Oliver.

Yesterday, Oliver and I agreed to meet on the bridge. This quaint little village is surrounded by a dense forest with a river running through the center, dividing it into two parts. This village named [Merton] is located in the country's south-west region, really far from the capital city. I learned that the town was built many years ago to house workers and their families who worked in the nearby mine. However, for some reason that is still unknown to me, the mine eventually closed down. This led to a mass exodus of people leaving the town, leaving only a handful of residents behind.

Living in a village can have its own charm, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Now less than 100 people live here, which can make it a fairly isolated and lonely place. Moreover, the distance of the village from the capital city only adds to the difficulties of living here. The good thing is that people here know each other by name and are always ready to lend a helping hand. Something my mother tells me doesn't happen in big cities. And more than anything, despite its dwindling population, the area's natural beauty can be quite breathtaking, with lush green forests home to a variety of wildlife, rolling hills, and clear blue skies. And possibly my favorite place is a small waterfall not too far from the village where it is possible to refresh from this season's overwhelming heat.

Still, everyone my age dreams of leaving the village and going to the capital to be an adventurer. And I don't blame them. The thought of exploring new lands and facing thrilling challenges is undoubtedly enticing. Many of us have dreamed of being a renowned adventurer, a hero who belongs to a prestigious guild. The thought of being able to explore uncharted territories, discovering hidden treasures, and facing dangerous challenges can be quite exhilarating. And let's not forget the fame and recognition that comes with it - having your name on everyone's lips. But it's not just about the glory. The financial rewards that come with being a successful adventurer are also a huge draw. Imagine being able to earn enough money to buy anything one desires. Of course, achieving this dream requires hard work, dedication, and a lot of risk-taking. That's precisely one of the reasons I'm going to see Oliver.

We need to train!

I continued walking until I reached the bridge that connected both parts of the village. In the distance, I could see Oliver sitting and looking at the river that passes under the bridge.

Oliver is older than me by half a year. He is taller than me and somewhat chubby. Oliver is very friendly and somewhat innocent, so sometimes, people take advantage of him.

''Hey, Oliver, sorry I'm late.''

''Hi, Darx, don't worry, I'm used to waiting for you. Did you spend the whole night reading books again!?'' Oliver laughs while looking for something in his backpack.

''Sorry...''

Oliver, just like Amelia, is my childhood friend. We used to play since we were little, and now we train together in our free time with the idea of being adventurers in the future. Unlike Amelia and me, Oliver's house is on the right side of the bridge where most people live, making it the most populated part of the village. He lives in a small Inn that serves as a restaurant for the few visitors this place has.

''Take this, Darx. Try it and tell me what you think.'' Oliver said while giving me a sandwich.

It looks like a delicacy for someone as hungry as me, who only ate a hard loaf.

''Tastes amazing!'' I said after taking a bite of the sandwich.

''Really!? I was making some combinations that seemed intriguing to me. I also created a new soup. I can give you a little if you like when we return.'' Oliver said cheerfully.

''I would love it, and I'm sure Amelia would want some soup too,'' I reply, still eating the delicious sandwich.

''Agree!''

Oliver's passion for cooking has been sparked by his involvement in his family's Inn. As a kitchen helper, he has had the opportunity to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques and has even created some unique recipes of his own. Amelia and I are usually his guinea pigs, eagerly trying out his latest culinary creations. What's even more impressive is that some of Oliver's recipes have made it onto the menu at his mother's Inn. It's a testament to his talent and creativity in the kitchen.

''By the way, Oliver, where is Amelia? I stopped by her house, but her mom told me that she had already left.'' I said.

''I talked to her for a moment in the morning. She was heading to the forest to collect plants for her potions. I'm sure she's still in the woods.''

''I see. Let's go help her, then.'' I reply.

The path to the forest is not very long. Trees surround the entire village, but most people usually use the road that leads to the mine to enter the forest. We use that path, too, since there are only low-level monsters like slimes or giant rats that even we can defeat.

''By the way, Darx, I also saw your mom this morning. Someone spotted Goblins near the village, and she, Jax, and Alice headed to exterminate them before they got any closer.'' Oliver told me as we walked.

That explains why my mother didn't wake me up this morning.

''I see... Most likely, she will be home late today." I reply.

It's always been a mystery to me why my mother, who was once an adventurer in one of the most famous guilds, decided to leave her exciting life behind and raise me in this small village where she was born. For the little I know, my father's played a significant role in her decision. But ultimately, who knows... My mother never really liked talking about my father's , so I prefer not to ask.

''We are close. I brought Amelia a sandwich, too, in case she's hungry.'' Oliver said

''I'm sure she'll be happy,'' I reply.