After breakfast, Lyde had bathed at his mother’s behest as in her words, ‘Not one drop of grime is allowed on the clothes she made personally for the ceremony.’ Lyde knew he had to oblige once his mother got this way. Usually, he would have resisted a little, but after seeing the hard work, the sleepless nights, and the long hours, he complied silently without a word. He knew none of his other clothes matched the requirement for the Origin Ceremony.

The outfit for the Origin Ceremony only had one strict requirement: pure white garb without any additional colors. The design, however, was open to interpretation and endless creativity. This included wearing pants or dresses regardless of gender. A message stating that although everyone has the same origin, people may still take pride in their uniqueness. Of course, Sylvia, the only Elite tailor in the entire city, reveled in the opportunity.

“Haha, those nobles always act snobbishly with their custom outfits. I can’t wait to see the look on their face when my son looks even better than them.”

Sylvia assisted Lyde into his clothes in a maniacal fervor. The mere thought of everyone’s expression brought a mischievous smirk to her face, one reminiscent of a particular gremlin he knew.

“Aren’t you the one who makes them their clothes?”

“Yes. Which is why I know you look ranks above they do. The commissions are going to start rolling in once they see you. That’s two birds, one arrow, as your father would say.”

Lyde stayed silent. He has already accepted his fate of being his mother’s model for her schemes. It was nothing new.

“Hey, Mama, these clothes don’t shine like your usual ones. Why?” Monica peeked her head from the doorway.

“Hehe, that’s because I didn’t add my usual special flair, my nosy little one.“

“Why?”

“Well, no magical items are allowed in the origin hall. If not for that, I would have Lyde radiating so much light, people would think the moon descended.”

Lyde shivered. The thought of everyone in town staring at him…horrifying. ‘Mental note; never let mom create clothes without permission and an extensive review.’

“And we are done. Oh, look at you, my shining star.” As she finished the last stitch, the outfit sparkled in a burst of resplendent white light. Sylvia could barely hold herself back from tears as the light inscribed the shirt with a star insignia.

“Wow, it’s so pretty.” Monica chimed in with sparkles in her eyes as she watched the splendor. The symbol coalesced, and the light flowed into Sylvia. She closed her eyes, basking in the warmth.

Lyde stared in awe before inspecting his clothes. Wow... The outfit's theme displayed an ocean of stars streaming from his left shoulder to his right pant leg. The material felt soft and smooth, leaving his movements unimpeded and smooth. The comfort alone brought a smile to his face.

“I… this is amazing, Mom. Absolutely worth being an achievement.”

“Oh, baby, who cares about that right now? Today is your day. Now, what do you say.”

Lyde practically tackled his mother in a hug, gratitude overflowing. She, however, did not budge as she petted his head gently.

“Thank you.”

“Haha, ok, now let’s put the finishing touches on Madi as well, and then we’ll be ready for your big day.”

A surge of excitement rushed through Lyde. That’s right. Today was his day. In a few hours, his life will forever change. After so long, he will finally be--free. Lyde sprinted out of his room, jumping over the fallen stool and barreling past the kitchen. He was almost out of the door when a hand plucked him from his blind spot.

“Whoa, champ, hold it right there. I know you’re excited, but at least wait for the rest of the family. Damn, you look slick. Almost as nice as when I was your age.”

Lyde struggled for a while before understanding his inevitable capture in his father’s grasp.

“Honey, don’t run- Ellyas, if you mess up that outfit, today will be both his Origin Day and your Conclusion Day!!!”

Ellyas placed him down, brushing off invisible dust to avoid Sylvia’s wrath. Lyde remained still as the pressure emanating from his mother cleared any misgivings of escape his mind created.

“Honey, just be a little more patient. I know it’s difficult holding back after waiting so long for this. Believe me. We want this as much as you do.”

Lyde knew this. Of course, he knew this. He noticed their effort and care every day. It was just his entire life felt as if it was awaiting this day. Conditioned by the stories about Legends and Champions, all to begin his journey, even if it’s a second sooner. But when he looked at his family getting dressed with smiling faces full of happiness as if his joy was theirs, there was something more.

An unknown feeling swelled in his chest, spreading comfort and warmth.

‘My family…”

------------------------------------------------------------

Lyde’s family left their home, where the atmosphere changed abruptly. The entire city bustled with excitement for the coming age of the next generation. Orange, red, and yellow colors danced in the sky as the wind presented their gift from the nearby forest. Music played, children, laughed, and people danced as the Lyde family made their way to the gathering point.

A few young children playing tag stopped mid-game to stare at Lyde in awe. He waved and received a giggle as a response before scampering off.

“Five minutes, and you’re already getting looks. It seems like I have outdone myself this time.” Sylvia stated smugly while he rolled his eyes.

“The kids probably saw I was wearing all white and knew what that meant. Only those undergoing the ceremony can wear white today, after all.”

Lyde ignored the discontented expression his mother shot in his direction and looked to his left where the middle layer wall of Yrine lowered, and the world presented itself. The horizon projected a sea of flames swaying as the Season of Change unveiled its presence on their bordering landmark, the Star Forest.

This view has always been Lyde’s favorite. Unique in the entire world. Only available from the middle and top layers of Yrine. A city said to be designed by a god before divinity. Though, the tale differs on whether the design was systematic or a drunken mistake. The city districts are stacked on top of each other based on a wedding cake. Or maybe the cake was based on the city. Philosophers and priests argued for days on the validity of this fact, but no answer could be found. None of that mattered to Lyde, though, as in around an hour, he would finally be able to see his favorite sight from the best location in the city.

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Lyde gazed at the city's peak, where a singular building sat, decorated solely by a symbol of an open book. The exact location where beginnings call home, including his own.

“Lyde, come on. We must get to the meeting location before it's too late.”

Lyde, called by his mother, joined his family, who had already entered the marketplace.

Silence was foreign in this locale, as people screamed to take advantage of this rare occasion to promote their wares. Tensions rose as stalls tried to outdo their neighbor.

“Star Sap! A taste of a lifetime from deep in Star Forest! Only 1 Silver!”

“Book of Origin! Scribe your own story in a copy of The Real Book of Origin! A limited time only!”

“Novice Swords, freshly made! Don’t begin a journey without a novice sword!”

A crowd formed around the stands to partake in the feverish celebration and to trade for rare treasures and memorabilia. Monica practically foamed at the mouth as she observed games and merriment without her. A crime of the highest magnitude for a child bursting with energy and a desire for treats.

However, Sylvia had a strict leash over her daughter. Festive crowds were breeding grounds for lost children and crime, and Monica’s short attention span usually led to trouble. Lyde couldn’t blame her, though. He, too, felt an itch whenever they walked past people playing a game. The desire gnawed at him like lice on his scalp.

He knew he must not be distracted… to be tempted even briefly. Lyde stared at some kids slightly younger than him playing Angel vs. Guardian, a game he had played just last year. He almost stepped towards them before pulling himself back and shaking his head to clear his thoughts. They didn’t have a lot of time due to his late morning. He couldn’t afford to play even one game with the other children.

But who said he must join the other children to play a game?

The recent dream flashed in his mind, and everything turned into a fog. The gnawing itch, the desire scattered and multiplied like locusts, taking over every thought. Before he knew it, the thoughts formed words, and he started speaking.

“Hey, Pop. Do you want to play a game?”

Ellyas turned his head in surprise as such an unexpected suggestion came from his son. Rarely has his son asked to play a game with him. Not since they got into a bit of trouble when they played last time. Who knew a shadow panther would want to join in on the fun? A chuckle of amusement escaped his throat.

“Oh, what did you have in mind?”

“How about a game of tag like we used to? You know, when you secretly gave me hunting training disguised as a game behind mum’s back”.

A cough escaped his father’s throat as he tried to hide his embarrassment to no success. The knife-like glare piercing his back from Sylvia didn’t help either.

“Ahem. Yes, I remember the games we used to play. But those were in the woods and not the city. We wouldn’t want to disturb anyone.”

Lyde searched past the large crowd; a group of children gathered, some dressed in white. He pointed at the meeting location and looked back toward his family.

“Then how about just one round? I bet I can make it through the large crowd and to the gathering point before you can touch me. Without using any abilities, of course.”

A smile spread along Lyde’s lips. He didn’t know why, but the more he spoke, the more his body filled with exhilaration. The words came to him as he needed them to steer the conversation in his desired direction.

“Oh, watch yourself, boy. Even though I am temporarily in administration, you are still talking to a seasoned hunter. Unlike you, I train every day.”

“Hahaha, where do you think we are, old man? We’re not in the woods. You’re out of your element.”

Ellyas had a playful smirk, clearly unconcerned about his son’s taunting. Lyde knew he had to push a little further. Thankfully he knew he had something his father could never resist.

“Seeing you’re so confident, maybe we can make this interesting. I have been thinking recently about whether I should take your advice. Things will be different after I officially become a page. I’ll need all the help I can get. So If I lose, I will train with you starting tomorrow.”

Ellyas’s eyes widened in shock. For years he’s tried to convince his son to join him for his morning training. He’s dreamt of them working up a sweat as they pursue their bodies’ physical limits. Yet every time, his son either wanted to spend his time playing, or his wife babied him, saying it was too early. Now by his son’s own volition, his dream can finally be realized. With tears in his eyes, Ellyas motioned to agree, but before he could speak, Lyde continued.

“But if I win, I want a legacy from the Hunters guild.”

Now even his mother, who silently listened from the side and held Monica back from disturbing them, became surprised. Out of all the requests, she would never have expected this to be one. Ellyas expression shifted as his excited bearing turned severe, a look Lyde rarely saw on his father’s face back home. The previous joyous atmosphere turned solemn as the aura of a grizzled Expert from the Hunter’s guild unconsciously descended upon them.

“Lyde… I am the treasurer of the Hunter’s Guild. What you just said goes against the very core of a hunter. Those legacy artifacts are not toys. They are the hope for new hunters left by their predecessors fallen for those who earned them. There are no exceptions.”

“Lyde, why do you even want those treasures? You have never mentioned anything about them before.” Sylvia chimed in.

Lyde thought for a moment. Why did he want them? Lyde knew his mother was correct. Before this moment, he had not considered those relics since his father first mentioned them five years ago. Even then, Lyde didn’t care for them, as only a hunter could obtain them. Being seven, he didn’t know what he would have for dinner, much less what he wanted to be.

However, as his words formed, the memories from whatever dark crevice they laid came to the forefront of his mind. They seemed the most appropriate bargain for the moment. Either he needed training or would be rewarded for the ability to beat a hunter. It was both poetic and a win, no matter the outcome. At least, that is what his mind had convinced himself.

But when questioned, his thoughts froze. He only needed to say a few more words to taunt his father into action. He even knew the right words. Those words, though, stuck to his throat, unable to be uttered.

Lyde’s thoughts raced, and his breath quickened. Realization of the possible consequences of his actions flooded his mind. He tried to shut out the guilt, promising himself he would be fine, but Lyde knew it wasn’t true. He needed to escape this situation and fast. The atmosphere started to become suffocating.

“Sorry, I forgot that. I have been thinking about what I want to do after today, and I happened to remember your own relic, The Flaming Condor. I thought one of them would help me get a new rank faster. But I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

Lyde still had a guilty expression which helped his case as his father’s face loosened. Sylvia’s expression also changed, but instead of calming down, she became pensive.

“It's ok, Lyde. I understand wanting to improve quickly, but you need to slow down. You haven’t even gone through the ceremony to get your first rank. Even afterward, only rigorous practice and earning achievements through your own hands will help you grow.” Ellyas replied while patting his son on the head.

“OK, I understand,” Lyde said. “Though I still want to play the game, how about this? “Can you take me on tour through the legacies? Maybe I can learn something from them.”

Ellyas scratched his chin, pondering.

“Hmm, I would need to ask permission from the president, but that should be possible.”

Lyde smiled widely. He felt pretty gleeful to be able to take a look at all those treasures, even if he wasn’t sure exactly why.

“Dear–” Sylvia wanted to say something but stopped when Ellyas raised his hand. He winked at her in assurance as he began stretching.

“Don’t look so happy. This is only if you win. We can arrange another time to tour after a few years of training.” Ellyas said. His presence changed after he finished preparing himself. Lyde could see his father would take this challenge seriously. He might have gone a little far with the relics, but it was ok.

He didn’t blink at the provocation. In fact, as soon as his father agreed, he never felt more relaxed. He took a deep breath, invigorating his lungs, then slowly walked toward the noisy crowd. His parents watched in confusion while his sister watched in wonder.

“Hey Lyde, where are you going? We still haven’t decided how much of an advantage you’ll have?”

Lyde stopped in place and turned. His family’s eyes widened as he smiled in a way they had never seen in him before. An excited smile bordering on insanity.

“What do you mean… The game has already begun.”