The city of Halcyon, with its highs and lows, had one defining characteristic: the deep inequality among its inhabitants. In the center, the grand mansions of the elite families stood like fortresses of wealth and power, while in the outskirts, such as the Shadow Zone, misery was a constant. Eliar's reality reflected the worst of this inequality, but he never let bitterness consume him. His mother, Madame Rosaria, always said that struggle was what made life worthwhile, and he absorbed her words like a mantra.
The small family's only source of income was Rosaria's work as a cleaner at the Ainsworth mansion, one of the city's most prestigious families. The silver coin she earned each month seemed like a joke compared to their basic needs. Food was scarce, clothes were simple, and Eliar, despite his young age, already understood that nothing was guaranteed. He and his mother survived on the bare minimum, but always with dignity, thanks to Rosaria's tireless efforts.
The 50-dollar silver coin Madame Rosaria received for her services seemed like a fortune at first glance, but it was only enough to keep the house standing. Food, clothing, healthcare... everything came at a cost. And no matter how great the sacrifice, Rosaria never complained. She knew her mission was to care for Eliar, not just as a mother, but as the only person who would protect him from the cruel fate that seemed to await him.
After the incident at school, where Eliar first manifested his destructive powers, he became an outcast among the other students. Teachers and classmates avoided him, fearing he was a threat. However, he clung to the idea that his power should be used for something greater, something good—though he didn't yet know how.
At 13, after completing his education at the Shadow Zone's regular school, Eliar was already aware that work was his only option to help his mother. Rosaria, who had always insisted on giving him an education, knew the time had come for him to find a job. It was then that she approached Lady Eveline Ainsworth, the family matriarch, with whom she had shared a long-standing bond of gratitude.
Lady Eveline Ainsworth, who fondly remembered being cared for by Rosaria as a child—when Rosaria had been her nanny and protector while her parents represented the family—had always held immense gratitude for Madame Rosaria. This gratitude was the reason she agreed to take Eliar into the Ainsworth mansion. The former nanny knew her humble position and lack of references made her invisible in the eyes of high society, but Eveline, with her generous heart, knew she could trust her old friend.
However, the class divide was evident. The Ainsworth mansion was a spectacle of luxury, with its majestic architecture and imposing gardens. There, Eliar would be just another piece in the immense puzzle of the noble family, but for Rosaria, it was an opportunity to give Eliar the bare minimum he needed to grow.
The contrast between Lady Eveline and her husband, Lord Valerian Ainsworth, was stark. Eveline, with her sweetness and kindness, always remembered the struggles she had faced in her youth, and this shaped her worldview. She treated everyone with respect and compassion, always believing that true strength lay in helping others.
Lord Valerian, on the other hand, was the opposite. Ruthless, rude, and hot-tempered, he was one of the city's greatest heroes. His physical strength and combat skills had made him a living legend. However, his worldview was far more pragmatic and cold. He believed the world needed to be shaped by force, and any weakness should be eradicated. This contrast in personalities was evident in the mansion, and their children, including Aeryn, the youngest daughter, grew up under his stern shadow.
When Eliar first entered the Ainsworth mansion, the culture shock was inevitable. He was faced with a world completely different from his own, where people lived in unattainable luxury. He felt small and out of place, but at the same time, he sensed this was the step he needed to take to achieve something greater.
Soon, Madame Rosaria, who was already accustomed to the mansion's rules, managed to convince Lady Eveline to allow Eliar to assist with small tasks. He spent his days organizing the gardens, cleaning the hallways, and performing minor chores for the family. It was hard work, but he knew he was doing his best.
And it was in this environment of great opulence that Eliar met Aeryn, the daughter of Lady Eveline and Lord Valerian. Aeryn was curious and open-minded, lacking the pride or arrogance that others of her social class often displayed. She approached Eliar simply, asking about his life and offering him a genuine smile.
- You're Eliar, right? she asked when she found him in the garden, trimming some flowers. -I'm Aeryn. I've seen you helping Madame Rosaria.
Eliar, surprised by her friendliness, replied shyly, - Yes... I am.
Aeryn smiled and sat beside him. - I've never seen you around before. Do you work for my mother?
- Yes, I work here with my mother, Rosaria. I'm... new here. Eliar said hesitantly. He didn't know what to say, but Aeryn's sincerity made him feel more at ease.
Aeryn looked at him curiously. - I've never met anyone like you. You're not like the others here, are you? Are you here because you want to learn, or because you need to?
Eliar thought for a moment. He knew Aeryn wouldn't understand, but he couldn't deny his reality. - I... need to. After all, Eliar could never afford the costs of the prestigious Celestia Academy, where Halcyon's greatest heroes were trained—Aeryn's father being one of them.
- I understand, Aeryn said with a sympathetic expression. - I need something too. Something beyond what's given to me."
Aeryn's words stayed with Eliar for days, and he began to realize that perhaps his life wasn't destined to be just about survival, but a journey toward something greater. Something he didn't yet understand but was beginning to feel within himself. Something that might involve more than just his own strength or power.