In an age where cruelty was the sharpest weapon to conquer one another, law belonged only to the strong. The defeated turned to ashes, while the victors burned as torches — such was the tradition of a foreign land, far beyond the mainlands of the Great Barren.
This is the tale of a prophecy that has lingered for over three thousand years — one that speaks of a boy born from the bloodline of the ancient founders of the Verdant Kingdom, an empire that once ruled over eighty percent of the known world before crumbling a thousand years ago.
It tells of a wanderer from the North, destined to rebuild the fallen kingdom with a power greater than that of his ancestors, and to shatter the age-old tradition that glorified cruelty as the symbol of might.
In a small village called Raisymad, there lived an orphaned boy named Rawin. He was raised by his grandparents, for his parents were declared dead the day he was born. Yet, their deaths were uncertain — no one ever found their bodies, and despite months of searching, not a single trace was discovered. According to tradition, if one remains missing for more than four months, they are declared dead.
From the age of three, Rawin's grandfather trained him to chop wood. "Even the weakest man," his grandfather often said, "can still protect those he loves. Strength is not in the body, but in the will that wields the axe." Those words carved themselves deep into Rawin's heart.
Four years passed. Now seven, Rawin often ventured outside the village with his grandmother to gather herbs. She would always remind him, "The truest medicine is made with a sincere heart — for a pure heart can create miracles."
A year later, while resting beneath a tree, Rawin was startled by a friend who came running with news. "Rawin! Your parents have returned!" Without hesitation, Rawin dashed toward the village, his heart pounding with hope. But upon arrival, he found only empty rumors. His parents had not returned.
Rage consumed him. He nearly attacked his friend before his grandfather intervened. Once calm, Rawin looked down with tears in his eyes and asked softly, "Grandfather… if I go to the Great Barren mainland, will I find my parents?"
His grandfather looked into the horizon and said, "Wait five years, Rawin. When the time comes, I will give you the answer you seek."
Five years later, while chopping wood in the forest, Rawin recalled his grandfather's promise. As the sun dipped low, he gathered the herbs and logs he had collected and hurried back home.
"Grandfather," Rawin called out as he entered the old cabin, "can you now give me the answer you promised me five years ago?"
The old man smiled faintly. "So, it has been that long already? Very well, Rawin… sit down and listen carefully. The story I'm about to tell you is long — and it will change everything you believe."