The Water Magician (水属性の魔法使い)

Okay, it should be ready.

Can I, Master?

Go on.

Wow, really?!

You're amazing, Master. You've been working the forge for half the day, right?

But you're not even tired!

Making quality things requires persistence in your efforts.

Dad, I'm back.

Hey, welcome home.

Your mother's getting dinner ready, so go and give her a hand.

All right!

I'm home, Mom!

Welcome back.

Let me start the fire.

Sure, if you would.

Burn.

It's ready!

Thank you, Oscar.

All done!

They're amazing!

Oh, are they finished?

Dad!

Is he coming in handy?

My process has gotten noticeably more efficient with Oscar controlling the heat.

Your boy is impressive.

Good to hear.

If you're not opposed, Sna, I'd like Oscar to have this one.

Are you sure?

He's already six.

Turning seven soon, right?

He's already practicing, so I don't think it'd hurt.

It's a little bit lighter than one for an adult.

My very own sword...

How is it?

Fantastic! Thank you, Master!

Good. That went well.

Were you scared, Oscar?

I'm fine, Mom.

That was impressive, Oscar.

This is the first time you've struck prey, isn't it?

I would've rather fought with my sword.

My master made one just for me and all.

That'll have to wait.

Now come. Let's get this home.

We'll have a feast tonight.

I see.

Bandits, huh? It's been six years, hasn't it?

Bassa spotted them.

He thinks they're scouting the village.

When's he think they'll strike?

Within the next few days.

The problem is their numbers. It's a group of over fifty.

That's so many. But there's no time to run...

Not that we have anywhere to go in the first place.

Yeah. We'll have to fight.

Close in! Take the fight to them!

Damn it!

They're wising up. Let's move.

I want you all to hide at Schu's house.

What about you, Dad?

I'm going to rendezvous with Rasan and head them off.

Don't worry. I've got one of the swords he made, remember?

Oscar, look after your mother.

I will!

Sorry about the wait! Here we come!

Mom...?

Burn!

Tough luck, boy. That's a fine sword, but it's a little much for you to handle.

Are you okay, Oscar?!

You bastard. How dare you...

How dare you?!

Boskona, we're pulling out.

It's way too early, Poche.

Move it. They're being drawn to the scent of blood.

Oscar!

This is horrible.

Oscar!

Are you all right? Are you hurt?

Master?

Listen to me, Oscar. There's a pack of wolves coming.

We need to flee.

But... Mom and Dad are gone.

I can't. I want to die...

Stop that! You have to live!

Why?!

Because that's what your parents wanted!

Make for the river, Oscar.

Wolves don't like water.

Master...

Run!

Master...

Are you awake now?

U-Um...

No need to force yourself up.

One of our villagers found you washed up at the edge of the river.

My name is Luke Rothko.

Since I'm retired at the moment, you may simply call me "Elder."

I'm... Oscar.

Oscar, my boy.

It seems you've been through quite an ordeal.

There are legends about red hair?

Yes, blazing crimson locks.

It's a symbol of the fire god's affection.

The old stories say being born with such hair means that you have the fire god's blessing.

Seeing yours made me think of it.

Perhaps it was fate that brought us together like this.

Elder, I don't have anywhere else to go.

If you don't mind...

Oscar.

If you're going to live in this manor, you'll be expected to receive an education.

We'll begin your studies as soon as you've recovered.

Yes! Of course!

Oh, and...

I'd like to learn... how to fight with a sword.

I want to get strong.

Elder!

You bastard!

Stupid brat!

Damn you!

A fine sword, but more than you can handle.

It's you!

Knights are inbound. We're leaving, Boskona.

Get a move on.

Bloody hell. You're always in a rush, Poche.

Damn it! We didn't make it in time.

Poche...

Boskona...

Sorry to call you away in the middle of the garden party.

No, it's quite all right.

I can never relax at these things.

I have to say, and maybe this is common for a lord's manor,