I awoke to a blank world, with colors blooming here and there far away every few seconds. The scent of burning wood, and the chilling touch of ice ripped through the blankness. Suddenly, flashes of a woman dying in my arms, ice and snow-covered city crumbling, and a large brick castle
disappearing flashed in and out my mind.
I paced myself through the visions of the world, taking in the scenery, much like an artist looking at his own old canvas feeling
nostalgic.
It felt as though I crossed six boundaries while walking
through the blank world, as each of the scenes were caged
inside a splash of paint, however; it all felt so real.
"Enjoying what you see, Everest?" A tall human-like figure spoke to me in black robes; the tone of their voice sounded like that of a woman.
"Did you create this world?" I responded, confused by this setup, yet it seemed like I should be knowing what's going on. "Who are you?"
"It's no matter for a mere mortal such as yourself." They spoke.
"could smell a scent of evil oozing from the tongue of her words, very smelly.
The white void seemed to react from our meeting, beginning to materialize into nature, buildings, humans. On my side were many sights of déjà vu, places that I felt so close to. On their side were many places that
seemed so foreign, yet a hint of familiarity to them as well.
"Live, or cease to be now, Everest."
"Everest… That's my name, isn't it? Yes, I remember now." I spoke softly too myself.
Suddenly my heart seemed to grow double, triple, quadruple its size, pumping courage, justice, and valor into every fiber of my being.
"Well, i'd rather fulfill my duty and knock you down before anyone else gets hurt from the likes of you." I raise a staff that I seemed to
carry this whole time, yet my eyes only perceived it during the last few seconds.
"I did give you a choice." They said, charging at me with extreme levels speed from so far away all I could see was a dark aura getting
closer.
I as well launched myself at them, putting all the magic I could conjure into a colossal blazing vortex.
But just as we were going to strike.
…
I open my eyes to see my mother, cradling me next to my father. And behind them some weird guys wearing tribal masks.
"Wait, how do I know all of this stuff? I was just born." I asked myself. My parents looked at me with bewildered expressions at my consciousness.
The day I was born I realized my potential. I arose with the ability to think as any adult could, with a bit of a child's likeness, although sometimes dislikeness; filled with curiosity, and wonder. It was not like I was
born with memories. It just seems like in this world these things are normal. People are sometimes born sorcerers, lashing out a magical move out the womb, or having half monster bodies.
"What is this world?" I asked myself as I opened my eyes to see my mother for the very first time. Her hair curtained down her face which showed a kind, yet commanding self. Seemed like my father felt the same way because he was a, "quite the heartbreaker" looking man. He wore a suit a lot of the time, as he worked in the region south of here.
"Where is here?" I live in The Kingdom of Kamino. The Kingdom of Kamino isn't a very independent region... The Aimant Kingdom is where we get our money from, and government. Come to think of it, my father works there. Maybe as part of the government? I never really cared enough to ask. But farming is what this region is known for. I walk by our small little farm every day now.
The best part about my little town is when I walk a bit farther than the crops, I see a beautiful beachfront. The sounds of the ocean touching the tips of sand really calmed my mind.
Usually, Kingdoms are the dominion of a king who owns a block of land, but sometimes this is confused in our continent. I'm pretty sure my mother told me a story one day of some creator gods who made each terrain in our continent, which is what we call kingdoms. So, a kingdom can be both, but we call the individual 'run by a king' places, a district.
Below us is the Aimant Kingdom, highly urbanized area, and to the right is the largest and most changing kingdom of Terre. Below Terre is the most dangerous area, the Dragon Continent, and to the far right would be the Mizu Kingdom. My father speaks of it often, and he'll be heading there next year on an 8-month trip i've heard.
I am 6 years old now, and my name is Everest Kamin, as I'm from Kamino. Kamino has a few different family names, but Kamin seems the most common. I wasn't born with magic, but I do like the sound of having magical powers. My mother was a Ranger, a mercenary or a member of a crew that was fast primarily and dealt chip damage to monsters. My father was a studying abroad
person in his younger days, and so they found each other in the Kingdom of Terre one day and boom. They're almost thirty so I can't call them geezers yet,
but adventuring sounds exciting for sure. This is dangerous but if they were fine, I'm sure I could adventure too. My mother has taught me some useful adventure skills and combat training, as well as some basic magic teachings. That makes me a tier 6 Spellcaster, which is the lowest level; known as a Biribiri. Based on what my mother has told me; the Mizu Kingdom has the best Spellcasting school. My father doesn't like the Mizu Kingdom conversations though. Maybe he really is in politics and government.
"I can still recall the first time I used magic." I spoke to myself, in a familiar room.
"Everest! Show your father what you learned today from that other kid!"
"Dad, look!" I spoke out whilst moving the water inside his cup.
He looked surprised for a moment, then stood up to speak to my mother.
From there I heard only short bursts of yelling from my parent's room. "Why not!?" "Because…" I couldn't quite make out what they were saying though.
In Kamino kids are generally safer than in the other districts or kingdoms, some monsters still lurk around caves or cliffs, but they aren't an issue as long as you avoid their favorite spots. Besides, no monster will try to bite you at a playground near the beach.
One day, at a small wooden park, I met a young boy by the name Anan. He was a nice kid, natural Sorcerer to boot.
"Everest! Look what I can do!" He says, while moving nearby river water to himself, and above us. The refracted light from the sun upon the flying water made for an amazing sight, the rainbow looked so pretty.
Splash!* Water fell on top of the boys.
"Oops." Anan mumbled; but later we started laughing and cheering.
Sorcerers are born spell-casters, while Wizards are the same but not born with the ability. We hang out quite often, and he teaches me some magic from time to time. I got hurt one day fencing from another kid; Anan made me feel better using a soothing spell. His skills were so exceedingly great, he may make it to be a tier 1 Spellcaster someday. He was small, but a looker for sure, though somewhat loud and easy to get annoyed. I didn't ever get on his bad side though. Mostly because I didn't want to tank a fireball. I wasn't much of a tank anyway.
We began school at the age of 5, I've yet to learn very much about magic, but maybe that's a later course. Not everyone can learn magic, and some can't understand it. I'm lucky I can even learn it and use a few spells.
The campus was quite large, although the campus was only but one building and a small outer circle with paved grass. School from the outside looked quite old, yet refined; it wasn't my favorite place to be though.
We stay in dorms and are taught to listen to every superior we meet; being elders, teachers, parents, or anyone better than us at anything important. For some odd reason, Anan and I never really took the 'superiors' seriously, as we just wanted to focus on our aspirations.
Anan goes to my school as well, and during our free time we chat about different topics. He often speaks to me about the thought of what comes after death, which is weird for a child to worry about, but I guess I understand none the less.
I gave him my best idea, "I guess, you may start over as another person born right after you die?"
"I guess that may make some sense, I've heard some stories of a kid in the Mizu Kingdom being a reborn demon." He speaks.
"I wonder if magic may have something to do with it" I say.
He's silent for a moment, then speaks.
"Oh, it has to be!" He announces with a passion burning in his eyes.
"So, will you be studying healing, and Light magic in that case?" I ask.
He seems hesitant, but he replies with a worry in his voice.
"I mean, I want to. I really do, but I don't think my father would agree with that career." He continues.
"My father was an adventurer, and the main melee fighter. One thing is his pride in wanting a son to follow in his footsteps, but I
turned out to be a Spellcaster instead. And then not wanting to be an adventurer at
that."
"You can't just be independent?" I ask.
"I need a home until I can fend for myself, so no, I can't." He laments.
"Maybe we can adventure together then? I mean, I can do most of the actual adventure quests and missions while you stay in the towns and research? I'm planning on going to the big magic universities near the Mizu Kingdom." I proposed the idea without thinking, but it felt right to assure him I could be there for him.
"Thanks Everest. You're a weird one, but I appreciate it."
Could've not used that small jab at my kindness in a way mind you, but at least he's grateful.
"Yeah, no worries." I say in return.
We finished our school lunch, which consisted of half mashed, half cut potatoes with some sort of radish soup, and Sheeyak meat. At least it was nutritious.
"Anyways, Everest, what do you plan on doing when you push… fifty?"
"For a kid who's our age without the trait of an adults mind you do ask very interesting questions."
"Well, I was born with a trait." Anan spoke.
"Oh, but I thought this was one of the rarest traits one could have."
"No I was born with-."
The sound of a man interrupts. "Everybodies! Lunsh-is oberr! Lunsh-is oberr! The man spoke in his accent.
"Oh-shoot! We'll talk later Anan, Hasta luego!"
"Hasta luego!" He spoke, which means 'see you later' in common slang.
Students get to go back home on a short train ride, then get picked up at a station near our homes and picked up by our parents, guardians, or of the sort. This happens after four days of living in the school dorms.
Going back home is nice, but lately when I see my parents; they seem more and more distant, or I feel like they aren't as happy anymore. I felt worried they might--
"Everest" My father calls me from downstairs.
That night was rough for my parents and I. I don't like thinking about it, but I'm sure others have it worse. My mother was going to keep the house so it would be rare to see my father anymore as he will be residing in the Aimant Kingdom, but at the northern end so that he can visit. Well, his trip to the Mizu Kingdom came up so he wouldn't be home for at least sixteen months. I recently turned seven-years-old; I would not see my father for likely two years, and it may turn out to be longer than that depending on the circumstances. My mother's friend moved into the house during that time, likely to keep her some company even though my father was already often busy. At least she was still somewhat happy. I still couldn't believe they split.
"Why?" was a common question I asked myself. Yet it had no answer, no appeal or anything. I kept thinking to myself, that this event would lead to the worst part of my life.
One night, I had a nightmare, in which I saw my father get consumed by a shadowy being. Not just him, but I believe some friends were with me, but I didn't recognize them. The sky was red, and dark, clouded everywhere.
"Why did I even care? My friends were in danger, I should help; no, I have to help!"
But I didn't move; no, I couldn't move.
It felt like sleep paralysis, I wouldn't wake up. I saw everyone die, and as the being got closer to me, I woke up.
I guess it wasn't, because I was able to move right as I woke up. I should think more of it later, but I need sleep.
My life continues, I grow more mature, and I've also reached tier 5 spellcasting, known as a squire. Anan has become a tier 4, but it seems he'll need a better school to fully realize his potential; so, we may set out
on an adventure sooner rather than later it seems. I am now fifteen years of age, but my father has yet to return home or even written back lately, or throughout the past four or so years.
The night he left was so long ago, but I can still recall it; the door of the house was opened by my father.
"I'll be off." He spoke.
"I'll miss you dad!" I ran to him, but my mother held me back.
"We hope you come back soon Tajo." She said to him.
My father gave us a nod, stepping inside a caravan, led by some sheeyak and a horse.
That was the last time I saw him for now, maybe once I make my way to the Mizu Kingdom i'll find him.
Recalling that scene during lunchtime at school, I spoke with Anan.
"Hey Anan, maybe we could set out together soon to kill two birds with... two, stones?"
"That's a good idea, but unfortunately..." He goes on.
"My father has set a travel party for me already and he told me zero outsiders from the party may join." He speaks.
I think for a moment, I know there's no refuting his father's word, as he was a creepy old man; always busy with work, and when I saw him, he would grin in such a weird fashion-i'd rather not even think about it.
"Alright then, I'll catch up to you soon then. But when do you leave exactly?" I ask.
"In about fourteen days I believe."
"Let's hang out somewhere before you go alright?" I speak.
"Of course." He responds.
I never thought about it, but Anan and I are very close. We've become best friends since childhood and now we're going on separate ways. I'm sure I'll find him soon enough though. I did have a few other friends aside
from him, but none I would consider trustworthy enough to take on a journey with me.
One day, I let my mom know of my wishes, and she responded with joy.
"I always knew you'd go on an adventure someday. I mean, you've always been interested in learning about the world, so it was bound to come up at some point."
My mother lends me some pocket money for my convenience. And I thank her with gratitude. She has been single for a long time now; I wonder if she's been holding up well. At least her friend Tammy visits her pretty often.
Eventually the day arrives, when Anan leaves town for the Mizu Kingdom. I've yet to fully prepare to set out, so I may need a bit more time. He and I exchange words for a while and just before he sets out, he tells
me.
"Everest, you've been a great friend to me, here is a present for you."
He gave me a wristband. He usually wears two, one for each wrist. And I guess it symbolizes, a 'no matter how long the two are apart, they remain connected' type deal. I guess he has always been a bit superstitious, if that's the right word.
"I'll give it back someday, I promise. Your trust and friendship has been one of the most valuable things for me man."
He smiles, then heads on horseback with some older people, presumably, his squad of more experienced guards. Likely, his father cares more for the success than the trials he would normally face, which I guess is understandable, even though this isn't what Anan wants anyway.
During my last week at home, I felt lonely. As a fifteen-year-old, I should've gotten a job already, but my family was well off. Or maybe i'd never thought about it...
I'm at a market one day as I see a magic staff on display.
"Beautiful, I've never seen anything like it, maybe for a tier one, or two mage capabilities. It looks like a bargain though, so I'll bid for it sir."
'Bidding' Well, yes of course. In the Serpent Kingdom you would bid an amount of money for an item on display from stores in an outdoor market. Usually, these markets mostly offer foods from different districts, and other stores may have useful travel items for adventurers. Eventually after the
bid time expires, I get my staff, which I name Comet, due to its purple, and white-gray colors.
Finally, the day came, and I would start my journey as the sun started to rise. I had a dream, this time however; it was clearer. The
visual I could see in this dream was a stone brick prison interior, and a few crates, with a girl lying unconscious in one of them. What I heard was...
"Rescue Star."
I awoke, feeling as though I've forgotten something. I'm sure it was just because of my adventure nerves though.
I head downstairs to the living room where my mother lies on the couch, looking worried.
"Good morning mother, how are you feeling?"
"Oh, hello Everest. I'm doing fine thank you, you're leaving today, huh?" she responds.
"Yes."
"Take care of yourself alright? i've heard child kidnappers have become more common, especially in the Mizu Kingdom when you arrive there."
"Really? By the time I arrive there I should be sixteen though haha."
"I've even heard rumors of the princess of Zittane, Star was her name. She's under threat to be kidnapped." Tammy spoke.
"Right!" I feel like I'm forgetting something again, but I'm about to leave home, so maybe it's just that… Nerves.
Omake 1: Short little extra content in between chapters which will usually be arbitrary knowledge for the reader.
Everest's Packing List:
Recently purchased staff.
Journal (nothing written yet.)
Snacks (Already halfway eaten.)
Kamino ID (A passport of sorts to let him buy
certain goods or travel services.)
Banana (Banana.)
Wooden Knife