Jacob lay on the ground, his head resting on a log as he looked up into the the sky.

Fortunately, the trees of the forest weren’t too tall that they blocked out the sun’s rays.

He raised his right hand to his mouth and took a bite out of the roasted meat that Xenia had prepared for him.

’She might look prim and proper but she really does know how to survive in the wild.’ He thought to himself as he took another bite, taking his time to chew the deliciously roasted beef.

They had spent three days in the forest already, cutting down every opposing force that ventured towards them.

From mortal beasts to emperor beasts, none was spared.

Jacob had completed six objectives already, and was eagerly waiting for more. So far, each and every one of the beasts he had faced seemed like a walkover, mostly because their powers had no effect on him.

Xenia sat in the center, cross-legged with her arm planted on her laps and her eyes closed, she slowly opened one eye and looked at Jacob.

"I would really appreciate it if you would stop chewing so loud." She told him, readjusting herself slightly.

Jacob sat up and looked back her, waving in apology and holding his other hand over his mouth.

KRAAAK!

The sound was loud but it was dismissed by both of them, Xenia thought it was Jacob making the sound but she decided to ignore his silly games.

KRAAAAAKK!

The sound came again, louder this time. Already frustrated by everything going around, Xenia immediately quit trying to cultivate and opened her mouth.

"Will you—" she paused, noticing the raven that stood on a tree branch just a few meters away, Jacob glanced at her for a second, and then returned to his delicious breakfast.

"It’s an Ironfell raven!" Xenia announced, a smile played on her lips.

"Huh?" Jacob asked, confusion written on his face as he was too busy with his food.

"It’s an Ironfell raven, young master, your family has sent you a message!" She added, pointing towards the small bird perched on a tree branch.

It held a rolled up piece of paper in its claws and pecked the branch lightly.

"Ohooo! They sent one already!" Jacob exclaimed, getting up quickly, "well, let’s see what it is then."

He walked towards the bird and spread out his palm, the bird instantly flew onto his hand and dropped the letter on it.

As soon as Jacob held the letter firmly in his other hand, the bird took off, returning to the castle.

Jacob slowly peeled off the ribbon and opened the rolled-up piece of paper.

"Oh look! It’s in mom’s handwriting... and it had the seal too! That’s interesting."

Xenia stood right where she was, unmoved, Jacob noticed this and looked at her for a moment.

"You don’t wanna see what they sent?" He inquired, waving the paper slowly.

"It is not my place to read the private messages—" Xenia started.

"Nonsense! You’re family, Xenia." Jacob interrupted, quite angrily, causing her to look at him in disbelief.

"Do not ever let anyone make you feel like you are not part of this family!" He added.

Her expression was still one of shock as she stared at him, unable to formulate any words.

"Now get over here and read this letter with me." He concluded, gesturing for her to come closer.

She quickly but gracefully walked over to his side and peeked into the letter.

It read:

_ _ _

Dear Jacob:

How are you? How has it been finding your place in the world? I truly hope you are doing great and that Xenia is taking good care of you. Send my regards to her.

My sweet Jacob, please eat properly.

I know that sounds like the least important thing in the world, but it isn’t. Great heroes, mighty cultivators, and legendary monarchs all make foolish decisions when they are hungry.

Do not spend every waking moment training.

Take time to enjoy the sunrise. Make friends. Laugh when you can. The world is not only a battlefield; it is also a place filled with wonders worth experiencing.

And please, for the love of everything sacred, try not to collect dangerous women, cursed artifacts, ancient enemies, and mysterious creatures that "seem harmless." You have always had a talent for finding trouble.

Most of all, remember this:

No matter how far you travel, no matter how powerful you become, no matter what title the world gives you, you will always be our son.

There will always be a place waiting for you at home.

May fortune guide your steps.

May wisdom guide your choices.

May strength never leave your heart.

I love you so much, my dear son, remain safe.

Lady Elena Ironfell.

_ _ _

A single tear rolled down his cheek as he read the letter. he missed his mother. That much was true. He wondered how she was doing without him in the castle, but knowing how close she was with his father, he knew she’d be fine, with his new skill <Teleportation> he would be able to visit the castle anytime he wanted, but there was no point doing that right now as he had just stepped out into the world and had to find his footing before returning home.

He turned the paper around only to discover a different set of paragraphs, in a different handwriting.

"Oh look, dad’s handwriting as well!" He exclaimed.

_ _ _

My Dearest Jacob,

If you are reading this, then you have already taken your first steps beyond the walls of our home.

Your mother insisted that we write this together. She feared that if I wrote alone, it would sound more like a military report than a letter. Knowing her, she is probably right.

First, know that we are proud of you.

Not because of your talent, your achievements, or the expectations others place upon your shoulders. We are proud because you chose to walk your own path. Few possess the courage to leave behind comfort and certainty in pursuit of growth.

The world beyond the Ironfell territory is vast, beautiful, and cruel in equal measure. There will be people who admire you, people who fear you, and people who seek to use you. Judge them carefully. Trust should be earned, not given freely.

Remember what we taught you. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Strength is not measured by how many enemies you can defeat, but by what you choose to protect.

Power without restraint becomes tyranny.

Knowledge without wisdom becomes arrogance.

And a man who forgets where he came from will eventually lose where he is going.

Your mother would like me to stop sounding like a lecturer now.

So, from me, your father: fight well, think clearly, and never bow your head to those who would crush your spirit. You carry the Ironfell name, but more importantly, you carry your own.

We love you more than words can express. Say hello to Xenia for us, she has been such a blessing to our family.

Your Mother and Father,

The House of Ironfell

_ _ _

Jacob steeled his resolve and folded the piece of paper, placing it carefully in his infinite storage space, he caught Xenia sniffling quietly when he was done.

"Now you know, you are undoubtedly part of this family." He reassured her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Today we venture deeper into the forest, and oh! Remind me to write a letter back to them soon."