"How much longer are we staying in this wagon?"
The wheels creaked beneath us, the steady rhythm almost hypnotic. The road stretched endlessly ahead, trees blurring past the small window beside me.
Arthur let out a short chuckle, arms crossed behind his head.
Arthur: "Our real adventure begins once we reach the border of the Voldaro Forest."
Elilia sat across from me, calm as ever, a faint smile on her lips.
Elilia: "You've already explored every inch of the castle forest. Traveling by wagon saves time—and keeps the excitement for later."
She tilted her head slightly.
Elilia: "Don't you agree?"
"I guess…" I sighed, glancing back toward the rear of the wagon where Iris and Mart were fast asleep.
"But can't we at least speed up? They're already out cold."
Arthur: "This is top speed. We'll reach our destination
by tomorrow."
I leaned back, staring at the wooden ceiling.
So this was the beginning—an adventure beyond the safety of castle walls. My chest felt tight, a mix of excitement and something closer to unease.
The wagon finally slowed… then stopped.
Allond stepped out first, his presence alone enough to make the air feel steadier. He scanned the surroundings carefully, eyes sharp.
Allond: "The surrounding area is peaceful. No monsters nearby."
Elilia: "Then we'll camp near the river tonight."
She looked at the sky, now painted in deep orange and fading purple.
Elilia: "The sun's setting. Arthur—activate the hexa-shield barrier."
Arthur: "On it."
A faint hexagonal shimmer spread outward, settling over the camp like an invisible dome.
Arthur: "I'll hunt for dinner too."
"Me, Iris, and Mart will gather ingredients," I said quickly, eager to move.
Elilia: "Fine—but don't wander too far."
The forest felt different once we stepped away from the wagon—alive, watching. We gathered apples, clusters of blue and red berries, and a bundle of mushrooms that smelled faintly earthy and sharp.
When we returned, Elilia was already working, movements precise as she sliced and stirred. Not long after, Arthur came back with two deer slung effortlessly over his shoulders.
The sound of meat sizzling over the fire made my stomach twist painfully.
Arthur & Elilia: "Food's ready!"
Ashia folded her arms.
Ashia: "I still don't understand why you insist on cooking instead of letting me do it."
Arthur: "We're not that cruel, are we?"
Elilia: "Eat up."
"Y-Yes!"
The meat was tender and juicy, steam curling into the air as melted cheese slowly oozed from inside. Each bite was rich, smoky, and warm—comforting in a way I hadn't realized I missed.
The mushroom soup was thick and creamy, layered with herbs and wild spices. Its deep flavor spread gently
across my tongue, warming me from the inside out.
Eris's eyes sparkled.
Iris: "Wow… this is amazing. I feel like I'm in heaven."
Mart nodded furiously.
Mart: "And this soup… it's incredible."
"Teach me," I said suddenly. "Teach me how to cook like this."
Elilia froze.
Elilia: "You want to learn… cooking?"
She and Arthur exchanged a glance.
Arthur: "Fine. We'll raise you to be a great chef on this journey."
"I should tell our parents," I added innocently. "You might become a legendary chef one day."
Elilia's hand shot out, twisting my ear.
Elilia: "What?! Me?! A chef?! I'll be one of the greatest mages in the kingdom!"
"Ow—ow—ow!"
"Calling chefs 'mere' sounds a bit cocky, don't you think?"
Arthur: "It's not like I'll abandon swordsmanship to become one either."
Eris laughed softly.
Iris: "He was joking. Don't take it seriously."
Elilia exhaled, releasing my ear.
Elilia: "Fine. I don't mind cooking once in a while… for my little brother."
Ashia: "Anyway, it's time to sleep."
The camp grew quiet.
The fire crackled softly.
While everyone slept…
Arthur's voice broke the silence.
Arthur: "Elilia, are you awake?"
Elilia: "Yeah. I got hungry."
Arthur: "Those aren't 'bites.' You're eating like a monster."
She kicked him under the blanket.
Elilia: "That's rude!"
Arthur chuckled.
Arthur: "Anyway… what do you think that spirit is?"
Elilia went quiet for a moment.
Elilia: "If it's calling Raidan… it's no ordinary spirit. Possibly A*—or even S* ranked."
Arthur's tone sharpened.
Arthur: "…So you think the same."
Silence.
"Good night."
I lay awake longer than I should have, heart racing.
A spirit… calling me?
The next day was filled with battle—and song.
By flame that dances, by tides that rise,
By roots below and endless skies,
We walk the road the ancients knew,
Where spirits watch and fates renew.
Through silent woods and shattered stone,
We stand as one, yet walk alone.
No fear to bind, no chains to hold,
Our hearts are fierce, our spirits bold.
Ancient guardian, wild and free,
Hear our vow and judge what we be.
If worth is found in blood and breath,
In life we stand, we bow to death.
By pact of soul, by truth of will,
Let claw and hand move as one still.
Spirit beast, through bond and flame—
We share one path, one fate, one name.
The rhythm of footsteps suddenly broke the harmony.
The ground trembled.
A Silver Tiger emerged—its body sleek, eyes sharp, muscles coiled with terrifying speed.
An A-ranked beast.
Arthur: "Raidan, Iris, Mart—hide!"
Fear surged through me as I pulled them back.
Elilia: "An A-rank… we'll barely survive."
Allond stepped forward, calm but deadly.
Allond: "Arthur and I will combine magic and swordsmanship. Elilia, Ashia—wide-range spells."
Elilia: "We'll draw its attention. One full-charge attack—only one chance!"
Arthur: "Kill it—or die!"
Elilia: "ICE METEORITES!"
Ashia: "ZYPHER SEAL!"
Allond: "Charge!"
Arthur & Allond: "INFERON TEMPEST!"
The forest screamed.
When the dust settled, the tiger lay still.
Victory.
"Drink this elixir."
"Let's move."
Elilia's gaze shifted.
Elilia: "That cave… maybe the spirit is inside."
The cave was empty—until an ancient circular stone began to glow, rotating slowly. The ground opened beneath it.
Below, crystals shimmered in elemental hues.
Elilia's voice trembled.
Elilia: "Senaporad Crystals… ancient relics thought extinct."
Beyond them stood two thrones.
Red-gold. Silver-gold.
Each held an armor… and an egg.
My and Iris's body moved on its own.
Arthur: "Raidan! Iris! Stop!"
Elilia: "Get back—now!"
Allond: "It's useless. Instinct has taken over."
A barrier sealed us apart.
When I touched the egg, the armor shattered—then reformed around me, fitting perfectly.
Light erupted.
Red-gold thunder surged from my body.
Beside me, silver-gold fire roared from Iris.
Mart collapsed.
Ashia: "He's unconscious."
lilia: "Are you two alright?"
Allond: "The weapons… they resized to match them."
Arthur sighed.
Arthur: "So much for my birthday gift idea."
Later, my father's words were simple.
"Finders, keepers."
That night, Iris and I placed the eggs somewhere warm.
And slept.
Unaware of what would hatch.