On the vast land of Zerith, under the broad sky, clouds slowly drifted apart in the afternoon sunlight, bathing the earth in its warm glow. This was one of the borders of the Zerith Union, called "Skal Village." In this peaceful village, young Leon Vailso sat on the stone steps, quietly gazing at the distant winding mountain range. Beyond that mountain range was a world he had never set foot in—a place full of unknowns and wonders.

Leon wasn't an ordinary villager. Although he lived a simple life, helping his father repair tools and do chores, deep inside him burned an unexplainable yearning—a desire for adventure, power, and freedom. Despite being born into an ordinary family, with a father who had once been a border guard and a mother who passed away when he was young, leaving behind only a worn-out photo and fading memories, Leon had always dreamed of something more.

"Leon, come help out, dinner's ready!" His father's voice called from inside the house. Leon sighed softly, stood up, and walked indoors.

Inside, the fire in the stove flickered, and the aroma of dinner filled the room. Leon sat down at the table, picking up his bowl and chopsticks. Before him was a simple bowl of soup and some bread. Although life was humble, his father still made sure to provide for him. To Leon, his father was a hero who could do anything. It was his father who had taught him the meaning of responsibility and the importance of family.

"Dad, did you really used to be a guard?" Leon suddenly asked.

His father put down his bowl, paused for a moment, and nodded. "I did... But you know, sometimes fate leads us down a different path."

"I wish one day I could become a strong warrior like you," Leon said, his eyes gleaming with determination.

"A warrior?" His father smiled faintly. "You always want to change things, but the path to changing the world isn’t easy. Remember, with power comes endless responsibility. You must take responsibility for your choices."

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There was a hint of seriousness in his father's voice. It wasn’t that he wanted Leon to be just an ordinary villager, but he had already realized that Leon couldn’t be content with staying where he was.

Just then, a sharp knock echoed from the door.

"Who is it?" His father stood up and walked toward the door.

A strange man stood at the door, wearing a tattered cloak, his face weary. "I'm looking for a young man named Leon Vailso. Is he here?"

"That's me." Leon stood up and walked to the door, eyeing the man curiously.

The man handed Leon an old box. "This is something your mother left behind. Your mother’s fate is tied to yours. There are things you should know, but for now, this box will help you leave this familiar land and enter a wider world."

Leon froze. His hand lightly touched the box’s surface, and suddenly, a faint glow radiated from the box, illuminating his face. The light was warm and mysterious, as though telling an ancient secret.

"What is this? Why me?" Leon was confused and startled.

The man’s gaze was deep as he looked at Leon, his voice low. "Because you carry within you a power far beyond what you can understand. What your mother left behind isn’t just an ordinary keepsake—it’s the key that will guide you to your destiny. You are about to embark on a new journey, and the gods of fate have already chosen you."

Leon’s heart raced, and his feet instinctively took a step back. He had never imagined that there was such a deep connection between him and this distant, mysterious world.

The man continued, "The world you know now is an illusionary barrier. The gears of fate have begun to turn, and your power is awakening. Remember, destiny cannot be avoided, but choice can be grasped."

With those words, the man turned to leave. Leon hurried forward and grabbed the man’s sleeve. "Who are you? Why me?"

The man turned back, giving a mysterious smile. "You’ll understand the answer once you step beyond this land."

And with that, the man vanished like a streak of light, as if he had never been there. Leon stood frozen in place, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and surprise.

"What... What just happened?" he murmured.

His father walked over and looked at the box in his hand, his expression turning complex. "Leon, your mother once told me some things. Now, I know your fate is already beginning to change."

Leon gripped the box tightly, a strong sense of premonition rising in his chest. He didn’t know what the future held, but he knew that he was about to leave this quiet village, stepping into a world full of challenges and adventure—a world where fate, power, and choice were all deeply intertwined.