The destruction of the village had left scars not only on the land but also on Kael's soul. At only ten years old, he stood at the edge of his childhood, gripping his mother Nerissa's hand as they fled the smoldering ruins. The roar of battle still echoed faintly behind them, a haunting reminder of what they had lost.
— Keep moving, Kael,— Nerissa urged, her voice sharp yet trembling. Her usually steady demeanor had cracked, but her grip on Kael's hand was ironclad. — Your father… he'll hold them off.
Kael's young mind struggled to comprehend the weight of her words. He clutched the small amulet his father had pressed into his hands moments before, tears streaming down his cheeks.
— Why didn't he come with us? Why did he stay?
Nerissa stopped and knelt in front of her son, her emerald eyes brimming with sorrow and determination. She cupped his face gently.
— Because he loved us, Kael. He stayed to give us a chance to live. One day, you will understand.
Kael's lips quivered, but he nodded, his small fingers tightening around the amulet. Together, they disappeared into the shadowy depths of the forest, leaving the flames behind.
---
Six years later, the world had changed. The once-constant threat of powerful demons and dragons had faded into an uneasy quiet. No one knew why the strongest of them had vanished, but the respite allowed humanity to rebuild, though scars of war remained.
Kael, now sixteen, stood taller, his frame lean but strong from years of survival and training. The boy who had fled the burning village was now a young man, his eyes hardened but filled with a spark of purpose. He walked alongside Nerissa on a narrow forest trail, their journey leading them toward a new chapter.
— You've grown strong,— Nerissa said, her voice softer than Kael remembered. — But strength alone won't be enough. That's why you need to attend Vanguard Academy.
Kael raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
— An academy? You're sending me to school now?
Nerissa's lips twitched into a faint smile, though her eyes remained serious.
— It's not just any school. Vanguard trains those destined to change the tide of this world. You'll learn to control your abilities and prepare for what's to come.
Kael's expression darkened.
— What about you? Where will you be?
Nerissa hesitated, the silence between them heavy. Finally, she said:
— I have other responsibilities. This is your path now.
Kael clenched his fists but didn't argue. Deep down, he understood. His father's sacrifice had set him on this journey, and his mother's strength had carried him this far. Now, it was his turn to take the lead.
As they approached the towering gates of Vanguard Academy, Kael paused. He glanced at the amulet hanging around his neck, a constant reminder of his father's love and sacrifice.
— I'll make him proud. I'll make you proud.
Nerissa placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm yet comforting.
— You already have. But the journey is just beginning.
Kael took a deep breath, steeling himself. Beyond the gates lay a world of challenges, allies, and dangers he couldn't yet imagine. But he was ready to face them. With one last glance at his mother, he stepped forward, the weight of his past driving him toward an uncertain but determined future.