The morning sun had barely cracked over the rooftops of Eldenwood when commotion erupted in the main market square. "That kid! Not again!" shouted old man Ding, the vegetable seller, waving his fists toward a flash of little feet darting between stalls. A mischievous chuckle echoed from somewhere nearby, and more shouts followed. "Bai Cheng! You little rascal! Come back here!"
Eight-year-old mischief-maker Bai Cheng had gotten halfway down the street ahead of them, weaving among a bunch of vendors with his bag of freshly-baked buns, "acquired" from Madam Han's stand. His greasy locks were a riot above his grubby hands; over his clothes flapped his oversized jacket as he zipped this way and that, avoiding the arms chasing after him.
Old Man Ding huffed, hands on his hips. "That boy's nothing but trouble! Every time he comes around, something goes missing, or there's a mess to clean up!"
Madam Han, flour still spilling across her hands, pointed a furious finger after Bai. "This time he snatched three of my buns! Three! Oh, if I catch him."
But Bai Cheng was quicker still, and he grinned over his shoulder at his pursuers in full cheek. He darted across the street with the agility of a cat and the audacity of a fox, dashing between carts and ducking under tables as the townspeople yelled after him. To Bai, it was all good fun, a test of speed and wits, and nothing thrilled him quite like outwitting the adults who chased him.
He skidded to a halt behind an empty crate, his eyes glinting with triumph as he reached out and took a big bite of one of the buns. Mushy contentment exploded in his face as he popped his head over the top of the crate to watch the frustrated vendors scramble in all directions.
"Where did that little gremlin go?" growled Old Man Ding, peering into every nook and cranny. "He's like a ghost! There one second, gone the next…"
Just as the traders were stepping aside, Bai sprung up with a loud "Boo!" and sent Old Man Ding tumbling backward on a yelp. Baird cackled contentedly and danced off before the others could catch him. Oh, is this funny, is it?" Madam Han said sharply, snatching up a wooden spoon to brandish in his direction. "Stealing buns is no laughing matter, Bai Cheng!
Bai threw up his hands in mock horror, grinning even wider. "I was only borrowing, Madam Han!" he chirped. "Besides, they're delicious! Thanks for breakfast!
"Outrageous!" Madam Han spat, grasping her spoon. "You little kleptomaniac! You wait until I get home to tell your Uncle Gerald!"
At that, Bai sobered up a little, his grin slipping. Uncle Gerald-who wasn't really his uncle but had taken him in after his parents passed-was one of the few people Bai actually listened to. Uncle Gerald's old house, tucked away on the outskirts of town, was a quiet refuge for Bai.
It was a place filled with dusty books, creaking floors, and herbs-scented air. That was the one place in which the spark in him dimmed a little if only.
But at that moment, he was more interested in causing more commotion. He ran towards the butcher's stall where Mr. Wang was cutting up chunks of meat. Just when he was about to reach out to grab a skewer of roasted pork, Mr. Wang's hand clamped down on his wrist.
"Not so fast, Bai Cheng," Mr. Wang said, his thick brows knitting together. "Do you have any idea how hard we work around here? Stealing food's not some game!"
Bai squirmed, a sheepish look crossing his face, but then his eyes twinkled with mischief. "I do know how hard you work, Mr. Wang! That's why I'm here to give you a break—I'm eating this so you don't have to worry about leftovers!" He pulled his hand free and bounded off with the skewer in hand, laughing as Mr. Wang shook his fist after him.
As Bai ran down the street, dodging between barrels and leaping out of the way of furious townsfolk, he failed to notice two young boys around the same age watching him in wide eyes from the side of the road. One nudged the other, whispering, "That's Bai Cheng! The troublemaker everyone talks about!
"He's awesome," the other whispered back, eyes shining. "Did you see how he gets away from everyone?"
Their adoration only appeared to inflate Bai's already swollen ego. He cast them a theatrical wink and cried, "Practice, boys! One day you may be as fast as me!
Just then, a loud whistle cut through the air. Bai's heart skipped a beat. That was the signal Uncle Gerald used when he wanted Bai's attention. Sure enough, there was Gerald, arms crossed and a knowing look on his face, just a few yards down the road.
"Oh no," Bai whispered, looking frantically for an escape, but all vendors had by now sealed the last exits. Reluctantly, Bai shuffled forward to Gerald, his head ducked and slightly lowered though a little spark of fun still lived in his eye.
"Bai," Gerald said in that calm voice that always made Bai's insides squirm, "have you been up to no good again?"
Bai flashed a sheepish grin, kicking at the dirt. "I was just. uh, testing my agility."
Gerald raised an eyebrow. "And stealing buns? That's part of your 'agility test'?
Bai grinned. "Just a little snack, Uncle Gerald," he said. "Besides, they're really good.".
A chuckle rose from the crowd, softening even Old Man Ding's angry scowl. Despite the trouble he caused, Bai Cheng had a way of charming everyone, even when they wanted to wring his neck. He was Eldenwood's little rogue, and as much as the townsfolk grumbled, they couldn't help but feel a certain fondness for him.
Uncle Gerald shook his head, placing a hand on Bai's shoulder. "Perhaps it's time we channeled all that energy of yours, young man. Have you forgotten about the Academy exams coming up?
Bai's face brightened; his mischievous grin changed into an eager smile.
"Really, Uncle Gerald? You'd want me to join the league?
"If you're serious about it," Gerald said, his eyes warm but firm, "I'll make sure you're ready. But it means leaving your tricks behind." Bai blinked, his roguish eyes thoughtful now.
He loved his pranks, but the idea of joining the Academy—the chance to unlock real power, maybe even more than any of his heroes from the stories—made his heart race.
He nodded, a fierce determination in his eyes. The vendors and towns folk watched with hopeful apprehensions as Gerald led Bai away. Each exchanged amused, almost proud smiles before their eyes returned to studying the ground. "Coming back to their stands they murmured, ' perhaps that boy really has had enough of all these troubles'. But another voice shouted out, "Only if he quits stealing my buns!