Ange's Home

Ange followed his memories, setting out from the north of River Bay City and traveling along a road specifically leading to Oak Bay. Oak Bay was named for its abundant oak trees, which were not only important natural resources but also produced acorns, a valuable food source. The wood from the oak trees was strong and durable, making it excellent material for shipbuilding and construction. However, most of the oak trees in Oak Bay belonged to the local nobles, and commoners were not allowed to cut them down freely, though picking acorns was permitted.

Oak Bay was the territory of a Viscount, and Ange clearly remembered the Viscount's strict management of the oak trees. Nevertheless, every year when the acorns ripened, people from the surrounding areas would flock to Oak Bay to gather them. Acorns could be eaten directly or used to make wine. The acorn wine from River Bay City was renowned for its unique flavor.

Ange's father also brewed some acorn wine every year. For their family, acorn wine was not only a delicious treat but also an important means of trading for food in years with poor harvests. Ange recalled his father's busy figure in the wine cellar, his heart filled with warmth and nostalgia.

The scenery along the way felt familiar and comforting to Ange. The oak trees in the fields were lush, the acorns were almost ripe, and the air was filled with a faint fruity aroma. Ange rode his horse, leading an ox and a nag, and moved forward with a cheerful heart. Although he had been away from home for over five years, everything felt so familiar, as if he had never left.

Ange led the ox and the nag, unable to move quickly, so he could only amble along the road to Oak Bay. Along the way, he encountered some residents of Oak Bay, and some even offered to ride his ox and nag. Ange politely declined these requests. He wore leather armor and carried a weapon at his waist, dressed like a warrior, a getup that made most people keep their distance. Even so, the people of Oak Bay seemed unfazed and wanted to borrow his ox and nag, which surprised Ange a little. However, he didn't think too much about it and continued at his own pace.

As dusk deepened and the sun began to set, Ange finally arrived at Oak Village just before nightfall. Oak Village was a small settlement within Oak Bay, and most of the houses in the village were built of wood. Ange dismounted, led the ox and the nag, and followed the path from his memory towards his home. His house was a wooden cabin. Although it wasn't built with oak, ordinary wood was sturdy and durable enough.

Ange stopped in front of a slightly dilapidated house. Although the exterior looked old, the house was surrounded by a fence made of long wooden poles. There was a pile of straw next to the yard, and a large stone mill. These familiar sights filled Ange with a sense of comfort. The wooden door and windows in front of the house, though faded, were still solid and reliable.

He paused, took a deep breath, and savored the scent of his hometown. Despite everything he had been through, this was still his home. Ange tied his horse to the entrance, pushed open the yard gate, and walked in with the ox and the nag. Inside the courtyard, the ground was clean, and a few fruit trees swayed gently in the breeze, creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Ange moved as gently as possible, walked to the front door, and knocked softly. After a moment, a young girl opened the door. She looked at Ange outside, and asked with a hint of confusion, "Who are you, and what do you want?"

Looking at the young girl before him, Ange felt a surge of tenderness. He guessed that this girl must be Ange's younger sister, Aisha. Ange said gently to Aisha, "Aisha, take a closer look and see who I am."

Aisha didn't react at first, wondering how the person at the door knew her name. She retorted, "Who are you? How do you know my name? I don't know you."

Ange moved a little closer and continued, "Aisha, look again and see who I am." As Ange approached, Aisha looked at his face, finding it increasingly familiar. Suddenly, Aisha exclaimed, "Ange, Ange! It's you, Ange!"

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

A moment later, a middle-aged woman emerged from the house, her face filled with surprise and emotion. Seeing Ange standing at the door, her eyes immediately welled up with tears, and she choked out, "Ange, is it really you?"

Ange nodded, his voice also a little choked, "It's me, Mom. I'm back."

His mother excitedly rushed forward and hugged Ange tightly, unwilling to let go. Tears streamed down her face as she repeatedly murmured, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

Ange's father and younger brother also came out. Seeing Ange, they were both surprised and delighted. Ange's father stepped forward, clapped him on the shoulder, and said in a deep, emotional voice, "Ange, welcome home."

The house was soon filled with laughter and joy as everyone gathered around Ange, listening to him recount his experiences abroad. Ange felt an immense sense of warmth and happiness. He knew that no matter how many storms he weathered, this would always be his harbor. That evening, the whole family sat together, enjoying their long-awaited reunion.

Although the dinner was simple black bread and thick soup, Ange ate with exceptional relish. The taste of home felt incredibly warm. After dinner, the family sat together, and Ange presented the gifts he had prepared for his parents and siblings.

First, Ange took out a Water Gathering Rune Board and handed it to his mother, explaining, "This rune board can be placed on top of the water tank. Just lift the pin on the rune board, and it will automatically gather water into the tank." His mother's face lit up with a surprised smile, and she looked at Ange gratefully.

Next, Ange took out a warm light stone the size of a fist and handed it to his father and mother, saying, "Hold this warm light stone in your hand when it's cold, and it will warm your body. I know you both work hard and often feel the cold, so this stone can help you." His parents accepted the warm light stone, looking at Ange moved, tears glistening in their eyes.

Then, Ange took out a metal short knife for his younger brother, Aida. Upon seeing the short knife, Aida exclaimed excitedly, "Brother, this is so cool! Thank you!" He held the short knife carefully, his eyes filled with admiration.

Finally, Ange presented an exquisite butterfly hairpin to his younger sister, Aisha. Aisha took the hairpin and jumped for joy, "Brother, this is so pretty! Thank you!" She immediately clipped the hairpin into her hair and happily showed it off to everyone.

In addition, Ange produced a bag containing 100 gold varks and handed it to his mother, saying, "Mom, this is for you. You can use it to improve our lives." His mother took the money bag in surprise and looked at Ange gratefully.

Ange also gave Aida and Aisha one gold vark each. However, these two gold varks were soon confiscated by their mother, who smiled and said, "We'll keep this money safe and use it when you need it."

Ange also told his father that he had bought an ox and a nag in River Bay City. After speaking, he led his family outside to see the ox and horse he had purchased. Aisha and Aida jumped for joy upon seeing the ox and horse, running around them excitedly. Ange's father, Baron, carefully examined the ox and said, "This ox is not bad. It's a bit old, but it can still work. Our farm work isn't too heavy, so it's sufficient." He then looked at the nag and frowned, "It's hard to tell the quality of this nag, but it should be usable."

Ange rubbed his head and smiled, "Don't worry, Father, they'll both be helpful." He smiled with satisfaction, feeling particularly content watching his family so happy with the new livestock.

Seeing that it was getting late, his mother said to Aida and Aisha, "Alright, stop pestering your brother with questions. He's tired from his journey, let him rest."

Ange and Aida shared a room. The house had a total of four rooms: one for the parents, one for Ange and Aida, and Aisha had her own room. Hearing his mother's words, Ange also felt a bit tired and said to everyone, "Okay, Mom, I am indeed a bit tired. I'll go rest now."

Aida excitedly followed Ange, asking as they walked, "Brother, have you met many powerful people outside? Will you teach me how to use the short knife too, okay?"

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

Upon reaching the room, Ange lay down on the familiar bed, his heart filled with warmth and peace. Aida lay beside him, excitedly chatting with Ange. Before long, he fell into a deep sleep, comforted by his brother. Ange looked at his sleeping brother, feeling a sense of relief and happiness.

Everything in the house felt incredibly familiar and warm to Ange. He knew that no matter how many challenges and storms lay ahead, this would always be his sanctuary, his deepest reliance.

Ange also fell into a deep sleep. The warmth of home made him completely relaxed. The soft touch of the bedding and the faint scent of wood in the room lulled him into a dream within minutes.

After Ange fell asleep, in a dimension invisible to the naked eye, with each breath he took, the elements in the air began to slowly converge into his body. These elements, like invisible streams, entered Ange's body with every breath and circulated within him.

These elements gathered within Ange's body, as if responding to some latent power. They flowed through his meridians, nourishing his body and soul. Ange unconsciously absorbed these elements, his breathing gradually stabilizing, and his complexion appearing more serene.

In his dream, Ange seemed to return to the training grounds of Tan'anster, where he wielded his weapon, performing various combat techniques and magic. His comrades around him applauded and praised him. He felt the power within him constantly growing, his movements becoming more fluid and forceful.

Immersed in the embrace of home, Ange continued to absorb elements from the air, his body and soul undergoing subtle yet profound changes. These changes laid a solid foundation for his future challenges and adventures.

The night was quiet, and moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over the entire room. In this tranquil night, Ange found long-lost peace and a sense of replenished strength.