Ned Miller sat perched atop the highest branch of a sturdy tree, his legs swinging lazily in the cool afternoon breeze. It was his favorite spot to unwind after hours of grueling study sessions with the tutor his family had hired. Albert Moss wasn't just any tutor—he was a man surrounded by intrigue. Whispers in town claimed he'd once been a wealthy and influential businessman from the capital, but had abandoned his fortunes for the simplicity of rural life. While no one knew the full truth, one thing was certain: Albert's intelligence was unmatched, and his lessons were no walk in the park.

"The old man really pushed me today," Ned muttered, leaning back against the trunk. The exercises Albert assigned weren't just difficult—they were exhausting. Each problem felt like a battle, each solution a tiny victory that left him drained.

Still, the view from the treetop made it all worthwhile. From here, Ned could see the entire town of Rio Vento stretched out before him, the patchwork of tiled rooftops, bustling market squares, and narrow dirt roads framed by distant hills.

As the sun began to dip lower, he sighed and shook himself from his reverie. "Better head home. Mother's going to have my hide if I'm late again."

He shuddered at the memory of the last time he'd lost track of time up here. Hours late for dinner, he'd faced a scolding so fierce that even the memory made him flinch. With care, he began his descent, his hands and feet finding familiar notches in the bark.

"Ned! How's the view up there?" a voice called from below.

Peering down, he spotted Lucas, his best friend, craning his neck to look up at him.

"Spectacular! You should try it someday," Ned shouted back, pausing halfway down.

"Yeah, no thanks!" Lucas yelled, stepping back. "You know I can't stand heights!"

Ned chuckled, his grin mischievous. "How could I forget? The last time I talked you into climbing, you screamed so loud people thought the tree was haunted!"

Lucas's face reddened. "Hey! Don't bring that up! I'll fight you if you mention it again!"

Laughing, Ned dropped the final few feet to the ground, landing lightly beside his friend. "Alright, alright. Enough teasing. What brings you here?"

"Your mom's looking for you—and she's not happy," Lucas replied with a shrug. "Figured I'd warn you before she finds you up in that tree again. You know how much she hates it."

Ned frowned. "I'm not even late yet. What's she so mad about?"

Lucas smirked. "Maybe she found out about your little betting game at the inn."

Ned groaned. "But I won two gold coins! She should be celebrating, not angry."

Lucas burst into laughter. "Yeah, sure, because your mom definitely approves of gambling."

"Fine, let's go," Ned said, already planning his excuses. "If she's mad, I'd rather not keep her waiting."

The two boys took off running, their laughter echoing through the quiet streets. Despite being the same age, they were opposites in every way. Ned was tall and lean, his long black hair and sharp brown eyes giving him a serious air. Lucas, shorter by a full foot, was stocky and solid, his short-cropped hair and green eyes full of mischief. Together, they looked like an odd pair, but everyone in town knew they were inseparable.

As they neared the Miller house, its modest wooden structure came into view. The small garden surrounding it was bursting with colorful flowers, a testament to Ned's mother's care and attention.

Slowing to a walk, Ned straightened his clothes, brushing dirt from his tunic. He barely made it to the door before laughter boomed from inside the house.

"HAHAHAHA! Oh, Willard, you'll never believe what happened next!"

Ned and Lucas exchanged curious glances before stepping into the living room. Inside, Ned's father, Willard, was seated with none other than Albert Moss. The two men were deep in conversation, Albert's usually stoic face lit with an uncharacteristic smile.

"I find your stories about the capital fascinating," Willard said, shaking his head in amazement. "I can't imagine giving all that up for a life here."

Albert's smile faded slightly. "You'd be surprised how valuable peace is. In the capital, you can't take a single step without watching your back."

Willard's expression darkened. "It's shameful. We fight each other when we should be uniting against the real threats outside our gates."

Noticing the boys at the door, Willard's voice lightened. "Ah, there you are! Do you know how long your mother's been looking for you?"

"What for?" Ned asked, puzzled. "I'm not late, am I?"

"She wants to talk about the test," Willard said, nodding toward Albert. "Your teacher's here to explain everything."

Albert nodded. "Yes, the test that will determine your talents. You already know it's the most important event of your lives."

Ned swallowed hard. Of course, he knew. Everyone in Rio Vento did. The test wasn't just a measure of aptitude—it was a declaration of one's future, determining one's role in society.

Before Albert could continue, the front door slammed, and a familiar, angry voice rang out.

"I swear, Willard, when I find that boy, he's going to wish he'd never climbed that tree!"

Ned flinched. "I think I'll stay outside."

Lucas snorted. "Good luck with that."