"The Darkwood Forest is located in the most South-west periphery of the Artidus Empire. The borders of the Empire end there."
"The entire forest is filled with millions of species, known and unknown. The demonic beast roams here wildly, and each one of them is capable of wreaking havoc in a human city."
"This is also one of the reasons why this place is not inhabited by any humans. Even many mages tried to venture through this forest, however, rarely could they ever walk out in one piece."
"Even the strong ones might not be able to survive if they encountered a wrong enemy. Thus, this forest has crowned itself as one of the Forbidden places of the Artidus Empire."
"What lies beyond the forest is sheer darkness. A wasteland stretching for hundreds of miles. The dark mist dances around it like the stubborn rust around a bare iron. "
"It is the territory of Umbras. It is also one of the reasons why you will rarely find any soul around here."
"Still, this forest has also helped the empire defend against the possible invasion of Umbras. Since, they find it hard to cross this forest, and they always have to pay a heavy price whenever they come to this side."
"The Darkwood Forest is like a border beyond the border. It is also the reason why the royal family never touched this place."
"Doesn't it endanger the lives of many people?" Arvad asked.
King Aeron gazed at the rapidly changing landscape from the airship's largest window, and answered, "This is the empire's way, son. Few sacrifices for saving countless resources, no?"
Arvad could not help but feel a bitter ache after being exposed to the cold reality. "Is this a king's way too?"
King Aeron went silent for a long moment. He felt something stir inside him, and it was the first time that he failed to think of anything.
In the end, he deeply sighed, and looked directly in the same gray eyes as him. "To some extent, yes. However, it is more complicated than yo-"
"Don't worry, I already expected the answer. But, I can't sacrifice my loved ones for my personal interest."
King Aeron smiled, and there was pain hidden beneath its curve.
Arvad was too immature to notice it. In the future, he would feel a splitting heartache whenever he remembered this smile.
King Aeron shook his head. "Let's talk about the more important matter at hand. I believe you already know the danger of the task you are about to face. So, I won't go into too much detail."
"Knight Roy would drop you to the periphery of the Darkwood Forest. Your task is to survive three nights without any of our assistance."
Arvad became serious too, nodded his head, but after a slight pause, he could not help but ask, "Are you not coming?"
King Aeron smiled, patted his shoulders. "This airship will attract too many people. If your location is exposed, there might be many assassins behind you."
Hearing that, Arvad became a little disappointed, and lowered his head.
King Aeron could not help but mock, "What are you so disappointed about? Wasn't someone pestering me to leave the castle for the past few years? I heard from Master Luwein that you even tried to sneak off once."
"Did he betray me," Arvad muttered.
"Haha. I am his king, while you are just a little brat. Who do you think he will favor?" King Aeron could not help but joke after looking at his downcast expression.
"Hmph. All you adults are not trustworthy."
"Okay, now joke aside. Remember to not venture deep inside the forest. There are existences inside which can sneeze you off to heaven. Just survive, do you understand?"
"I understand."
"Good. Now, don't be so depressed. I have a gift for you."
"What?" Arvad immediately raised his head in excitement.
King Aeron shook his head, took out something from his robe, and put it on the table. "Here, take it."
Suddenly, the entire cabin was filled with a cold aura. Arvad looked at the sparkling blue pendant which had intricate carving on its surface. The chain which held it was pure silver in a double helix like structure, and appeared beautiful.
Arvad instantly fell in love with it, and wore it. He felt a chilling sensation around his neck, and even his mind seemed calm and quicker than before. "Is this a Magic Artifact?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. No one knows. It has been passed down to every generation of heir of Aeron House. It could not be destroyed nor could it be broken."
"I feel so relaxed after wearing this."
"It's a mysterious thing. However, it has a special meaning for House Aeron. Don't you dare lose it. Never reveal it to any outsider, got it?"
"Don't worry, I don't care about anything else. Since you have given me a gift, I will treasure it for my entire life." Arvad suddenly thought of something, and his expression turned dark. "Father, you say it is given to the heir of House Aeron. But, I am still an heir in blood and name only. It is yet to be decided."
King Aeron's expression turned unreadable as he said with a deep voice, "I know you will surely come. This small forest can not hold you back. This is just one of the stepping stones in your path to become the strongest."
Before Arvad could say anything, a loud knock echoed outside the room.
A robust soldier clad in silver armor walked in, and saluted before saying, "Your Majesty, we are about to reach the destination."
King Aeron gestured for him to leave, and turned towards Arvad. "Shall we?"
"Let's go."
Soon, they reached the exit room of the airship, where a few people seemed to be waiting for their arrival.
The people were preparing for a salute, when King Aeron stopped them. "No need for the formalities." He turned to look towards a silent middle-aged knight, who was examining Arvad. The knight had sharp eyes, dark features, and a thin body; a contrast from how the usual knights looked.
He was one of the most talented ones under the command of King Aeron. A dual elementalist, manipulator of earth and fire elements, well versed in the art of magic. He was famous throughout the Artidus Empire, and he had defeated many stronger knights of the other Great Houses during the competition arranged by the Imperial Family.
However, this was not the most surprising thing about him. Despite having a great talent in magic, he decided to become a knight, and chose a spear as his weapon. Not to say, he mastered it, and even converged magic in his spear arts.
"Are you prepared for the journey, Roy?" King Aeron asked the silent knight.
Roy gave a calm nod, and did not speak. Seeing that, King Aeron turned towards a soldier, who bowed slightly in response, and walked off.
Not long after, the soldier came in with two long robes which were black in color. There were faint blue runes along the fabris, and they seemed to be some kind of magic robes.
A maid took the robe, walked beside Arvad, and quickly helped him wear it under his confused gaze. She did the same with Roy, and quietly retreated back.
"Father, what is this?" Arvad asked as he felt the light robe, and could not help but admire the craftsmanship.
King Aeron looked at him, and gave a mysterious smile. "You will know soon enough." Turning around, he loudly ordered, "Open the gates."
Swish!
A metal door moaned behind them, and bright light flickered from the runes.
Arvad felt strong wind currents behind him, and he quickly turned around. The scene before his eyes stunned him for a long moment, as he stood frozen on his spot.
The vista of trees fluttered with the slightly chilly wind, and an orange halo marked the west horizon. The sun looked absolutely gorgeous as it waved farewell to the entire world.
"Spectacular, isn't it?" King Aeron looked at Arvad who was dazzled by the sheer broadness of the view, and chuckled. "Don't you feel like flying in the sky right now?"
"Yea, I wish." Arvad replied absentmindedly, still speechless by the scene.
"Let me grant your wish then. Return triumph, son. Farewell."
These were the only words he heard when Arvad felt the world turning in front of his eyes, and the next thing he noticed was the vast expanse of twilight-lit sky.
He felt his body rapidly falling, and for a moment, he could not process what had transpired before his eyes.
"What just happened? Father!" Arvad roared loudly, but the chaotic air currents made it hard for his sound to travel any further.
Agitated and confused, Arvad unconsciously turned around, and looking at the rapidly closing ground, he could not help but forget his etiquette and start cursing, "Shit! Shit! Shit!"
"Is this how the Heir of Great Aeron House dies? Being kicked off an airship by his own father?"