One fateful day, while the young duo of Astrea and Klaus were just 9 were engaged in playful antics alongside their revered knightly mentor, Eldrie, a poignant conversation unfolded. Eldrie, ever the sagacious guardian, posed a question that would sow the seeds of profound reflection in the hearts of the two hopeful aspirants. He queried whether they harbored a genuine desire to pursue the noble path of knighthood.
Astrea, his eyes alight with an unwavering passion, responded with resolute enthusiasm. He articulated his fervent aspiration, fervently expressing that, to him, becoming a knight was the epitome of coolness—a journey toward personal strength and valor that beckoned him with irresistible allure.
In contrast, Klaus, the pragmatic thinker, revealed his own aspirations. He longed to be a magic knight, not merely for the allure of mystical powers, but also for the promise of financial stability and happiness that the role offered. Klaus rationalized that, in a kingdom blessed with low crime rates, the need for their services would be minimal.
Eldrie, ever the mentor, felt compelled to impart a vital lesson to the young dreamers. He gently elucidated that the essence of knighthood extended far beyond the pursuit of wealth or power. It was a sacred duty, a solemn pact with destiny, dedicated to aiding the less fortunate, protecting the innocent, and ensuring the safety of those in need.
As day surrendered to night, the tranquility of their village was shattered by the sudden, malevolent intrusion of marauding bandits. Without hesitation, Eldrie, embodying the knight's code in its purest form, sprang into action. He gallantly rallied the trembling villagers, urging them to seek refuge, while he himself confronted the relentless bandits, resolute in his determination to repel their nefarious designs.
However, amidst the tumult, tragedy unfolded. The very haven in which Astrea and Klaus had taken shelter was engulfed in flames, a malevolent act by the bandits. Panic gripped the two young aspirants as Astrea's mystical prowess and Klaus's storage magic proved futile in the face of impending doom. In their darkest hour, it was Eldrie, their unwavering mentor, who arrived as their savior. With unwavering valor, he attempted to rescue them, but alas, he paid the ultimate price. Eldrie laid down his life in his heroic endeavor to save the young hopefuls.
The night bore witness to the arrival of reinforcements, knights who ultimately vanquished the marauders, sparing the lives of every villager, save for Eldrie, whose sacrifice weighed heavily upon the hearts of all. In the solemnity of Eldrie's funeral, Astrea and Klaus were compelled to grapple with the harsh reality that their presence had played a pivotal role in the tragic events that had transpired. Though a mere five years old, they were thrust into the crucible of maturity, burdened by the knowledge that Eldrie's demise might have been averted were it not for their predicament.
From that moment onward, both Astrea and Klaus dedicated themselves to rigorous training. Their shared commitment was to ensure that the sacred principles of knighthood, as instilled by Eldrie, would never be forsaken. They embarked on a relentless journey, determined that no other mentor should ever be required to make the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of an honorable cause.