I started to realize that one could only use the 'Cursed Sword'  for a certain amount of time.

Frankly speaking, using the sword really wears me out.

I got exhausted easily, and ultimately fainted.

Therefore, it may be the reason why I lost consciousness immediately after the first time I used it to defeat the Majin.

On the other hand, perhaps this was the consequence of using a 'Cursed Sword'. After all, given its name, there could be an actual 'curse' on the sword itself, which drains out my energy each time I use it.

Still, no matter how one looks at it, this weapon is too powerful.  Therefore, it seems inconceivable to me, that one can use it without anything in return, it most definitely comes with a catch. If it didn't, it wouldn't make any sense and would just seem too good to be true.

I decided that from now on, I would try to use the Cursed Sword more carefully.  

This sacred weapon is not invincible either.

Anyhow, after the second time I fainted and woken up, I gathered up the bag my mother had prepared for me and decided to set out on my trip.

As I made my way to the door, I gave my mom one last look and flashed her grateful smile, "I'm going now mother.  I'm definitely going to go and become an adventurer."

With almost tearful eyes my mother replied, "Goodbye Rust.  I'll be looking forward to hearing about your achievements."

I nodded in return, before finally turning on my heels and heading out to start my journey. 

I don't know if my exploits will be as great as Ruby's, but I do know that I'll do the best that I can in my own way.

While I was engrossed in my mindless wondering, I found myself drifting off to thoughts of Ruby. I also remembered my mother's final words to me, just before I left...

"Rust, please occasionally come back and show me your face.  Don't be like Ruby and upset your parents. Since Ruby went off to become an adventurer, she hasn't returned to the village, not even once it seems. "

"Well, Ruby is a platinum ranked adventurer.  I'd reckon she is pretty busy." 

I figured if one becomes a famous adventurer, just by that fact alone, people will rely on you and you'd have a lot of responsibilities. Since Ruby was able to join a prominent hero party, it is inevitable that she'll be busy, right?

Therefore...

"I'll become an adventurer, and when I see her, I'll tell her that her parents miss her.  Next time, I'll definitely return to the village with Ruby and I'll have a lot of travel stories for you to listen to."

"I'm counting on it." My mother replied and after that brief exchange, I left home.

I still remember the moments of hesitation on my part as I walked away and how I reluctantly waved goodbye to my mother until I could no longer see our house. 

Thereafter, I passed by the village houses and entered the forest. As I weaved through the vast woodland area, I couldn't help but think of the essential necessities I needed to cover first if I were to become a proper adventurer.

Firstly, I needed to take the test and pass it. For that reason, I had to go to town and participate in the test. Secondly, on the way I need to...

"Hey, hey..." Suddenly, from out of nowhere, I heard a man's voice which effectively distracted me from my thoughts. I stared around the area in confusion. Did I just imagine that?

I stopped and looked towards the direction of the sound of the voice. My eyes widened in recognition after seeing who was calling out to me... 

It was the woodcutter brothers.

They seemed to be in the middle of their jobs.  However, since I've met them over the years, I am familiar with where they usually like to cut their wood, and this wasn't the area where they ordinarily worked. Rather, it was quite far and out of their usual way. Why are they here?  I mean, do they need me or something?

"That was bad." One of the brothers suddenly told me.

I gave them a confused look, "Huh?"

"I mean, us leaving you behind and escaping on our own..."

"You were super strong.  We underestimated you.  You did great, beating that Majin all on your own!"

I was taken aback by what the woodcutters said, and it was hard for me to settle my thoughts, and so I replied in a daze, "Huh? Um, thanks."

It was a little embarrassing and frankly, I did not know how I should react in a situation like this. After all, these guys who were now giving me praises used to look down on me.

Did they just call me over to say that?

I began to notice the slight change in the demeanor of the brothers and started to suspect that perhaps they didn't want to just compliment me but they also seemed to have a different purpose. They called me over, and when I was near enough pointed at something, "Ah, well, maybe this is something you might like..." One of them said to me.

"T-This is a sword scabbard, isn't it?" I exclaimed as I stared at the wooden material.

The brothers stared at me sheepishly before one of them answered, "Well, it's our hobby.  We take wood scraps and make them into various things.  When we saw you last time, you had that weapon just hanging on your back, so we thought this would be useful for you.  It's a small gesture of apology from us, we wanted to say sorry for abandoning you..."

"We chose a form and size that is close to what we think you needed, but if it doesn't suit you, you can just throw it away.  Do whatever you like with it." The two brothers tried to shrug it off, but I could sense from their actions they were hoping I would accept their gift.

I held out my hand to receive it, "Thanks..."

I was truly dumbfounded by these fellows' unexpected behavior. Their actions truly caught me off-guard and I still feel awkward responding to them, but they were surprisingly nice guys.

Anyhow, I took the scabbard, and placed my rusted sword inside of it. As soon as I slid the sword in, I was surprised by how well it fit. It seemed like it was specifically designed for my sword. The brothers were right; it would truly be easier for me to move with this onhand. Another advantage would be that no one will be able to see my beat-up sword.

Once again, I hung the sword on my back and parted ways with the woodcutters.

Because it was now easier for me to move, I broke out into a run and dashed through the forest at full speed.

My goal was to reach the town of novice adventures; 'Milkrond'.

I'm certain that I'm going to pass the test and become an adventurer.

Finally, my adventure story was beginning!

-To be continued