I couldn't understand why this Eldrek had saved me. I didn't know him, nor did I know what to expect from him. My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when I remembered what had happened before I lost consciousness.
I sat up immediately, alarmed, and desperately asked him what had happened to my parents.
Eldrek looked at me with an expression that revealed his uncertainty, as if he didn't know how to tell me. He could only gesture, bowing his head in sorrow. He didn't need to say anything more. Somehow, they hadn't survived.
I stood up abruptly, unable to believe what he was saying, denying the obvious. I turned away quickly so he wouldn't see the tears starting to fall.
No, it couldn't be true.
"No!" I shouted in anger. "This can't be true!" My voice echoed in the cave, as if each word was trying to drown out the reality that overwhelmed me.
Eldrek, cautiously and with understanding, spoke softly:
"I'm so sorry, Zhavros…"
But he didn't understand. No one did. I felt the fury consuming me as I paced frantically around the cavern, looking for something to cling to.
"I'll get my revenge! I'll find them and destroy them all!"
I stretched out my hand in a determined gesture, trying to summon the mana I had always felt flowing within me. But something was wrong. My fingers trembled when I didn't feel the familiar power surging through them.
I tried again, focusing, but nothing happened. Cold sweat began to trickle down as I looked at my hand, unable to accept what I already knew deep inside.
Eldrek, watching me with concern, spoke firmly but with sorrow in his voice:
"Zhavros... they managed to drain your mana. They've... they've made you fully human."
I stood there, frozen, as his words echoed in my mind. Not only had they taken my family from me, but they'd also stripped me of what made me who I was. I wasn't even a hybrid anymore—just a powerless human.
A furious scream escaped my throat, reverberating off the cave walls. The rage poured out in that instant, but as the echo faded, all that remained was an overwhelming sense of emptiness.
My legs gave way, and I collapsed onto a log. I stared at the ground, frustrated, without any idea what to do or even how to begin the path to the revenge I so desperately desired.
Eldrek approached me, his steps heavy, but he said nothing at first. He was just there, as if his presence alone was enough. Finally, he spoke in a low voice: "You can stay here as long as you need. In fact, it's probably safest. Those beings will likely be searching for you for a while."
I didn't respond. I didn't have the strength to. My world had shrunk to this small space, the cave floor swallowing any hope I had. Eldrek, understanding my silence, walked away to continue his work as a blacksmith in another part of the cave.
That night, I decided to stay in the cave. Giving up was never an option for me. As long as I was alive, I would keep my promise. Somehow, I'd bring those beings down, even if it took a lifetime. That determination was the only thing that allowed me to sleep.
— — —
The next day, with a clearer mind, I knew what I had to do. Instead of wallowing in sadness, I approached Eldrek and asked him a favor.
"Can you get me some ancient books? Anything related to mana and the beings of this world."
Eldrek didn't hesitate for a second to accept. "Of course, I'll get them for you. Just give me a little time."
And so began my long, arduous study. I didn't stop for a single day, diving into every scrap of information I could get. Time passed without me realizing it, and before long, I found myself living with Eldrek in that cave, far from everyone and everything. The place was well hidden within the forest, making it nearly impossible for anyone to find us.
During that time, I discovered that Eldrek wasn't just any blacksmith. Tribe after tribe, adventurers, warriors, and even collectors sought him out to create special pieces. His work was highly renowned, and I understood why.
He was a master at his craft. He probably had more money than I could imagine, yet he chose to live in a cave adapted to his size.
My own studies began to expand. I wasn't just focused on mana or on the beings that had once taken everything from me. My interest grew into other subjects, but what captivated me most was finding records of the first beings to inhabit this world—the so-called "Sages."
According to ancient texts, they were responsible for creating life itself.
The idea of the Sages began to consume me. Who were they, really? What powers did they hold? But there was little information about them. The texts were scarce and vague, which only fueled my curiosity. I decided to speak with Eldrek. Perhaps he knew more.
"Eldrek," I said one morning while he worked at his forge, "have you heard of the Sages?"
Eldrek looked at me, setting his hammer aside for a moment.
"I've heard a few things. But not much more than what you might find in the books."
I shrugged, disappointed, but then he added something that caught my attention.
"In the past era, it was said that one of the Sages lived deep within the mountains. Not many could see him, only those he chose to receive."
That small hope ignited something within me. If one of those Sages was still alive, maybe he could restore what I'd lost. Maybe I could even gain more power than I'd ever dreamed of. Of course, I didn't mention any of this to Eldrek.
"Do you know where those mountains are?" I asked, trying to mask my enthusiasm.
Eldrek nodded, but his expression turned serious.
"I'll tell you how to get there, but listen carefully, Zhavros. If you go, don't expect anything in return. The Sages aren't like the books describe. The idea you have of them might be very far from reality."
I simply nodded. His warnings wouldn't change my mind; I had already made my decision, and nothing would stop me.
I packed a few things for the journey. I didn't have much to take, just the essentials and a few books. When I was ready, I approached Eldrek to thank him. Until that day, I had never actually thanked him for saving me that night.
"Uh… thanks, Eldrek. For everything." I admit it, I'm a proud person, and saying that word was harder for me than it is for most.
Eldrek looked at me with a gentle smile and offered me his hand. "It was nothing. I just happened to be passing by, heard someone shouting your name, and when I saw you in trouble, I decided to help, that's all."
When I took his hand, I felt the weight of his words. "You're welcome here if you decide to come back. This cave will always be open for you."
I nodded silently, without saying more, and left. My goal was clear, and the mountains awaited me.
The forest surrounding Eldrek's cave didn't offer much. I had no transportation or anything to make my journey easier, and the mountains were far away. I smiled at the absurdity of the situation, and an idea that seemed ridiculously fitting began to take shape in my mind.
I headed for a nearby town. It was a small yet ostentatious place, but busy enough. This town was known for having wealthy and reputable residents. Most were businessmen, owners of stores that supplied several villages, mainly selling tools for agriculture, potions, and inn services.
When I reached the central market, I blended into the crowd, observing everyone around me. What I was looking for was someone… or rather, something to steal. I didn't have any other option.
My gaze landed on a human dressed in fine clothing. He was walking with a servant, a clear indication of his wealth. I followed him cautiously, making sure not to attract attention. I watched as he climbed into a carriage, but this wasn't just any carriage. No, this one was special. It was pulled by two massive fire salamanders.
I'd read about them in some ancient texts. They weren't creatures meant for rich folks who just wanted to show off. These beasts were made for crossing treacherous terrains, for real adventures—or at least, that's how I saw it.
I followed the carriage from a safe distance, keeping an eye on it until it arrived at the wealthy man's residence. The place was surrounded by a high fence and guarded by sentries.
Stealing something from there wouldn't be easy, especially now that I didn't have my powers. But I wasn't going to give up so easily. I waited until nightfall when the darkness would help me move undetected.
And when it finally came, enveloping everything in shadows, I stealthily circled around the residence and hopped over the fence, making sure not to make a sound. My target was clear: the salamanders and their carriage. I headed straight for the stable where they were kept.
The place was locked, but breaking the lock on the door wasn't too difficult. Inside, the two fire salamanders stared at me immediately. Their eyes burned with hostility, and their bodies, already aflame, ignited even more upon noticing my presence. I could feel the heat radiating from them, the fire reflecting their distrust.
I stood still for a moment, assessing the situation. Without my powers, diving headfirst at them wasn't exactly the brightest option. But, of course, I didn't have many alternatives if I wanted to reach those mountains. Stealing the carriage wouldn't be easy—when is it ever?—but I'd already decided, and I wasn't backing down now.
Without moving, I slowly pulled something out of my bag. During my studies in Eldrek's cave, I had found a small fragment about fire salamanders in one of the ancient texts.
I learned there was something they loved: brimstone scales, a rare mineral that they not only enjoyed consuming but also used to boost their energy.
I knew it might come in handy, so one day in the nearby forest, while gathering materials, I had been lucky enough to find a few of those scales hidden in the volcanic soil. I had kept a couple, intending to sell them. But who would have thought? They'd come in handy for a robbery; fate was funny that way.
The salamanders, still hostile, began sniffing the air, their flames flickering with curiosity. I tossed a small fragment onto the ground. Instantly, one of them moved closer, eyes fixed on the mineral, while the other waited, expectant. When the first began devouring the scales eagerly, the second quickly joined in.
As I watched the salamanders enjoy the mineral, I moved closer, offering them more brimstone scales. With each step, their flames dimmed, and their stance relaxed.
I tossed another fragment, and when both were fully engrossed in their meal, I extended a cautious hand. I gently touched them. At first, they tensed, but as they felt my touch, they accepted my strokes without showing any signs of distrust.
Once I knew I had their trust, I hitched them to the carriage carefully. My pulse was racing, but not from fear; it was the thrill of what was about to happen. Without wasting time, I climbed into the seat and took the reins. I didn't care about staying unnoticed anymore.
"Ha! Piece of cake!" With a satisfied grin, I urged the salamanders forward with all their might. The stable gates shattered upon impact, the crash echoing throughout the estate. The alarm went off instantly.
I had been careful, covering my face so no one would recognize me later. I didn't need any more problems.
When I reached the main gate, the guards were already prepared to stop me. They lined up in formation, armed and ready to attack. What they didn't expect was that I knew how to handle the salamanders. According to the texts I'd read, these creatures could be controlled with specific commands.
With a quick, firm motion, I commanded the salamanders to attack. Their bodies burst into even brighter flames, and in perfect synchronization, they unleashed a wave of fire at the guards. Panic overtook them as the flames engulfed them, and they fled in terror, leaving a trail of destruction behind us.
As the carriage sped off, I couldn't help but laugh. The thrill of the robbery filled me like a victory worth celebrating. The salamanders charged forward, leaving behind the flames that had sown chaos.
Without looking back, I headed swiftly toward my destination, the path to the mountains now clearer than ever.