Time passed, and Ray grew quickly. By the time he was one and a half years old, he was already walking around the small hut, his steps wobbly but determined. Six months later, his speech began to develop, though his words were often jumbled like any young child's. Despite this, his curiosity about the world around him was clear. Whenever Eldric practiced swordsmanship, Ray would stand by the door, wide-eyed and silent, watching with fascination as the blade sliced through the air.
"Swowd…" Ray murmured one day, pointing a small, chubby finger toward Eldric's weapon.
Eldric stopped mid-swing and looked over, smiling. "You want to learn about swords already?"
Ray nodded eagerly, though his understanding was still limited. Eldric chuckled and continued practicing, knowing that someday the boy would wield a blade of his own. But for now, there were other things Ray needed to learn.
Eldric began teaching him the basics of survival. The forest where they lived was teeming with dangerous creatures, and it was important for Ray to know how to gather food, build a fire, and recognize threats. Ray's small hands worked clumsily at first, but with each lesson, he improved, and Eldric saw the boy's natural affinity for learning.
But beyond survival, Ray needed to understand the world they lived in. And so, during the quiet evenings when the forest grew still and the fire crackled softly in their hut, Eldric told Ray about the world of "Helios".
"There's much you need to know about Helios," Eldric began one night as Ray sat at his feet, listening with rapt attention. "It's a world divided into five great continents, each home to a different race. We live on the 'Eastern Continent', a land filled with ancient mysteries and untamed dangers."
Ray's eyes widened, though he couldn't yet grasp the full scope of what Eldric was saying. He had only known the forest and their small home.
"This land," Eldric continued, "was once home to the dragons, long before any of the other races came to power. Now, it's a place where powerful creatures roam, and ancient ruins hold secrets that no one has fully uncovered."
Ray fidgeted, curiosity gleaming in his crystal blue eyes.
"To the center of the world lies the 'Human Continent'," Eldric explained, pointing to an imaginary map in the air. "It's the most populated continent, divided into an empire and several free cities. The empire is where most humans live, ruled by their king, while the free cities are home to mercenaries, adventurers, and those who don't wish to be bound by any ruler."
"Where we go dere?" Ray asked, stumbling over his words.
Eldric chuckled. "Maybe one day, when you're older."
He continued, "To the 'south' of the human lands is the'Elven Continent', ruled by the High Elves. They've split their land into two parts: one for themselves and another for the fairies. But no one knows much about the fairies. They've locked themselves away for as long as anyone can remember."
Ray tilted his head, his mind already spinning with images of elves and fairies.
"To the 'north'," Eldric said, "is the 'Dwarven Continent', ruled by the dwarves and inhabited by wolverines and other beastmen. The dwarves are known for their craftsmanship, forging powerful weapons and tools, while the beastmen live in harmony with nature, strong and fierce."
As Eldric spoke, Ray listened, his imagination running wild with thoughts of these distant lands and the people who lived there. But one part of the story always intrigued him more than the others.
"What's dat?" Ray pointed as Eldric mentioned the final continent.
"To the 'west' lies the 'Dark Continent'," Eldric said, his tone lowering slightly. "It was sealed away long ago after a great war with the demons. No one is allowed to enter, and those who try never return. It's a place of shadows and forbidden magic, best left undisturbed."
Ray shuddered slightly at the thought, though he didn't fully understand the danger. The idea of a land so mysterious and hidden filled him with both fear and curiosity.
Eldric looked at Ray, the boy's innocence so pure, and knew that someday he would learn the truth about the world. But for now, he wanted Ray to grow without the weight of its dangers on his shoulders.
"This world is vast," Eldric said softly, "and filled with wonders and dangers alike. But no matter what, you have a place in it, Ray. You'll learn in time, and when that time comes, you'll be ready."
Ray looked up at him, wide-eyed and innocent. He couldn't yet understand the full meaning of Eldric's words, but the warmth in his guardian's voice was enough. And though their lives in the forest were simple and isolated, Ray's heart brimmed with the excitement of all that he had yet to discover.
As the fire crackled low and the stars began to twinkle outside, Eldric's gaze lingered on the pendant that hung around Ray's neck. The name engraved on it glimmered faintly in the light, a reminder of the boy's mysterious past, a past that Eldric knew would soon come to light.
For now, they had peace. But deep down, Eldric knew that it wouldn't last forever. The world was moving, and Ray's place in it would one day call him far beyond the safety of the Eastern Continent.
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A few months passed by and a view of a silver-haired boy could be seen swinging a wooden sword suited to his stature.....Time passed until...