Hero Of Harmony

Chapter 57: Lavender's Birthday

Nodding to Talis, I affectionately rubbed her head a little before quietly leaving the kitchen, heading toward the front door I exited the house and left the two women to rest. Hopping to the ground, I headed toward the pond in the distance, yet there was something different; beside the pond was a tarp covering a large amount of area as if it were concealing something, which it was.

Approaching the pond, or more specifically the tarp, grabbing it by the edges, before I lifted it and entered, I looked behind me at the tree house while activating [Heroes Gaze]; staring at the windows, I made sure Master wasn't taking a sneak peek as this had something to do with her birthday, and while there were a few things I had planned for today, this was one of two things that under no circumstance could be revealed.

After discerning no one was stalking me, I swiftly entered underneath the tarp, only to be embraced in darkness, though it did not affect my vision; my eyes were one of my strong points, after all. Looking around, I spotted a long white rug that led through several arches composed of various colored flowers; eventually, the white carpet stopped before a small, white, circular gazebo that was lined with even more flowers. Atop the gazebo on the roof was a small wooden statue of a tree with its roots engraved into the roof, connecting the two; though it may just look like a typical tree, it was modeled after the world tree.

Observing everything, I couldn't help but smile; after a few months of working, everything was just as I envisioned. The only thing missing were chairs for our friends and family, but the only family to me were Talis, Master, Trina, and my elder brother, who obviously wasn't here. While Master does have a family, it doesn't seem like she's been in contact with them for quite some time; at least, that's what I concluded after snooping around her bedroom.

"I got to hand it, Talis; these details are immaculate; no wonder it took her the entire night to finish." Remarked Alexander with awe as he closely viewed the markings that lined the edges of the gazebo.

Making sure everything was set, I did a last examination of the place before exiting from underneath the tarp and stepping back into the illuminated world. Since I didn't have to worry about this for the rest of the day, I decided to enter the forest and search for eggs; considering today was Master's birthday, it's only appropriate I make her favorite dish, though before I do that, I shall be taking a bath as I'm still filthy from last nights session.

Getting undressed, I hopped into the pond, and unlike usual, where I enjoy my time, I was somewhat on a time limit, so I cleaned myself within a few minutes before exiting the pond; once dry, I wore my clothes again and ventured out into the forest in search of eggs, mainly infertile eggs.

Walking through the forest, which I know like the back of my hand after living here for so long, I took in the beautiful scenery of nature, something I'll never manage not to find amazing. However, while I was somewhat aimlessly walking through the forest, I spotted a bear, not just your average bear, but a Runebear, whose massive frame was tearing trees from the ground as it walked through the forest.

As I glanced at the Runebear, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself; eleven years ago, such a creature could kill me easily, but now, it was the complete opposite; in fact, not a single creature within this forest is stronger than me. The strongest beast I've encountered was actually the Runebear when I was only five, and surprisingly yet unsurprisingly, I happened to meet it two months ago; it wasn't much stronger than when I first saw it, and while he did try to fight me after I gave him a good beating, he fled back to his den.

'Thankfully, this Runebear is a female; otherwise, there is a good chance I'd be forced into a fight.' Mused Alexander as he slowly approached the Runebear, who was rubbing her back against a large tree strong enough to withstand her might.