The morning haze still drifted lightly over the fields when Kael awoke with an odd sense of restlessness. He sat up on his narrow cot, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The faint fragrance of dew-drenched grass seeped through the cracks in the wooden walls of the cabin. Something in the air felt different, charged.
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stretched, his muscles aching pleasantly from the previous day's training. Ever since Elder Meren had hinted at an upcoming challenge, Kael's mind had been racing. Today felt like the day something would shift.
Outside, the village stirred. The rhythmic thump of millstones turning, distant laughter from the market square, and the chirping of birds weaving through the dawn mist—everything seemed sharper to him today.
Kael quickly donned his tunic and boots, fastening the leather cord around his waist. His hand instinctively brushed over the small pouch at his hip. Inside, the fragment of the Verdant Core pulsed faintly, as if echoing his anticipation.
As he stepped outside, a familiar figure approached him—Lira. Her auburn hair was pulled back, and her green eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Kael, you're up early," she remarked, offering a small smile. "You felt it too, didn't you?"
He nodded, his lips tugging into a grin. "Yeah. Something's coming. I don't know what, but it's close."
Lira's gaze dropped to the pouch at his waist, her brows furrowing slightly. "Is it the Core? Is it reacting again?"
Kael hesitated before answering. "It's... humming. Like it's calling to something. Or someone."
Before Lira could respond, a deep voice interrupted them. "Kael. Lira. To the gathering hall. Now."
Elder Meren's silhouette emerged from the mist. His long gray robes fluttered slightly in the breeze, and his staff tapped against the ground with steady authority. His expression was grave.
Without a word, Kael and Lira followed him through the village paths, their boots crunching softly on the gravel. The other villagers were already assembling near the hall. Faces young and old wore the same mixture of apprehension and excitement.
Inside the hall, torches flickered against the stone walls. Elder Meren climbed the dais at the center, lifting his hand to silence the murmurs.
"Today," he began, his voice echoing clearly, "marks the beginning of a new era for our village and for those chosen to wield the fruits of the Verdant Core."
A ripple of surprise ran through the crowd. Kael felt his heartbeat quicken.
"For generations, we have safeguarded the remnants of the Verdant Tree," Meren continued, his gaze sweeping over them. "But the time has come to awaken its true power. The Core has begun its call, and it seeks its Reapers."
A hushed silence fell.
"Those who are called will embark on a journey beyond these lands. To claim mastery over the fruits and bring balance once more to the realms."
Kael swallowed hard. His fingers unconsciously clenched the pouch tighter.
Meren's eyes landed directly on him. "Kael. Step forward."
Every eye turned toward him. For a brief second, Kael felt his breath catch. He willed his feet to move, crossing the hall to stand before the Elder.
"You have been chosen by the Core," Meren declared. His voice held no doubt, only certainty. "Your affinity and resilience mark you as one of the Fruit Reapers."
A mixture of shock and pride swirled in Kael's chest. Lira gave him an encouraging nod from the crowd, her smile warm.
Meren raised his staff. From the top, a shard of green crystal shimmered and a soft glow spread across Kael's chest. He felt a gentle warmth wash over him.
"Prepare yourself," Meren said quietly, so only Kael could hear. "Your journey will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine."
By midday, the village had gathered for the departure ritual. Lira approached Kael by the edge of the square, pressing a small, worn amulet into his palm.
"For luck," she murmured.
Kael squeezed her hand in return. "I'll come back. With answers."
As the sun broke through the last of the morning haze, Kael set off down the winding path that led beyond the village. Behind him, the call of the Verdant Core thrummed steady and sure, guiding his steps into the unknown.