Limits

Few days passed. As I was practicing some sword basics, a few groups of people arrived at the village. 'So this is the young generation of the Savala Village?' I thought, and I took a glance at them. For their ages, they seemed quite strong. Each group had five youngsters, and one adult. The middle aged man or woman in each group, was probably a guardian, and protected them from dangerous situations. I didn't go to greet them, and simply focused on my training. 'Finch will no doubt come here, therefore there is no need for me to go and greet them' I thought. Besides, I didn't know who my cousins were.

I wasn't wrong. After about half an hour, Finch brought three youngsters to the training area. He shouted "Nex! Come meet your cousins!". I stopped my practice, and hid my sword. As I walked towards the group, I noticed a familiar person. It was the youngster who I met in the Great Forest. He was the one who told me about the Royal Competition. He was also surprised to see me, and asked "You? You are Nex?". I smiled, and said "That is my name".

The other two were older than the youngster I already met. They walked forwards, while woman said "He looks so weak. Is this really our cousin?". This was probably Haily, and she seemed to have a lofty character. This was not my favourite type of people, but a family is still a family. The oldest cousin was pretty cold, and didn't say anything. 'Oh well, at least the youngest cousin of mine is friendly. Can't have everything' I thought. All three walked over to me, while the youngest said "Who would've thought, we would meet again. Nex… I'm Norty, welcome home!". He smiled brightly, as he welcomed me. I smiled in response, and patted his head. Norty was around 16 years of age. But in my eyes, he was still a kid. I was more than 10 years older than him.

The other two didn't say anything, and just stood there. Finch asked "You guys are not happy, that Nex finally found...". I stopped him, and said "It doesn't matter. Kids are kids. No harm done". Haily didn't seem to like my comment, and said "Kids? I'm 23 years old, I'm no kid to you". I smiled and said "You are 6 years younger than me. You are a kid in my eyes". She was about to burst out, when Finch said "If you are not happy to be here, leave". She snorted, and did just that.

Aron looked at me, and said "You seem weak". I smiled, and replied "Have you heard "Don't judge a book by its cover"? You may assume whatever you like, Aron". He also turned around, and left. Norty said "Don't worry about them, they are always full of themselves. Especially now, since they lost to some people". Finch also came over, and said "I'm sorry for my kids Nex. At least Norty is happy you are here". Norty nodded, and said "You've been to the North, so you are not weak".

I laughed, and said "I don't mind. I could already judge their characters. Norty, you are very bright boy, and you want to help out people, even if you don't know them. You are a good kid. I have something for you". I took out 10 milliliters of Zenith Extract from Earth Grabbing Sprout, and gave it to him. Norty asked "What is this? Medicine?". I smiled, and said "Just drink it, and you will find out". Norty nodded his head, and drank the Extract. After a while, he exclaimed "This… This… IS AMAZING!".

Finch was confused, and asked "What's going on?". Norty replied "I can feel my strength rising! I feel much stronger, and it's not stopping yet!". After a while though, the effect stopped, as I only gave him 10 milliliters of it. Although this was a lot, it wasn't at the same time. For Norty to enter the North, he had to be at the Outer Limits stage. This was what Crow told me, and I never saw weaker people inside the North.

I said "Don't worry, this is permanent, so you didn't waste it". Both Norty and Finch were shocked. After a while, Norty asked "Where did you get this from?". I smiled, and said "I made it. Now go, explore your new strength a bit". Norty thanked me a few times, then ran off somewhere. Finch was still standing there, shocked. When he finally snapped out of it, he said "Well damn me. That field of yours… This is its purpose?". I smiled, and said "Not only that. The field is mostly populated now, and I will be making some stuff soon. I will be leaving in about two months or so. Probably at the beginning, or during the winter season".

Finch asked "So soon?". I smiled, and said "I have many places to visit, and much more to learn. My final destination will be the Imperial City. I want to witness it, and maybe learn something new". Finch nodded, and said "It's good to have ambitions, but remember what I told you". I nodded, and replied "I remember". Finch also bid farewell to me, while I stayed and continued my training. I wanted to get as familiar with the sword, as I could. 'I would like to train using the Razor Swords too, but I don't know if I will have the time. Maybe I can manage that by myself, as I already know the basics' I thought.

I returned home before nightfall, and saw the whole family sitting at the dining table. Tina invited me over, but I declined and said "I still have some stuff to do. I will just return to my room". She wanted to say something, but Finch stopped her. 'I need to write some recipes for Kara. For now, twenty should be enough' I thought. I didn't plan on teaching Kara the deadly part of the Art of Medicine, at least not now.

Soon, I compiled a list of twenty recipes, that I took from the Evil Manual of Medicine. There were only two poison recipes. These type of poisons, were mostly used to numb the pain, and wouldn't be able to kill someone, even in greater quantities. With the list done, I retired for the night. The next morning, I went downstairs, and joined Finch as well as Tina for breakfast. Tina asked concerned "Are you alright Nex?".

I smiled, and replied "Why wouldn't I be alright?". Tina said "Well... You know, Haily and Aron…". I stopped her, and said "Do you really think they can spoil my mood? Through what I've been in my life, they are only kids to me". Tina smiled, and said "Look honey, Nex is acting all grown up". Finch laughed, but didn't comment. I got used to her remarks, so it didn't bother me at all.

As we ate and chatted, Haily, Aron and Norty came down to join us. Norty greeted me as usual, and seemed smug about something. The other two said nothing. When I finished eating, I said "Alright, I'm off. See you around guys". Tina, Finch and Norty wished me a good day, but then Haily said "Who cares". I turned around, smiled, and replied "If you don't care, why would you comment? Have a nice day". I then left.

I could hear Finch laughter from the distance, and his words "Your expression was priceless!". I headed straight to Olav's house, and knocked on the doors. Kara opened them after a while, and was barely able to stand. I shook my head, and said "I told you not to overexert yourself. Let's go inside". She nodded, but didn't say anything. Olav was in his office as usual, and was probably focused on his studies. I asked Kara "Why did you overdo it?". She squeezed out an answer. "You told me to… do it everyday". I shook my head, and tapped on a few of her pressure points. She fell down to the floor, and asked "What are you going!?". I picked her up, and placed her on the sofa. She panicked, and was about to scream something, when I stopped her, and asked "Why do you always think, that I want to do some bad stuff to you?".

She replied "Well.. you always… you know grab me…". I shook my head, and said "I have no interest in you as a woman whatsoever. You are my disciples as well, just lay there and stay quiet". She nodded her head, and laid down. Kara was around 19 years old, therefore I viewed her as a kid. Kara wasn't ugly at all. Long brown hair, slim body and pleasant face. A dream of many youngsters no doubt. But I simply had no interest in her as a woman. I viewed her, like I would view a family member. I was much more strict with her though, but I had my reasons.