As the first rays of the golden sun spread across the lush forest, a small cabin nestled amidst the trees came alive with joyous commotion. Inside, the air was filled with anticipation and excitement as a new life entered the world. The newborn's cries resonated through the room, announcing his arrival to the world.
In his mother's tender embrace, the tiny boy's deep purple skin gradually transformed, revealing his robust vitality. He seemed to possess an innate strength as if he knew he was destined for greatness.
With a beaming smile, the proud father watched his wife cradle their precious son. "Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Kamuy," the doctor announced, delivering the heartening news of a healthy baby boy.
The mother's gaze lingered on her son's cherubic face, marvelling at the exquisite blend of her and her husband's features. His cheeks were rosy, and his hair displayed a striking combination of full black strands with delicate wisps of white at the sides.
As the newborn's eyes fluttered open, a mesmerizing, otherworldly glow emanated from within, a gift inherited from his mother known as the Vision of Beyond. This extraordinary ability would grant him a unique perspective on the world, setting him apart from others.
Prompted by the doctor, the parents joyfully christened their son, "Jin Aurelius Kamuy." The name was inscribed with care in official records, signifying the start of a new life, a future filled with boundless possibilities.
For Xavier and Kiana Kamuy, Jin was a symbol of hope, a beacon of a brighter tomorrow. As a working knight, Xavier's responsibilities demanded him to be away for longer hours, which occasionally worried him, especially with the birth of their precious child. Kiana, a retired guild member of the forge, embraced her role as a devoted stay-at-home mother, determined to provide their son with all the love and care he deserved.
Their family was now complete, and together, they embarked on a journey filled with love, wonder, and the unwavering pursuit of true freedom.
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* * 5 years later... * *
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In the serene solitude of my room, I, a young 5-year-old, sat by my bedside, clutching a book that opened the gates to the great world's mysteries. Its pages unravelled the captivating tale of mana's genesis, bound within a tree that birthed life in all its myriad forms, including the coveted essence of mana.
I was spellbound by the stories of humanity's initial encounter with the extraordinary power of mana, an encounter that irrevocably shaped the course of history. The art of manifesting elemental creations, such as wind, fire, earth, and water, painted a vivid picture of mana's paramount importance in the world.
Yet, like the intricate dance of light and shadow, the stories didn't shy away from the shadows cast by such potent power. Great responsibility accompanied those who could wield mana, and as they ascended to positions of influence, greater evils sought to disrupt the natural harmony of peace. In response, the Ancient heroes emerged from the annals of time, spearheaded by the Hero that the world needed, Aiel Panthero, and their enigmatic cohort known as Infinity.
Aiel celebrated as the hero of freedom, fought valiantly alongside his comrades, fearlessly navigating a path through every obstruction in their way. In the climactic Great War of Askana, they stood their ground against the Seven Wonders of Evil, leaving me in awe of their unwavering determination and triumphant resolve.
However, as I closed the book, a sense of restlessness stirred within my young heart. The lingering question emerged, and frustration tinged my thoughts. If Aiel was undoubtedly the Strongest Hero the world had ever seen, why did evil persist? Couldn't he eradicate all darkness and bring forth a world without greater evil?
Lost in contemplation, I found myself wrestling with the intricate complexities of the world and its unyielding shades of grey. But in the depths of my youthful spirit, a flicker of determination ignited a determination that would steer me towards my future, seeking answers to questions that lingered on the edges of possibility.
With determination in my eyes, my heart raced with excitement as I prepared for a momentous day – the day I would finally learn the way of the sword from my father, Xavier. Outside, the elegant rustling of his sword captured my attention, seemingly choreographed by the whimsical dance of the wind. I admired the way my father wielded the sword, as if it were an extension of his very being.
Today marked my fifth birthday, and I hoped my mother would grant my fervent wish to practice with my father. Gathering my courage, I called out, "Mommmm!! Can I go practice with Dad?" As my request hung in the air, my mother entered the room, inquisitive about my sudden eagerness to learn the sword at such a tender age.
With a determined expression, I tried to convince her, "I'm really excited for today because Father promised to teach me how to swing the sword."
After a moment of contemplation, my mother relented, "Alright, but be careful and listen to your father."
My face lit up with delight as I hurried to join my father. "Jin! Is today the day you learn to wield the sword?" Xavier greeted me warmly.
I nodded eagerly. "Yes, Dad! I couldn't wait any longer!"
Admiring my father's skills, I wondered if I would ever become as capable as Xavier. Yet, a flicker of doubt lingered within me, unsure if I could handle the pressure. As Xavier began the lesson, I grabbed the nearest stick, mimicking his movements.
"Now, Jin, stand up straight when handling the sword," Xavier instructed, guiding my posture.
I followed the guidance, trying to replicate my father's movements with one foot forward and the other back. Uncertainty gnawed at me, but I was comforted by the smile on my father's face.
"Good. Now, swing your sword down like this," Xavier demonstrated, his expert swing leaving an indented mark on a nearby tree.
However, when I tried to replicate the motion, nothing happened. Frustration crept into my voice as I asked, "Dad, what am I doing wrong?"
Xavier smiled reassuringly, patting my back. "You're doing nothing wrong, my son. Your swing reflects the effort you put in. You may not be as strong as me now, but with hard work, you can achieve great things."
Pausing for a moment, Xavier leaned in and whispered in my ear, "And remember, with hard work and talent, obsession conquers all."
At that moment, I somehow understood what my father was saying.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the land, my father and I continued our rigorous training. Hours passed like fleeting moments, and as the night sky adorned itself with twinkling stars, we found ourselves deeply immersed in perfecting our swordplay.
Xavier's brow furrowed with determination, fully absorbed in passing down his knowledge and skills to his young apprentice. "You're doing well, Jin. Your form is improving, and your strikes are getting sharper," he praised, a glimmer of pride in his eyes.
I grinned, my heart swelling with gratitude for my father's guidance. "Thanks, Father! I'll keep practicing until I can wield a sword as skillfully as you."
As we made our way back home, the sky now painted with a myriad of colors, Xavier's excitement began to wane, replaced by a growing sense of dread. "Oh no, looks like we've been out for too long. Your mother is going to kill me, and I promised that I cooked dinner as well. Oh, fuck," Xavier cursed under his breath.
Our footsteps quickened, and anxiety mounted with each step. The moment we arrived at the house, a creaking sound greeted us, foreshadowing what awaited us inside. My mother, Kiana, stood tall and imposing, arms crossed, and her expression stern as she stared down at her husband.
"My, oh my, what is this? The husband who promised the maiden dinner for tonight?" Kiana's voice carried a hint of annoyance, and the gravity of the situation was not lost on either my father or me.
As Xavier stammered for words, I couldn't see his face, but I could feel the tension in the air. "Um...I'm sorry, please forgive me!" Xavier pleaded, sinking to his knees in remorse.
My heart ached for my father, knowing the wrath that might befall him. In a desperate attempt to protect Xavier, I stepped forward, swallowing my fear. "Mother, it was my fault. I'm sorry I made Father late because he wanted to show me the way of the sword," I confessed, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.
Kiana's gaze shifted to me, her expression softening just a touch. "Is that correct, Xavier?" she inquired, her tone demanding but not devoid of understanding.
"Y-y-yes… that is right," Xavier stammered, still feeling the weight of his mistake.
"Well, then I shall make only an exception for tonight. But if it were to happen again, don't think that my feet will be the only source of your pain. Understand?" Kiana's words carried a warning, and Xavier nodded fervently, grateful for the leniency.
With the tension diffused, we shared a warm meal together that night.