PHOENIX RISING (Book One In The Phoenix Hunter Series)

★CHAPTER 34★

The morning sun streamed through the window, painting the room in a warm, golden light.  I stretched, feeling a wave of energy wash over me as I sat up in bed.  The morning was a blur of activity – a quick shower, a bowl of cereal, a cup of coffee.

I glanced at the Eternal Blade, its gleaming surface reflecting the morning sun.  I hadn't even tried to wield it yet, the power of the Soul Weapon still daunting.

First, I donned the Eternity's Bulwark, the new armor I had acquired.  It was a beautiful set, crafted from blue, shimmering scales, each one pulsing with a faint, magical energy.  It felt light and comfortable, yet I could sense its immense power.

The Bulwark was a masterpiece, It was both stylish and practical, a shield against the dangers of the world.

I looked at myself in the mirror, the blue scales catching the light, my eyes gleaming with a new confidence.

I picked up the Eternal Blade, its hilt cool in my hand.  I was still hesitant to wield it, its power both alluring and intimidating.  I decided to hold off for now, to focus on my mission for today.

I checked my list.

- Meeting with Guild Master Kass.
- Furniture Shopping.
- Visit the orphanage.

I smiled.  The orphanage was the place I had called home for so long.  It was time to say hello to the people who had cared for me when I needed them most.

With a quick glance at the map on my hand, I set off towards the Order of the Sword Guild, the Bulwark making a subtle clinking sound as I moved.

I stopped by the orphanage, a modest, two-story building nestled in a quiet corner of the city.  It was a familiar sight, a place that held a special place in my heart.

I stepped inside, the familiar scent of cinnamon and wood polish filling my senses.  The building had a comforting feel, a warmth that radiated from the kindness of the people who lived there.

I spotted a group of women gathered in the common room, their faces familiar, their smiles welcoming.

“Aunt Sarah!  Aunt Emily!  Aunt Mary!” I called out, my voice filled with joy.

The women turned, their faces lighting up with recognition.

“Lucas!  It’s been so long!” Aunt Sarah said, her voice filled with warmth.

I hugged them all, feeling a wave of affection wash over me.  It was good to be home, even if it was just for a short visit.

“How have you been?” Aunt Emily asked, her eyes filled with concern.

“I’ve been good,” I said, my voice steady.  “Busy.  I’ve been on a few hunts.”

I didn’t tell them about the dungeon, the dangers, the near-death experiences.  They didn’t need to know.  All they needed to know was that I was fine.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Aunt Mary said.  “We’ve missed you.”

I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude.

“Where’s Mrs. Willow?” I asked, looking around the room.

“She’s in her office,” Aunt Sarah said.  “She’s been worried about you.”

I headed towards the office, the familiar smell of paper and ink filling the air.

Mrs. Willow, the head of the orphanage, was a kind, wise woman with an uncanny ability to understand people, a skill she called "empathy".  She had always been a source of comfort and support to me.

She looked up as I walked in, her eyes widening with surprise and relief.

“Lucas,” she said, her voice filled with warmth.  "It's good to see you, Lucas," she said, her voice a soothing balm to my soul.  "You've grown so much."

I looked into her kind eyes, a sense of peace washing over me.  I was not the same boy who had left this place months ago.  The dungeon had changed me, molded me, forged me into something new and stronger.

"I have," I said, a faint smile gracing my lips.  "I'm a hunter now."

She nodded, her eyes filled with pride.  "I knew you would be," she said, a soft smile touching her lips.  "You always had a thirst for adventure, a spirit that wouldn't be contained."
I sat down in front of her desk, the wooden surface worn and smooth, a testament to the countless conversations that had taken place there over the years.

“I’ve been on a few hunts, Mrs. Willow,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.  “I’ve been busy.”

She looked at me, her eyes filled with concern.  “Is everything alright?”

I hesitated,  my mind racing.  I wanted to tell her everything, to share my adventures, my triumphs, my fears.  But I knew that wouldn't be right.  The world of Hunters was a dangerous place, and I couldn't burden her with the weight of my experiences.

"I'm fine, Mrs. Willow," I said, forcing a smile.

She nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and sadness.  "That's good to hear.  But know that you're always welcome here, Lucas.  We care about you."

I felt a lump forming in my throat.  Her words were a balm to my soul, a reminder of the love and support that surrounded me.

"I know, Mrs. Willow," I said, my voice thick with emotion.  "Thank you."

There was a moment of silence, a shared understanding between us, a bond forged in the crucible of shared experiences.

she placed a hand on my arm, her touch a beacon of warmth and understanding.

"You've come so far, Lucas," she said, her voice filled with a quiet pride.  "I'm proud of the man you've become."

I felt a wave of emotion wash over me, a sense of gratitude, of love, of belonging.  I knew that this place, this orphanage, would always be a part of me, a constant in my life, a source of strength and comfort.

I pulled out a bag of gold coins, a small token of my gratitude, a gesture of my newfound prosperity.

"I'd like to give these to the children," I said, handing her the bag.  "It's not much, but I hope it helps."

Her eyes widened, a look of disbelief crossing her face.  "Lucas, this is a fortune!  You shouldn't..."

"It's fine, Mrs. Willow," I said, cutting her off. "I've got plenty more where that came from."

She smiled, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and pride.  "Thank you, Lucas.  This will mean so much to the children."

I felt a surge of satisfaction, a feeling of warmth that spread through my body.  I had done something good, something meaningful.

I stood up, the bag of gold coins in her hands, a symbol of my newfound wealth, a testament to my success.

"It's good to see you again, Lucas," she said, her voice filled with warmth.  "Take care of yourself."

I nodded, my heart swelling with emotion.

"I will, Mrs. Willow," I said, my voice barely a whisper.  "I'll see you again soon."

I walked out of the office, a wave of nostalgia washing over me.  I headed towards the common room, where the other women were waiting.

I gave each of them a gold coin, their faces lighting up with surprise and delight.

"Thank you, Lucas," Aunt Sarah said, her voice filled with gratitude.  "This is very kind of you."

I smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.  I had come full circle, returned to the place where I had found love and support, the place that had helped shape me into the person I was today.

With a final wave, I turned and left the orphanage, my steps light.
....