AdiGadal was a village bound not by fences, but by fear. Nestled between two towns—Vilefen to the southwest at the border and Zaerith to the northeast toward the heart of the country—it was a place where dreams of leaving collided with the terror of monsters lurking just beyond the trees. The villagers spoke of the wilderness as a graveyard, a realm where even the bravest could vanish without a trace.
As the sun's first rays pierced through the cracks of a worn window, Leon Vasiliádes stirred. The golden light drew him from the restless void of his sleep. His hand instinctively brushed against the hilt of his sword, propped against the wall. It was as much a part of him as the ambition that burned in his chest.
He sat up, glancing to his left. His grandfather, Barend, lay sprawled on a straw mat, his breath steady and deep. Leon's gaze softened briefly, but the moment passed as quickly as it came. Rising, he dressed in practiced motions and stepped outside, craving the crisp morning air.
The icy splash of water from the well shocked him fully awake. He lingered there, staring at his reflection in the bucket—dark eyes, a sharp jawline, and a determination that never wavered. The villagers hated him for what he was, but he didn't care. Their whispers of omens and curses were nothing compared to his drive.
Barend appeared at the door, rubbing his eyes and muttering. "You're up early again."
Leon grabbed the ax leaning against the wall and smirked. "What can I say? I like to keep you on your toes."
Barend snorted, kneeling to start a fire. "You know, you'd make a fine farmer if you put as much effort into the fields as you do into that sword."
"Fields don't make you strong," Leon replied, splitting the first log with a single, sharp stroke. "They just bury you in dirt."
Barend paused, watching his grandson with a heavy look. "Strength isn't everything, Leon."
"For me, it is," Leon said, setting another log on the stump.
The older man sighed. "You're set on leaving, aren't you?"
Leon paused mid-swing, then drove the ax down hard, splitting the wood clean in two. "You know I am. I don't belong here, Grandfather. This place… it's a cage."
Barend shook his head, his voice low. "It's a cage that's kept you alive. Out there, it's not just monsters, Leon. It's worse than you can imagine."
"I'll manage," Leon said, his tone steady. "I've trained for this."
Rodric's footsteps echoed as he approached, a familiar sound. The village guard was a man of few words but sharp instincts. As he reached the clearing where Leon and Barend were working, he greeted them with a curt nod.
"Good morning, Leon," Rodric said, eyeing the sword at Leon's side. "You've been up since dawn, I see."
Leon raised an eyebrow, his usual arrogance softened by a brief smile. "What can I say? I like getting a head start on the day."
Rodric's lips twitched, though it wasn't quite a smile. "Better than wasting your time, I suppose. You'll be guarding the east gate today."
Leon's expression shifted slightly. "The east gate? With the vice leader?"
"That's right," Rodric said, his tone not giving away much. "You'll meet with Arden at noon after your shift here. He's not a fan of the outdoors, but he'll be good company, I'm sure."
Leon let out a short laugh. "That'll be interesting." His gaze turned distant for a moment, then returned to Rodric. "And I'll be ready for anything. The east gate's quiet enough, right?"
"For now," Rodric replied, his face hardening for a moment. "But you never know with the monsters. They're unpredictable. If you're not careful, it can be the calm before the storm."
Leon nodded, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Monsters don't scare me."
"I'm sure," Rodric said with a faint smile. "Just remember, Leon, it's not just about being strong. It's about being smart, too."
Leon shrugged. "I'll figure it out." His eyes lingered on the horizon, where the world beyond the village beckoned like an untold story.
Barend watched the exchange in silence. The old man could sense the weight of Leon's words, and though he didn't voice it, his concern was clear.
"Take care of yourself out there," Barend said quietly, turning back to his fire.
Rodric studied Leon one last time. "I'm sure you'll be fine. But just… don't be too reckless."
Leon gave a confident nod, his thoughts already drifting to the day ahead. "I won't be. Thanks for the heads-up, Rodric."
With that, the guard turned and left, his footsteps echoing softly into the morning.
Leon stood there for a moment longer, his eyes scanning the village before he set to work chopping more wood. The day ahead was just one of many, but every step he took was bringing him closer to the freedom he craved.