The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 46.1
“Huh?”
Rock held the ceremonial attire prepared for the coming-of-age ceremony.
“But there were weapons, armor, and hunter gear prepared…”
“You were planning to officially register after the ceremony, right? That’s why Dad left it there as a gift. When he woke up and saw that both the clothes and you were gone, he thought something was up and rushed to the venue with the clothes. And when he saw you proudly participating in the hunter gear, he came back heartbroken.”
“No way… He thought this outfit suited me…”
“Did you think he prepared that sword just for that? You should know if you’ve been using it.”
Rock was deeply shaken by the truth and listened to his mother tell stories about him from childhood. He couldn’t remember if he had forgotten or if his defiance towards his father had buried those memories, but he had indeed worn cute, frilly clothes when he was little. And there was even a time when he had asked to wear pants.
Rock fell silent. Now, he didn’t know what to say to his father.
“Rock, your father’s at the workshop. Rock just went to check, so you should be able to go in now.”
“Come on, Rock, let’s go.”
Vanessa pulled Rock’s hand, who couldn’t move on his own.
“Rock, where are the others?”
“V-Vanessa. There’s a tense atmosphere between Mergin and Dad.”
“Huh?”
When Rock unlocked the door to the workshop, his father was glaring at Mergin.
“Ah, perfect timing. Go call Rock for me.”
While Dad glared at him, Mergin remained as calm as usual.
“Mergin, we’re not done talking.”
“I don’t think we’re done either, old man. But seeing is believing. Rock, do you have any logs for test cutting?”
“Y-Yeah, we do. But what are you planning?”
“I want to show them Rock’s future potential.”
“His future potential?”
“Yeah, what he’ll be capable of. I think you’ll see soon.”
At that moment, Vanessa brought Rock over. Shortly after, Cisco, Iris, and Rock’s mother arrived as well.
“Rock, show them your strength. Can you double it?”
“Mergin…”
“What’s with that face? If you keep that up, your father’s just going to stay worried. Show him how you’ve grown and the strength you’re aiming for.”
“Mergin, I… I’ve made mistakes…”
“Forget about that and just do it. That’s how you take responsibility for what you’ve done.”
“Take responsibility…”
“Showing your growth is the duty of a child. Listen, you’ve got one shot to double it. If you mess up, you might not just break your sword, but you could even hurt yourself. So focus on visualizing every move.”
“But…”
“Believe in yourself! You can do it!”
Mergin shouted, filling Rock with determination.
“Alright. Watch me, Dad.”
Rock set up the log, and Rock readied his sword, focusing intently. His father watched, holding his breath.
“Hah!”