Led by Captain Orion at the Bay and Merchant Albert in the inner town, they were able to repel the attacking pirates but victory came at a heavy cost. Buildings that had stood for generations lay in ruins, their timbers scorched and splintered by cannon fire. The once-colorful marketplace was now a sea of debris, and the gentle sea breeze carried with it the unmistakable scent of sorrow. The toll in human lives was equally heart-wrenching, leaving families shattered and the community grieving.
Among the survivors was Hugo, With tear-filled eyes, he surveyed the wreckage that was once his family's home. His father, a skilled Lietunant, had always bragged that he and his men keep the pirates away from their land. Even though he was killed in the battle, Hugo's father fought bravely and commanded his men to guide the townsfolk to safety while he slowed down the attacking pirates.
Hugo's distant relative, residing in a separate town, declined to welcome him, citing his perceived misfortune. His arrival into the world was marred by the loss of his mother during childbirth, followed by the recent passing of his father. Additionally, an unfavorable birthmark spanning a significant portion of his face further fueled the belief in his ill fate.
Moved by empathy, Albert couldn't bear the idea of leaving Hugo to navigate life alone. Opting for compassion over prejudice, he chose to adopt the young boy. With just a year's age difference between Hugo and Bennet, Albert saw the opportunity to provide a nurturing home for another child.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the pirate assault's news spreading, nearby towns rallied to the aid of Minkwood town. Volunteers flocked in, carrying supplies and lending their hands to clear debris, while offering solace to those mourning their losses. This heartwarming display underscored that even amidst the bleakest hours, the bonds of community remained indomitable.
The clang of hammers and the hum of saws replaced the echoes of combat, infusing the atmosphere with a spirit of resilience. The passage of months slowly transformed into years, yet Minkwood town emerged from the ruins with newfound strength. Although remnants of the attack lingered in the form of mended structures and the somber expressions of those who had suffered, the town persevered.
In time, the town flourished anew. The harbor buzzed with activity as ships docked to trade, children's laughter once again echoed through the streets, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the baker's shop. A new lighthouse stood tall, its light cutting through the darkness as a beacon of hope, guiding ships safely to shore and reminding all who saw it that even in the face of tragedy, the ever-brave town will always stand tall.
As the years drifted by, whispers spread like wildfire through villages and cities alike about two young warriors, Bennet and Hugo. These boys, barely ten years old, possessed a maturity and combat proficiency that defied their age.
Each land has its own pristine academies, each specializing in unique forms of combat and scholarly arts. The most prestigious among in the region was the "Echelon Academy," a place where only the most extraordinary talents were nurtured. It was said that those who graduated from the Echelon Academy went on to become legendary figures, shaping the course of history itself.
Bennet, with his shock of white hair and piercing blue eyes, hailed from a lineage of enigmatic seers. The son of the "Battle Merchant" as people call his father, from a young age displayed an uncanny ability to perceive and manipulate the unseen threads that wove through reality. His insights often guided his actions, making him an unerring strategist and a masterful sword manipulator.
Hugo with his ebony hair and enigmatic violet eyes on the other hand possessed an air of mystery. He had an innate ability to harness the elements, manipulating fire with an ease that astounded even the most seasoned magicians. But what truly set Hugo apart was his unwavering courage and sense of justice, traits that he honored for his father.
Envoys from various institutions journeyed to their land, each hoping to secure these prodigies for their own. The Echelon Academy, in particular, spared no expense in their pursuit, recognizing the unparalleled potential that lay within the two young warriors.
Each academy promised a unique path, be it mastering ancient sword techniques or unraveling the secrets of arcane magic. But as the pressure mounted, a bond formed between the two boys. They saw in each other kindred spirits—two sides of a coin, destined to become a legendary duo.
"So, what choice shall you make?" inquired Albert, addressing his two sons.