Lost in the most dangerous sea in the world, Arcanix Island is surrounded by mysteries and terrifying legends. This vast and elusive island is known for its varied and dangerous climates. No one knows exactly where it is, and the stories say that seeking it is tantamount to signing your death warrant. Hundreds of adventurers have tried, but none have ever returned, making Arcanix a true graveyard for the audacious.
Arcanix is home to an active volcano, a massive glacier, steep mountains, and a dense, enigmatic forest. These extreme environments coexist, adding to the island's mysterious and dangerous aura.
Despite its dangers, Arcanix is inhabited. It is home to the Arcanix clan, a mysterious and reclusive community. Only the members of this clan live on the island, considering it their headquarters and home. The Arcanix clan uses this land as a training ground for the younger generation, preparing them for the challenges and dangers of the outside world.
In a clearing of the dense and shaded forest, the shouts and laughter of children echoed. Liano, a ten-year-old boy with a slim figure and black hair, was running at full speed, pursued by a massive boar. Despite the sweat beading on his forehead and his shortness of breath, he wore a bright smile, his face betraying pure amusement and palpable excitement.
Armed only with a wooden sword, Liano zigzagged between the trees, jumping over roots and sliding under low branches, his friends running behind the boar, shouting and trying to lure the beast away from their comrade.
"Quick, this way!" cried one of the children, desperate, his eyes wide with fear for his friend.
"Hang on, Liano!" shouted another, his voice piercing the heavy forest air.
Out of breath but determined, Liano showed no fear. He ran with a grace and agility surprising for his age, his bare feet lightly touching the forest floor. At a sharp turn, he suddenly faced the boar, only a few meters away, his back against a large tree whose roots formed a natural barrier.
"No, Liano!" his friends shouted in unison, their voices blending into a concert of despair and panic.
At the last moment, Liano moved with surprising agility. The boar, carried by its momentum, struck him violently on the right side, but Liano managed to thrust his wooden sword into the beast's eye. The boar roared in pain, its charge halted by the child's attack. Liano was thrown to the ground, rolling several meters before stopping, panting but triumphant.
Liano jumped for joy after wounding the boar. "Finish it off!" he shouted to his friends, holding his damaged right side, his arm visibly twisted and a fleeting grimace of pain crossing his face.
"It will regain consciousness quickly, hurry up!" Liano yelled, trying to grab a club with his good arm to continue attacking the beast. His friends stopped him and began to strike the boar, their movements desperate but coordinated, determined to protect their friend and defeat the beast.
Two children, their faces marked by worry, approached Liano. "Are you sure you're okay?" asked one of them, his voice trembling.
"It's nothing, leave me alone!" Liano struggled, trying to mask the pain that was beginning to overwhelm his body. He looked at his side and noticed blood on his shirt, as well as his hand out of joint with his elbow. Before he could say anything else, his vision darkened, and his friends' voices seemed to fade away. "Damn, not again..." he thought before losing consciousness.
The forest regained its calm, the birds singing again in the trees, unaware of the drama that had just unfolded beneath their wings. The children surrounded Liano, their worried faces gradually transforming into masks of determination. Some trembled with fear, thinking he was dead, while others had tears in their eyes, unable to contain their panic.
"Liano, wake up, please!" pleaded one of the youngest, his voice broken by anxiety.
Another child, remarkably calm, knelt beside Liano, placing two fingers on his neck. "He's still breathing, I can feel his heartbeat," he announced calmly.
A third, exasperated, complained, "Again, this is the fourth time this month he's been seriously injured! Last time, he tried to climb a steep mountain on the island without a rope!"
"Yes, and before that, he wanted to swim to the glacier," added another, shaking his head. "And don't forget when he provoked the giant wasp nest to get honey."
"It's always the same with him," sighed one of the older children. "This time, he burned the boar's den, killing its young. No wonder the beast has been chasing him for half an hour."
"We need to get him back to the village," said one of the children, his tone firm but tinged with fear. "We need to alert the adults."
The children carried Liano carefully through the forest, the ground covered in dead leaves and the towering trees forming a thick canopy overhead. The sun's rays barely filtered through the branches, creating patterns of light and shadow on the winding path. The birds chirped faintly, as if to remind them that life continued despite the drama unfolding.
"We're really going to get scolded by the village chief and the healer this time," sighed one of the children, fear in his voice.
"Yes, especially after what he did," replied another. "Burning the boar's den and killing its young? That's pure madness!"
"I don't understand how he manages to stay alive with all the crazy things he does," added a third, shaking his head.
They continued to talk about their previous dangerous adventures as they crossed the forest, their voices interspersed with the rustling of leaves and the cracking of branches underfoot. The smell of damp earth and wild plants filled the air, adding to the mysterious ambiance of their walk.
Meanwhile, Liano, unconscious, struggled in his dreams. He had the strange feeling that a new element had appeared in his body, a kind of pulsing sphere lodged in his heart. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and even in his unconscious state, he twisted in pain and anxiety. The sphere seemed to emit an incomprehensible heat and energy, causing him deep discomfort.
As the children approached the village, the wooden and stone structures became visible through the trees. The village was surrounded by a basic wooden wall, designed to delineate the village. The central gate, imposing, was always open except at night, guarded by an adult or a guard.
The houses, built with natural materials, had a rustic but solid appearance. The thatched roofs and stone and wood walls testified to the simplicity and functionality of the constructions. The children crossed the village gate, immediately drawing the attention of the adults who surrounded them with worried and curious looks.
"We need to alert the adults," said one of the children, his tone firm but tinged with fear.
Inside the village, a constant atmosphere of activity reigned. The houses, built of wood and stone, were simple but sturdy, reflecting the pragmatic lifestyle of the villagers. The thatched roofs added a rustic and traditional touch to the structures.
The Forge
Near the center of the village, the forge emitted a constant heat and a glowing red light. The blacksmith, a robust man with muscular arms, worked tirelessly, shaping weapons and tools essential for survival on the island. The rhythmic sound of the hammer striking the anvil resonated in the air, and the metallic smell of molten iron floated around the forge. Many weapons, from swords to axes, were carefully lined up, ready to be used by the clan's children.
The Alchemist
Not far from the forge was the alchemist's workshop. This place exuded a mysterious aura, with shelves filled with colorful vials and dried plants. The alchemist, dressed in a long robe, mixed ingredients in a smoking cauldron. Potions of all kinds, in bright colors and with varied effects, were lined up on the work tables. The smell of herbs and concoctions filled the air, adding to the enigmatic atmosphere of the place.
The Enchanter
Next to the alchemist's workshop, the enchanter was busy with his books. Glowing runes adorned the walls, and luminous crystals hung from the ceiling, casting rainbow reflections throughout the room. The enchanter, a young man, carved magical symbols onto various objects, giving them supernatural powers. Amulets, enchanted weapons, and magical scrolls were carefully arranged, ready to be used for the benefit of the children.
The Tavern
The social heart of the village was undoubtedly the tavern. Built of solid wood, it was a gathering place where clan members shared stories and laughter over a good meal and refreshing drinks. Inside, worn wooden tables and benches welcomed guests, while the mouthwatering smell of cooked dishes filled the air. The innkeeper, a jovial man, served beers and traditional dishes, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere. Of course, children rarely came here.
The Common Dormitories
For the village children, common dormitories were set up. These simple but comfortable buildings were equipped with wooden beds and thick blankets. The walls were decorated with drawings and memories left by previous generations. The children slept here, learning to live in community and develop their sense of camaraderie.
The Canteen
The village canteen was a daily gathering place for meals. Large wooden tables were arranged in rows, allowing children and adults to eat together. The cook, an energetic and smiling woman, prepared nourishing dishes with local products. The smell of fresh bread and simmered stews filled the air, creating a welcoming and family atmosphere.
The Training Area
Finally, the training area was an essential space for the development of the young warriors of the Arcanix clan. Straw mannequins were arranged in a circle, serving as targets for combat exercises. Wooden weapons,
bows, and arrows were available for training. The young people practiced here daily, under the supervision of experienced warriors, learning to handle weapons and develop their agility and strength.
As they approached the central square, an old man with white hair and piercing eyes noticed them. He advanced with a quick and authoritative step, his hands on his hips.
"What have you done this time?" shouted Grandpa Ester, the village chief. Known for his advanced age and attachment to every child in the clan, Ester had a voice that commanded respect.
"We... we tried to stop him, but Liano did it again," stammered one of the children, lowering his eyes.
"Yes, he burned the boar's den and killed its young," added another, trying to justify their situation.
"He really needs to stop getting hurt all the time," muttered another child, visibly exhausted by their comrade's constant actions.
Grandpa Ester, though stern, had a look softened by concern. "How many times do I have to tell you to be careful, Liano?" he sighed, addressing the unconscious child.
Liano, still unconscious, began to levitate slightly off the ground, as if drawn by an invisible force. The children stepped back in surprise, and Grandpa Ester squinted, a glimmer of understanding crossing his gaze.
"His core is awakening..." murmured Ester, more to himself than to the children. "Quick, to the healer."
The curious gazes of the villagers followed them, murmuring among themselves, intrigued by what they were seeing.
The healer, a woman of respectable age with gray hair and wise eyes, came out of her house seeing the commotion. "What's going on here?" she asked, alarmed.
"Lay him here, quickly," she ordered, pointing to a table inside her house. Grandpa Ester placed Liano down with care.
Ester approached, placing a comforting hand on the healer's shoulder. "We must watch over him. This is a crucial moment."
The atmosphere was charged with tension and anticipation as the healer began to examine Liano, using her skills and knowledge to understand what was happening. The children stood back, whispering among themselves, hoping everything would be alright for their friend.