Millenium : The Awakening of Heroes

Ikku, still in shock from the events, took a few moments to gather his thoughts. The unconscious tiger, the imposing presence of this mysterious man… everything felt surreal. Yet, he was undeniably alive.

"Come, my camp is nearby," the man offered calmly.

Without much thought, Ikku nodded and followed the man through the trees. After only a few steps, they arrived at a small clearing where a simple tent was set up. A campfire crackled softly in the center, with a piece of meat roasting over the flames.

The atmosphere was peaceful, a stark contrast to the fear Ikku had just endured.

"Sit down, have something to eat," the man said, settling near the fire.

Hesitant at first, Ikku eventually sat down across from him. The crackling of the flames calmed his nerves, and the warmth of the fire brought him immense relief. He timidly took a bite of the meat, his stomach growling with hunger.

"Thank you for saving me, sir..." he murmured between bites.

"It's nothing," the man replied with a small smile. "You can call me Jack."

Ikku looked up, surprised by his casual tone. Jack seemed imposing, yet there was no hostility in him.

"What are you doing in this forest?" Jack asked, his gaze resting calmly on the young boy.

Ikku hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to begin. Finally, he took a deep breath and explained,

"I got lost trying to find Kul-Elna..."

Jack's eyebrows furrowed slightly in surprise.

"Kul-Elna, huh? I didn't think a kid like you would know about a place like that. Why are you trying to go there?"

Even more surprised that this man knew about Kul-Elna, Ikku took a moment before answering. Finally, he admitted,

"I want to join Nexus..."

At those words, Jack's expression turned serious.

The atmosphere grew heavy, almost oppressive. Ikku felt his heart race, wondering if he had said something wrong. But suddenly, Jack burst into laughter a deep, booming laugh that nearly made him fall backward. Ikku watched, confused, yet he sensed no malice in the laughter. It wasn't the cruel mockery of his father but rather a playful, almost affectionate laugh.

"Sorry… forgive me, kid," Jack said, wiping a tear from his eye. "It's just… joining Nexus, huh? That's the first time I've heard that from someone your age."

Despite feeling a bit awkward, Ikku couldn't help but smile slightly, sensing the tension dissipate.

"Listen," Jack said, his tone becoming serious again, "every member of Nexus can do what I did to that tiger. You have no idea what that means. You should give up now because if you continue, you'll die long before you reach Kul-Elna. And let's not even talk about the Nexus entrance trials… You'd be better off going back home."

"Going back home?" Ikku repeated, his voice trembling.

Memories of his miserable life resurfaced: the shouting, the stench of alcohol, his father's insults. His chest tightened at the thought of returning to that hell. He shook his head, rejecting the idea outright.

"I have no home, no family. There's nowhere for me to go back to…" he admitted, his gaze lowered. "My only option is to move forward. If I'm going to die, then I'd rather die trying than sit back and do nothing!"

Jack remained silent, listening intently to this young boy with a wounded yet determined soul.

"No... no matter what, I won't die! I'll get stronger, I'll join Nexus, and I'll find the jewels!" Ikku declared, his fists clenched, his voice brimming with determination.

Jack raised an eyebrow, surprised. This kid wanted to collect the jewels? Those legendary treasures that even the greatest warriors feared to pursue?

"Hmph… You've got big ambitions for your age," Jack said, his tone growing graver. "But just attempting to reach Kul-Elna is a trial that could cost you your life."

Jack's words could have dissuaded anyone. Yet, instead of discouraging him, they only strengthened Ikku's resolve. He lifted his head, his eyes shining with determination.

"That doesn't scare me anymore. I'll make it, no matter the cost! Thank you again for saving me and for the meal. I need to go and find my path," Ikku said, rising to his feet.

Jack watched him, a faint smile curling his lips. That look… it was rare to see such determination in someone so young. He was impressed by this tenacity, this hunger to surpass oneself.

"Wait, kid," Jack called suddenly. "If you're really serious, I'll prepare you. What lies ahead is beyond anything you can imagine. I'll train you, right here in this forest."

Ikku blinked, surprised but curious.

"This forest is called Saqar. No human, not even vehicles, venture here. The tiger you encountered is nothing compared to the countless wild beasts that roam this forest. The risk is immense. If you manage to survive one year with me here, I'll show you how to reach Kul-Elna."

Jack's words echoed like a promise in Ikku's mind. One year? It seemed insurmountable, yet he felt strangely happy to have this chance. He nodded enthusiastically.

"One year… I'll do whatever it takes!"

But a question crossed Ikku's mind. Why was this mysterious man helping him?

"Are you… part of Nexus?" Ikku asked, intrigued.

Jack shook his head, an amused smile on his lips.

"No, I'm just a wanderer traveling the world."

"Then… why are you helping me?" Ikku pressed.

Jack looked at him for a moment.

"Let's just say I've got nothing better to do right now, and… I can't let a kid with so much ambition die so easily," he said with a slight smile.

Ikku felt a wave of emotion. For the first time, someone had shown him genuine encouragement. Overwhelmed, he couldn't hold back his tears. With sincere gratitude, he thanked Jack from the bottom of his heart, touched by this rare kindness.

"Thank you… Thank you so much, Jack."

"You can thank me once the training's over if you're still alive," Jack replied. "For now, you'd better eat and regain your strength. Tomorrow, it all begins, and it'll be incredibly tough."

Ikku responded without hesitation,

"Alright, I'm ready."

Jack smirked slightly.

"Get ready, because we're on the brink of an incredible story. The real adventure begins for you now."

And so, it began. From this precise moment, everything would change for Ikku.

Tomorrow would mark the start of relentless training in an environment where only the will to survive mattered. Ikku's adventures were truly about to begin.