Ale left his village, casting one last glance at the snow-covered ruins that had once been his home. This might be the last time he would ever see this place, filled with childhood memories. His heart heavy but filled with determination, he turned toward the horizon. He knew where he had to go.

He had a clear plan for the next part of his journey: heading to Eldoria, the capital of this frontier province in the southwest of the Valoria Empire. To the west of the province, a massive mountain range formed a natural barrier, and his village had been nestled among those peaks.

Since he was twelve, twice a month, Ale would accompany his grandfather down the mountain. Together, they would travel to Eldoria to sell medicinal herbs they collected in the heights. The central market square in the city was their usual destination. His grandfather was well-known as an honest merchant, providing goods of exceptional quality. Customers always welcomed him with respect and friendship.

Ale remembered those moments in the market fondly. He had made friends with children his age, sons and daughters of traveling merchants. They would run through the alleys, play near the fountains, and share stories under the summer sun. These memories warmed his heart despite the cold winter now surrounding him.

Perhaps the people who knew his grandfather could tell him more about his past, revealing things Ale still didn't know. He hoped the city would not only provide answers but also offer him a chance to rebuild his life. It was a place where many opportunities awaited those who were ready to seize them. With the skills he now possessed, Ale had no doubt he could find his place in the city. He pulled his coat tighter to ward off the cold and began his descent down the mountain, following the familiar paths he had once traveled with his grandfather.

The journey to Eldoria was both nostalgic and filled with loneliness. The steep paths were covered in snow, and the biting cold reminded Ale just how long it had been since his last visit. He wondered how many months had passed since his fall into the sanctuary. Spring had turned into winter, and he had lost all sense of time.

What was once a peaceful road had now become more dangerous. Ale encountered aggressive wild animals and magical creatures that had previously never ventured out during the day. These beings, which used to hide from the paths traveled by men, now dared to attack unprovoked. The changes deeply worried him. Ever since that tragic night in his village, it seemed like the world had shifted subtly but significantly.

Luckily, thanks to his intense training with Nyxion, these threats no longer posed a real danger to him. Ale swiftly dispatched the hostile creatures, wielding his magic with newfound mastery. However, the mere fact that these creatures dared to attack during daylight was alarming. Something strange was happening in the world.

As he passed through other villages on his way, Ale noticed with growing concern that many were in the same condition as his own. The houses lay in ruins, the streets were deserted, and an eerie silence filled the air where once laughter and conversations had thrived. Signs of destruction were everywhere, and there were almost no survivors left to tell what had happened.

A deep sadness weighed on Ale. He wasn't the only one who had lost everything. Chaos seemed to have spread, touching many places. Was this the work of the Dark Spirit's followers? Or was another force at play?

Determined to find answers, Ale quickened his pace toward Eldoria. The city, the province's capital, might still be spared.

After a day and a night of descent, Ale finally reached the base of the mountain. Before him stretched a vast snow-covered plain, followed by a dense forest he would have to cross to reach Eldoria.

The journey usually took four days and three nights, as long as he arrived before the city gates closed at eight in the evening. Memories of making this journey with his grandfather flooded his mind, each detail a reminder of simpler, happier times.

They always prepared meticulously: a tent for sleeping under the stars, a pot, magic stones to light a fire, and bread. Food was never a major concern since the mountain was full of natural resources. Mushrooms, edible herbs, wild honey, and fish from the crystal-clear rivers made their journeys pleasant.

Lost in these warm memories, Ale was abruptly pulled back to reality by piercing screams:

"Help!"

Ale's eyes snapped toward the desperate cries. A hundred meters away, at the entrance of the Jura Forest, a chaotic scene unfolded.

A carriage had tipped onto its side, its wheels still spinning from the violent crash. Two men were in trouble. The first, an obese man in his forties with short hair and dressed in rich garments, was running towards Ale, his face contorted with panic. He was the one screaming for help.

The second man, younger, likely in his thirties, tall and thin with black hair and glasses, was desperately trying to defend their position. Armed with a simple sword, he was backing away step by step, facing three threatening attackers. These assailants, with the build of seasoned fighters, wore worn leather armor, typical of adventurers or mercenaries. Their aggressive stance left no doubt about their hostile intentions.

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Near the overturned carriage, two bodies lay motionless on the snow, blood staining the white ground with crimson streaks. Their exotic clothes suggested they were likely travelers from distant lands.

A cold fury rose in Ale as he took in the scene. Memories of his destroyed village and his fallen grandfather surged back into his mind. These men had killed without remorse, just like those who had ravaged his life. He could not let this go unpunished. Without hesitation, he decided to intervene.

However, Ale knew he had to be cautious with his powers. Using the magic of Darkness could make him appear as a follower of the Dark Spirit, something he wanted to avoid at all costs. So, he chose to use fire magic for offense and earth magic for defense.

Ale gathered his strength, feeling the familiar warmth of the fire magic course through his veins. His hand ignited with flames as he stepped forward, ready to confront the attackers.

The three bandits noticed his presence. One of them, a man with a scruffy beard, sneered as he saw Ale approaching. "Look who we've got here! A kid wanting to play hero? Get lost if you don't want to end up like the others!"

Without replying, Ale raised his right hand, invoking fire magic. An intense flame burst from his palm, dancing powerfully. Surprised, the bandits exchanged uneasy glances.

Ale fixed his gaze straight into the man's eyes, a chilling determination evident. "You killed these people without mercy. I can't let you continue."

The second assailant, a hulking figure with a shaved head, stepped forward brandishing an imposing axe. "We'll make you regret your insolence!"

The bandits charged at him. Ale stomped his foot on the ground, and a stone wall erupted between him and his attackers, blocking their advance. One of the bandits tried to go around the obstacle, but Ale was waiting. He launched a fireball that struck the man square in the chest, sending him sprawling.

Then Ale raised his hand and quickly chanted a fire spell. A ball of flames shot from his palm, heading straight for one of the bandits. The bandit recoiled, screaming, his arm scorched by the flames.

The last bandit, seeing his companions neutralized, hesitated for a moment. Ale seized this distraction to create earthen vines that sprang from the ground, entangling the attacker's feet and causing him to fall heavily.

The carriage driver, who had fled and was watching from afar, cautiously returned. The merchants, relieved, approached Ale.

"Thank you, thank you so much! You saved our lives!" exclaimed the richly dressed man, his breath still ragged.

"We don't know how to thank you," added the younger one, adjusting his glasses on his nose.

Ale nodded modestly. "I'm glad I could help. Are you all right?"

"Thanks to you, yes," the man replied. "Allow me to introduce myself: I am Baldwin, a merchant of fruits and nuts, and this is my assistant, Luther."

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Ale," he said simply.

Baldwin continued, "We are headed to the city of Luminis, south of Eldoria—the largest port city in the region. If you're traveling in the same direction, would you consider accompanying us? Your presence would greatly reassure us after this mishap."

Ale pondered for a moment. "I'm headed to Eldoria, but I can accompany you until our paths diverge."

"That would be wonderful!" Luther exclaimed with a smile.

They set about fixing the carriage, with Ale discreetly using his earth magic to repair a damaged wheel. Once ready, they resumed their journey together.

During the trip, they discussed recent news in the region.

"The roads have become much more dangerous than before," Baldwin explained with a worried frown. "Bandits are getting bolder, and even wild creatures seem more aggressive."

Luther added, "There are rumors that dark forces are at work. Some say followers of the Darkness are roaming again."

Ale listened attentively. "That's concerning. Have you heard about attacks on other villages?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Baldwin replied, nodding. "Several villages have been pillaged or destroyed. The authorities seem overwhelmed."

Baldwin then changed the subject, looking more enthusiastic. "But let's talk about more pleasant things! We recently discovered an extraordinary fruit from a distant nation. Thanks to Luther, we managed to obtain a small quantity, and we see an opportunity to sell it here."

"A fruit?" Ale asked, intrigued.

"Yes," Luther replied, pulling a fruit from his satchel. It was a golden fruit, shimmering slightly under the light. "We call it the Eldor. We're traveling through towns and villages to let people taste it. The first one is always free," he added with an enigmatic smile.

"It's delicious and has unique flavors," Baldwin continued. "We hope it will become very popular in the empire."

Ale took the fruit that Luther handed him. "Thank you. I'll try it later."

After several hours of travel, they reached the fork where their paths separated. With the forest behind them, they paused for a moment.

"We're taking this road to Luminis," Baldwin indicated. "You continue straight ahead to Eldoria."

Ale gave a slight smile. "Very well. I'm glad I could accompany you this far."

Baldwin then pulled out a small pouch from his pocket and handed it to Ale. "Please accept this as a token of our gratitude. Without you, we might not have survived that attack."

Ale hesitated for a moment before gratefully accepting the pouch. "Thank you. This will help me a lot. Take care on the rest of your journey."

"You too, Ale. If you pass through Eldoria, don't hesitate to visit us at the Merchants' Guild. We might have some business there," Baldwin said with a wink.

Luther handed Ale another Eldor fruit. "Here's another one for the road. Feel free to share it with someone if you'd like."

"Thank you," Ale replied, taking the fruit.

After a final exchange of farewells, they parted ways. Ale watched Baldwin and Luther head off toward Luminis before resuming his own journey to Eldoria. The pouch of money he had received would be invaluable for settling in the city. He was now better prepared to face the challenges that awaited him.

As he walked, he occasionally glanced at the Eldor fruit. Its golden appearance was fascinating, and he wondered what it might taste like. But for now, he preferred to keep it, savoring the thought of trying it later.

Ale continued his journey, his heart filled with new questions. The information gathered from Baldwin and Luther confirmed that the world was changing—and not necessarily for the better. He needed to stay vigilant and discover what was truly happening.