The sky darkened, giving off a very disturbing feeling. Over a small and somewhat peaceful town, it was stationed, attracting all attention.

"It is happening," says an elderly man, the Chief. His expression quickly switched from worried to stern.

"Ready the troops," he ordered one of his followers, "If we must die, we will die fighting,"

Lightning sparks occasionally appeared in the dark sky, some bigger than others. They had several colors and were growing in size with every passing time.

A thunder crack resounded followed by the blinding light of missive lightning that struck the earth for an abnormally long period. Out of the lethal light, several figures appeared. None looked friendly, no, they didn't even look human.

Few of them were at least 7 feet tall, with bluish skin. Their eyes glowed profoundly, proof of how powerful they must be. Each one of them had weapons of different kinds and sizes, weapons that were created for the sole purpose of killing.

They majestically invaded, destroying everything on sight, living or non-living. The chief and his soldiers fearlessly charged forward, attacking with everything they had. These men are well trained, equipped, and ready for any battle, however, they stood no chance, not against these new enemies.

The soldiers were overpowered and slaughtered like livestock. The town and those after received no mercy. Many died, the city was brought down to the ground, reduced to nothing.

Years later...

"You're not like many. You are not special, no, you are different and life will be tough, a lot harder, especially for you."

"Why, grandpa?"

"Well, let's just say, power is everything. There is no place for the weak,"

"Am I weak?"

"To many, yes, you are. You must train, train harder than most. To stand at the top, protect yourself and your loved ones, you must train like your life depends on it... because your life does depend on it...

Until I see proof that you can survive on your own, your exercise, with me as your mentor will never come to an end".

Every day, all his life, since the very day he could stand on his feet, Murdoc has been under strict discipline. Heath, a middle-aged man, made sure he never slacked, not once. Workouts of all kinds were introduced, some absurd to achieve but he didn't care. No matter how impossible each task might seem, Murdoc is obligated to achieve it, reaching each goal at all costs.

At age 14, Murdoc already has a well-defined body structure, none that is visible when he is in clothing.

"I think I am ready," he said, eager to leave this isolated lifestyle he's been in for so long.

"No, you're not."

"Oh come on grandpa. What is the worst thing that can happen?"

"You could get killed,"

Murdoc was not satisfied, he wanted to explore, go places, meet other people, make friends, and so on. Heath just won't let it. His reasons are starting to make less sense.

"That's all you keep saying... Maybe you're wrong. People can't be that bad,"

"But of course, they are... even worse,"

Having come to realize that Heath will not change his mind, Murdoc walked away, still dissatisfied. He strolled away from home, to the limit from which he is allowed to go. This area, though deserted, still has few individuals passing by.

He watched from the top of a very tall tree hiding among others of its kind. A group of Merchant mostly consisting of males was passing by. Of course, they did not notice the young boy, they couldn't, even If they tried. Murdoc had been ordered to never reveal himself, and so far, he's done a great job.

Birds' chirping resounded, giving a cool feeling to the surroundings. That was until this happened...

*Squeeeaaakkk!!*

A huge creature having six eyes and eight limbs crawled out from under the ground, gazing lustily at the Merchants. They were petrified by fear, unable to flee even when they should have. They can not outrun it, and they know it.

The creature sped towards them at full speed, ready to devour as much as it could. However, out of nowhere, an unidentified object struck the beast, crushing its head under its force.

When the dust subsided, a rod could be seen already penetrated through the creature's head. This must be the object that had saved them.

Who was responsible? The Merchants could not tell. Regrettably, they won't be able to thank whoever this hero might be.

*Rattle!*

Murdoc swiftly exited the scene before he gets found out. Whenever he is not training, He aimlessly wanders around the woods. He's made friends with quite a few unique animals, and they have all gotten used to his presence. Sometimes, he gets rebellious and comes out of hiding for a few minutes and then runs back before Heath would notice his absence.

Most of these rebellious acts never went unseen. It seems Heath will almost always know his whereabouts… The old man is indeed, quite paranoid.

"You've misplaced it, haven't you?" questioned Heath.

Murdoc had used the wooden staff given to him by grandpa Heath against that six-legged creature and forgot to retrieve it.

"sigh, what will I do with you?" Heath facepalm while shaking his head. "You went outside,"

"No, I did not,"

"Don't lie to me, Murdoc," 

"No, I really did not!"

Heath never planned on keeping Murdoc in here forever. Some day, Murdoc will have to leave, and the time for that is closer than ever. 

"You will remain here until I say otherwise,"

"But_"

"No buts. If you hadn't been so stubborn, this wouldn't have happened,"

Murdoc stumped out in anger, accidentally ripping the door with a little pull in the process. Heath could only watch him walk away until he was out of sight. 

"It is almost time," he mumbled to him, "Maybe the earlier he goes out into the world, the better,"

Murdoc went to one of his usual resting spots, a higher ground that makes it easy to view far distances from his location, places he wished he could go to.

He sensed someone's presence, Heath came closer and sat beside him. 

"I have questions, questions you've refused to answer," spoke Murdoc; "Who are we hiding from?"

"It is a lot more complicated than that,"

"I don't believe it, not anymore. There is something you are not telling me. You keep saying the world is wicked, people are wicked, but haven't added more context to what you mean,"

Heath paused for seconds, trying to come up with something, anything meaningful. Of course, Murdoc isn't going to fall for lies, he's gotten past that age.

"I used to say… that you are not special,"

"That I must train very hard to survive, try harder than most. Yes, that is your common phrase," said Murdoc, who isn't interested in any pet talk.

"What does it have to do with why we are hiding?"

"I lied… 

...You are not special, but that is exactly what makes you special,"

"I… don't understand,"

Heath opened his mouth to speak, and that was when he felt it. A great chill ran down his spine. Something is here, or is on its way.

"Already?!" He exclaimed and quickly stood on his feet.

*KaBOOM!!*

A massive explosion incinerated a large expanse in the distance. The direction points to their home, a simple building that is now burning.

...We've been found?!

Rumors about a ragged guardian residing in the forest had been a common theme for nearby villages. Hunters who had ventured to that area can all testify. First, this story sounded absurd, maybe stupid, but over time, all who dared, came back with the same story; "The Ragged Guardian is real!"

Today, five experienced hunters who are like no other wanted to test their luck, have a good look at the so-called ragged Guardian, and maybe, take it down.

*KaBOOM!!* 

A huge explosion incinerated a large expanse, indiscriminately burning through everything. 

"No one is here," spoke one of them who had entered the burning house without getting burnt.

It took days for them to get to this point. The forest isn't that big, so it is unclear why the journey was that long. Nevertheless, they arrived, they reached a point no other hunter had achieve. 

How did they know the Ragged Guardian lives here? Does it even have a home? Why has no one ever discovered this place before?

"Spread out, our target is close by. I just know it," spoke the leading hunter.

This group of intruders took Heath by surprise. No one has reached this far into the forest. He had made that no one ever does.

"This is bad," Heath mumbled.

'If they can break through my illusion, then we are not safe,' he looked at Murdoc who is right beside him; 'He is not safe here,' he said inwardly. 

"Go hide," Heath casually walked towards the flame, activating an article of different clothing and a mask that covered every part of his face to help keep his identity a secret.

The infamous Ragged Guardian is no other than Heath himself. The forest is his home and he doesn't like visitors, especially hunters. The activated attire he is putting on does look like a rag, hence the name.

Two hunters caught sight of him confidently walking towards them. They can sense hostility emitting from him; this man is no Joke!

"I supposed it must be you?... I didn't see that coming" One of them said.

Heath moved so fast, that he blurred for a second. With the dagger he had pulled from under his cloth, he slit the throat of the first one, killing him in that instant.

"Don't expect to leave here alive," he said, his voice cold as ice.

This action took the other one by surprise, who then retreated two feet away while enchanting a spell. Fireballs materialized around him and without a moment's hesitation, he shot each of them at the masked enemy.

Anywhere the firewall hits lead to an explosion. Yes, this hunter is the one who had destroyed Heath's home, even nearby animals received a fatal blow… they are all dead. 

Heath nonchalantly deflected and dodged the flames shot at him, doing so while closing the distance between himself and his foe.

"Shit!" The hunter cursed loudly. He realized that his predicament is a lot worse than he expected.

*Ffffttt!!*

In a blink, Heath gave the hunter quick cuts and stabs in several parts of his body, especially the joints to immobilize him. 

"Please, don't kill me_"

Heath finished the job. The hunter felt no pain before he died. 

They say that very few who venture into the Ragged Guardian's territory never made it back alive. Well, that's because Heath killed them. Anyone who had ventured too close must not be allowed to spread the news of their findings. If his identity gets found out, he will kill to make sure that it doesn't spread out.

Unbeknownst to him, Murdoc did not flee. The young boy, for the first time, witnessed his grandpa's other side, a dark side he thought never existed.

After killing these men, Heath set out once again, to hunt down those who are still alive. They will surely regret ever stepping foot in the home of the Ragged Guardian.

*rattle!*

"Someone is here," 

"I can tell," 

One of the remaining two released spirit energy from his feet, gradually spreading it in different directions. This will help him detect the presence of any life form in a limited area.

His heart jumped as he finally sensed it. A person is hiding among the trees, no, there are two of them, and one has gotten too close for comfort.

Heath slashed the face of the first foe he caught up to, immediately charging to the second one. 

The last man reacted quicker than the rest. He had enough time to unsheath his blade from its scabbard and successfully threw a powerful swing that would have beheaded the Ragged Guardian.

*Swooosh!*

Heath was able to evade at the last minute, using one of the woods as a stepping stone. The hunter panicked a bit, but that did not hinder him from attacking a second time. However, he missed again, by an inch. Heath moved backward and then pushed forward again, he is bent on killing every last one of them.

"You persistent fool. You didn't think taking me down would be that easy, did you?" The Hunter sneered. But then, Heath's murderous intent intensified tenfold. Heath is finally revealing a bit of his true power.

The Hunter froze in fear. This must be hell, and Heath is the devil himself. They had messed with the wrong person, now he's going to pay for that.

All four Hunters were killed, no one received mercy… none.

"I told you to run, didn't I?" 

"..."

Murdoch came out of his hiding right after the last foe fell. He could not believe his eyes. The gruesome scene was unexpected.

"Are these bad people?" 

"Yes, very bad people," replied Heath. Initially, he had expected the intruders to be the old enemies who might, more or less, still be searching for him. That would explain what he meant by; 'Have we been found already?!'

It seems they are no longer safe here, not anymore, and will have to move to a different location. They cannot keep hiding forever, maybe this is the sign he needed, the wake-up call that's telling him it is time for Murdoc to grow by himself, without him around.

It's been almost a week since the slaughter of those Hunters had taken place. Heath tried to rebuild their home, he tried at least, but this building will never look the same again. He knows that for a fact.

A circular halo with strange figures appeared and out of it, Heath pulled out a staff. 

"Here," he said, handing the weapon to Murdoc.

Murdoc happily collected it, only for the weight of the object to be way more than what he expected. He had to kneel just trying to hold on to the wooden staff. 

How can a mere wooden object be so heavy? It is unnatural, makes no sense.

"As you can tell, this is no ordinary staff like the others you've used. I forged this one myself. It was created for you alone, my son,"

"I… can't… use… it,"

"Yes, you can. You just have to get used to its weight. If there is anyone who can do that, it is you," says Heath. He seems to be that confident in his son.

Murdoc added a few power outputs and lifted the object, but it remained unfit for battle.

"This will be your last exercise with me, and then, it will be time for you to venture out, and see the world for yourself."

Those words came as a surprise to Murdoc. Is grandpa being serious? Will I finally be able to leave?

"Your first goal is to adapt to that staff. Give it simple swings every day until you've gotten used to its weight and then we'll move on to the next stage,"

Yes, just as Heath had instructed, he used every minute of the day to adapt to the heavy weapon. He swung it up and down like a sword, motivated by the prospect of leaving the forest for the first time in forever.

*swoosh! swoosh!! swoosh!!*

He had spent hours, days, just repeating the same basic movements. Soon, he can't feel the usual weight of the staff in his possession. It almost feels like it is getting lighter with every swing. This just encouraged him to keep up with the good work.

Meanwhile, the old man named Heath had long since buried the hunters he had killed, he also reactivated the illusion spell he had imposed on the forest. This time, anyone who tries to invade again will only be walking in circles, endlessly repeating the same route over and over again. 

"Grandpa!" 

"Yes?"

"I did it!" says Murdoc; "I can lift it quite easily," 

Murdoc gave it a few swings, doing so with so much ease, you'll be deceived to think you can do the same.

"Is that so?" Heath did not seem impressed. 

"1.5 tons," he said, effectively making the staff heavy once again.

"What did you do?" 

"I increased its weight," replied Heath, "But here, it seems, it isn't enough,"

Even though the weight of the staff had increased, Murdoc is still able to hold on to it, albeit, with a bit of difficulty.

"2 tons."

The staff got even heavier, slightly pulling Murdoc to the ground.

"There, that's more like it," says Heath, who is now satisfied. 

"Your goal is to adapt to at least five tons, and then we shall begin your next phase,"

Of course, Murdoc was pissed by this; "Maybe… you should have led with that,"

Adapting to the staff proved far harder than the first. If Murdoc hadn't known better, he'll believe that Heath never wanted him to leave, hence, that's why he gave this impossible task just to pin him.

More days went by in a flash, Young Murdoc hardly moved too far from home, he simply had no time for that, not anymore.

Heath did not relax either, being on edge had resulted to that. He can not rest until he knows how much time he has left. If by any chance, the danger he feared the most is closer than ever, he'll have to speed up or suspend his grandson's training. 

"Do not for any reason, relent," he said.

"Where are you going, Grandpa?"

"I can't say, but I will be back in a few days,"

Heath left the forest for whatever reasons best known to him. He switched to a different attire before heading east. 

A flying creature landed on his arm. There is a letter that says; "I am there, where are you?"

Heath nodded in satisfaction and sent the flying creature away, increasing his pace also. Soon, he had covered many meters within hours, but the journey is yet to end.

Almost two days after his travel, Heath had reached a large town with its gates opened to all. He blended perfectly with the crowds just as he wanted, heading straight for an inn that is now a few feet away.

"It's been long since your last visit," says a woman. She is old but not quite there.

"Good to see too, Miss," Heath, disguised as a young man gave a slight smile as he extends his hand for a shake.

Just as their hands made contact, the woman left a small note with Heath. This was done do efficiently, no one noticed what had happened.

To look natural, Heath took at least, a cup of wine, doing so while taking a peek at the note…

["Meet me at the inner room,"] it says.

He remained stationed in the same position for a little more, before standing up and strolling towards a second entrance where he found a kid among other individuals who is seemingly too young to be in a place like this. 

"Took you long enough," the little kid said. 

"Why this form?"

"No one will suspect an innocent-looking boy,"

"First of all, you don't look innocent. The presence of an underage young boy in an inn is certainly going to bring no little attention."

"My bad, I guess," the little boy said, slightly regretting his choice.

"Why did you call for this meeting?... All is well, right?"

"For now, yes?"

"Now I'm worried," says Amo, the little boy.

"I will send him out soon," Heath spoke up, "It is about time,"

"I see… and why are you telling me this?"

"Because I'm gonna need your help… He is still too young and naive,"

"...yeah, that's the result of locking him up for so long,"

"I had to,"

"No, you don't. The kid has no magic. What is the worse that could happen?" 

"You know very well why I did what I did."

"sigh… Indeed, I do," Amo looked depressed. He could only imagine how hard it must have been for Heath.

"The time we have left is probably short. At any given time, another great war will begin. If will fail, it will be the doom of us all. All lifeforms will suffer from it," 

Their discussion lasted for a little more than an hour. Amo agreed to whatever Heath wanted.

"How soon?" He asked.

"Maybe in a year… or less depending on his progress,"

It was time for Heath to return home. He stood up and was about to walk away.

"Before you leave, could you help me with this?" Amo pulled out a wanted image of a man and slowly pushed it closer to Heath.

"What did he do?"

"Very bad things… You don't have to kill him if you don't want to. He is actually more useful alive than dead."

"I am not very good at keeping people alive, so no promises,"

"Trust me, I know that," says Amo, "Do what you can, then,"

. . . .

Murdoc has gone through a lot of survival strategies all his life, so he is quite independent without Heath around. He hunts his food, cooks his own meal, and fends off wild animals. These are one the things he is very good at.

It's been days now since Heath left him behind and Young Murdoc isn't worried. It turns out that this is not the first time Heath has done this. Sometimes, he would travel, only to come back days or weeks later. Compared to that, this is nothing.

Murdoc's determination to adapt to the staff's new weight has him exercising himself none stop. It would indeed, be nice if he can finish this, at least, before Heath's return.

"Hmm?"

He noticed a little creature running towards him, seemingly terrified. It is a squirrel, or looks like a squirrel, except for the blue color of its fur.

"Are you lost, little one?" He said.

*Chirp! Squeak! SWuick!* says the Squirrel, pointing in the opposite direction.

It is unclear how, but Murdoc understood every word it said…

"Where?" He questioned, the expression on his face is completely stern at this point.

"SQwick!" says the Squirrel in reply.