I think, you made a really good job recently.
You can call yourself a real sword fighter now.

I'm a little relieved, but still don't trust all of this.

But before you get your reward, I got a mission for you.
Your first mission as a sword fighter.
Would you like to hear it?

Sure.

For your mission you have to leave the city and go to the nature area.
Something weird is recently going on there.
I'd like you to investigate that.

I wanted to leave the city for a long time.
But they say it's too dangerous out there.
They won't allow me to leave. I'm still too young.

Here you have my written permission.

He hands me a permission.

And this is enough to leave?

Yeah. As long as an adult can prove that a younger person is ready to leave, they'll let you out.
But you need to have your sword with you.
They might want to see it.

My sword?

It's time for your reward, I guess...

Oron leaves and comes back with a real sword.

This is yours now. I had it especially made for you.

Oh, really? Thank you very much!

I take the sword.

So this is the end of your training.
I hope I've been a good teacher to you.

Yeah, you've been a great teacher!

I'm not lying.
I still don't view him as a great person, but he really has been great as a teacher.

So are you ready to take this mission?

I think so. Could you explain the details?

Sure. We think what's going on there could be considered magic. And some magic artifact must be responsible for it.
I've been told it looks like an amulet.
That's what you have to find.

Who told you about all this?

I can't tell you the details about that.
But the people in the castle know more about it.
Just talk to the princess after you found it.
She'll give you further instructions.

I'll be able to meet a princess?
That really sounds exciting.

Okay, I'll do it!

That's what I wanted to hear!

So when will my mission begin?

You should do it as fast as possible.
If you want, you can even leave today already.

Today? Can I at least talk to Sina one last time?

She doesn't want to see you!

Why?

I'm feeling sad again.
That's not how I wanted our relationship to end.

I guess it's just too hard for her to say goodbye.

But I won't leave for long, right?
I'll be back soon?

He doesn't just answer me immediately.
I'm getting scared. Is the mission so dangerous?
Does he think, I might die during that mission?

There's no reason for you to come back after you accomplished your mission.
If everything goes as expected, you'll be respected at the castle.
The princess and her people will be the ones to give you new missions.

Oh, okay...

I thought you'd be happy.
You never liked life in this city very much.

Now I just realize why Sina might have been so weird recently.
She still likes me, but she probably knew already that I'd have to leave.
So she already tried to avoid contact with me, so she wouldn't be too sad, when I finally had to leave for real.

I'm sure that's also why she wanted to meet alone that day.
She wanted to do this before she wouldn't have a chance anymore.
But when we actually got closer, she probably recognized it as a mistake.
Oh, she must really be in love with me.

Okay, but don't worry. I'll come back once in a while.

I don't care about that. Now get out and leave. I don't want to see you anymore!

But...

Out!

Oron draws his sword.

I immediately run away with my new sword and the permission to leave.

I wish I could see Sina once more, but I know this would only make her sad.
And Oron would kill me if I came back.

Maybe it's best in I just leave this city.
Oron is right. I never really liked this city to begin with.

So I get home to pack my stuff.
I still think, it's better if I leave tomorrow in the morning, so I'm sure I'll have enough time.

I'm really looking forward for tomorrow.
I'll finally leave this place.

I'll go to bed early.
I want to leave as soon as possible tomorrow and still want to have enough sleep.

I'm so excited!