1000 Years Later
"Present Day"
Long ago, a man stood alone against an army of death. He fought like an immovable rock—fearless and unshaken. He tore through monsters and reapers like a storm of steel. People saw him crush entire legions by himself, and the world began to call him The Knight of the Dead. He banished the darkness and put it to sleep forever, ending an era of blood and shadows.
His name was Norm.
Legend says that after the great battle of death, when the sky cleared and the dead finally fell silent, Norm set out to find a peaceful land. He wandered for months through forests, mountains, and ruins left behind by the war. At last, he found a valley untouched by corruption—quiet rivers, endless grass, and mountains that seemed to guard the land like ancient guardians.
He named it Norm's Valley.
For years he lived there, in pure peace. No sword needed, no war calling his name. He grew old surrounded by nature, away from bloodshed. And when the end came, he died with honor—an old warrior whose journey had finally reached its rest.
Beside Norm stood Thoms, the second strongest warrior of their era. Thoms was the blade that stood next to Norm's shield. He led armies, protected cities, and fought countless battles shoulder to shoulder with Norm. Their final war was against the Shadow Master, a being who commanded darkness itself. Together, they defeated him and ended the nightmare.
The kingdom rebuilt later was named after Thoms. And just like Norm, he grew old peacefully and passed away—remembered as a hero.
Centuries passed.
Norm's Valley grew wide, stretching far beyond its original boundaries. Villages turned into towns, towns into cities, and the valley became a full kingdom. The united land was named The Kingdom of Norm, in honor of its founder.
Generation after generation protected the peace and culture Norm had left behind.
Knights trained daily under the sun, their swords echoing across the fields. Farmers woke before dawn, and the land rewarded their hard work—both literally and spiritually. Festivals lit the city, laughter filled the homes, and children grew up hearing tales of Norm and Thoms.
It was a happy kingdom… full of love, kindness, and a legacy that felt eternal.
But peace, like all things, is never eternal...
Far away, in a small house at the edge of the kingdom, a boy lay sleeping. His face drenched in sweat, eyebrows furrowed, his breathing uneven. Something disturbed his dreams.
A voice whispered in his mind—a chilling, broken voice:
"Find me... before it's too late...,
How long will you be deluded too..."
Then—a flash.
A memory? A vision?
The wind howled fast and steady. Fire raged, swallowing everything, but the rain fought it back, turning the flames into thick mist. The boy walked through the haze, confused, trembling… only to see thousands of corpses lying on the ground.
Dead.
Silent.
Soulless.
The boy gasped and jolted awake, breath short, eyes wide with fear. His throat felt tight, like something was choking him from inside.
"Maa!" he cried, voice shaking.
He ran out of his room and moved through the quiet house. After searching, he finally stepped outside into the faint golden light of early dawn.
Under the old tree—where the family often spent their evenings—sat his mother, father, and little siblings.
It was dawn.
The sun shone brightly before setting behind the hills. Birds mimicked the sound of peace as they flew back to their nests.
"You're awake, my son!" his mother said softly. Her voice held warmth that calmed his trembling heart. She gently placed her hand on his hair.
"Come here, Aron," his father called, sitting under the tree.
Aron walked over and sat beside him. His father offered a glass of water, which Aron drank quietly, his hands still shaking a little.
The sunset cast a golden-orange glow over the river. A soft breeze danced through the leaves and brushed through Aron's hair. For a moment… everything felt calm.
But suddenly—
The voice returned.
A sharp whisper, splitting through his thoughts. His head throbbed. The world flickered, like a glitch in reality.
And then—
Aron woke up again.
This time, he was in his chamber—inside the castle his father ruled.
His father, Agarth Braith, was known across the lands as The Wing of Justice—a warrior with unmatched speed and honor. His mother, Queen Milda, was a symbol of grace, kindness, and warmth. They were the rulers of the Norm Kingdom, as the era had long moved past kings and queens. Now, only true leaders led the people.
Aron had a younger brother, Kyle, always energetic and mischievous. And a little sister, Maria—just 4 years old—small, adorable, and full of laughter.
Aron got out of bed, put on his slippers, and stepped out into the hallway. The castle was big, always full of people—knights, maids, soldiers—so it never felt empty.
As he walked, he came across Kyle.
Aron: "Kyle, do you know where Dad is?"
Kyle: "Yeah, he's at the camp, discussing something."
Aron: "Guess I'll have to wait then."
Kyle smirked: "Why wait when you can fight me?"
Aron: "You sure?"
Kyle: "I was born ready."
Both boys, barely 8 years old, made fighting stances and began to duel—tiny fists and excited grins—until—
"Stop it, you two!" their mother scolded.
They immediately turned with innocent smiles, as if nothing happened.
A moment later, their father arrived.
"Look at these two warriors," Agarth laughed, pulling both boys into a warm embrace. "Where's Maria?"
"Still sleeping," Kyle answered.
Agarth nodded toward the camp.
"Let's go home."
Back in the castle, the family sat together. The scent of wood and sand filled the room. Kyle played with a wooden toy sword, while Aron sat quietly beside his mother, staring at the floor.
Agarth looked at him.
"What are you thinking about, my son?"
Aron hesitated. "I'm… hearing a call."
"A call?"
"Yes. In my dreams. A voice said: 'Find me before it's too late.'"
Agarth paused. His expression didn't show it, but concern slid into his eyes.
"You're just imagining things," he said gently. "Dreams sometimes play tricks."
He stood and began preparing for a journey.
Milda: "How long will you be gone?"
Agarth: "Maybe months."
The children ran to him.
Kyle (excited): "You're going to the Kingdom of Thoms?!"
Aron (worried): "Come home quickly, okay?"
Agarth chuckled. "Of course. You can count on your old man. And when I return, I'll teach you swordsmanship."
Aron's eyes lit up. "Really?!"
Agarth: "Sure, sure. Now let me go—I have to see my daughter too."
He walked over to little Maria, still sleeping peacefully. He kissed her forehead softly.
Agarth: "I will be gone for at least days. Don't think too much. Let the children have fun, okay, Milda?"
Milda nodded and smiled softly, watching him leave the castle. Outside, a natural dark mist rolled across the fields.
With his team ready, Agarth mounted his horse. From the window, his family watched him proudly.
He saw them smile.
And without any worry, he nudged the horse forward.
Kyle & Aron: "Come back quickly!"
Agarth smiled brightly.
"I will."