The sun rose over Newhaven, its light spilling across the city like molten gold. Far from a stagnant haze, the morning air was thick with the scent of toasted grain and the low hum of a city that never truly slept. High above, the polished spires of the central district caught the first rays, standing as bright sentinels over a sprawling labyrinth of markets and workshops already bursting with life. Street vendors called out over the clatter of iron-rimmed wheels, and laborers swapped jokes as they hurried toward the massive processing mills.
Newhaven was the pulse of the kingdom, the undisputed capital of the harvest. Beyond the city walls, the reason for its wealth stretched as far as the eye could see: limitless, undulating oceans of maize. The stalks stood tall and proud, their silk-tasseled heads swaying in the breeze like a golden army. This wasn't just a crop; it was the city's lifeblood. Every year, Newhaven's exports filled the granaries of distant lands, making it the most vital trade hub in the territory.
The break room at the field's edge was a sturdy pocket of shade—four thick stone walls and a floor worn smooth by generations of heavy boots. It smelled of earth, sun-warmed wood, and the deep, comforting sweetness of drying husks. A single clean window let in a sharp beam of morning light, cutting a bright path across the floor.
In the middle of it all, Adam sat in a heavy wooden chair, eyes fixed on something that wasn't there. The door scraped open, and Silas shouldered his way in, dragging the industrious heat of the fields with him.
"Are you okay?" Silas asked. "You've been distracted for the past few days."
"Arthur's seventeen today," Adam said, his voice barely clearing the dust in his throat. He turned his scarred palms upward. "And I have nothing to give him. No gear, no weapons—nothing."
Silas let out a breathy whistle. "Seventeen? You haven't heard the news? The Duke is opening the Guild today for anyone turning seventeen. They're giving out free kits, Adam. Actual weapons and armor for whoever wants them."
Adam's head lifted slowly. "Free gear from the Duke?" For a second, a flicker of relief crossed his eyes. Then the light died, replaced by a cold clarity. "Men like him don't do favors, Silas. If he gives a kid a sword today, he'll expect to own whatever they find tomorrow. It's a trap."
"Maybe," Silas sighed. "But you don't have a choice. Do you want him going in there with a piece of scrap metal or a real blade? Forget your pride, Adam. This city is wealthy, but it isn't kind to the weak."
Adam's jaw tightened. The logic tasted like ash, but it was logic nonetheless. "Fine. I understand," he snapped, pulling away. He stared through the window at the distant, gleaming spires one last time before beginning the long walk toward the city center, weaving through the crowds of merchants and grain-haulers.
Deep within the verdant hush of the forest, away from the rhythmic clatter of the city, a solitary figure stood at the river's edge. Arthur broke the stillness with the rhythmic snap of stone against water, watching pebbles skip in graceful arcs before vanishing.
"Finally out of the city," he sighed, letting his shoulders drop as the tension of the city began to fade. "I can relax for a bit."
He squinted up at the bright expanse above, measuring the afternoon by the height of the glare. The water rushed over the stones, a cool contrast to the golden heat of the maize fields.
"Tonight is the awakening," he muttered to himself, his gaze drifting to his reflection in the moving water. "Dad said he'd find some gear and that I shouldn't worry... I hope he actually found something."
He knew how hard his father worked, even in a city as wealthy as Newhaven. Their coin was thin. The thought of entering that world without a decent blade made his stomach twist, but he pushed the fear away for now. He stayed there for a while longer, watching the water rush over the stones until the light began to change.
But as the afternoon wore on, Arthur finally pulled himself from the riverbank. The sun was still hanging in the sky, casting long, golden bars of light through the trees. It was already four o'clock. "I'd better get back," he told the shadows. "Before Dad starts looking for me."
The walk back took less than five minutes, leading him to the brick-walled house he'd called home his whole life. When he pushed the door open, the flickering glow of the wall lamps met him. His father was already there, anchored to a chair at the main table.
Arthur's gaze drifted to a heavy, oddly-shaped sack resting beside his father. "What's in the bag?"
Adam gestured to the empty seat. "Arthur, sit down. You know what's happening tonight."
"Yes, Dad. I'll be summoned to that other world to fight and awaken."
"Good," Adam muttered. "The Duke was handing out gear today to help you survive. You still remember your training?"
"Yes. You're the one who taught me, after all."
"Then take this." Adam handed him a sword. The hilt was wrapped in high-quality fabric, textured to prevent slipping. Arthur grabbed the weapon in awe. "Be careful," Adam warned. "Master Wayne made this."
"Master Wayne made this?"
"Yes. And take this armor, too. It's monster hide—much lighter and tougher than metal plates."
Arthur pulled the armor on; it fit perfectly. "It's really light." He looked up at his father, his voice dropping. "Dad... did they say if this armor was enchanted?"
Adam blinked. "No... why?"
Arthur raised his hand, staring at his palm. "I feel a lot stronger just putting it on."
"Wait, really?" Adam stepped forward, eyes wide. "I wasn't told—"
"I'm just kidding," Arthur broke into a wide, mischievous grin. "But it feels like it."
Adam reached out and gave Arthur a light, sharp smack on the back of the head. "Be serious!" He turned away, coughing to hide a flicker of a smile. This generation, he thought, shaking his head. Truly unserious.
He walked toward the window, looking at the deepening orange light reflecting off the city's spires. "Go practice with the sword before it gets dark."
Arthur practiced in the yard until the shadows swallowed him whole. Is it night already? he thought, looking at his arm. I lost track of time. Tonight, I'm going to that world Dad talks about. I wonder what it's like.
"Arthur!" His father's voice rang in his ears. "Dinner's ready."
Arthur stepped back into the warmth of the house. He froze, eyes widening at the spread before him. There was more food than he'd seen in months—thick bread, heavy stew, and massive portions of the city's finest yield.
"Eat," Adam said softly. "Eat up. You'll need your strength for tonight. I also packed you three days' worth of food."
"Thanks, Dad," Arthur replied as he ate.
"Don't mention it. It's my job."
The conversation between them went on, hours bleeding together until the city streets finally grew quiet. As the night reached its peak, the great church bell in the city center struck midnight. But it didn't stop at twelve. It began ringing continuously—a frantic, rhythmic alarm signaling the start of the Awakening.
Arthur stood up from the table, reaching for the rucksack and carefully wrapping the strap around his shoulder so it sat secure against his monster-hide armor. He looked at his father, the shadow of the man's worry finally breaking through his stoic mask. Without a word, Arthur stepped forward, and the two of them exchanged a final, tight hug.
Upon separating, Adam kept his hands on Arthur's shoulders, staring deeply into his eyes.
"I hope you make it through this, son," Adam said.
"Don't worry," Arthur replied. "I'll be fine."
Suddenly, a pink magic circle appeared beneath his feet, shimmering with an ancient power. A bright light shone forward, shooting into the sky like a pillar of fire. Adam willed himself to look, but the glare was too much, and he had to cover his eyes.
When he finally opened them, Arthur was gone.
Adam stepped out of the house and looked up. He stopped, breathless. Across the horizon, millions of similar lights were shooting into the sky, piercing the darkness of Newhaven like stars rising from the earth.
"What a view," he whispered. Still looking upward, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "I hope he'll be able to survive in there and get a strong class."