Thomas wakes up in a place alien to him yet very familiar then as he stands up everything around him lights up with a muzzle light from a rifle everything went chaos soldiers running left and right seeking cover as bullets zip through the air and Thomas only can stand during the battle as around began to worsen while a mysterious figure is standing in front of him as like whispering to him some kind of sentence or something.
"Wake up" the figure mumble under the hood spoke with deep eerie voice
"Wake up!"
Thomas then opens his eyes and is greeted with a white ceiling that is probably made from marble he then sits up and tries to proses what is the dream for but then as he began to wonder the door of his room been knock and a female voice can be heard from the other side from the door "Master Thomas, are you ok, may I come in?" after the question Thomas went silent for a moment then answer the question "y-yes you can come in". then the door of Thomas's room opens and reveals that the one that knocks and asks the question Thomas is one of the Palace maids. Upon entering the maid ask with the tone of someone that their respect.
"Young Master Thomas, your highest king Adam requests your present at the dining table as soon as possible". Thomas then nods and gets out of his bed as the maid takes a leave from his room. Thomas takes a bath in the Shower that is located in his room then he wears the clothes that are provided by the Palace. While walking in the hallway Thomas still remembers the vivid memories of what happened to him 2 weeks ago where the loss of his parents and the departure of his friend Serena as he moves into the palace with his uncle Arnold Baldwin now his Grandfather King Adam Baldwin request his present at the royal dining room.
Thomas Finally arrives at the Dining room he braces himself to see his mother's royal Family but to his surprise when he opens the door, he didn't see an elegant Royal family but instead A royal Family that is loud and joyful with everyone talking each other eating like the wish to, some siblings squabble together at the dining table it's very noisy but lively.
"Oh! Thomas you are here" Suddenly the whole room went quiet and all eyes were on Thomas now as King Adam Shouted his name and spoke again "Here have a sit" King Adam then offer a sit for Thomas to sit down at the table. Thomas then nods and sits next to King Adam. Then they go back to normal talking and eating like a feast
While Thomas is eating his Breakfast his female cousin that is sitting beside him leans towards him and asks "So you are Thomas Gerhart eh nice to meet you, I'm Anna Baldwin your girl cousin", After that greed, Anna Thomas turns his attention towards Anna that is currently looking at his while wearing a light blue dress with a ribbon also light blue ribbon that is tied to her hair. "Oh, nice to my Anna"In Thomas's mind, he tries to remember how is Anna, Anna Baldwin also known as Anna is the second Daughter of Arnold Baldwin in Thomas's mind, he taught Anna is much older than him but to his surprise Anna is the same age as Thomas and maybe that's why Anna wants to make friends with Thomas because Thomas and Anna are the same age.
After a while Anna saw that Thomas has not eaten yet then she Proceed to Ask Thomas in a Worried tone "Thomas are you all, right? Are you feeling unwell?", Thomas didn't reply but just shake his head for telling Anna he is all right. Anna didn't believe Thomas since he just went through a massive trauma rather, she stands up and pull Thomas's hand and lead him out of the dining room, "wo oh" Thomas get startled by the sudden action of Anna pulling him out of the dining hall all the other royal family member just laugh it off as they leave the Dining hall "ah kid these days" Arnold says while shaking his head but still put on a smile on his face.
"Just leave them, honey, they are kids let them play" Suddenly the woman with an elegant dress that is sitting beside Arnold began to speak with a hint of a loving tone. The woman is the wife of Arnold Baldwin, Natasha Baldwin is renowned for her grace and professionalism within the royal family. In moments of family disagreements, she often takes the initiative to mediate and bring about resolutions.
"Well, if you say so" Arnold continues to eat with the rest of the family
Back to Thomas and Anna, Anna is still dragging Thomas across the palace hallway "H-hey what are you doing" Thomas is still surprised by the sudden action but he didn't try to fight It "Just Follow me!" Anna says with commanding yet a joyful and playful tone. The maids and the butler that saw the 2 child attics find it amusing for them since they are the youngest in the royal family, some of the royal knights that are stationed to guard the palace also smile they find it relaxing while some of them take a break.
After a few while Anna and Thomas reach the Indoor Garden where the ceiling is open and the sunlight can be seen shining through the open ceiling and light up the garden and in the middle of it is a single big tree that is in the middle of the garden. Anna then proceeds to sit down at the bench that is under the big tree "Come and sit" Anna lightly taps the space next to her asking Thomas to sit beside her, Thomas hesitates a little bit but he proceeds to sit next to her
"So, no one is around you can tell me are you alright?" Anna asks Thomas with a sincere tone and a hint of worried tone. After a few silent moments, Anna began to speak again "I know you have gone Trought Horrible trauma but that doesn't mean you have to keep to yourself" Anna says with a Caring tone as she is trying to help Thomas, Then a single tear began to drop from Thomas's face "I-it's my fault that mother and father die if I didn't push them to go adventure this should have happened" Thomas says this with a sad tone and as he says this his eyes began to produce more tears.
After Anna hears this, she doesn't shock but instead, she felt sympathetic and almost cries she then proceed to hug Thomas, and at that moment of hugging Thomas remembers the feeling of the warmth and care of his mother. Anna then says "That's not your fault everything happens for a reason" With these words Thomas began to cry on Anna Sholder.
As Thomas and Anna share their heartfelt conversation in the serene indoor garden, a shadow falls over them, disrupting the tranquility. Thomas looks up to see a tall figure with a determined expression – Anna's older brother, Hans Baldwin. Known for his seriousness and dedication to training, Hans's presence immediately shifts the atmosphere.
"Anna, what are you doing here?" Hans's voice carries a mix of surprise and concern. Anna shifts uncomfortably, realizing that their private conversation might have been overheard. Hans's gaze then locks onto Thomas, his eyes assessing and calculating. "And who might you be?" he questions, his tone carrying an air of challenge.
Anna quickly introduces Thomas to her brother, explaining their encounter and Thomas's recent experiences. Hans listens attentively, his stern expression softening slightly as he processes the information.
"You've been through a lot," Hans acknowledges, his tone becoming less confrontational. "But in this world, strength is crucial. You can't rely on others to protect you and your loved ones."
Thomas nods in understanding, appreciating Hans's perspective despite the initial tension. "I know," Thomas replies, with his determination evident in his voice. "I want to become stronger, not just for myself, but for those who I care about."
Hans's stern demeanor softens further, and he extends a hand to Thomas. "Then consider this a challenge, Gerhart. If you're serious about protecting your loved ones, then you'll have to prove it. Train with me, and become my rival prove to me you are useful to this family."
Anna watches the exchange with a mixture of concern and hope. She knows her brother's intensity and recognizes that his challenge stems from a genuine desire to see Thomas succeed.Thomas meets Hans's gaze with determination. "I accept your challenge, Hans. I want to become stronger, and I'll do whatever it takes."
With a nod of approval, Hans claps Thomas on the shoulder. "Good. can't wait to see you get stronger my rival."
As Hans walks away, Anna turns to Thomas with a reassuring smile. "He might seem tough, but he has a big heart. He's seen his share of challenges too."
Thomas nods, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about the training ahead. "I appreciate his challenge. It's time for me to step up."