Seven years had passed since Luka's revelation in the mystical forest. He was now twelve years old and had found companionship within the castle walls. His friends included an elven princess named Lyara and a beastkin boy named Kael, who served as the princess's guardian and friend. Together, they shared adventures and secrets hidden within the royal realm.
In a place of woods called Pinevale, Aran lived a humble life. He was a young boy with a mysterious past, spending his days assisting his adoptive father, Robert, a former knight skilled in felling trees, and honing his skills amidst the tranquil beauty of the forest. Little did he know that his destiny would soon intertwine with that of Luka's.
One fateful day, as Aran was cutting down trees in the forest, he heard the distant commotion of a carriage under attack by bandits. Rushing to the scene, Aran witnessed the desperate struggle of the guards who were no match for the bandits' unique magical abilities. They were outnumbered and wounded, unable to protect the youngest daughter of the king, Princess Elowen, who was inside the carriage.
With courage burning in his heart, Aran stepped forward to confront the bandits. Mocked for his youthful appearance, they underestimated him, unaware of the training he had received from his adoptive father, a former knight. Aran infused his sword with magic and cast a spell that didn't rely on enchantments. The bandits were left in awe as the magic he wielded enveloped them in darkness, delivering fatal blows that left them incapacitated or worse.
Aran didn't stop there. He tended to the wounded knights, providing them with healing potions he had concocted himself, revealing his talent as an alchemist. The bandits' attack had been thwarted, and Princess Elowen was saved.
News of Aran's heroism quickly reached the king, who wished to meet this courageous young boy. Knights were dispatched to Aran's home, where he resided with his adopted family. His parents were baffled by the sudden attention, fearing that Aran had committed a crime. Aran's father accompanied him to the capital, hoping that his former knight status might help persuade the king to reduce any potential punishment.
Upon their arrival in the kingdom, they were welcomed with gratitude. Aran was shocked to discover that the girl he had rescued was, in fact, Princess Elowen. The king expressed his gratitude and offered Aran rewards beyond his wildest dreams. He proposed making Aran a knight commander, bestowing him with land and a title. But Aran humbly declined, expressing his desire to focus on studying, learning various skills, and mastering magic.
The king, impressed by Aran's humility and thirst for knowledge, agreed to his request. Aran, along with his family, was welcomed to live in the kingdom. He would have the opportunity to pursue his education and skills within the royal walls.