Robinson followed Borek along the winding forest path leading down to the village at the foot of the castle.
Tall trees formed a natural canopy, letting only scattered rays of sunlight touch the leaf-strewn ground, casting shifting shadows.
Suddenly, Borek came to an abrupt stop.
Robinson nearly bumped into his broad back, caught off guard by the sudden halt.
Borek's expression turned serious, the friendly warmth replaced by sharp attentiveness.
"Before we reach the village… where exactly are you from?"
Robinson froze. He hadn't expected the question.
"I… I don't know," he finally said, his voice shaky.
He lowered his gaze to the wet leaves beneath his feet.
"If I tried to explain, you probably wouldn't understand. You'd think it's all impossible."
Borek studied him silently for a few seconds, scrutinizing his posture, the way his eyes darted nervously. His expression was serious, but not threatening.
"Hmm… alright. But you must be honest if anything happens," he said finally, his voice heavy but calm.
Robinson nodded, a slight sense of relief washing over him.
"Okay…"
They continued walking, though the forest suddenly seemed quieter.
The birds had stopped singing, and only the sound of their footsteps echoed clearly through the trees.
After a few minutes, they arrived at a massive stone gate, carved with strange, faintly glowing symbols.
Several silver-armored soldiers were stationed on either side, watching Robinson closely — some with suspicion, some with silent curiosity.
Robinson swallowed hard. Every eye was on him — the soldiers' eyes, Borek's eyes, even the gate itself seemed to be waiting, demanding something.
A mixture of fear and self-consciousness made his heart race.
Borek placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and gave a small smile.
"Relax. Just follow me. We'll go through together."
Robinson nodded, though uncertainty still churned inside him.
"Alright… but… it feels like something big is about to happen," he muttered quietly to himself.
With cautious steps, he followed Borek through the gate — unaware that he was stepping into the true world of Selenaria, a realm that had only existed in legends and prophecy until now.
Robinson followed Borek along the winding path descending from the forest gate.
Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting moving shadows on the damp ground.
The air was filled with the smell of freshly baked bread, ripe fruit, and spices from the Lunareth village market, already bustling with life.
As soon as they entered the market, a lively commotion greeted them:
Merchants shouting to sell their goods.
Baskets of fruit, vegetables, and fish piled high on wooden tables.
And in a corner, a young street musician sat on a bench, strumming a small guitar, singing a cheerful tune that earned him a few claps from passersby.
Robinson froze, amazed. Everything felt so vibrant, so different from the world he knew.
Several villagers glanced at him. Some girls smiled, whispering to each other.
Robinson quickly realized his hair was still wet from the river, and he hastily pushed it back.
He could feel all eyes on him, making his cheeks flush.
Borek chuckled. Without hesitation, he grabbed an apple from a nearby merchant and tossed it toward Robinson with a casual flick.
"Catch!"
Robinson reflexively grabbed it. Borek grinned widely.
"Good. Now you're officially part of Lunareth," he said, striding forward.
He walked proudly, his spear slung across his back, a figure well-known and respected in the village.
Robinson followed, trying to adjust to this new world.
"Wait… this… festival?" he murmured, noticing colorful flags and decorations along the street.
Borek glanced at him and smiled.
"Ah, you must be new. This year, there will be a festival welcoming the Chosen Knight, as the old prophecy says."
Robinson raised an eyebrow, curious.
"Chosen Knight? You mean… me?"
Borek laughed, though his eyes were serious.
"Hahaha, don't get ahead of yourself. Nobody knows who the knight will be. It could be someone from the kingdom… or an outsider. The prophecy only says: a 'Star Knight' will come to bring great change."
Robinson looked around.
"What's the festival like?"
Borek gestured to the tents lining the market.
"Just singing, games, and performances. People celebrate with joy. No battles, no wars. But everyone eagerly awaits the Star Knight's arrival with hope. You'll see soon enough."
Robinson nodded, still confused but starting to smile.
"So… I just wait and see how it all unfolds?"
Borek shrugged casually.
"Exactly. But one thing's for sure — this festival will be an experience you'll never forget."
They continued walking through the lively market of Lunareth.
Robinson still felt like an outsider amidst the crowd, but slowly he began to realize: this is his temporary home, and perhaps the place where his destiny as the Star Knight will begin to unfold.
The Lunareth market was growing livelier by the hour.
Colorful flags decorated the tents, while the music of a small street performer mixed with the chatter of vendors and townspeople.
In the center of the market, a village elder stood atop a wooden podium, calling for everyone's attention.
"People of Lunareth! Listen to this important announcement!"
Some villagers clapped in response.
A little boy standing near the podium nudged his friend teasingly,
"Hurry, hurry! I want to hear about the old prophecy!"
Robinson turned, curious, glancing toward the podium.
But then his attention froze.
From the crowd emerged Princess Liora Selenar.
Her golden hair reflected the late afternoon sunlight, and her blue cloak swayed elegantly as she walked.
Robinson's eyes widened — she looked regal, graceful, and unlike anyone he had ever seen in this village.
His heart began to race. Realizing he was standing in the middle of a crowd, he stepped back slowly, worried he might be mistaken for an intruder.
But in his haste…
"Thud!"
He tripped over a small stone and collided with someone walking by.
Looking up, his eyes widened in shock: it was King Ravendor Selenar himself, moving among the royal officials.
King Ravendor: "Hah!? You—!"
Robinson quickly bowed, stammering an apology.
"I'm so sorry, Your Majesty… it was completely accidental!"
The King scrutinized him for a moment, then sighed.
"Hmm… this young man seems… unusual."
Robinson stepped back cautiously, cheeks burning with embarrassment, and tried to retreat from the crowd.
All eyes were on him, and he felt utterly out of place in the royal and public setting.
Just then, Borek appeared, his broad frame and bald head easily recognizable, carrying his spear across his back. He smiled at Robinson.
"Hey! That's enough excitement for today. Come with me to my home. You need food and rest after nearly causing a scene at the market and bumping into the King."
Robinson exhaled in relief.
"Thank you… I… I really don't know what to do with all of this."
Borek patted him on the shoulder.
"Relax. At my place, you can rest and we can talk properly about this world… and the festival that's coming up."
Robinson nodded, following Borek as they left the bustling market behind — leaving behind the music, the announcement of the prophecy, and the curious eyes of the villagers.