The air hung heavy with the scent of woodsmoke and freshly baked bread. Faelan, a year old and brimming with curiosity, sat nestled in his Aunt Kyla's arms. He watched as she descended the stairs, her laughter echoing through the house.
"Sis Lilith, can I take Faelan to my room?" Kyla asked, her voice a gentle melody.
Lilith, Faelan's mother, smiled warmly. "Sure, just be careful going up the stairs. And don't teach him any nonsense; he's only a year old, you know that."
Kyla chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Hahaha, I know, Sis, don't worry, I'll just read him a story, that's all."
Kyla carried Faelan to her room, a haven of knowledge and magic. Bookshelves lined the walls, overflowing with leather-bound volumes, their pages whispering tales of forgotten times. Magical trinkets and tools sparkled in the soft lamplight, casting an ethereal glow over the room.
Kyla gently placed Faelan on her bed, a soft, feather-filled mattress that felt like a cloud. She picked up a book, its cover worn and faded, and placed it beside him. "I'll be right back, little one. I'll get us some snacks."
As Kyla left the room, Faelan's gaze fell upon the book. He saw the title, etched in elegant script: The History of the Five Gods. Intrigued, he stretched out a chubby hand, his fingers tracing the worn leather cover.
He knew this was no ordinary story. He felt a pull, a yearning for knowledge, a thirst to understand the world he was born into. He decided to listen, to learn, to unravel the mysteries hidden within the pages of this ancient book.
Kyla returned, a tray laden with warm bread and sweet honey. She settled beside Faelan, her voice a soothing balm as she began to read.
"In the beginning, according to the elders, there were five gods who ruled this land: the God of Four Seasons, the God of Wisdom and Knowledge, the God of All Mages, the God of War, and the God of Monsters."
Faelan listened, his small heart pounding with anticipation. He learned of the gods' council, their decision to build towers, and the tragic fate of the God of Monsters. He heard of the monstrous creatures unleashed upon the land, their relentless attacks, and the desperate measures taken by the remaining gods.
"The God of All Mages used earth magic to create tall mountains around the four towers. The land was so vast that they divided it into three parts where the three races could live peacefully. First is Valoria, where the human race lives. Second is Moonhaven, where the elf race lives. Third is Sotneforge, where the dwarf race lives."
Kyla's voice trailed off, her eyes fluttering shut. She had fallen asleep, her head resting against the book. Faelan, however, remained wide awake, his mind buzzing with the stories he had just heard.
He reached for the book, his tiny fingers turning the pages. He read about the three races, their unique abilities, their struggles and triumphs. He learned of the Adventure Guild, a haven for those who dared to face the dangers lurking beyond the mountains.
He read about the Azure Clan, a lineage of warriors blessed with extraordinary senses and unmatched strength. But as he turned the page, a sudden wave of heat engulfed him. The paper crackled, a faint scent of smoke filling the air.
He looked down in horror as the last page of the book ignited, flames licking at the edges. The words, the secrets, the history—all consumed by fire.
"Ends Fire."
The words burned into his memory, a chilling echo of the book's final sentence. He watched in disbelief as the flames spread, consuming the book in a fiery blaze.
Kyla stirred, her eyes opening in alarm. She saw the burning book, her face contorted with grief. "Oh my God, what happened? I haven't finished reading the book, why did it burn? Wait, the last sentence on the other page was about the strongest clan, and the name of this clan... wait, the whole detail is on the burned page, waaaaaaa, why did this happen?"
Faelan, his heart pounding in his chest, was equally devastated. He watched as Kyla frantically tried to extinguish the flames, her efforts futile. The book, a treasure trove of knowledge, was lost forever.
He felt a strange sense of unease, a feeling of being watched. He wondered if the book's destruction was intentional, a deliberate act to prevent others from learning its secrets. He felt a sudden surge of determination, a burning desire to uncover the truth behind the "Ends Fire" and the mysterious disappearance of the God of Monsters.
He knew that his journey had just begun, a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and the promise of uncovering the hidden truths of this world.