The kingdom of Elaria stands majestically under a clear blue sky, its walls towering like giant hands reaching for the clouds. But beneath its splendor, the kingdom is built on a caste system that has been in place for centuries. These castes determine the fate of each individual before they are even born, especially the channelers, those with the ability to channel magical energy.
Kaelith, the noble class, live in luxury and hold absolute power. Valden, the middle class, support the kingdom's economy as relatively wealthy merchants, craftsmen, and hunters. Meanwhile, the Ethel class, commoners like Ar, live in suffocating restrictions. Their lives are hard, full of struggle, and inextricably linked to constant discrimination.
In the Floressia District, one of the busiest parts of Ardentis City, the People's Market is the center of life. The hustle and bustle of buyers and sellers mingle with the aroma of spices, baked bread, and freshly slaughtered animals. Ar stands in a corner of the market, surveying the crowd with he sharp, bright red eyes. The afternoon wind is blowing his blond hair, forcing him to tuck it behind his ear. Beside him, Clau, his twin sister, held tightly to a wicker basket filled with wheat and two pillows of dry bread. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, revealing her sweet face. Ar looked at the contents of the basket with some satisfaction. The results of his exchange were quite profitable this time.
The two fat turkeys he had shot in the woods that morning had yielded a sack of wheat and some dry bread. It was no easy task, especially for a twelve-year-old boy from Ethel's clan. But Ar had always felt comfortable in the forest, even though many considered it dangerous because it was full of magic monsters.
"It's no mistake that I always ask for your help," said Aunt Gracia, a middle-aged merchant with a warm smile on her face. The woman checked the contents of the wicker basket as she spoke. "Your catch is always good. This time it was even a very fat turkey. It's rare for a young hunter like you to venture into the forest. Besides, the forest has never been completely safe."
"Thank you, Aunt," Ar replied, his voice cheerful and polite.
Ar had always been well known to Ethel and Valden, especially for his kindness, which was often shown through real actions. If someone needed help, he would gladly step in. From the results of hunting animals in the forest or from small gifts that people gave him for his help, Ar had been able to collect a few coins. This time, luck was on his side. His small bag felt heavy with a lot of coins.
Clau walked beside him, her smile never fading since they left the market. The little girl was busy enjoying the sweet cake that Ar had just bought from a shop in the corner of the market. The cake was quite expensive, but for Ar, nothing was too expensive for the happiness of his twin sister. Seeing Clau so happy, he felt that his efforts all this time were not in vain.
Protecting Clau was everything to Ar. Their life in the Floressia District was hard, but as long as he could make sure that his sister was not lacking, that was enough. Ar knew that the world had never been kind to Ethels like them.
Floressia, a suburb of Ardentis City, was under the shadow of the Kaeliths, who looked down on anyone below their caste. But the district had its own charm. Gravel-paved streets, tall trees that formed a natural canopy, and a bustling public market were part of everyday life. Even the forest at the edge of the district, though filled with roaming magical beasts, still felt like a quiet escape.
In one corner of the district stood the orphanage where Ar and Clau lived. The small building was anything but luxurious. Its walls were beginning to crumble, its roof often leaked when it rained, but for Ar it was more fitting to call it home than any other place they had ever lived. It provided shelter, albeit a simple one, for orphans like them.
But when they returned to the orphanage that afternoon, something felt wrong. Ar's steps slowed as his gaze fell on the wide open front door. His heart pounded. Inside, the usually calm atmosphere had become tense.
"Don't mess with us, old woman!" a harsh voice echoed, breaking the silence.
Ar stopped in front of the door. His eyes scanned the chaotic room, chairs overturned, broken pottery on the floor, and tables knocked out of place. In the middle of the chaos stood a tall man with a grim face, brandishing what looked like a dagger at an old woman whom Ar recognized as her caretaker at the orphanage.
His breath caught. "What's going on here?" he thought, his eyes turning to Clau, who was clutching her rattan basket tightly. His sister's face was filled with fear, but Ar quickly put on a calm expression, hiding the fear that burned in his chest.
Ar hurriedly stepped inside while Clau followed behind him, her fingers clutching the small basket they had brought from the market. As soon as they entered the living room, the sight before them made Ar's heart stop.
Mother Laila, the old woman who had lovingly cared for them, was sitting on the floor. Her face was pale, her eyes filled with fear that made her look weaker than usual. Around her, five large men stood amidst the wreckage of smashed tables and chairs. The room was destroyed. They had destroyed everything without mercy.
"Mother..." Ar stared at the old woman, fear gripping him. Then his eyes moved to the five men. The tension in the air was thick, but Ar did not back down.
One of the men, the tallest among them and with a thick beard, turned around with a cold grin. "Ah, there he is. A brave boy, it seems."
Ar ignored the taunts and immediately ran to Mother Laila. He knelt down and gently held her arm, helping the old woman to her feet. "Mother, are you all right?" he asked softly, his voice full of concern.
Clau helped even though his hands were shaking. But when one of the men approached, he immediately hid behind Ar, holding his brother's back tightly. Ar stood up and looked straight at the men. "What are you doing here?" he asked sternly, even though he knew they were much stronger than him.
The bearded man stepped forward, approaching with slow but menacing movements. "We are merely delivering a message," he said in a deep, cold voice. "This place now belongs to Baron Bartemus. He has already received approval for ownership of this territory. You have two days to leave."
Clau's grip on Ar's back tightened. Ar could feel his sister trembling with fear, and it made his anger boil over. He stared at the bearded man without blinking. "You took our rights by dirty means. This is our home," he said, his voice shaking, not with fear, but with the anger he was trying to suppress.
The man grinned wider. "None of our business," he replied in a mocking tone. His steps came closer and now he was standing directly in front of Ar. The difference in their heights was striking, as if to show the disparity in power between a teenager and a tall adult man.
"Listen, boy," the man said in a low, oppressive tone. "This country is no place for weaklings like you, Ethels. Take your belongings and get out of here before we drag you out by force."
Ar clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms until they hurt. He wanted to fight back, but he knew this was not the time to act rashly. Clau was here, and Mother Laila was too weak to handle any more violence.
The bearded man stared at Ar for a while, as if waiting for an answer. When there was no resistance, he snorted in satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, the five thugs simply walked away, leaving the room in chaos and an air of menace behind them. Ar stayed where he was, staring at the wide open door until the silhouettes of the five men disappeared completely. His breathing was heavy, but he showed no weakness. In that moment, he promised himself that no matter what, he would not let them take this place without a fight.