Ang's Home

Following his memories, Ang set out north from River Bay City and traveled along a road that led directly to Oak Bay. Oak Bay was named for its abundant oak trees. Not only were these oaks an important natural resource, but their acorns were also a valuable source of food. Oak wood was sturdy and durable, making it excellent for shipbuilding and house construction. However, most of Oak Bay's oak trees belonged to the local nobles, and ordinary people were not allowed to cut them down freely. Gathering acorns, on the other hand, was permitted.

Oak Bay was the territory of a viscount, and Ang clearly remembered how strictly the viscount managed the oak trees. Even so, whenever the acorns ripened, people from the surrounding regions flocked to Oak Bay to gather them. Acorns could not only be eaten directly, but also used to brew wine. River Bay City's Acorn Wine was famous far and wide for its unique flavor.

Ang's father brewed some Acorn Wine every year as well. For their family, it was not only a delicious treat, but also an important means of exchanging for food during years of poor harvests. Ang recalled the sight of his father busily working in the wine cellar, and his heart filled with warmth and nostalgia.

The scenery along the way felt deeply familiar to Ang. The oak trees in the fields were lush and green, their acorns nearly ripe, and a faint fruity fragrance hung in the air. Ang rode his horse while leading the ox and the nag forward in high spirits. Although he had been away from home for more than five years, everything still felt so familiar, as if he had never left.

Leading the ox and the nag, Ang could not travel quickly and could only make his way leisurely along the road to Oak Bay. Along the way, he encountered some Oak Bay residents, and some even asked to ride his ox and nag. Ang politely declined their requests. He wore leather armor with weapons at his waist, dressed like a warrior, and such attire kept most people at a respectful distance. Even so, the people of Oak Bay seemed not to care at all and still wanted to borrow his ox and nag. Ang found it somewhat surprising, but did not think too much about it and continued onward at his own pace.

As evening approached and the sun gradually sank westward, Ang finally arrived at Oak Village before night fell. Oak Village was a small village in Oak Bay, and most of its houses were built from wood. Ang dismounted, led the ox and nag, and followed the path from his memories toward his home. His home was a Wooden Hut. Though it had not been built from oak, ordinary timber was sturdy and durable enough.

Ang stopped before a somewhat dilapidated house. Though it looked old on the outside, long wooden poles enclosed the area around it. Straw was piled beside the yard, and there was a large stone mill nearby. These familiar sights made Ang feel a wave of affection. The wooden door and windows before the house had faded somewhat, but they were still strong and dependable.

He stopped and took a deep breath, taking in the scent of his hometown. Though he had gone through much, this was still his home. Ang tied his horse at the entrance, pushed open the yard gate, and led the ox and nag inside. The ground in the courtyard was clean, and several fruit trees swayed in the breeze. Everything was quiet and peaceful.

Ang moved as gently as possible as he walked to the door and lightly knocked. Before long, a little girl opened it. Looking at Ang outside, she asked in confusion, "Who are you? What do you want?"

Looking at the little girl before him, Ang could not help feeling a softness rise in his heart. He guessed that she was his younger sister, Aisha. Ang gently said to Aisha, "Aisha, look carefully. Who am I?"

Aisha did not react at first. She did not understand why the person at the door knew her name. She asked, "Who are you? How do you know my name? I don't know you."

Ang stepped closer and continued, "Aisha, look carefully again. Who am I?" As Ang approached, Aisha studied his face and found it increasingly familiar. Suddenly, she cried out, "Ang, Ang! You're Ang!"

With that, Aisha dashed into the house and shouted, "Mom, Mom, Ang is back! Come out and see!" Ang looked at Aisha with a fond smile and followed her inside.

Before long, a middle-aged woman came out from the house, her face full of surprise and excitement. When she saw Ang standing at the door, her eyes immediately reddened. Choking up, she said, "Ang, is it really you?"

Ang nodded, his voice also catching. "It's me, Mom. I'm back."

His mother rushed forward and embraced Ang, holding him tightly and refusing to let go. Tears streamed down her face as she kept saying, "It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back."

His father and younger brother also came out one after another. Seeing Ang, they were both surprised and delighted. Ang's father stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and said in a low, emotional voice, "Ang, welcome home."

The house was immediately filled with laughter and cheerful voices. Everyone gathered around Ang and listened to him speak of his experiences away from home. Ang felt incomparably warm and happy. He knew that no matter how much hardship he went through, this place would always be his harbor. That evening, the whole family sat together and enjoyed their long-awaited reunion.

Dinner was only simple dark bread and thick soup, but Ang found it especially delicious. The taste of home made him feel particularly warm. After dinner, the family sat together, and Ang took out the gifts he had prepared for his parents, younger brother, and younger sister.

First, Ang took out the Water Gathering Rune Board and handed it to his mother. He explained, "This Rune Tablet can be placed over a water vat. As long as you remove the pin on the Rune Tablet, it will automatically gather water into the vat." His mother smiled in delighted surprise and looked at Ang gratefully.

Next, Ang took out a fist-sized warm light stone and handed it to his father and mother. "When it's cold, holding this warm light stone will warm your body. I know your daily work is tiring and that you both get chilled easily. This stone can help you." His father and mother accepted the warm light stone, looking at Ang with emotion as tears glimmered in their eyes.

Then, Ang took out the metal short sword he had bought for his younger brother Aida. When Aida saw it, he cried out excitedly, "Brother, this is so cool! Thank you!" He carefully held the short sword, his eyes full of admiration.

Finally, Ang took out an exquisite butterfly hairpin and handed it to his younger sister Aisha. Aisha accepted the hairpin and jumped happily. "Brother, it's so beautiful! Thank you!" She immediately pinned it in her hair and happily showed it off to everyone.

In addition, Ang took out a bag containing 100 Gold Wack and handed it to his mother. "Mom, this is for you. You can use it to improve your lives." His mother accepted the money bag in surprise and looked at Ang gratefully.

Ang also gave one Gold Wack each to his younger brother Aida and younger sister Aisha. However, the two Gold Wack were quickly confiscated by their mother. Smiling, she said, "We'll keep this money safe and give it to you when you need it."

Ang also told his father that he had bought an ox and a nag in River Bay City. Afterward, he brought the family outside to see them. Aisha and Aida jumped with joy when they saw the ox and horse, circling around them without stopping. Ang's father, Baron, carefully walked around the ox and said, "This ox is not bad. It's a little old, but that won't affect its work. Our family's work isn't too heavy, so it'll be more than enough." Then he looked at the nag and frowned. "I can't really tell whether this nag is good or bad, but it should still be usable."

Ang scratched his head and smiled. "Don't worry, Father. They'll both be helpful." He smiled with satisfaction. Seeing how happy his family was with the new ox and nag made him feel especially fulfilled as well.

Seeing that it was already late, his mother said to Aida and Aisha, "All right, stop pulling your brother around and asking him questions. He's tired from the journey too. Let him rest."

Ang and Aida shared a room. There were four rooms in the house altogether: one for their parents, one for Ang and Aida, and one for Aisha alone. After his mother said that, Ang also began to feel tired. He said to everyone, "All right, Mom. I really am a little tired. I'll go rest first."

Aida excitedly followed behind Ang, asking as they walked, "Brother, did you meet lots of powerful people outside? Will you teach me how to use a short sword someday?"

Ang smiled and patted his younger brother on the shoulder. "Of course. Once I've rested, I'll teach you tomorrow."

When they reached the room, Ang lay down on the familiar bed, his heart filled with warmth and peace. Aida lay beside him, excitedly chatting with Ang. Before long, comforted by his older brother, he fell into a deep sleep. Looking at his sleeping younger brother, Ang felt a surge of relief and happiness.

Everything in the house made Ang feel incomparably familiar and warm. He knew that no matter how many challenges and hardships awaited him in the future, this place would always be his shelter from the storm and the deepest support of his heart.

Ang also fell into a deep sleep. The warmth of home relaxed him completely. The soft touch of the bedding and the faint scent of wood in the room carried him into dreams within minutes.

After Ang fell asleep, in a dimension invisible to the naked eye, the elements in the air slowly began to gather within his body with every breath he took. Like invisible streams, they entered Ang's body with each breath and flowed through him.

These elements gathered within Ang's body as if responding to some hidden power. They moved through his meridians, nourishing his body and soul. Ang absorbed these elements unconsciously, his breathing gradually becoming steadier and his expression more peaceful.

In his dream, Ang seemed to return to Tan'anster's training grounds. He wielded his weapon and unleashed various Combat Techniques and magic while his comrades applauded and praised him. He felt the strength within him continuously grow, and his movements became smoother and more powerful.

Ang remained immersed in the embrace of home, continuing to absorb the elements in the air. Both his body and soul were quietly changing. The changes were subtle, yet profound, laying a solid foundation for his future challenges and adventures.

The night was tranquil. Moonlight streamed through the window and spilled across the floor, covering the entire room in a soft glow. In this peaceful night, Ang found long-lost serenity and renewed strength.