A peaceful village nestled in rolling hills and dense forest, Willowbrook was a true oasis of peace. The West family had been the focal point of the village for many years, their name denoting authority and reverence. However, the outcome was a cruel fate on.
In the midst of the chaos, Ethan West, a fifteen-year-old boy, stood with wide open his blueish-silver eyes. Flames consumed the wooden houses, leaving behind an acrid smell of blood and smoke. The village was under attack from shadowy figures, as screams echoed through the night and anyone who dared to resist was cut off.
With a raspy voice, Gerard West shouted: "Leave me alone!" as his grandfather ran away.
Having been a formidable peak cultivator, the elderly man wielded his sword with precision and defeated an adversary while asking Ethan to flee. Gerard's agility matched that of a Master-level cultivator, with his blade exhibiting deadly efficiency even as he aged.
Ethan hesitated, his fists clenched. He was only at the Adept stage, with little strength to stand up to experienced warriors. Nevertheless, the desire to resist, to defend, was strong.
Ethan cried out, "I won't leave you!" with his voice breaking.
The only hope we have is in you.' Gerard defended the pair, saying: 'Take my sister with me.
Now! ".
Ten-year old Amelia caught sight of Ethan and he gripped his little body, her head tilting inexplicably. With tears streaming down her face, her green eyes bore the same determination as her brother's..
Ethan said, "Come on over, Amelia.".
He gave his grandfather one last look before facing off against another attacker. "Stay strong, Grandfather.".
The siblings ran into the forest, with the sound of fighting becoming less noticeable. Ethan's mind raced. Who were these attackers? Why did they target Willowbrook and the West family? What was going on between them? Questions whirled, but nothing could be said except survival instinct.'
Hours later, the forest opened up to reveal a hidden cove that Ethan had discovered years ago while exploring. In the middle of the moonlight, a pool of water was glowing with gleaming from the darkness. The atmosphere around the swimming pool was lively, as if it had an ancient, untapped potential.
With Amelia in tow, Ethan assured her that he and his companion would be resting in the soft mossy area.
Without saying a word, she nodded and felt exhausted every time.'
With his hands pressed against the pool, Ethan proceeded towards the water to drink.' When his skin came into contact with the water, he was inundated by energy. The blurred vision caused him to stumble and clutch his chest as the intense heat permeated his body.
"Ethan!" Amelia's voice was raspy and eerie.
She extended her arm to hold him, her small hand rubbing against his. While doing so, she felt a slight warmth, but did not yet grasp its meaning.
As Ethan lay on his knees, the world was in turmoil. He was haunted by images of a majestic creature roaring, its eyes flicking with energy, ancient symbols indented into stone, and resonant voices whispering in his mind. The situation seemed to be beyond his comprehension.
He found himself in Gerard's presence once he had recovered, with the expression being a mix of relief and concern.
"Thank God, I can't help but feel like I missed you," Gerard said.
His voice was sour, Ethan asked.
Sitting up was a challenge for him, and his body felt both robust and unstable.
Gerard aided him by saying, "We don't have much time left. They'll be searching for us.".
Our efforts must continue.
Throwing their arms around him, Amelia ran to meet Ethan. The moment he wrapped his arms around her, the thought of what had happened to him still troubled him.
Ethan inquired about the nature of the pool as they ventured further inland.
It was a mystery, as Gerard explained, but it has stirred up something in you.
I can feel it. The rest is coming out of your bloodline.
Ethan surveyed his hands, the faint glow from his veins diminishing. The images from his vision lingered, carrying with him an inability to articulate why.'
"They ruined everything," he said with a cold, steady voice. "Our family, our home.".
I refuse to let them get away with it.
A hand was placed on Gerard's shoulder. "Vengeance, Ethan.". But first, we survive. And then, we rebuild. ".
During their disappearance into the night, Ethan promised to honor his grandfather's words of thanks.