Earlier that morning, Julius had faced his first real challenge outside the safety of his home. When a group of older children tried to bully Rika and Alice, he had stood his ground, unflinching and resolute. With calm courage and a touch of magic, he protected his new friends—drenching the bullies in harmless water spheres and sending them running in shock. That moment marked something profound: Julius wasn't just a prodigy learning spells; he was a boy discovering what it meant to be strong for others.
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a bright and warm glow over the village of Ralia. It was just before noon, the air carrying that familiar midday stillness, when the day feels heavy with anticipation of lunch. The open field shimmered with life—children's laughter rang out, mingling with the faint hum of cicadas and the gentle rustle of wind through tall grass.
Julius, Rika, and Alice ran together across the meadow, their small feet kicking up puffs of dust and wildflowers with every leap and chase. For Julius, this was more than a game—it was discovery. The world beyond his courtyard was vast and vibrant, painted with color and sound, filled with the kind of joy that no lesson or magic could teach.
Eventually, their laughter slowed. Alice tilted her head toward the sun, squinting slightly. "It's getting late… we should go home," she murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Rika groaned dramatically, kicking at the dirt. "Already? I was just starting to have fun!"
Julius chuckled softly, though a hint of disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Yeah… I guess it's time." He hadn't realized how fast time could slip away when his heart felt so full.
The three began walking back toward the village, chatting animatedly as they went. Rika spoke about life on the plains—about her mother's cooking, her mischievous little brother, and how she sometimes helped at the market. Alice told them about her home by the steppe pond, her father's hunting trips, and how she'd wait by the water's edge to guess what he would bring back.
Julius listened intently, every story a window into a world he'd never known. In return, he shared little tales of his own—his training, his love for learning, the quiet rhythms of life atop the hill—though he kept his magic a carefully guarded secret.
As they neared the residential edge of Ralia, Julius pointed proudly toward the slope. "That's my home," he said, his voice filled with simple pride. The house stood solitary atop the rise, its courtyard glimmering faintly in the sunlight.
Alice followed his gesture, then pointed toward her own home by the lower steppe. "Mine is over there," she said softly. Beyond the grazing cattle and the rippling pond, smoke curled from a chimney. "My father's a hunter—he tracks magical beasts in the nearby woods. Sometimes I try to guess what he's hunting before he comes home."
Julius's eyes widened in awe. "That's amazing! I can't even imagine chasing magical beasts like that!"
Rika laughed, then pointed toward a cluster of homes near the village market. "That's my house! My father's a soldier in the Vlamourian army. He's away most of the time, so it's just me, my mom, and my little brother."
Julius tilted his head thoughtfully. "A soldier, huh? That must be dangerous… and really exciting too!"
Rika puffed her chest with pride. "He's really strong. One day, I want to be just like him."
Alice smiled wistfully. "I have an older sister who studies magic in Styvia—one of the biggest cities in the kingdom. She says there are towers that touch the sky and streets lined with magic shops. The city glows at night because of enchanted lamps that light every corner."
"Styvia…" Julius repeated softly, the name rolling off his tongue like a promise. His imagination painted vivid pictures—tall towers, bustling markets, scholars cloaked in mystic light. "I want to see it one day too."
Alice nodded. "Maybe we all can. When we're older."
Rika clasped her hands together, her eyes shining. "Then it's a promise! The three of us will visit Styvia together someday!"
Julius smiled at the thought, but then his voice softened. "I wish… I had a sibling too. Maybe a little sister."
Alice giggled, tilting her head. "A little sister? Why not a brother?"
Julius puffed his cheeks playfully. "Because a little sister would be cuter!"
Rika burst into laughter, Alice joining her a moment later. Under that golden sky, their laughter rang pure and bright, the kind of sound that only children could make—innocent, fleeting, and full of promise.
Eventually, they reached the fork in the road where their paths would part. Julius waved energetically, his small hand gleaming in the light. "Bye, Alice! Bye, Rika! See you tomorrow!"
"Bye, Julius!" Alice called, waving both hands.
"Don't forget to come play again!" Rika added with a grin, giving a mock salute.
Julius smiled one last time before turning up the hill toward his home. As his figure grew smaller, the girls continued walking side by side, their voices low and full of excitement.
Rika blushed, whispering, "Julius is really cool, isn't he?"
Alice fiddled with her hair, eyes wide. "Mm… he's amazing. I've never seen anyone our age use magic like that."
Rika's gaze dropped, shy. "I… I wish Julius becomes my boyfriend one day…"
Alice's eyes widened. "W-what!? You can't just say that! I like Julius too!"
Both froze mid-step, crimson coloring their cheeks.
Rika puffed her cheeks. "No way! I said it first—so he'll be my boyfriend!"
"That's not fair!" Alice huffed. "Just because you said it first doesn't mean it'll happen. Julius will choose me!"
"Hmph! He'll pick me because I'm cuter!"
"N-no, I'm cuter—and kinder too!"
They glared at each other, tension crackling for a heartbeat, before dissolving into giggles.
Alice's eyes lit up. "Wait! What if… we both become Julius's girlfriend?"
Rika blinked, then grinned. "That… that could work! Then no one feels left out!"
Alice nodded eagerly. "Yes! And then we can play with him every day, together!"
The two girls clasped hands, giggling as they skipped down the path, their imagination painting a future far too big for their little hearts. The sun hung low, casting their shadows long and intertwined on the dusty road—three new friendships bound by innocence, dreams, and the first tender spark of emotion that neither of them yet understood.
And somewhere beyond the hill, Julius looked back once, smiling faintly at the memory of their laughter—unaware of how much this day, this friendship, would shape the destiny waiting quietly ahead.
———
The sun stood high above the hill, flooding the courtyard with bright, golden light. The air shimmered softly with the warmth of midday, and the gentle hum of cicadas filled the stillness. A pleasant breeze carried the scent of blooming grass as Julius's small feet crunched eagerly along the gravel path, his heart racing with joy. Today had been unlike any other—his first adventure beyond the familiar walls of home.
Bursting through the door, he called out before even removing his shoes.
"Father! Mother!"
Nicholas looked up from where he sat by the hearth, polishing his sword. His sharp gaze softened into curiosity. "Ah, Julius. You look… remarkably energetic. What has you in such a hurry?"
From the kitchen, Juliette appeared carrying a tray of fresh bread and a steaming bowl of stew. Her smile was gentle and knowing. "Julius, my dear, you seem absolutely radiant. Did something exciting happen today?"
Julius practically bounced into the room, his wooden sword clattering against the wall. His words tumbled out in an unstoppable rush. "I—I went outside today! Just like you said, Father! And I met so many people! And… I made not one, but two new friends!"
Nicholas chuckled softly, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Two friends, you say? That's wonderful, son. Who are they? Tell me about them."
Julius's grin widened until his cheeks nearly scrunched up. "Their names are Rika and Alice! They're so kind and fun! They taught me how to play tag—and we ran and laughed and—Father, there's so much to see outside!"
Juliette motioned for him to sit. "Then we'll hear every detail over lunch. Come, eat, and tell us everything."
The family gathered around the wooden table, the aroma of roasted vegetables and warm bread filling the room. Julius sat eagerly, his small hands clutching a piece of bread as he launched into his story.
"They showed me their homes!" he exclaimed between bites. "Alice lives near the pond with all the cattle! Her father's a hunter—he tracks wild animals and magical beasts! He's really good with a bow!"
Nicholas nodded thoughtfully. "A hunter, is he? Then she must know a great deal about the forest and its creatures. A valuable friend indeed."
"And Rika!" Julius continued, his voice bubbling with excitement. "She lives near the market square. Her father's a soldier in the Vlamourian army! But he's away a lot, so she stays with her mother and little brother. She says her father's really fast with daggers!"
Juliette smiled warmly. "Both sound like fine families. I'm glad you've met children who can show you more of the world beyond our hill."
Julius leaned forward, eyes wide with wonder. "And guess what else! Alice has an older sister who studies magic in Styvia! She says there are towers that touch the sky, streets full of magic shops, and glowing lights that never go out!"
Nicholas raised a brow, intrigued. "Styvia… the City of Towers. A rare place indeed for a young mage to study. You've met remarkable people today, son."
Julius's excitement softened into seriousness. He lowered his bread, small fists tightening as he remembered. "But… something else happened too. Some older boys came and told us to leave the field. They said it was theirs. They even tried to scare us."
Nicholas's expression darkened slightly. "Older boys, you say? Did they harm you or your friends?"
Julius straightened his back proudly. "No, Father! I didn't let them! I… I used magic! I made balls of water and drenched them! They ran away! Rika and Alice couldn't believe it—they said I was their hero!"
Juliette gasped softly, hand over her mouth. Nicholas paused, then let out a low, impressed chuckle. "By the gods, Julius… you used magic to protect your friends. That's extraordinary." He leaned forward, his tone shifting to gentle gravity. "But remember this, my son—magic isn't just for fighting. It's a gift. Use it wisely and with care."
Julius nodded earnestly, eyes shining. "I did, Father! I only used it to protect them! I promise—I'll always use my magic to help and protect my friends!"
Nicholas's features softened, pride glinting in his eyes. "Good. Remember—true strength comes not from magic or swords, but from courage, kindness, and wisdom. These are what make a hero."
Juliette placed a tender hand on Julius's shoulder. "And don't forget, my dear—laughter, play, and friendship are just as important as any spell you'll ever learn."
Julius puffed his small chest proudly. "I understand, Mother! I'll protect my friends, be careful with magic—and I'll laugh and play too!"
The family's laughter filled the room, blending with the soft crackle of the hearth. The setting sun painted their faces in a warm glow, casting a quiet serenity over the home.
In that moment, Julius felt something stir deep within—a sense that the world was vast, welcoming, and full of promise. Today, he hadn't just made friends; he'd taken his first step toward the man he would become.
———
That night, the silver moon hung softly above the hills, its gentle light spilling through the window and pooling across Julius's room. The faint crackle of the fireplace filled the air, wrapping the space in a cocoon of warmth. Julius lay beneath his blanket, his small eyes still wide with excitement from the day's adventures. Beside him sat Juliette, her long hair glinting in the firelight, a thick, leather-bound book resting on her lap.
"Mother," Julius murmured sleepily, clutching his pillow, "can you tell me a story tonight? A real one—about heroes and magic."
Juliette smiled, her voice a soft melody. "A real one, you say? Then perhaps it's time you hear about him… the one they call Magus."
Julius's eyes lit up instantly. "Magus? Who's that?"
Juliette opened the book, its pages yellowed with age. The faint scent of parchment drifted into the air as she began to read, her tone steady and full of wonder.
> "Long ago, before peace settled over our lands, the world was vast and divided. Humans and beastmen lived upon the great continent of Etheria, a land of rolling plains, proud kingdoms, and endless skies. To the east lay Eldia, the realm of the elves—now connected to Etheria by a narrow land bridge that stretched for kilometers, formed when the seas themselves receded. The elves lived among the ancient trees, their wisdom deep as the roots of their forests."
She turned a page, the soft sound echoing through the quiet room.
> "Far to the north stood the frozen continent of Domiscus, home to the giants and dwarves. Their mountains pierced the clouds, their forges glowed with the fire of creation—and one could only reach their shores by ship, crossing icy seas where even the stars seemed to shiver."
Julius's eyes gleamed with fascination as Juliette's voice softened, carrying an edge of mystery.
> "But to the far south… There once existed another land—Arkanis, the Demon Continent. The demons were unlike any other race. They walked like men, yet bore curved horns upon their heads. Their eyes were black as night, with crimson pupils that burned like embers. And though their hearts were fierce, it was their minds that made them most dangerous. Their intellect surpassed even that of elves and humans—they built cities that floated in the sky, forged weapons that could cleave mountains, and commanded magic beyond imagination."
Julius's hand clutched the blanket tighter. "So… they were evil?"
Juliette shook her head softly. "Not evil, my dear—proud. They believed the world had fallen into corruption. They saw themselves as saviors, destined to 'civilize' the other races by ruling them. But arrogance blinds even the brightest minds. Their vision of order became tyranny, and their wars scorched the lands."
The fire crackled louder as Juliette turned another page.
> "The five races—once divided by greed and distrust—stood together at last. Humans, elves, dwarves, beastmen, and giants united under one banner, led by a single man whose power was said to rival the gods themselves."
Her voice dropped to a reverent whisper.
> "He was called Magus—the Arch-Sage of the Dawn. Wielding magic that bridged heaven and earth, he sealed the demons and banished the entire continent of Arkanis into another realm, far beyond the reach of this world. When the spell was complete, the Demon Continent vanished—leaving only an endless ocean where it once stood."
Julius stared at the ceiling, his imagination alight with wonder. "He sealed… a whole continent?"
Juliette smiled gently. "Yes. But such power came at a cost. Magus disappeared after the final spell—some say he became one with the stars, others believe he still watches over the world, waiting for the day the demons return."
The room fell quiet except for the whisper of the wind against the window.
After a moment, Julius whispered, his voice full of earnest curiosity, "Will I… be able to save the world too? If the demons come back… can I protect everyone, like I protected Alice and Rika today? Can I… become like Magus?"
Juliette's smile deepened, full of warmth and pride. She brushed his hair back tenderly. "If your heart stays kind, and your courage remains true, Julius… you can become anything—even someone like Magus."
As the fire dimmed, Julius's eyes fluttered closed. His dreams filled with blazing skies, lost continents, and the silhouette of a lone figure standing before the stars.
And before sleep claimed him, one last thought whispered through his heart—
One day, I'll become strong like Magus.
Outside, the moonlight bathed Ralia in silver calm—as though the heavens themselves had heard the quiet vow of a boy whose legend was only just beginning.