Skybound Odyssey – Chapter 1: The Boy Who Dreamed of the Sky
The world of Aerion was unlike any other. The seas stretched far and wide, but above them, massive floating islands loomed, casting shadows over the waves. Legends spoke of a place beyond even the highest clouds—Skyspire, an island said to grant unimaginable power to those who reached it. But no one had ever returned to tell the tale.
Beneath the skylands, in a bustling port town named Windmere, a boy stood at the edge of the docks, staring at the sky with a grin as wide as the horizon.
Ryo Stormheart had always been different. While others dreamed of fame, wealth, or power, he dreamed of adventure. His fiery red hair danced in the breeze, and his golden eyes burned with excitement. Today was the day he would finally set sail—except he had one problem.
He didn't have a ship.
"Hey, Ryo!" a voice called. A young girl with short silver hair and goggles resting on her forehead ran toward him. She was Lyra, his childhood friend and the best mechanic in Windmere. "Don't tell me you're still planning to leave."
"Of course I am!" Ryo laughed, throwing his hands behind his head. "I'm gonna find Skyspire and become the greatest sky pirate the world has ever seen!"
Lyra sighed, crossing her arms. "That's great and all, but how do you plan to do that without a ship?"
Ryo grinned mischievously. "That's where you come in."
Before Lyra could protest, a loud explosion rocked the docks. Smoke billowed from the shipyard, and people screamed as a massive, armored airship descended from the clouds. It bore the insignia of the Skyborn Empire—an iron eagle clutching the world in its talons.
"Attention, citizens of Windmere!" a booming voice echoed from the ship's speakers. "By order of Lord Zepharos, all unauthorized vessels are now property of the Empire!"
Ryo clenched his fists. He hated the Empire. They ruled the skies with an iron grip, crushing anyone who dared to oppose them.
As imperial soldiers stormed the docks, seizing ships and arresting sailors, Ryo saw his chance. Among the chaos, an old but sturdy skyship—The Stormchaser—sat unguarded.
"Lyra, get ready," Ryo whispered.
Lyra's eyes widened. "Oh no. No way. You are NOT thinking what I think you're thinking."
But Ryo was already running toward the ship, a wild grin on his face.
His adventure had just begun.