819th DAY OF THE WAR
September 14th, Year 720
When we are children, we tend to always seek the new. There is a natural curiosity from youth. I believe that's why I came this far. But I won't lie—
I miss that time at the Eryndor Magic Academy…
Everything was easier, simpler, more fun.
I wonder what my graduation with them would have been like.
It must be midnight already in the kingdom of Eryndor.
What are those idiots doing right now…?
Did I make the right choice? In the end, would it have been better to trust my companions' strength and stay with them?
I hope all of this ends once and for all.
---
February 25th, Year 710
— LUKE — I slowly open my eyes and then close them again.
— LUKE — I wake up drenched in sweat from the nightmare.
"What was that?" I murmur.
What a strange dream… It felt like someone was calling me.
Was it a girl's voice? I can't even remember clearly.
It's a new day in the kingdom of Eryndor, and as always, I'm going to help my father in the bakery downtown. We always have to wake up early for that, but I don't mind it anymore—not like before. I always love hearing my father's wonderful stories from when he was an adventurer, traveling through the kingdom helping people. I hope to be like him one day.
"Are you done, Luke?" my mother asks as she enters the room. "Come on, your father is already ready."
"Okay, mom. I'm almost leaving."
I still need to brush my hair… which is a lot of work because of its length.
"No need to rush the boy, dear. Everything in our big boy's time."
My father lifts me in his arms after saying that. This is Reynold Vaelwyn, one of the greatest warriors to ever exist in the kingdom of Eryndar.
"Done, son?"
"Yes, we can go now, dad."
We live on the outskirts of Eryndar, so we always need to leave early to open the bakery. I don't think it's bad. I always admire the landscape with the same passion every day and I wonder:
"Will I ever get to see the whole world?"
"I can't wait to be an adventurer like my dad and mom were," I whisper.
I look at the fields and then at my parents. My mother is beautiful as always, with her long dark hair and light brown eyes. She usually draws attention wherever she goes, not only because of her beauty, but because she was also one of the greatest warriors in the kingdom, alongside my father.
This was Alenya Vaelwyn, the Queen of the Forest.
"You're too quiet today, son. Didn't sleep well?" she asks.
Truth is, I didn't. The dream still echoed in my head.
What was that girl saying? Was it even a girl?
"Don't think work will be easier today just because you're tired, kiddo," my father laughs.
"Don't worry, dad."
He also drew attention wherever he went. Big, strong, light hair and blue eyes. I inherited the same traits.
After the bakery's morning rush, I pick up one of my father's history books about Eryndar. I think it's amazing how this kingdom has gone through so much and still became so strong. I love reading. My mother jokes that sometimes I look like I'm 30 because of it.
When my eyes get tired, I observe the customers still sitting inside. Normally, it's always the same people—but today someone different is there: a giant man with a mean expression and a gigantic sword.
Did this idiot not see the sign outside saying weapons aren't allowed?
The sword was really cool, though. My father was a mage who used Essentia to enhance his sword skills. He gave me lessons sometimes, even if my mother didn't like me getting involved with that world so soon.
The man notices me staring and stares back. I look away immediately.
He stands up, sheaths his massive sword, and approaches Mrs. Sith's table—a noblewoman who's a friend of my parents.
In one swift motion, he snatches the emerald necklace from her neck. She lets out a loud scream, but by the time she opens her mouth, he's already almost at the door.
Without thinking, I run after him.
"What am I doing???" I mumble while running.
He notices I'm following him, but doesn't stop. Just gives a small smirk.
And I think: "What am I even going to do if I reach him?"
We run through Eryndar's market for a long time. I don't know how long. Sweat is stinging my eyes. I bump into a girl with dark hair.
"SORRY!" I shout as I keep running.
"BOY, THE S—" she tries to say, but I'm already too far away.
The thief turns into an alley. This is it. I'm going to get that idiot. He'll have to stop eventually. If I scream, someone might help.
But as soon as I enter the alley… there's no one.
Before I can react, someone grabs me by the shirt and slams me against the wall.
"You've gotta be kidding me. They sent a kid to chase me? Look, brat, I'm not the type who kills children, so just leave and stop following me. That old lady messed up, and I took my chance."
"Shut up." I dash toward him.
I only see his punch coming at me.
I remember my small training with dad and use my feet to dodge, countering with a punch of my own.
He actually stumbles back two steps.
"YOU LITTLE SHIT!" he yells, and a fast kick comes toward me.
"Shi—"
In an instant, I'm on the ground, unable to move.
I slowly open my eyes while trying not to pass out. The sky is so beautiful today…
Maybe because it's the only thing I can see besides a huge white wall.
"CAST!!!"
What was that voice?
I push my body despite the pain. The thief is already gone.
"FIREBALL!!!"
I lean on a trash can, trembling in pain.
What's on the other side of that wall? My curiosity might kill me someday…
But until then, I'll keep wanting to discover more and more.
I climb onto the trash can.
"ROYAL SHIELD!!!"
I couldn't believe it.
It was the Eryndar Academy.
How far did I run to get here? Three kilometers? I didn't even notice because of the adrenaline. I've never been to this part of the city. My mother always told me to stay away from here.
I see kids my age practicing spells. Their robes are very different from mine—they're probably nobles. But what really fascinates me is the magic. I've read about mages and have great references at home, but I've never seen so many of them together.
"Now, children, I want you to focus your Essentia on the second path, the Vitalis," says an old bearded man.
"Create whatever element you wish: water, fire, wind… Remember how the Essentia flows through your bodies. Focus, convert it into Vitalis, and execute."
My curiosity makes me follow along. I close my eyes and do what he says, even though I'm nearly falling off the trash can.
But what is Vitalis? Paths? My mother only taught me the basics about Essentia. She always said I was too young.
I sigh, close my eyes, and try to feel the Essentia running through my body. It's uncomfortable standing on a trash can, but I ignore it.
I feel a strange energy flowing. A shiver.
And now? Conversion? How do I do that?
I focus harder and imagine an element. Lightning—I've always loved watching storms.
A jolt runs through my body. A small spark shoots from my hands.
I fall off the trash can in shock.
"Damn… damn…" I try to stand up.
"Hello, little boy."
The voice… No way.
The old bearded man from the class is there, floating above the wall. Did he hear me? Was I too loud? Is he going to be mad?
"Not everyone can use lightning on their first try, kid," he says. "After all, this is your first time using Essentia, isn't it? I can feel it." He smiles.
"Yes, sir… it's my first time using Essentia," I say nervously.
"You have talent, kid. I'm impressed someone your age can do that, especially with such a difficult element."
He floats down slowly.
"Who are your parents?" he asks, extending his hand.
Up close, he looks even older than I imagined. Long white beard, gray hair, a huge hat that mages from three generations ago used to wear.
"I'm the son of Reynold Vaelwyn and Alenya Vaelwyn," I answer quietly.
"Oh… you're their son. You have incredible parents, boy. Bring them here tomorrow.
I want to talk to them about what you did today. I felt your Essentia. I saw you using Vitalis on your first try. That's amazing.
Bring them tomorrow. I want you to be one of my students."