The room was shrouded in darkness, the stale scent of past death lingering in the air. Heavy footsteps reverberated through the dungeon, and as the dim light barely illuminated the surroundings, a man in the Royal Guard's heavy armor emerged. Captain Nero ventured into the depths of the underground dungeon, where countless prisoners were held captive. Cages lined the path, some containing lifeless bodies, while others held elves who were barely clinging to life.
Captain Nero pressed on, unfazed by the moans and pleas of the desperate elves yearning for death. Eventually, he reached the far end of the dungeon. Here, an elderly elf was imprisoned, her hands severed and her eyes gouged out by the king himself.
"I can smell someone… The dogs of the King," Avianna Nightshade's voice, frail but sly, rasped as she dangled, chained to the wall.
"Master—I mean Avianna, just confess to your crimes, and King Ravi may spare you," Captain Nero suggested, moving his torch closer to her cell. The dim light revealed her nearly lifeless form, hanging against the stone wall. Her shoulders were heavily bandaged from where her hands had been severed, and her eye sockets were hollow. Yet, even in this wretched state, Avianna managed a smile and a chuckle.
"Admit to something I never did—" she spat on the ground. "You visit my cell every day. Curious, aren't you?" she asked. Captain Nero merely grunted and sighed.
"I have one last question: did you murder Halix, one of the Royal Guards? We found her lifeless in your treehouse, her body twisted, her blood drained, her bones reduced to dust."
"You're still asking that? Do you think I'm capable of such an act? If I were, you'd all be long gone," Avianna retorted.
Captain Nero let out a deep sigh. He couldn't bear to witness the wretched state of his former master, even though he knew she no longer had eyes. "Tomorrow, your execution awaits. I thank you for your service to this kingdom," Captain Nero announced. Avianna let out a bitter laugh.
"I hope whatever you've done has brought meaning to your life," Captain Nero added before turning away and heading back.
As Captain Nero departed, Avianna's expression shifted from joy to concern as she saw glimpses of Arlo in her former student. The cell's light faded once more, and Avianna smiled as she whispered into the shadows, "The next time we meet, I will be the flower that guides your way."
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The Garden of the Agatana Household suddenly burst into full bloom as Arlo's fingers brushed against the plants. They seemed to recognize his latent elven abilities, even though he was human. With Wilr keeping a watchful eye from behind and Lady Helia busy in her office, Arlo reveled in the extraordinary display of nature.
"You have a Silvercrown Affinity," Wilr exclaimed, somewhat taken aback. Arlo looked at him, his innocent eyes filled with curiosity.
"Silvercrown?" Arlo inquired, genuinely puzzled. This baffled Wilr, who realized that this young boy was entirely unacquainted with the elven clans.
"Wait, you don't know about the elven clans?" Wilr asked, more puzzled than ever. Arlo, meanwhile, continued to interact with the blossoms and flowers, unaware of the complex world he was being introduced to.
"What are clans?" Arlo asked, his innocence radiating through his every word. Wilr was even more perplexed. He picked up Arlo and carried him hurriedly to the library. Placing the boy in a chair, he stacked a few books on the table.
"I'm going to teach you many things before you go home," Wilr said resolutely.
"But what about my grandmother?" Arlo inquired, his worry evident in his voice.
"If you want to help your grandmother, you have to become strong. Don't you want to protect her?" Wilr urged. Arlo contemplated his past inability to protect Malek and his fear when King Ravi's forces had attacked. His hands trembled with the memory of his powerlessness, but Wilr's comforting words soothed his nerves.
Days turned into weeks and then months. Arlo eagerly absorbed the knowledge Lady Helia and Wilr offered, mastering the basics of reading, writing, and even magic. Wilr conducted his morning physical training, while Lady Helia took over the afternoons with lessons in basic life magic. Arlo was determined and serious about honing his newfound skills.
Wilr, on the other hand, was embroiled in two parallel endeavors: training Arlo and investigating the Silvercrown kingdom, situated to the west of the continent. Each night, after finishing Arlo's training, he'd make his way to the nearby Blueshire Township. The Agatana family oversaw the town, well-known for their control of the powerful river that served as both a source of sustenance and a defensive barrier against the surrounding forest's menacing creatures.
As Wilr entered the town, the night sky, studded with stars and the gentle glow of the moon, cast a soft, eerie radiance on the cobblestone streets. It was late, and only a few individuals ventured outside. Wilr headed to the guilds, identified by their distinctive yellow roofs.
The patrons in the guilds fell into a hushed silence as they saw Wilr. Some greeted him, while others returned to their own conversations. An old, bald man with a glistening head, clad in well-to-do clothing, noticed Wilr and approached with an amiable grin. His beard, adorned with gemstone braids, signified his venerable status within the merchant guild, and his golden weighing scale badge attested to his long and illustrious career in the world of commerce.
"Wilr, I have returned! It's been three months since we last crossed paths," the man remarked with an inviting tone.
"Rigdur, have you got any news about my request?" Wilr immediately inquired, his tone serious. Rigdur gestured for Wilr to take a seat, which he did gladly. As the waitress brought them a couple of beers, Rigdur signaled for privacy.
"Is all this really necessary?" Wilr queried, looking at the drinks in his hands. Rigdur simply chuckled.
"We can enjoy our conversation, can't we?" Rigdur suggested, and Wilr, resigned, accepted the beer, sipping it more slowly than his companion, who seemed to treat it as if it were water.
"Now, regarding your request, I did my best, but I could only find a single piece of information," Rigdur admitted, his jovial demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. Wilr's eyebrows arched in curiosity as he leaned in.
"The Silvercrown clan has closed its borders, not just to humans but to all other races as well. Even fellow elves are not allowed inside. There are soldiers patrolling, and their security is ironclad. Even we golden badge merchants are unwelcome," Rigdur explained, and Wilr was startled by this revelation.
"What could be the reason for that?" Wilr asked, doing his best to appear unfazed.
"Well," Rigdur continued, his voice lowering to a hushed tone, "a close elven friend let slip that there was an execution. They didn't reveal the identity of the individual, though."
"Execution?" Wilr muttered, his mind racing as he recalled Arlo's story. The pieces of the puzzle began falling into place.
"Did they say who was executed?" Wilr inquired, a tinge of anxiety in his voice.
"No, nothing further," Rigdur replied, and a hint of worry flashed across his face.
"Thank you—" Wilr began, already preparing to leave, his beer almost untouched.
"Leaving so soon, eh?" Rigdur called after him, but Wilr was already out the door. He rushed back to the Agatana Household, burdened by the news he had inadvertently uncovered.
After finishing her duties in her office, Lady Helia proceeded to Arlo's room. A gentle knock preceded her entrance. Inside, she discovered Arlo engrossed in a late-night reading session, perusing a book on life magic related to nature.
Lady Helia couldn't help but marvel at the child's enthusiasm for learning about nature. Arlo noticed her presence and looked up from his book.
"Lady Helia!" he exclaimed, quickly standing up to show his respect.
"For a young one like you, you're quite brilliant at absorbing knowledge like it's second nature," Lady Helia remarked, gently patting Arlo's head. "Dinner is about to be served, and Benny has prepared something special for us," she added, and they left the room together. As they walked through the hallways, Arlo couldn't help but take in the beauty surrounding him. The corridor was adorned with a profusion of blooming flowers, making it feel like an extension of the house. Portraits of Lady Helia's family, including her parents and herself, adorned the walls. But one particular portrait caught Arlo's eye, depicting a boy and a girl who bore a striking resemblance to Lady Helia.
"Lady, who are they?" Arlo asked, pointing at the portrait. Lady Helia followed his gaze and smiled softly.
"That's my brother and me," she reminisced, stepping closer to the portrait. The boy in the painting had light skin, dark hair, and bright blue eyes. He was dressed in a stylish dark blue coat with pitch-black shorts, and by his side was a younger Lady Helia.
"You look almost the same," Arlo commented. "What happened to him?" he asked, sensing a hint of sadness in Lady Helia's response.
"He's... somewhere safe and happy," she replied, her words hinting at a deeper story she wasn't ready to share. "You know, Arlo, you remind me of him in many ways."
"Hmm?" Arlo looked at her, curious. Lady Helia's long, curly hair partially concealed her emotions. Unlike her brother, her eyes were a darker shade of blue, and she was taller despite being the younger one in the painting.
"Let's go, Benny should be finished preparing the food in the dining room," Lady Helia said. They continued their journey to the dining room, where the grandeur of the place never ceased to amaze Arlo, even after his numerous visits.
"Wow," Arlo exclaimed as he looked at the vast array of dishes on the table. The room was adorned with a variety of flavors and dishes. He settled down near Lady Helia but couldn't help but notice that the staff of the household, including the kitchen workers, maids, and guards, had joined them for dinner.
"Lady Helia!" they greeted her in unison, bowing respectfully before taking their seats. As the others began eating, Arlo hesitated, his gaze focused on the empty seat next to Lady Helia.
"You can start eating, Arlo. It's quite late, and you need to rest for tomorrow's practice," Lady Helia encouraged.
"But Wilr hasn't arrived yet," Arlo replied. Lady Helia also noticed the vacant seat and expressed a hint of concern.
"He might be running a little late today. You can begin your meal," Lady Helia said.
Almost an hour passed, and gradually, the dining room began to empty out as the staff finished their meals and departed. Lady Helia remained unusually still, her food untouched. Benny, the head chef, couldn't help but notice. When Arlo excused himself to retire to his room, Benny decided to speak with Lady Helia.
"Is there a problem with the food, Lady Helia?" Benny asked, concern in her voice. As Lady Helia opened her mouth to reply, the dining room's door swung open, revealing Wilr.
"I have some news," he declared as he made his way toward them. A somber mood seemed to surround him, and Lady Helia instinctively clenched her fists as an ominous feeling washed over her. Benny and Lady Helia exchanged a worried look before shifting their attention to Wilr.
Wilr took a seat and poured himself a glass of water before delivering the news. "I've obtained some information about Arlo's background. It might be speculative, but it could also be the truth."
"What is it?" Lady Helia inquired.
"Based on Arlo's past stories, the Silvercrown clan has become increasingly aggressive in the last three months. Their borders are sealed, and security has been heightened, affecting not only humans but also other races, including elves," Wilr explained. Benny remained composed but attentive to every word. Lady Helia, however, seemed to sit on pins and needles.
"Rigdur mentioned that they conducted an execution on that day," Wilr continued. There was an unmistakable undercurrent of worry in his voice.
"An execution?" Lady Helia echoed, her heart pounding. She was connecting the dots, and her mind was racing.
"Wilr, are you certain this relates to Arlo's grandmother?" Lady Helia questioned, her voice trembling slightly.
"While there's no concrete proof, the timing is too coincidental. The execution took place just after the day you saved Arlo in the forest. The borders were sealed on the same day, and I believe it may be connected," Wilr explained. Lady Helia couldn't suppress the knot of dread forming in her chest.
"How can you be so sure? We can't assume that Arlo's grandmother was the one executed without evidence," Lady Helia responded, desperately clinging to the hope that there was another explanation.
"But we can't rule it out either. The circumstances are too compelling to be ignored," Wilr argued. Benny, who had been listening intently, decided to speak up.
"This is a difficult situation for all of us. Arlo has become a positive influence in this household, bringing joy and a deep connection to nature. While we can't disregard the evidence, we also can't dismiss the possibility that Arlo's grandmother is still alive," Benny said.
"We need to see proof. We can't claim someone is dead without evidence. We have to confirm it with our own eyes. We can't accept the death of someone if we don't see their lifeless body!" Lady Helia stated with unwavering conviction.
Wilr suddenly remembered the tragedy in Lady Helia's past, the death of her brother. The memory connected in his mind. He now understood why she had grown so attached to Arlo. Arlo reminded her of her older brother, Helios, who had perished in a tragic accident, swept away by a violent river during a storm. It wasn't her fault, but the incident had left deep scars on her.
"Lady Helia, I apologize," Wilr said, his apology sincere. Benny, who had been silently observing, decided to add her perspective.
"This might be a hard reality to accept, not just for you, Lady Helia. Arlo has been a source of happiness in this household for months, and we all care about his well-being, as well as yours. The choice, however, lies with Arlo. He's the one who must decide whether to seek the truth or stay here and accept the situation," Benny explained.
"But he's too young to understand..." Lady Helia fretted.
"I know, Lady Helia, you care for his safety and have come to see him as a younger brother. I share the same concern, both for him and for you. You are the kind of person who would go to great lengths to help others, even if it puts you in danger. As your right hand, I will do everything in my power to protect you," Wilr pledged.
Just then, the door to the dining hall opened once more, and Arlo entered, holding a book on magic. "I was about to ask something, but I overheard you mention my grandmother..." he began, his eyes filled with concern and curiosity.
Lady Helia appeared visibly shocked, and Wilr gulped with concern. Benny, however, took the initiative and walked over to Arlo. She signaled him to come closer, and he approached. Her voice was filled with worry as she spoke.
"Arlo, this might be a bit too much for you to handle," she began.
Arlo questioned her, "W-what happened to grandma?"
Benny placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Arlo, we have to be honest… Your grandmother might not be alive," she gently broke the news. Arlo tried to push her away, his whimpering filling the room, but Benny's strong arms prevented him.
"No... no…no," Arlo whimpered repeatedly.
"Arlo," Lady Helia tried to console him, but he continued crying.
"NO... not grandmother..!" Arlo shouted. Benny's hold on him weakened, and they watched in shock as Arlo's eyes began to glow.
Benny immediately reached for Arlo with her right hand and touched the metal stand of a chair. She cast a spell, invoking "Metallomorphosis," causing her skin to turn a golden brown, signifying a copper-like texture.
Lady Helia, on the other hand, felt helpless, frozen by the unfolding scene. It reminded her of her own past, when she had lost control of her magic. She remembered creating a storm that led to devastating consequences, including her brother's death.
The memory momentarily overwhelmed her. Her younger self, out of control, floating in mid-air with levitated water droplets surrounding her. The river had surged, pulling invaders and bystanders, including her brother, to their doom.
The memory suddenly vanished as she returned to the present, with Wilr's face close to her. He shook her, calling her back to reality.
"LADY!" Wilr shouted, and Lady Helia felt herself blush as she pushed him away.
"Too close!" she chided, glancing at Arlo, who was still out of control.
Wilr looked at Lady Helia, and she nodded. They had no other choice.
"We have no choice," Lady Helia said to Wilr, and he agreed. With Arlo still unable to control himself, Wilr dashed to Arlo's side and delivered a precise strike to the back of his neck, invoking "Nerve shock." This action sent Arlo into instant unconsciousness.
The room fell silent for a moment as the three of them looked at each other and then at Arlo. The power Arlo had emitted was far greater than they expected.
"That was quite chaotic, haha," Lady Helia awkwardly joked as she laughed.
Benny held Arlo carefully on her shoulder as the child fell asleep. She appeared confused as she looked at the metal she had touched, which was not copper, but her skin had transformed into it.
"Are you okay, Benny?" Wilr asked.
Benny nodded, but then water surrounded her hands, briefly glowing. It seemed to heal her exhaustion.
Benny looked at Lady Helia and thanked her, to which Lady Helia responded with a nod.
Benny broke the silence with a question, "What do we do now?"
Lady Helia proposed a plan, "Let's put him in bed, and I'll watch over him. Powers like his need to be controlled to avoid future dangers. If I managed to control mine, I'm confident that Arlo can do it too. He's a bright boy."
Benny and Wilr accepted the idea. They all knew the consequences of uncontrolled magic. It could either become a disaster or a potential hero who could save them in the future.