10 YEARS EARLIER

LOCATION: PLANAX VILLAGE

From the rooftop, a well-built man is overlooking the area. He can see people are quite busy. People are running left to right, rushing things, gleefully working, setting tables, busy cooking. Karsus remembers the happy days from the village where he originally grew up, it’s was a peaceful village, same like this, he recounts the time when he was 10.

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30 YEARS EARLIER

LOCATION: LEOPON VILLAGE

Leopon village was like the Planax - where people always smile. Then he remembers his loving mother, then his two brothers. Everything was perfect until one day - everything came to ashes. The Brento Kingdom declared war against Jarsun Kingdom and planned to siege it, the result was villagers along way were not spared even thou this villages are said to be neutral. It’s was a rush attack in the evening, even the younger ones were beheaded. When his family was fleeing, an arrow flew and went right straight to his mother’s chest, in rage; his two brothers retaliated and went straight to the one who shoots the arrow without analyzing the consequences. His two brothers somehow parried some arrows with their katana but in the end - they were being overwhelmed and lately died on the spot. His father Hemis at that time although wants to help his two sons but he knew it was too late to save them, he frozed when he saw his wife have been shot by an arrow. Despite the remorse, he grabbed Karsus and decided to leave his wife and two sons to save him. Hemis casted fire magic and pointed it at nearby tree, the result was not outstanding yet it serves as a smokescreen. They went straight to the falls and jumps without a second thought. His father was desperate at that moment. Even thou he felt scared and shocked, he must steer himself and he must trust his father’s judgement. After letting themselves swim through the current, they managed to grab the vines from nearby tree, and with no pause, they went into constant running for almost two hours until they reach the cave his father prepared in case of emergency. It is a small cave yet it stays hidden from onlookers because of several trees that are covering it. It is located above the mountain so even if the enemy might get near, Hemis will be alerted if they have managed to follow their tracks. He also had laid several traps beforehand so it will be at least could buy their time to escape just in case.

They entered the cave and because they are quite exhausted, they both drop to their knees and laid their strained body for a while. Gasping for their breath, they are both shocked from what befalls. They both knew that there is no turning back. His mother and brothers are gone. Then his father started to speak:

“Son, I’m sorry I didn’t save them. I’m so sorry I don’t know how it happens, the enemy have planned this very well.. I haven’t seen or predicted that it was coming.. Im realyy sorry… I’m huhuhhuhuhu.. I’m so sorry.. I can’t even save your mother Elena.. and Kraven… and Joshen.. I’m so.. huhuhu” Hemis cried.

“No father, it’s not your fault… It’s nobody’s fault. It is bound to happen... I guess… It’s not your fault, it’s not your fault” He calmy said but his eyes are dripping from tears. Then he looked at his father’s eyes.” What are we going to do next father?” Karsus asked.

Hemis wiped his tears and musted his strength, “We will rest for a liitle bit, and then we well take our leave before the dawn sets. I know someone who can help us. He is from our village before, but now he is the village chief of Planax. It is not as big as Leopon, but it is safer than this warring region. You must promise me son that try your best to get their if something happens.”, Hemis said.

“Don’t say that father, we must both get there alive. Promise me you won’t let yourself be harmed” Karsus tears started dripping again.

“I’ll do my best son… Here hold this for me.“ he opens the sack he left in this cave,” This badge will let us enter the village. My friends’ name is Crameyus, he knows your mother too.” Hemis said.

“………” Karsus nodded.

“Listen carefully, when we get to the dock. Look for Arsum, just show this sword to him. He owns shipyard there… He can help us to get to the West Sea. Here are gold coins, this will help us to pay for the carriage that will head to Planax..” Hemis explained.

“……. Father, you are not going anywhere, are you? You’re the one I left…..besides I’m too scared” Karsus said.

“Of course, I will be your side, but just in case…. Here is the map…. Look carefully, this “X’ is where we are right now, follow this trail and you will get there in no time… Tell Arsum that you have to head to the west sea at once”

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This was all the memories he left from his late father. He came to this village with only the memories of his father Hemis, because, sadly he never made it alive. That is also the time when he was introduced to Crameyus, the village chief, he have learned that Crameyus and Hemis have been friends from time immemorial – they are childhood friends and grew both at Leopon village.

‘It’s my birthday, and I’m 30 now… You all died protecting me… Mother, that arrow was suppose for me..... then my brothers rushed to the enemies line to delay them… Father stayed to protect me.. It’s all clear to me now.. We are the real target, the war was just to cover their real plan’ Karsus thought.

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“And this, take care of this..” Hemis paused and took something from the sack.. He handed it over to Karsus.

“What is this amulet, father?” Karsus asked.

“It’s a family heirloom… It’s being passed down for two generations… It holds a secret of our lineage, you’ll understand one day when we get to Planax. “ Hemis added.

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‘Sniff… Sniffff’,…..”It’s been 20 years father…. But I guess I’m not the as strong as you are father, those memories still haunts me….. I miss you all… brother Kraven, brother Joshen, Mother, Father.. Sniff.. sniff, I won’t let you down….. With this sword you have left me, I will do my best to protect this village.. Julius, Crameyus, Ariadna.. I swear…. I swear it.. I swear it…. I will continuously grow stronger everyday.. I will take what is rightfully ours”.