In a medieval world within a universe where gods and goddesses govern the realm, and humans fight with swords, bows, and magic granted by the deities they worship, the first noble child of the Arch Duke Cean family was born in the Kingdom of Thalassos. This kingdom is renowned as the protector of the seas, and all its people worship the Goddess Aqua, ruler of water and underwater life. The child's birth was warmly celebrated by everyone in the kingdom.
The day of the child's birth turned into a grand celebration. In the royal square, the people gathered, offering prayers and praises to the Goddess Aqua. A large fountain at the city's center emitted a shimmering blue light, symbolizing the goddess's blessing. Arch Duke Cean proudly announced that his son would one day become the protector of the seas and bring glory to the Kingdom of Thalassos.
However, amidst the joy, an old priest's prophecy disturbed the peace. "This child will bring forth great waves, an inevitable change. These waves could be either a blessing or a curse, depending on the path he takes in life," the priest declared with a raspy voice. Despite the unease caused by the prophecy, the Arch Duke resolved to protect his son with all his might, preparing him to face any challenges that lay ahead.
Although Arch Duke Cean viewed Aris as his son, he was emotionally distant. Nevertheless, he took full responsibility for raising, nurturing, and rigorously teaching him martial arts, including swordsmanship. To him, Aris was an heir who must be prepared for the harsh realities of the world. In contrast, Aris's mother was a figure of compassion and love. She poured her heart into caring for Aris, teaching him blessing magic from the Goddess Aqua, believed to protect and bring blessings to those around him. In his mother's embrace, Aris found warmth that balanced the strict upbringing from his father.
As time passed, Aris grew into a bright, agile, and talented child. Under his father's guidance, he mastered martial arts and swordsmanship, while his mother's teachings instilled in him the values of compassion and the art of blessing magic. This upbringing shaped his balanced personality: strong yet gentle, firm yet empathetic.
At the age of 15, Aris was accepted into the Thalassos Royal Elite Academy, where young nobles and future leaders of the kingdom were educated. There, he quickly became a popular student due to his talents and radiant personality. He excelled not only in martial arts and magic but also in music, art, and diplomacy. Despite his achievements, he remained humble and approachable, earning him the respect of his peers.
One day, in the academy's library, Aris encountered a quiet girl his age. She sat in a corner surrounded by stacks of books, seemingly trying to hide herself from the outside world. Curiosity led Aris to approach her. With a warm smile, he greeted her, "Greetings. My name is Aris from the Arch Duke Cean family. May I sit here with you?"
The girl slowly raised her face, slightly startled by Aris's friendliness. After a moment, she nodded slightly. "Of course, go ahead," she replied in a soft, almost whisper-like voice.
Aris took a seat beside her, maintaining a respectful distance. "May I know your name?" he asked gently, reflecting his courteous demeanor.
"My name is Lysandra," the girl replied, her eyes returning to the book in front of her. "I don't often talk to others here."
"That's okay, Lysandra. I don't mean to disturb you. I just wanted to say that you have a unique aura," Aris said with a smile. "What are you reading, if I may ask?"
Lysandra hesitated for a moment before answering, "It's about water control magic. I want to deepen my understanding of the blessings from the Goddess Aqua."
Aris's eyes lit up. "That sounds fascinating! My mother has taught me a bit about magic as well. Perhaps we could study together sometime."
Lysandra gave a faint smile, an expression rarely seen on her face. "Maybe that's a good idea," she said softly.
That conversation marked the beginning of a growing bond between them. In the weeks that followed, Aris and Lysandra often met in the library or the academy gardens. They shared knowledge about magic, history, and art. Aris, with his warm personality, helped Lysandra come out of her shell, while Lysandra, with her intelligence and calm demeanor, offered Aris new perspectives.
Their relationship became a topic of discussion among the academy students. Many admired their closeness, but some were envious. Despite this, Aris and Lysandra went about their days undeterred by others' opinions. To them, genuine friendship was far more valuable than mere popularity at the academy.