At the village entrance, Mixarnt stood surrounded by the generous gifts from the villagers, his deep blue eyes widened with humble gratitude. The kindness of the elven community, led by Elder Timothy’s cheerful encouragement, filled him with a deep sense of belonging. Elves gathered to give Mixarnt supplies and essentials for his journey. Overwhelmed, Mixarnt turned to Timothy and said awkwardly, "E-Elder, isn’t this too much?"
"Nonsense, child! You’ll need these things!" Timothy replied with a hearty laugh.
The Elvedorian royalty, dressed in their finest, gathered around Mixarnt to say their goodbyes. Nica stepped forward, her voice gentle. "Let’s meet again when I’m 16," she said, making a pinky promise with Mixarnt. Queen Edea, though regal and composed, looked at him with tender emotion.
"Nica, my dear," the queen said softly, "remember to listen to your tutors and guard your heart. Mixarnt, you carry a great destiny. May the blessings of the World Tree guide you on your journey."
King Elmon placed a firm hand on Mixarnt’s shoulder, his blue eyes warm yet filled with expectation.
Mixarnt said his goodbyes, putting the bag of supplies inside his dimensional pocket, an ability granted by Enigma. The elves were in awe at his newfound ability while Nica on the other hand could no longer hold herself back.
Just before Mixarnt could take his first step out of the village, a flash of movement caught his eye. Nica, her emerald hair flowing behind her like a waterfall, darted forward with pure determination. In a bold, impulsive move, she leaped into Mixarnt’s arms and pressed her lips to his in a passionate kiss. The sudden contact left Mixarnt breathless and stunned. The innocence and intensity of the moment overwhelmed him, making his head spin. It was his and Nica's first kiss, the emotions it stirred were undeniable. When Nica finally pulled away slowly, her cheeks were flushed crimson, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and vulnerability. "That’s our promise sealed," she said softly, her voice trembling but filled with conviction.
"Oh my~" Queen Edea giggled, clearly amused. King Elmon, on the other hand, stood there in shock.
"Y-you damn brat! Make sure you come back and take responsibility for stealing my Nica’s first kiss!" King Elmon shouted at Mixarnt, half-annoyed and half-serious. Elder Timothy and the other elves burst into laughter at the comedic yet heartwarming scene.
"I get it! I get it!" Mixarnt called back, running away with a blush and a grin as he waved farewell.
As Mixarnt hurried off, his laughter echoed through the village, blending with the cheerful chuckles of the elves. Queen Edea’s giggles softened into a warm, motherly smile, Nica waves with a wide smile and blush, while King Elmon’s irritation slowly turned into reluctant acceptance.
"Remember, boy," the king called after Mixarnt’s retreating figure, "you’d better keep that promise! My daughter deserves nothing less than your complete devotion!"
Elder Timothy, still smiling, raised a hand in farewell as Mixarnt disappeared into the forest. "May the road rise to meet you, young adventurer," he said, his voice carrying both wisdom and a touch of humor. "And may your love for Nica be as everlasting as the World Tree itself."
