"Edlin was very confused because, in an unknown village, a stranger told him, 'Edlin, you have finally arrived.'"
"Edlin says unwillingly"
Edlin - Do you know me?
That man was deeply shocked and says,
Man - What are you saying, Edlin? Of course I know you — how can you even ask that? And Dong... where is he?
Edlin steps back slightly and says,
Edlin - Who's Dong? Wait—before you say anything else, let me tell you: I don't know you, and I don't know Dong either. And even if I ever did... I don't remember. I've lost my memory. The only thing I know... is my name.
Man - You've lost your memory? Oh no... And who is this with you?" He pauses, then nods. "Alright. First, you must meet your father. He's injured right now. You—whoever is with Edlin—please come as well. This way.
"Edlin became happy upon hearing about his father his father, but was also sad to hear that his father is injured"
"When both of them were heading toward his father after entering the village, all the villagers were looking only at Edlin and Albert, as if they had been waiting eagerly for them."
"And then they reached a house that looked less like a home and more like a headquarters."
"When they go inside, they see a man lying down — he looked as if he had just returned from war."
"The man lying down was none other than Edlin's father."
"Edlin's father's eyes immediately turned to his son, and upon seeing him, he made a face that showed he had been waiting for Edlin for a very long time."
'Then his father says "
Father - Son, you're here, but where have you been all these days?'"
"Tears welled up in Edlin's eyes because, although he was good at fighting, he had endured so much these days. And how young was he? He was still a young man, just beginning to mature. When he saw his father and heard him call him 'my son,' Edlin couldn't hold it in any longer and started to cry."
"Seeing Edlin cry, his father understood that something must have happened to his son. He called Edlin to him, pulled him close, and embraced him."
Father - I don't know what happened to you, son, but seeing you, I can feel your pain. Tell me, what happened?
"Edlin tells his father everything from the beginning, and hearing it, his father becomes a little sad."
Father - Son, the orcs attacked this village, and that's why I sent you and Dong for help. But I'm sure you were attacked on the way. But who could have done it? And then, look at fate — those orcs fled from here and attacked the village. The ironic thing is, you ended up meeting the orcs who had fled, and you killed their chief .
But son, you've lost your memory, and there's no sign of Dong. You made it to White Castle, but with Commander Zack—and this is Albert with you, right? Don't ask me how I know you, because I've been to White Castle many times. How could I not recognize its great warrior? In any case, Sir Albert, I will never forget your kindness.
"Albert, upon hearing this, expresses great surprise and says:"
Albert - Oh, it's nothing like that. If someone weaker is in trouble, it's the duty of the strong to help—and that's all I did. Anyway, I'll leave you and Edlin alone now, so you both can talk peacefully with each other .
Father - Thank you very much. And yes, I'll talk to you later—please rest for now.
"He then calls one of his men and tells him to show Albert a place to rest and to take good care of him."
"Albert leaves, and now only Edlin and his father are left in the room."
Father - My son—do you not remember anything at all, not even my name?"
Edlin - No Father , I am sorry .
Father - Son, my name is Strider. Listen, my son—we came here 14 years ago, when you were just one year old. Your mother passed away when you were born. We came here, and seeing our condition, the villagers gave us a home. They gave us food, and that's why I gave everything I had to drive away the orcs. I trained you from childhood, taught you how to fight. Along with you, there were three other children whom I trained. And today, seeing you like this, I feel deeply ashamed. I had made a promise to your mother that I would always keep you safe… and today…
Hearing this, Edlin lowers his gaze. His eyes, once burning with questions, now fill with a heavy silence.
Father - Edlin… you know, if I wanted to, I could have wiped out those orcs in a single blow. But I had to hide my past. I had to hide who we really are… because you and I—we're not ordinary people.
We have a purpose, a destiny far greater than this village, greater than anything you've known. That's why I trained you from the very beginning. Not just to survive… but to be ready. For what's coming.
Edlin's shoulders sink under the weight of truth. His voice is soft, filled with confusion.
Edlin - Father… but I don't remember anything. Nothing. Not the training, not my childhood—nothing at all.
How am I supposed to do anything… without my memories? All those years you spent preparing me… they're just shadows in my mind now.
(He clenches his fists, eyes filled with frustration and helplessness)
"I want to believe you. I want to fight. But how do I become the person you raised me to be… when I don't even remember who that is?"
Strider (gently):
Strider - It's alright, my son. For now, just rest. Stay here for a few days—maybe some of your memories will return with time.
And even if they don't… I have a way. There is a cure. But first, you need to regain your strength. Meet your old friends—the ones you trained with since childhood. And yes, go see your sister… your sworn sister. She's been waiting for you too."
(He places a hand on Edlin's shoulder, firm but kind)
"Very soon, we'll need to act. We must find Dong. He's out there… and time is not on our side."
And so, father and son spent the rest of the day talking—sharing everything they had missed. For Edlin, this was everything. After losing his memory, this was the first time he had truly spoken to someone who felt like home.
He didn't want to leave. Not yet.
Strider, still wounded, needed care, so Edlin stayed by his side—cooked with him, ate with him, helped him rest. For the first time he felt grounded… like he belonged.
Night fell gently over the village, stars shimmering above like silent witnesses to their reunion.
Then suddenly—
a voice from behind. Soft, but urgent. Familiar.
Amber - Brother! Where have you been?"
Edlin turned. There she was—Amber, his sworn sister. Her eyes wide with a mix of relief and scolding, tears brimming.
To be continue...