In a world over a thousand years old, various races and monstrous creatures coexist, forming alliances or engaging in deadly confrontations. They are known to harness various sources of power, often referred to as magical abilities.
The first type is a gift bestowed by the gods. The second type is power inherited by the offspring of gods or goddesses. The third type comes from unique races born with abilities, believed to be descendants of those who were offspring of the gods and goddesses. The fourth type is dark magic used by the demon race, whose origins are unknown. The fifth type is magic created by humans known as mages, who seek power from unknown sources. Lastly, the sixth type is magic derived from various curses, believed to result from mages' failed experiments or to have been created by the demons themselves.
Nearly half of the population believes in benevolent deities—gods and goddesses—who grant special abilities to their chosen ones. While most individuals receive distinct, random gifts, one village stands apart in which all its inhabitants share the same set of powers.
The village of Omp, secluded deep within the dangerous Timul forest, is home to 38 families. These families reside in over 35 houses, surrounded by farm fields and bordered by a mountain river. Each family plays a vital role in the community, working as builders, farmers, guards, scouts, hunters, or merchants, ensuring the village's self-sufficiency.
What makes Omp unique among other blessed villages is that its people have been granted shared abilities by Fay, the Goddess of Nature. This overlap in powers creates a rare bond and collective strength, distinguishing Omp from other communities, where individual gifts are more varied and unique.
To protect this rare blessing—and for their own safety—the villagers are forbidden from leaving the forest. This isolation ensures that their shared abilities and way of life remain hidden from the outside world, preserving the village's mysteries and safeguarding its future.
The villagers have learned that their duty is to aid the Goddess in safeguarding the forest from all harm, and in doing so, they will be granted random favor in return. Across generations, numerous residents have been blessed with the ability to repel outsiders and dangerous creatures. A peculiar ritual observed by the villagers involves extinguishing all lights at night, believed to ward off malevolent entities drawn to light sources.
Those fortunate enough to be imbued with Fay's powers are known as the "gifted." This select group possesses one randomly assigned power from a range of abilities, including the manipulation of water, earth, night vision, plant growth, purification, and communication with animals.
The "gifted" individuals are allocated to specific roles within the village. Those with water-manipulating abilities tend to the irrigation of the fields and provide for the village's water needs. Earth manipulators are charged with constructing foundations for houses, farmland, and defensive structures. The plant-growers utilize their abilities to expedite the harvest and ensure a bountiful yield for all villagers. The purifiers are entrusted with the task of purifying water and food, while the animal communicators mobilize bird scouts to survey the forest. Lastly, those
gifted with night vision are responsible for guarding the village when all lights are extinguished after dusk.
In this village, a boy named Paul Alkantar lived alongside his family. While not one of the "gifted," Paul's natural talents set him apart. At 14 years old, Paul had gained a formidable reputation for his exceptional hunting and archery skills. His expertise was so well-regarded that he was granted permission to venture into the forest by himself to hunt and gather food. His proficiency not only provided sustenance for his family but also demonstrated the potential of non-gifted villagers to contribute significantly to their community.
Paul respectfully followed his parents' instructions and refrained from venturing beyond the boundaries of the forest. However, this limitation did not hinder him from honing his hunting skills to perfection within the dense foliage.
Paul was widely recognized for his impressive physique, porcelain white complexion, strikingly long, dark, emerald green hair, and piercing, uncommonly vibrant green eyes. His appearance often made him a topic of conversation among the villagers, who admired both his unique looks and exceptional talents.
On a calm and peaceful day, Paul found himself perched high in the branches of a massive tree, patiently observing his prey. Down below, a graceful doe was peacefully grazing beside a gently bubbling brook. With unwavering focus and precision, he took careful aim and, in one swift and skillful motion, brought down the magnificent creature.
As Paul made his way back to the village, the vibrant colors of the surrounding forest seemed to accentuate the bountiful harvest he had gathered. His heart swelled with gratitude as he reflected on the successful hunt, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph as he carried the spoils, a testament to his skill and perseverance. Approaching the village, he was met with approving nods from the sentries.
"A splendid hunt," remarked one of the sentries, admiring the impressive catch Paul had just brought back from the depths of the forest.
Paul's agile movements and keen senses had led him to a magnificent buck, and the group of guards couldn't help but express their admiration. Paul graciously acknowledged the sentiment with a nod and a humble smile, feeling proud of his successful expedition that would provide for his family.
"Tell your father, the chief, that one of our scouts spotted a campfire about five miles to the north," instructed one of the sentries, sharing important information about potential outsiders who might be approaching their territory.
"I will, thanks Mr. Ben," replied Paul respectfully before taking his leave, his every step displaying the confidence and strength of a seasoned hunter, eager to exhibit his remarkable feat to his parents, Will and Zen Alkantar. As he approached his home, he couldn't help but reflect on the legacy of strength and beauty that his parents embodied.
Will's body was sculpted with defined, powerful muscles, each movement exuding effortless strength. His thick, black hair cascaded down his shoulders, sharply contrasting with his fair skin. His dark eyes were sharp and focused, holding an intensity that reflected his experience. Known as the strongest hunter in the village, he was a force to be reckoned with.
Zen, on the other hand, was an exceptionally beautiful woman. She possessed striking, waist-length green hair and rare, captivating green eyes. Her skin was radiant, and she was known for her exceptional culinary skills.
Thirty years ago, Will and Zen found themselves on the run from their past lives. Together, they embarked on a journey across the world, seeking refuge from their troubles. Their travels led them to the remote village of Omp, which was under siege by terrifying monsters. Will, a former hunter, demonstrated remarkable bravery and skill by defeating the monsters, earning the admiration of the village chief and its inhabitants. Despite initial resistance from the village elders, the outsiders were eventually embraced as part of the community. Over the course of the next 15 years, Will built a reputation for himself and eventually rose to become the village's next chief.
And so, Paul, a young boy, often listened to his father's stories about the outside world. Each time, he felt an increasing desire to follow in his father's footsteps, obtain a hunter's license, and embark on a journey to hunt monsters, earn a living, and explore the world. His dream was to encounter all sorts of creatures and beings that inhabit the vast and diverse world.
Returning to the present, Will greeted him with a warm smile and a playful jeer, his eyes bright with amusement. "Well, well, well, what have we here?" he inquired, a twinkle in his eye. "I daresay, my son, you could very well be the second finest hunter in our humble settlement."
Paul stood tall, his voice unwavering but with a smile as he addressed his father's words and taunt. "I am well aware of your skill and status as the foremost hunter in our village, Father. Your praise and your teasing need not be repeated."
Their lighthearted exchange filled the room with warmth and laughter, a familiar part of their routine. With a playful twinkle in her eye and a smile gracing her lips, Zen gently interjected, "Let us not boast, my dear boys. Come, let us partake of the delicious dinner that awaits us. It's already late, and the darkness outside makes it feel even later. We should make sure to extinguish all the lights as soon as possible to avoid unwanted visitors."
Paul and his father nodded while still grinning. This was a normal occurrence for the young boy's life. He would hunt and return to his family, where they would laugh, banter, and have meals together.
As the radiant sun dipped below the horizon, its warm glow gradually gave way to the encroaching darkness, blanketing the small settlement in a soothing embrace. Inside their quaint and welcoming home, Paul and his parents nestled around the dining table, savoring the rich aroma of their hot cocoa after indulging in a delectable and nourishing meal. The crackling of the fireplace cast a soft glow across the room, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
As Paul looked at his mother with gratitude, he uttered with a genuine smile and curiosity, "You're the best, Mother… I can't wait to see what you'll create with the doe meat tomorrow."
"It's a surprise, Paul," Zen responded with a playful smile, her green eyes twinkling with mischief. "But I promise it will be something special. You know how much I enjoy making meals for our family."
"By the way, I could potentially fetch three gold coins by bartering half of the deer tomorrow!" Paul exclaimed while looking at his father.
He then added, "And with diligent saving, I may eventually journey to the city of Paran to acquire a hunter's license. As you told me when I was a little kid, I can use it to get paid while killing monsters. It has been a long-held dream of mine to become a licensed hunter, and I have been working hard to save up for this opportunity so I can fulfill this ambition."
Rejoicing in her son's achievement, his mother remarked, "That is splendid, Paul. Pursuing your dream to become the foremost hunter in the realm is a noble goal."
"Mother, I no longer harbor such ambitions. Rather, I aspire to amass wealth so we could laze all day and the three of us could even venture anywhere. Therefore, Father, I am asking for your permission."
"I'm sorry, but we can't leave the village, Paul. Even if I agree with you, you still need to ask the elders for permission. You also need more training. You're also not familiar with city life and it's too dangerous for you and your mother with those eyes," Will said, his expression serious as he emphasized the risks involved.
Paul, feeling a mixture of confusion and curiosity, replied, "I am fourteen years old now. Don't you think I'm old enough to finally learn the truth about these eyes? I believe I'm almost as skilled as you, Father. And maybe someday the Goddess could bless me with a gift so I can protect myself from anything."
Will and Zen locked eyes, their knowing glances silently expressing mutual understanding and agreement.
"I think it's finally time to confide everything in him," Zen said softly to Will.
Nodding in agreement, Will turned to address Paul with a look of concern on his face. "My son, your mother and I believe in being open with you about everything, but it's late now. Let's save this discussion for tomorrow when we can all give it the time and attention it deserves."
"Okay, Father. Oh, and before I forget, Mr. Ben passed along a message. He mentioned that one of our scouts spotted a campfire approximately five miles to the north," Paul informed. "Goodnight!"
Will's expression grew serious at the news. He then stepped outside and rang the village warning bell, calling out loudly, "Come on, everyone, it's time to wind down for the night. Please shut off all the lights, lock all the doors, and have a peaceful and safe night!" He carefully and respectfully burned a food offering as a sacred gesture to the Goddess, tending to the fire before properly extinguishing it afterward.
Once all the lights were off, Will made his way toward the gate. He approached Ben and issued his orders. "Ben, gather three skilled hunters to accompany you and scout the strangers at dawn tomorrow. It's crucial that you do not initiate any aggression unless your lives are in imminent danger. Additionally, send me a hawk with a report."
"Understood, Chief," responded Ben with a firm nod.
***
The next day, Paul braved the bustling village marketplace with the intention of trading half of the meat from the deer he had hunted. After negotiating with local vendors, he successfully exchanged the meat for a satisfying amount of coins, leaving him immensely pleased with the outcome.
"Nice catch, Paul! You make the entire village proud," exclaimed the meat seller.
"Thank you. I'll sell half of the meat again if I catch any today," Paul said proudly.
"I'll be waiting," said the vendor as he wiped his hands on his apron, the smell of raw meat lingering in the air.
After concluding his business affairs for the day, Paul sought out his father to finally get answers to the pending questions he had from the night before.
Paul then went home and approached his mother with a happy look on his face and asked, "Mother, have you seen Father?"
With a gentle expression, she replied, "No, dear, I have not."
"Alright, please let him know that I have set out on a hunting trip for now," Paul said to his mother, who then bid him farewell with a wave.
"Take care, dear," his mother replied.
As the radiant sun began its slow descent below the horizon, casting a mesmerizing display of elongated shadows across the forest floor, Paul took a deep breath and hoisted his trusty hunting bow onto his shoulder. With each step into the dense woods, the dwindling light filtered through the lush foliage, enveloping the surroundings in a soothing, golden glow.
The forest came alive with the serene symphony of nature—the gentle rustle of leaves, the melodic chirping of birds, and the occasional scurrying of elusive woodland creatures, all contributing to the tranquil ambiance of his solitary journey.
Paul found himself consumed by thoughts of the unsettled conversation he had shared with his father last night. It reverberated in his mind, making him oblivious to the passage of time.
As the sun continued its slow descent toward the horizon behind the towering trees, and with the search yielding no results, Paul decided to head back to the village while there was still light. Suddenly, against the dimming evening sky, he noticed a faint, flickering glow and caught a whiff of the sharp, smoky aroma of burning wood drifting from his village.
Paul immediately quickened his pace. He came face to face with a distressing scene—the peaceful settlement was being attacked by a formidable winged creature. The once lively village now stood in ruins, with deaths scattered across the landscape, while his father and the remaining sentries were locked in a courageous battle with the monstrous intruder.
As panic gripped Paul, his heart raced and his hands trembled as he frantically reached for his bow. With shaking hands, he hastily knocked an arrow, his every movement fueled by a desperate urgency. In that intense moment, he caught sight of his father approaching, his figure a comforting presence amidst the chaos.
"Father!" Paul exclaimed, the worry palpable in his voice as he sought his father's guidance. "Please, let me help. Where is Mother?" he beseeched, his voice laced with concern and urgency.
"Paul, find your mother as quickly as you can," his father urgently instructed. "I'll hold off the creature. Trust me!."
With a confident gesture, he unleashed a rapid succession of arrows toward the menacing creature. Following his father's commands, Paul swiftly secured his bow and quiver, preparing for the task ahead. He ran and saw many slain villagers, destroyed and burning homes. As he turned a corner, Paul's eyes fell upon the lifeless body of the meat vendor, and what he saw filled him with a profound sense of despair.
His heart pounded in his chest as he stumbled back, tears streaming down his face. The chaos before him was unlike anything he had ever witnessed, and fear gripped him with icy fingers. His mind reeling, Paul frantically made his way back to his home. It was already half destroyed. As he stepped inside, his eyes darted around, desperate to catch a glimpse of his mother.
When she was nowhere to be found, he dashed back outside, scouring the area as he called out in anguished tones, "Mother! Mother! Where are you?!"
The young boy felt his heart sink as he realized that his search for his mother had been fruitless. He desperately hoped that maybe his mother had already reunited with his father, and with a heavy heart, he turned around and headed back.
Yet upon his arrival, he was met with a harrowing sight—the monster stood alone, and there was no sign of his father or the others. The realization that they may have all fallen victim to the beast plunged Paul into deep despair.
"Father, no! No!" Paul's anguished wails filled the air.
Believing that everyone around him had perished, Paul found himself frozen in shock as he stood face to face with a magnificent, otherworldly beast. In return, the monster, sensing his intent, locked eyes with him.
It was a rare Crocodile Dragon, a creature never seen even in the forest of Timul. With intense focus, it fixated its attention on Paul and began a relentless pursuit.
He had no time to draw his weapon as the terrifying dragon lunged at him. Paul vaulted out of the way, narrowly avoiding the deadly bite. As he scrambled to his feet, the relentless pursuit of the dragon forced him into the dense forest.
The ground shook with each massive step of the creature, toppling trees and sending boulders flying. With a primal roar, the dragon's mighty jaws closed in on Paul, trapping his lower body and hurling him into the raging river, where he was swept away into the depths.