It seemed to be morning. Roxy and Aron were still lying in bed, although Roxy was already getting up...
"Where are you going, my love? Stay in bed a little longer."
"It's time to get up, I have to go help rebuild the village. You rest."
"I'll make breakfast, I love you," Roxy said in a calm voice.
As Roxy went to prepare breakfast, she made herself a tea. While drinking it, she saw something on the table: it was Greg's letter, so she began to read it...
Dad, Mom,
I've made a decision that breaks my heart. I'm leaving you because I've realized my presence causes problems for you. Not only for you, but also for the people around me, like the villagers of Dragon Village. I don't want them to suffer anymore because of me.
I will find out what this mark means and learn how to control it. I won't rest until I find answers. When I do, I'll return to you. Please, don't doubt that. I will always carry you in my heart.
With all my love, your son Greg
With a broken heart, Roxy burst into tears. Pain flooded her as she knelt on the floor, holding the letter in her trembling hands.
"No, Greg! Why all of this? It's all my fault," she murmured through her sobs.
Hearing her pain, Aron quickly ran downstairs.
"What's wrong? Are you okay, love?" he asked, seeing the letter in her hands.
Taking the letter and reading it, Aron understood Roxy's suffering. He approached her, hugged her tightly, trying to comfort her.
"Don't worry, Roxy. Greg is smart, brave, and strong. He'll be fine," he said in a soft but firm voice.
Meanwhile, Greg (who had left the village to embark on his own journey) was walking alone in search of answers about the strange mark on his skin.
"Well, finally I'm alone. I think I can practice magic without hiding. It's not so bad," he thought as he walked toward a small village.
When he arrived, dawn enveloped him in shadows, so he decided to wait until the next day to avoid disturbing anyone. Lying on the grass, he stared at the starry sky, reflecting on his fate.
"I guess this had to happen. It's like it was my destiny... now I just have to see what the future holds," he thought before falling asleep, remembering his teacher Winston and all the lessons he had given him.
"Kid, wake up!" A stranger's voice woke him up.
Greg opened his eyes to find a man in his 30s, with dark hair and kind eyes.
"What's going on? Oh, it's morning," Greg mumbled, still sleepy.
"What were you doing sleeping here?" the young man asked, looking at him curiously.
"Uh... I don't have anywhere to sleep, I ran away from home," Greg explained, uncomfortable.
"I see. You know, sometimes it's for the best. My parents kicked me out when I was 15, and here I am, surviving just fine," the young man said with a sad smile.
"I'm Noa. And you?" he asked.
Greg quickly thought. He couldn't use his real name, fearing they might track him. So, remembering his teacher Winston, he invented a new name.
"I'm... Ston Win," he said with a nervous smile, admiring his new identity.
Noa looked at Ston for a moment, then nodded with a smile.
"Ston! Good name for a young mage," he commented.
Greg froze for a moment, his eyes wide.
"What?! How did you know?" he asked, surprised.
"Aren't you a mage? It's obvious from the cloak and the hat you're wearing," Noa replied, smiling kindly.
"Oh, well, yes, I am a mage, but I didn't know you had guessed that," Greg said, trying to stay calm.
"Well, it seems I was right. Anyway, come on, I'll show you around the village," Noa said, quickly changing the subject.
The village, Virdan, was located near a beautiful river full of vegetation and wildlife. It wasn't very large, but the sense of calm and security it emanated was palpable. In the distance, larger castles and towns could be seen, surrounded by mountains.
"Don't worry, Ston. People come here to escape something, or they're on a journey. This is the village of the lost," Noa explained as they walked. "There are several weapon shops here. Do you know how to use a sword?"
"Just the basics. But I can defend myself, if necessary," Ston replied, still somewhat unsure.
"That won't be enough if you want to survive on your own. Although you know magic, that's a good start," Noa said with a serious look. "Tell me, are your parents mages?"
"No, let's say I was born learning magic. I also had an amazing teacher," Ston explained, smiling as he remembered Winston.
"I see. You know, I also had a sword teacher. He taught me everything about the world. Now, I sell vegetables. Life changes fast," Noa said with a melancholic smile. "But that world I lived in is gone now. Danger is always lurking."
"Wow..." Ston murmured, thoughtful.
They arrived at a weapon shop, and Ston was surprised to see the wide variety of swords. However, one in particular caught his eye: a medium-sized sword with a blue and black design that seemed to glow faintly. On the shelf, it said: "Mage's Sword."
"Wow, Noa, look at this sword!" Ston said, his voice full of excitement.
Noa smiled. "Good eye, Ston. That's a rare sword, made from a mineral that helps channel mana. It's perfect for mages."
"Sir, how much is this sword?" Ston asked, looking at the sword with desire.
"The mage's sword costs 5,000 Arumis," the shopkeeper replied.
"What?! But I only have 500 Arumis..." Ston said, lowering his gaze, disheartened.
"Don't worry, kid. There's a request hall here. If you work on a mission, you could earn some money to buy it. What do you think?" Noa suggested.
"Alright, but it'll take us a long time to gather that amount. I don't plan on staying here my whole life," Ston said, looking at Noa with some frustration.
"Don't worry. I'll help you. Let's see what missions we can find," Noa said with a confident smile.
At the request hall, Ston and Noa registered and began checking the available missions.
"What about this one? 'Investigate strange noises in the cave.' The pay is 150 Arumis," Noa suggested.
"Seems easy. Are we ready to start?" Ston said, somewhat unsure but determined.
The next morning, they both headed toward the cave. On the way, Noa began telling Ston his story.
"A year ago, I went with my teacher and two others on a mission. We were sent to defeat a dragon near a village. But everything went wrong... I was the only one who survived. My teacher... gave his life for me."
"I'm really sorry, Noa," Ston said, lowering his gaze.
"It's not your fault. Life is tough, but we have to move forward," Noa said with a serious look.
When they arrived at the cave, it was dark and cold. The echoes of bats resonated in the air.
"Noa, why are we here exactly?" Ston asked, looking at the darkness with distrust.
"We're just investigating. No fighting," Noa replied, with a sad smile.
"Listen, did you hear that?" Noa asked, stopping abruptly.
"No, I don't hear anything," Ston replied, looking nervous.
"Shh!" Noa whispered. "Look over there... a fire salamander."
The beast, a giant salamander with dark color and red spots, woke up when it smelled the bacon Ston had in his backpack.
"Run!" Noa shouted, starting to flee while Ston, terrified, followed him.
As they escaped the cave, Noa cast a spell that knocked down the entrance, but the salamander was determined to follow them.
"Knock it down, Ston!" Noa yelled.
Ston raised his hand, and with a gesture, used his magic to block the beast's path. When he succeeded, they both looked at each other, breathing heavily.
"Well done, kid," Noa said with a satisfied smile.
BOOM-BOOM-BOOM. The salamander came out, breaking the door with its head. In an instant, the huge fire salamander was on top of them. They froze, their eyes fixed, as if it were the last moment of their lives, but... something was happening, the ground began to shake...