After Adolf agreed, the old man chuckled and said confidently:"I knew you would."
Then, with a sly grin, he added:"Now, I want you to hunt a bear."
"What?!" Adolf exclaimed, stunned.
The old man burst into laughter."I'm joking. At least, for now. But there are some sheep grazing up in the mountains. Bring me two."
Adolf returned home and found Charles and Yasmin in deep discussion.
"What's going on?" he asked.
Charles replied, "Ayloul hasn't returned from the teaching office since morning."
Adolf's expression changed. He asked for the location—it was in the village center, near the blacksmith's shop. Without wasting a moment, he ran.
Ten minutes later, he arrived and was met with a sickening sight.
A group of boys tying Ayloul's hair to a tree, laughing cruelly.
Adolf charged. They scattered like rats. He freed Ayloul's hair and then dashed after the leader—the one radiating authority.
He tackled him, slamming him to the ground, and beat him to the edge of unconsciousness.
**
That's when a man appeared—mid-forties, broad-shouldered, dressed like a wealthy merchant.
"Enough!" he barked.
He lunged at Adolf, but Adolf dodged, pulling out his wooden training sword.
He struck the man on the head, but the man caught the sword with his bare hands.
A martial artist. Adolf realized from the man's solid footwork.
Adolf tried to leap and kick, but the man hurled the sword back.Adolf dodged—only to be kicked hard in the abdomen, sent flying across the ground.
**
Before the man could finish it, heavy footsteps approached.
The old man had arrived.
**
The man sneered:"Come to defend your boy, old man?"
The elder stood firm:"No. I came to teach a fool a lesson… in respect."
**
He revealed a simple wooden blade and stepped forward calmly.
The man attacked, punch aimed at the old man's face.
The old man didn't even blink. Just tilted his head slightly.
The punch missed.
A soft palm strike to the shoulder, then another to the ribs, and finally, a sharp tap under the ear.
The man collapsed—instantly.
**
Silence blanketed the square. Everyone stood still.
Ayloul clung to Yasmin. Charles said nothing.
The old man spoke aloud:"Anyone who raises a hand to a child is a beast. And those who watch silently… are worse."
Then he looked at Adolf."See the difference? You rely on anger to fight. I only need clarity."
"Now get up. You've got a mountain to climb. And two sheep waiting before sundown."
Adolf rose. Despite the bruises…He smiled.