Time flies like an arrow, and before you know it Vetril is eight years old. On this day, he was sitting by the warmth of the fireplace when his small figure was drawn to a heavy book on the wooden table. His eyes were wide, as if summoned by the yellowed pages.
Gareth and Elena noticed their son's demeanour and the two smiled at each other. Elena nodded gently, so Gareth picked up the book and patted Ril's head, signalling him to sit back down.
'This book is about, the origin of the world.' Gareth's low and powerful voice rang out, as if it carried a power that pierced through the ages, 'Legend has it that at the beginning of time, the heavens and the earth were chaotic, and nothingness shrouded everything.'
Elena took over the words, her voice gentle and full of mystery, 'In that endless darkness, a brilliant star was born, and it gave off a dazzling light that illuminated the entire universe.'
Vetril's eyes locked onto the illustration on the book, the star shone brightly in the darkness, as if it harboured infinite life. He could feel the power in it, a symbol of creation and hope.
'No one knows where this star came from, and no one understands why it fell into chaos.' Elena continued, her voice soft but with deep meaning, 'It eventually hovered in the chaos, like a seed, slowly taking root and sprouting. And just like that, in the endless nothingness, a giant world tree quietly grew.'
Vetril closed his eyes and sketched the world tree in his mind as his mother spoke. Its roots were deeply rooted into the chaos, its branches and leaves stretched out into the endless sky, and on each leaf hung radiant fruits, each of which gave birth to a complete world with its own sky, earth, and living beings.
'From these fruits, Mana was born.' Gareth spoke again, deep awe in his voice, 'Mana is the core energy of every world, the source of growth for all things. It is formless and intangible, yet it permeates everything in the world.'
Vetril tried to feel Mana's presence. He imagined the softness of the breeze on his face, the warmth of the sunlight flooding the earth, and the fragrance in the air when the flowers bloomed. All of this made him feel an ineffable connection to the world.
'Mana's power nourishes our world and gives it shape.' Elena continued gently, 'The world we are in is called Midgard.'
Upon hearing this, Vetril opened his eyes and looked at the flames leaping in the fireplace. His mind conjured up endless grasslands, lush forests, and villages that were suitable for farming and trade. It was as if he saw a vast and hopeful world.
Gareth's voice became low and serious: 'Our homeland is located within the sphere of influence of the Silver Crown Empire. This centralised and powerful empire controls most of the land in the plains. And on the fringes, there is the Green Wind Alliance, which is a free association of independent villages and city-states.'
Elena added, 'Further east, there is the mysterious Dawnwood. Legend has it that there is a lost relic of an ancient civilisation hidden there, possessing incomparably strong magical power, but it was sealed forever in the depths because it angered the guardian god of the forest. It is said that the gates of the relic open briefly when the first rays of the morning sun shine, but those who enter them, without exception, mysteriously disappear.'
A thirst for adventure surged through Vetril's mind. It was as if he saw himself stepping into the forest, searching for the lost relics and uncovering the deeply hidden secrets. But at the same time, he didn't want to part with his parents and his town mates. There was a warmth and sense of belonging here that he had never experienced before.
'Vetril, do you understand?' Gareth's voice pulled him back from his fantasy.
Vetril looked up, both excited and a little apprehensive to meet his father's gaze. He nodded, a hint of determination in his voice, 'I understand, father.'
Gareth was silent for a moment, putting down the wooden cup in his hand, his tone even lower, 'The world outside is far more complicated than you can imagine. Every decision may bring unexpected consequences. If you want to leave the town one day, remember that the price of adventure is sometimes not only life, but also your initial desire.'
Sensing the heaviness of the atmosphere, Elena walked over to Vetril and gently stroked his shoulder, saying softly, 'The unknown isn't scary, what's scary is not being prepared to face it. And if you are willing to learn and work hard, you will surely be able to find your own path.'
Vetril took a deep breath, as if cheering himself up. He nodded vigorously and said, 'I will study hard and learn more about the stories and history of this world. When the day comes to embark on the journey, I will be prepared for everything.'
After saying that, Vetril's stomach suddenly growled, breaking the silence in the room. His face flushed slightly, looking slightly embarrassed. Elena smiled and stood up, saying, 'Looks like someone's hungry, I'll go prepare dinner.'
'Starting tomorrow, I will teach you the basics of cultivation.' Gareth said.
Vetril's eyes instantly lit up and he nodded excitedly. 'Really? I can learn to cultivate?'
Gareth smiled slightly and nodded. However, his expression quickly became serious, 'That's right, but cultivation is not something that comes easily. It requires not only effort, but also patience, perseverance, and a will that never wavers. Every step can be challenging and even test your limits.'
Vetril straightened his back, a rare firmness in his boyish face. He nodded vigorously, his tone full of confidence, 'I'm ready, father! No matter how hard it is, I will persevere!'
Gareth gazed at Vetril with a mixture of relief and vague concern in his eyes, but he didn't say anything else in the end, he just reached out his hand and gently patted Vetril's shoulder.
'Very well,' he said, his voice low and full of strength, 'remember your resolve.'
The flames in the fireplace jumped, reflecting the two men's silhouettes against the wall, as if heralding a new beginning of sorts.