THE ESCAPE AND A NEW ENCOUNTER
Nate and his friends escaped from the warriors searching for them, departing safely with the help of Nameless. As they continued on their journey, they came across a young woman being harassed by a group of men.
Nate immediately stepped forward to intervene, but his friends held him back.
Nate: "These men are about to do something terrible to this woman. We can't just stand here and watch!"
Nar: "This has nothing to do with us. Maybe she has wronged them in the past. Let's not get involved."
Nate: "I can't ignore this. Standing by while they mistreat her is against everything I believe in. I have to act!"
Before Jos and Nar could stop him, Nate rushed in and attacked the men, swiftly overpowering them. The thugs were left unable to move, groaning in pain.
The young woman, now free, looked at Nate with gratitude. "Thank you! What is your name?" she asked.
"I'm Nate from Zealitya," he answered. "These are my friends, Jos and Nar. Where are you headed?"
"I'm on my way to Opra," she replied.
"Really? We're going in the same direction! You should travel with us for safety," Nate suggested.
She agreed, and as they walked together, Nate asked for her name.
"I'm Ivan, from Opra. Nice to meet you," she said with a smile.
ARRIVAL IN OPRA
Upon arriving at the Opra gate, the guards stopped them, questioning their identities and purpose. Nate and his friends followed Ivan inside, staying close to her.
As they explored Opra, Nate discovered Ivan was a princess! He also learned that the kingdom's warriors had been searching for her across many lands but had been unable to find her.
"So, you're a princess?" Nate asked, surprised. "You could have told us. We would have treated you with more respect!"
As they spoke, one of the palace warriors recognized Nate's face.
"I feel like I've seen you before," the warrior said, studying him. "You look familiar."
Nate quickly denied it. "No, sir! I have never seen you before. You must be confusing me with someone else," he said calmly.
The warrior nodded, though still suspicious.
Inside the palace, Ivan rushed to her mother, the queen, and embraced her.
"Mother, I'm so happy to see you again! I want to introduce you to my friend, Nate. He rescued me from kidnappers. Please, thank him properly."
The queen turned to Nate with gratitude.
"Nate, I am deeply grateful for what you have done for my daughter. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
"My queen, no need to thank me. I was simply helping a friend. I am just glad she is safe," Nate replied humbly.
After finishing his conversation with the queen, Nate left the palace and met up with Jos and Nar outside. Together, they explored Opra, trading goods from their homeland.
As they walked, Nate recounted his conversation with the queen.
"She asked if I needed anything, but I told her I didn't," he said.
Jos was frustrated.
"What is wrong with you?! Don't you need money to support your mother? Go back and ask for a place to stay for a few nights!" Jos insisted.
Realizing his mistake, Nate rushed back to the palace and spoke to Ivan.
"Please, is there anywhere we can stay for two nights?"
Ivan smiled. "Of course! You can stay here in the palace—if you're willing."
Nate hesitated but eventually agreed.
Returning to his friends, he relayed Ivan's offer.
Jos smirked. "This princess clearly likes you, Nate. That's why she's helping you so much. You should give her a chance."
Nate sighed. "I don't have time for romance. I need to focus on supporting my family."
After spending two days trading in Opra, they returned home.
RETURN TO ZEALITYA
Back in Zealitya, Rectiha anxiously awaited their return. She prayed to the gods for their safe arrival.
From a distance, she saw Jos and Nar approaching. Panic filled her heart.
"Where is my son? What happened to him?!" she demanded.
Before they could respond, Nate appeared.
Overcome with joy, Rectiha rushed forward, embracing him tightly and kissing his cheeks. She led him straight to her chamber.
That evening, a grand feast was held in honor of Nate and his friends. Zealitya celebrated their safe return.
However, as the night went on, Rectiha held a private meeting with the village elders.
"We must rebuild our lost home," she declared. "It's time to reclaim what was taken from us."
Nate overheard their discussion. A deep sense of guilt filled his heart.
"We have lost so much," he thought. "I must fight to restore our homeland."
Determined, Nate sat alone in his chamber, reflecting on his destiny. Then, he went to the temple to pray.
"Gods, lead me on the right path. Show me my purpose," he whispered.
As he prayed, the temple instructor appeared beside him.
"May the gods be with you," the instructor said. "They have chosen you to fight this battle. It is your destiny, and I assure you—you will be victorious."
Encouraged, Nate left the temple with newfound resolve.
THE TRUTH ABOUT HIS PAST
Over the next few days, Nate changed. He became quiet, spending most of his time indoors.
Concerned, Rectiha approached him.
"What is wrong, my son? You seem restless. Talk to me."
Nate looked at her, frustration in his eyes.
"Mother, what have you been hiding from me? All these years, you never told me the truth. I've heard rumors—you were once a queen. Is it true?"**
Rectiha sighed, tears welling in her eyes.
"I never wanted to involve you in this, Nate. This battle… it took your father's life."
"Tell me everything, Mother. I need to know."
RECTIHA'S FLASHBACK
"A long time ago, seven great kingdoms ruled this world—Ethan, Opra, Moha, Trasia, Majin, Vegeta, and Itesba. At first, they were at war with each other, but eventually, peace was established. They decided to choose one leader to rule over them all.
The first ruler was your father, Marker, the King of Ethan. He ruled for six years. But after some time, the six other kingdoms turned against him. They attacked and destroyed our kingdom.
On that day, Marker fought bravely, but he was outnumbered. He died trying to protect his people. Since then, the Ethaians have lived in hiding, scattered across different lands, waiting for a chance to reclaim what was stolen from us."
NATE'S RESOLVE
Nate's fists clenched in anger.
"So this is what we've been enduring all these years? This must end. We cannot continue living like this!"
Determined, he stood up and declared:
"We will rebuild. We will fight. We will take back our homeland. I swear it—we will become strong again and fight for our freedom until our last breath!"