Location: Planax Village (1110 AD)

  “This is the best in the west! Bwahahahaha! Indulge, everyone! We have plenty of roasted Kawkaw for each and every one!” a jubilant voice boomed across the plaza, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd.

  The square was alive with energy. Villagers danced under the stars, their faces illuminated by the flickering glow of torches. Music filled the air, blending with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of clinking goblets. While forgetting the past was no simple task, today marked a new beginning for the villagers. They let their burdens slide away, even if just for a moment. Unbeknownst to many, the families granted access to this gathering were not random; they were linked to Crameyus and his lineage, each bearing the same badge of honor that had once been given to him and Criselda. It was a reunion of allies and friends, all scattered across the lands since the end of the last war.

  In the aftermath of that conflict, Crameyus had vowed that if danger ever threatened again, they would unite to fight for a common cause. Tragically, not all of them had lived to see this day; some, like Karsus, had become orphans in the wake of war.

  Karsus leaned back against a wooden post, a goblet of wine in hand, savoring the sweet nectar when a voice broke his reverie. An elderly man, bald on top but with a wild mane of hair covering his chest, plopped down beside him. “Ahem, may I speak with you, young man?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with a mix of mischief and wisdom.

  “I don’t mind at all, sir. Please, feel free,” Karsus replied, turning to give the man his full attention.

  “Have you ever dreamed that one day we could all roam the world without fear?” Amadeo inquired, his voice barely rising above the joyous cacophony surrounding them.

  “Of course I have. But my father believed that if we stayed neutral and enjoyed our adventures, we would be safe. He was wrong, and now they’re all gone,” Karsus replied, the weight of his memories heavy in his heart.

  “………” Amadeo was momentarily quiet, letting the gravity of Karsus's words settle.

  “Some families thought that keeping a low profile would protect them, but we were hunted instead. Those who stood with us were taken down one by one, their homes reduced to ashes,” Karsus lamented, a flicker of anger rising within him.

  “……………………..” Amadeo remained silent, reflecting on the harsh realities of their world.

  “I have a question for you, sir,” Karsus continued, breaking the stillness.

  “Speak, lad,” Amadeo encouraged.

  “What sets this village apart from the others?” Karsus asked, his curiosity piqued.

  Amadeo paused, taking a deep breath before answering. “Hope, and it’s inevitable,” he said, a sigh escaping his lips.

  Karsus listened, allowing Amadeo’s words to wash over him.

  “Hope that one day we will find true peace through our struggle. Hope that one day we will make them pay for what they’ve done. The truth is, there is no safe place; that’s why we are all here,” Amadeo explained, his tone growing more somber.

  “Exactly my sentiments,” Karsus replied, fire igniting within him. “We will prevail and topple our enemies. To do that, we must encourage one another, for what we believe in is our only chance. So… let’s cheers to that!” He raised his goblet, and Amadeo mirrored his gesture.

  “Cheers! In behalf of the Mage Elders, I, Amadeo, swear to protect and serve under your liege,” Amadeo declared, bowing with respect.

  “No need for formalities, sir. This is just the first stage of a new beginning, and the Mage Elders’ assistance is invaluable. Thank you for your cooperation,” Karsus replied, bowing in return.

  “Don’t mention it! I must go now, young captain. There are still many things to discuss with these old geezers,” Amadeo chuckled, standing with an exaggerated wobble before regaining his balance and moving off into the crowd.

  Location: Jenju Empire

  ‘Toktoktoktok’. “Your Highness,” Weasel knocked urgently.

  “What is it this time?” James grumbled, his voice heavy with irritation.

  “The Paragons wish to speak with your highness,” Weasel replied, barely managing to contain his anxiety.

  “Come in,” James ordered, leaning back in his ornate chair.

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  As the door creaked open, Weasel entered, followed by the cloaked figures of the Paragons, who bowed deeply upon entering the Emperor’s chamber.

  “What is it this time?” James repeated, impatience lacing his tone.

  “It’s urgent, Your Highness. We’ve seen something in the mirror, but it is too vague!” the head of the Paragon interjected, a note of panic creeping into his voice.

  “I don’t understand. Please speak plainly,” James said, his annoyance bubbling to the surface.

  “It’s the awakening! It happens, it happens! This is serious! We must find the boy before he destroys us!” the head of the Paragon exclaimed, his eyes wide with fear.

  “THAT’S NONSENSE!” Julius shouted, throwing a cup of wine against the wall, the shards scattering like his fury.

  “What does your prophecy state? Speak before I lose my patience!” James commanded, his voice booming.

  “He will come to us. He will try to cripple us, little by little. He will take your crown, or so we have seen...” the Paragon trembled, fear evident in his eyes.

  “IMPOSSIBLE!” James roared, his face contorting in rage.

  “And who is this impudent human? Have you seen his face or whereabouts?” James demanded, leaning forward, eyes blazing.

  “I…I…I’m so sorry, Your Highness, but everything is blurry… that is all we have seen,” the Paragon stammered.

  “DAMMIT, YOU WORTHLESS BUNCH! LEAVE BEFORE I TAKE YOUR WORTHLESS LIVES!… WEASEL!” The room filled with an oppressive silence, everyone bowing their heads in fear.

  “Yes, Your Highness?” Weasel asked, trembling slightly.

  “Accompany these useless Paragons to our mage leaders. Discuss everything you have heard. I want to know the whereabouts of this boy as soon as possible... Tell them to cut off that boy’s head for me!” James ordered, his voice dripping with venom.

  “As you wish, Your Highness,” Weasel replied, leading the frightened Paragons out of the chamber.

  “Hahahahahaha! Fool... Death... is... within... your... DOORSTEP... hwahahahahaahahah... hwahahahahaha!” James screamed, his laughter echoing ominously through the halls.

  Location: Planax Village

  “2203, 2204, 2205, 2206…”

  “Oh, I thought the captain would forget about his punishment… Hahahaha! Looks like there’s another captain in the making!” a group of guards jeered as they passed by.

  “2224, 2225…” Julius diligently swung his katana, sweat beading on his brow from the effort.

  “Ahem!” Karsus entered, his presence commanding.

  “Ow, Father! How was your sleep?” Julius asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.

  “Well, not bad! Even after drinking the whole barrel, that’s nothing for an indomitable body like mine! Wahahahaha!” Karsus boasted, his chest puffing up with pride.

  “So that explains the vomit in front of the door. That’s disgusting, Father! Your ‘indomitable body’ just expels all the liquor inside you,” Julius mocked, a grin playing on his lips.

  “……………..” Karsus shot him a mock glare but couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “Son, looks like you’re halfway through your swinging… Would you like me to teach you some moves?” Karsus said, changing the topic with a grin.

  “Seriously?” Julius’s eyes lit up with excitement.

  “I guess it’s about time to teach you the moves!” Karsus flexed his muscles, striking a pose as if he were a mighty warrior.

  ‘He always does that,’ Julius thought, rolling his eyes.

  “So, are you ready?” Karsus asked, his expression serious.

  “Yes, Master!” Julius declared, determination flooding his voice.

  “See that tree over there?” Karsus pointed.

  “And that one facing it?” he gestured toward another tree. “You have to jump from tree to tree without touching the ground, ten times,” Karsus instructed, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

  “So how am I supposed to do that?” Julius asked, furrowing his brow.

  “What did you feel in your body when you used that fire magic yesterday?” Karsus asked, his tone shifting to one of mentorship.

  “I felt weak after,” Julius replied, thinking back to the draining experience.

  “No, not that. Before you expelled the force?” Karsus pressed.

  “My body felt lighter,” Julius said, recalling the sensation.

  “Exactly! Fire magic releases your inner force. That’s why you feel tired afterward. But this one is different; instead of expelling it, you will let the force envelop you. In doing so, you’ll become one with the force, allowing you to move with incredible speed and agility. But be warned: overexertion can lead to fatigue, so you must be careful. Now, show me what you’ve got,” Karsus explained, pride swelling in his chest.

  “Concentrate… here we go… Vera, Te solvo,” Julius murmured, channeling his energy.

  “Hihihi!” Vera giggled, flitting around him playfully. She was Julius’s familiar, a vibrant creature of flame and spirit.

  ‘Hmmm, that’s a cheat! How lucky this kid is,’ Karsus thought, envious of how quickly Julius seemed to progress.

  “That’s good! Stay with that,” Karsus ordered. “Now try to jump up first and be careful with your landing.”

  “Okay, Pops, here we go!” Julius nodded, his excitement palpable.

  “Wohow, is this enough, faaaather? Wooooow! I’m falling—waaaaah! Oh no! Oh no!” Julius shouted, astonished as he lost his balance and plummeted.

  ‘BLAG!’ He fell face-first into the soft earth, limbs splayed in a most awkward position.

  “…………… Ouchhhh! But that’s weird; I only feel a tingling sensation in my neck. How is that possible, Father?” Julius asked, bewildered.

  “Oops! Looks like we have a lot of work to do. Don’t worry, son; the damage is less than you expected. Remember, you’re in a lightweight mode,” Karsus reassured him, stifling a laugh.

  “That’s true; this is amazing, Father…” Julius said, brushing off the dirt and beaming with newfound determination.

  “Now, try jumping from tree to tree without touching the ground. But I must warn you to take breaks when you feel exhausted,” Karsus instructed, his tone firm yet encouraging.

  “I… I… Captain!” Julius replied, his enthusiasm unwavering.

  “So, ten jumps without fail. Do you understand?” Karsus pressed, his voice steady.

  “Sir, yes, Sir!” Julius affirmed, straightening his posture like a soldier.

  “Report to me when you succeed,” Karsus said, a proud smile breaking through.

  “Affirmative!” Julius said, pumping his fist in the air.

  As Julius raced off to begin his task, Karsus watched with a mixture of pride and concern.

  ‘This is awesome! Now I can chase and lead more Kawkaw with this super fiery dance technique… haiya! Bwahahahaha!’ Julius thought, exhilarated by the prospect of mastering his magic.

  ‘Hmmm… I don’t feel positive about this. I guess there are more headaches to come…’ Karsus mused, a frown creeping back onto his face as he pondered the challenges ahead for both him and his son.