Gillian Rolthier hammered away at the glowing piece of the metal, sweat dripping from his brow. The Forge heat was sweltering but he was lost in the rhythm of his work .
The past few months of working as a blacksmith apprentice kept him busy after fighting in the great Malador Army. And when the war came to an end, he was dismissed without a penny to his name.
"I like what I am seeing, lad!" his mentor, Pato said, inspecting the sword taking shape in Gillian's hand.
Gillian's heart swelled with pride and his eyes shone with happiness. " Thanks Pato. This one is going to be special," he smiled.
Pato chuckled, his bushy beard jiggling. " You say that all the time. But I think you might be right this time. If you continue this way, you'll make an excellent blacksmith." he parted Gillian on his back. Before turning to the other side of the forge to inspect the torches.
As Gillian finished the sword, he heard commotion outside. Which reminded him of the celebration about to take place in their village. It was brimming with activities and the people were preparing for the upcoming harvest festival.
"Gillian, you better get moving," Pato shouted above the din. The festival committee needs these touches today."
Gillian laughed, wiping his forehead. "On it, Pato. Just give me a little time and I'll be done with this sword."
When he was done he delivered the torches, Gillian exchanged warm greetings with some of the people he met on his way. He grew up in Brittlemark village and knew everyone and everyone knew him.
At the festival grounds Gillian spotted Ceres,the baker's daughter arranging a stall. Her bright smile caught his attention. "Hey Gillian, want to try my new pastry?" Ceres asked, her eyes sparkling.
Gillian's stomach growled at the delicious aroma. " You know what, I'd love to have a taste."
Ceres gave him a pastry which he collected, flashing her a warm smile. His teeth sank into it and the delicious taste hit his buds. "This is delicious," he said in a mouthful.
She smiled at him as she started arranging pastries to attract customers. "Thanks." It wasn't a secret that in all of Brittlemark village they make the best pastries.
Other vendors were setting their stalls for the festival. Most of the people had gathered already, as they waited patiently for it to begin. The sound of music filled the air.
As they chatted Gillian's gaze wander to the nearby forest, a sense of restlessness has been building within him. A feeling that there was more to life than the familiar routines of Brittlemark village. He wanted adventure.
After finishing the pastry. He thanked Ceres who was already attending to a customer. "See you some other time, Ceres."
She waved at him. "Don't forget to stop by when you're least busy," her voice rang out as he started moving. He nodded and waved back at her.
Gillian returned to the forge. He sat on a stool, lost in thought. Pato came in, he noticed the far-off look on his face. " Something on your mind, lad?,"Pato asked, concerned etched on his face.
Gillian hesitated unsure how to articulate his feelings. He sighed deeply. " Just feeling…. stuck, I suppose."
Pato nodded knowingly. " I remember that feeling, it's the call of adventure. But be careful what you wish for. The world outside Brittlemark isn't always kind."
Night was slowly creeping in as the sun disappeared into the clouds. Gillian began cleaning up the forge. Soon, they will retire to their home for rest. He has been living with Pato for some months since he started learning to be a blacksmith from him. He hoped to start his workshop someday. But he couldn't get past the feeling of restlessness that had taken over him, he wanted more.
His eyes drifted off to a peculiar glowing artifact (device) now hidden in the workshop's corner. Pato had forbidden him from touching it. Gillian's curiosity got the better part of him. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the artifact.
When suddenly,a jolt of energy coursed through his body and everything became black.
Gillian's vision blurred, colours swirling around him. He stumbled backwards, gasping for air. Pato's worried face appeared above him. "Lad, what happened?," Patto asked, helping Gillian sit up.
Gillian robbed his temple trying to clear the fog. "I… I touched that artifact. And then… nothing."
Pato's expression turned grave. "You did what? Shit!, you shouldn't have done that. I warned you!"
"I am sorry. I…I didn't mean to do it," he stammered, a bit dazed from what just happened to him. I allowed my curiosity to get in the way."
Pato ran his fingers through his hair. "This is not good at all," he said through gritted teeth.
Suddenly a low hum filled the air and the room illuminated with the soft, blue light.
" What's going on?," Gillian asked as his eyes darted around the workshop in confusion.
Pato's eyes widened in shock. " It can't be. The system….. it's awakening."
A sleek holographic interface materialised before Gillian.
System Online.
User: Gillian Rolthier.
Awakening point: 100
Skill trees: locked
Gillian starred, bewildered. " What is this?"
Pato's voice trembled. "This is the system of the ancients. I thought it was just a myth.
A gentle melodic voice filled Gillian's mind. Greetings, Gillian. I am the system of the ancients. Your journey begins now.
Gillian's eyes locked unto Pato's. "Did you hear that?"
Pato nodded. " Yes, lad. The system's speaking to you."
Gillian's mind reeled." What journey? What does it mean?" He swallowed hard. What has he gotten himself into?
Pato placed a firm hand on Gillian's shoulder.We will figure it out together.But first, we need to get you out of here. This place isn't safe."
As they exited the forge, the village was bathed in an eerie, pulsing light.
"Pato, what's happening?," Gillian asked with panic rising in his voice.
The system is announcing your awakening to the world." Pato replied grimly. " We need to keep moving. Listen to me, you are no longer just a blacksmith apprentice."
They heard a low hum which jolted them.
System alert: New quests available
Quest: Uncover the truth
Objective: Seek out klarissa Flyndor
Reward: 500 Awakening Points
Gillian's eyes widened in fear as he tried to make sense of what was happening to him.
His voice trembled in fear. Beads of perspiration gathered on his forehead. "Klarissa Flyndor? Who is that?
Pato's expression turned serious. "Someone who can help you understand your new found destiny. I hate to say this, but I warned you not to touch the artifact. Tighten your seatbelt, lad. Your journey begins."