Morning came as the chirping birds greeted the first sunlight shone upon the land. Streams of light graced the massive walls surrounding the city, whilst some of it were able to intrude the inhabitants’ houses.

In a humble wooden abode at the east side of the city, the sound of heavy breathing could be heard from inside a bedroom.

“Huff… huff…huff”

A girl sat upright on her bed. She was drenched in cold sweat, while occasional trembles were clearly visible from her shoulders.

“That dream again?” a small voice escaped from her pale lips.

For the past few days, she always had this same dream. But, no matter how hard she tried, she just could not recall what the content was. All she knew was the same terrible nightmare always terrorized her dream.

Knock knock

A sudden soft knocks resounded from the wooden door, causing the girl to jerk her neck.

“Helen, are you fine, dear?” An old raspy voice spoke out. “I'm coming in okay?”

The door opened as a gentle looking elderly woman entered. She wore a pair of glasses that was tilted slightly, giving people a full view of her crescent eyes.

Wrinkles and grey hairs were common factors to show the passing of time. Unfortunately, she was no exception.

“Grandma!” Helen threw herself to her grandma's embrace.

“There, there… poor girl, are you having a nightmare again?” the old lady caress Helen's back.

Helen nodded with tears pouring down from the edge of her eyes.

“Don’t worry, love. It will be your tenth birthday soon, isn't it? Grandma will bring you to the cathedral to receive your blessing. By then, I’m sure the evil nightmare won’t come bak!”

The age of ten years old marked a significant period in any children’s lives. They will be welcomed to the cathedral to receive a bestowal known as the Mana Blessing.

Upon receiving it, they would be able to perceive a marvelous existence known as Mana —the very thing that allows one to bend reality and create miracles known as Magic!

Rumour has it that other than boosting mental and combat proficiencies, the sacred ritual can also removes any negative energies and minor defects from one’s body.

“We better wipe those tears off.” The granny took a handkerchief from her pocket. “We don’t want a sad princess to attend her last day of school crying right?”

Having done wiping Helen’s face, the granny stood up and brought her hands together.

“Let’s get you ready.”

Warm water molecules started to fill the room as they slowly moved to stick onto Helen’s skin.

Soon, Helen felt her body relaxed and her trembling stopped. At the same time, the magical vapour also cleanse her body from any filth.

After finishing the job, the old lady point a finger, which gathered all the vapour into a single blob of dirty water. Walking to the side of the bed, she opened the window and threw the water out onto the soil ground outside.

“Done! Now, let’s have a breakfast, granny has made you waffles!”

“Really? Yay!"

…..

“I’ll see you later, grandma!”

Having had her favourite sweet waffles and an egg, Helen’s mood got visibly better as she showed a wide smile while waving her hand. Her

“Take care dear.” The granny waved back.

After Helen was out of her sight, an eerie silence suddenly pervaded the house front. Only the sound of the wind blowing through the pine trees around could be heard

Trace of gentle smile on the granny's face was no longer there. Her eyes gradually turned black and rows of sharp teeth started to grow from her mouth.

“Come on out boys. This old lady promise she won't bite.”

There was no response. The multiple presence she had felt already disappeared like smoke.

“Tch, a bunch of cowards!” the granny's complexion turned normal again.

It has been two years since these stalkers lingered around their home, and yet, she could not make any moves either. As long as they did not make any advance, the "contract" will suppress her power.

“Well then, shall I buy some materials for the birthday cake?”

The old lady grabbed a basket and walked off in the distance, toward the newly opened market at the west side of the city.

….

Helen walked down a familiar road on the way to her school, which was near the city center.

Streaks of sunshine shone upon her long silver hair, while the occasional windblow seemed to flaunt her beauty toward the onlookers. On the other hand, her black eyes and ruby lips contained a special charm, capable of drawing people’s attention.

Today, Helen wore one of her favourite dress. It has a white top part and a lilac bottom part, separating the two was a black ribbon around her waist. It was a simple dress, but she did like the color and its comfortable wear… if only the chest area can cover a bit more...

“Good morning, Helen.” A sudden soft voice interrupted her thoughts.

Helen turned her head toward an old bakery and smiled back. “Good morning, aunt Sera!”

Sera was their neighbour. For a long time now, she has provided a huge support to Helen's family of two.

Helping them to settle down in the city ten years ago, preventing crooks from bothering them, providing them with relief during drought; the list could probably go down to ten pages if all were mentioned. As such, Helen had treat her like her own mother.

“Are you off to school?” the middle-aged woman asked. “Why don't you bring this with you? It's fresh out of the oven.”

Sera handed over a basket filled with a significant chunk of white butter bread. It was warm to the touch and as fluffy as dove feathers.

Helen looked at the basket and realized that it was too big of a bread just for her to eat.

“Aunt Sera, this…”

“Don't you have friends at school? Just share it with them,” Sera said, already expecting Helen’s questioning. “You better not let me see any remains when you return the basket!”

“Oh!” Helen exclaimed. “Thank you aunt Sera!”

“You’re welcome dear,” Sera laughed. “Also, can you accompany me to the market later?”

Helen looked up and saw a longing look on Sera's face --it was always like that.

Whenever Helen saw that expression, she was reminded of the fact that Sera was a widow. Not long after her marriage, her husband died protecting the city during the Monster Uprising incident ten years ago. Thus, she was left without any child.

From then on, Sera longed for a child. Yet, she had not found any suitable man for her life again.

“Sure!”

“That's good, I will see you at the city's West Entrance entrance then.”

“Hm?” Helen pondered. “Not the North Entrance?”

This was not the first time she accompanied Sera to go to the market. All these times, they always met up at the North Entrance. So why does it change today?

“I heard that there is a new fresh-produce market opening up in the Atelier Forest,” Sera explained. “They said that a new Hunter Association just raised up and began to actively hunt for beasts there.

“And if we are lucky…” She gave a pause as if trying to build up a momentum. “We can even witness some Hunters in action!”

“WAH!” Helen's eyes instantly glittered.

Hunter and Explorer were two of the most sought after occupation in this world. Both represent prestige and hope that humanity placed to survive in this world.

Hunter symbolize the strength that protected humanity. Whenever there are apparent threats to humanity, a Hunter must be a shield and a sword that is ready to sacrifice themselves. They hunted monsters and beasts of the legends, which was why they were known as such.

Explorer symbolize the wits that allowed humanity to thrive. An explorer must not remain still, like a nomad that is driven by curiosity to explore the world --searching for more resources and fertile lands that humanity can inhibit. They explored ancient ruins and dangerous labyrinth, making their name renowned as the “guide” of humanity.

“Let’s go! We should definitely go!”

“Of course we will!” Sera assured. But then, she bent her waist and gently flicked a finger at Helen's forehead.

“Ouch!” Helen jerked her shoulder, hands on forehead.

“But first, you should go to school!” Sera said sternly.

“Hehehe, alright then, I will see you later!” After waving a goodbye, Helen walked away once again.