Zet [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53221285246_9451784846_w.jpg]
Solara Prime's rugged slopes bathed in the first rays of morning sun as I descended from the secluded mountain that had been my home for years. This isolated peak, shrouded in ancient mysteries and whispers of magic, had nurtured me since my earliest memories.
My lineage was anything but ordinary. My father had been a legendary adventurer, his name echoing through the very heart of Solara Prime. But fate had cast its ominous shadow upon our family. When I was just seven, my father's only student had ventured into the unknown, embarking on an adventure from which he had never returned—until that day.
As I trudged down the mountain path, my thoughts consumed by the enigmatic figure known only as "Brother." Though I carried the title, I knew too little about the man who had once been my father's student. The truth eluded me like a mirage on the desert's horizon.
With each step, my determination surged. My destination: the capital, Solara Prime's vibrant heart, where I would claim the mantle of adventurer. My quest was twofold: unravel the enigmas surrounding Brother and avenge my father's untimely demise.
As I descended, my senses awakened to the forest's abundant life, and I felt a primal connection to the wilderness. The urge to hunt for sustenance stirred within me. With the agility honed by years of living in harmony with nature, I set my sights on a wild boar that had strayed too close.
In an instant, instinct reigned supreme. With a powerful lunge, I pounced upon the unsuspecting beast, my bare hands becoming lethal weapons. My punch landed with lethal precision and force, ending the wild boar's life instantly.
Through the ancient forest, Zet's agile form leapt from branch to branch, his grip on the wild boar firm. The forest was his familiar companion, its rhythm guiding his path.
Amidst the dense foliage, a hidden abode awaited him. A reflection of the world he inhabited, his home was ancient and rustic. The architecture spoke of a bygone era, a time steeped in mystery. Weathered stones, adorned with moss and memory, stood testament to the years that had passed.
Zet approached the dwelling, careful not to disturb the tranquility that surrounded it. The thatched roof, weather-worn and enduring, bore the marks of countless storms and the weight of time. The air was thick with mist on this particular evening, lending an eerie quality to the encroaching darkness.
Inside, the hearth crackled and flickered, its flames dancing with a timeless, hypnotic rhythm. The hearth was the heart of the home, a place where warmth and stories intertwined. Logs of wood were tenderly placed, each one adding to the tale that the fire told.
On this night, the shadows danced along the tattered tapestries, their movements an enigmatic ballet in the flickering firelight. The atmosphere held whispers of forgotten tales and memories etched into the very fabric of the aged abode. Zet gently placed the spoils of his hunt, the wild boar, near the hearth, offering his thanks to the forest that had provided for him once again.
As the fire crackled and roared, its warmth and light filling the room, Zet's thoughts drifted, another day passing by in solitude. The routine of surviving in the wilderness had reduced life to simple actions—hunt, eat, sleep. Loneliness settled upon him like a heavy shroud, a reminder of his isolation in this mystical realm.
"If only I could have someone here to talk to," he mused aloud, as if the crackling flames could offer solace. "This feels like I am the only person on this planet that is left. So much has happened. I lost my friend, and my father and brother left me too."
He recalled fragments of the past, memories as ethereal as the mist that often veiled this world. It was said that his father and the king were once fast friends, comrades in the grand adventure of life. The king used to visit Zet and his father when he was but a child, their camaraderie a source of joy in simpler days.
As the weariness of the day took its toll, Zet drifted into slumber, the fire's soft glow painting shifting pictures across the walls. In the morning light, he awoke to an unexpected sight—a figure feasting on the fruits of his hunt from the day before. The stranger devoured the meat and fruits with a hunger that matched Zet's own, leaving no morsel behind.
Fury flared within Zet as he confronted the intruder. "Hey, beggar! Who gave you permission to eat my food? Are you asking me to end your pitiful existence?"
The intruder, caught off guard, stammered, "I'm sorry, I was just so hungry after traveling for so long."
Zet's eyes narrowed as he observed the face before him, and a realization dawned. "King Henry?"
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53221316111_713739e195_w.jpg]Weathered lines crisscrossed Henry's face, a map of his trials and tribulations. A tall, well-built man with dark hair and a confident presence. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt, purple tie, long coat with gold accents, and purple cape with a strong jawline and piercing eyes.
Zet couldn't help but address the king's sudden appearance, his voice tinged with years of lingering questions and unspoken words. "You're here after all these years? You didn't even come to see me when my father passed away? Is it that hard for you to even look at me?"
Henry met Zet's gaze, grappling with the pain reflected in the young man's eyes. "I lost my way... will that count as an excuse?" he replied, his tone tinged with regret.
Zet, hurt and seeking clarity, pressed on, "Are you making fun of me?"
A flicker of surprise danced in Henry's eyes, quickly replaced by genuine concern. "Of course not. How could I make fun of you, dear Zet?"
Tensions eased slightly, but Zet's questions remained. "Why have you come here, Henry?" he asked, the ache of years of absence palpable in his voice.
The king continued to eat, as if gathering his thoughts amidst the consuming silence. Zet's impatience grew, and he insisted, "Hey, stop eating and answer me."
With a sigh, King Henry finally relented. "Wait, let me eat. I promise, once I've finished, I will tell you why I have come."
"Why bother asking you? Eat, and after you fill yourself, then leave. I'm going hunting again," Zet said, his frustration clear in his words.
King Henry paused, contemplating his next words carefully. "Wait. You could come with me and become my son. You'd come with me to the capital," he proposed.
Zet couldn't hide his disbelief. "You can't be serious, your son?" he questioned, skepticism coloring his tone.
Henry nodded, solemnity in his eyes. "Yes, I am. I'm truly sorry I couldn't be there when you needed my help. You lost your father, and now I'm saying becoming my son might be hard for you. But trust me, for the past five years, I've been tracking the person responsible for your father."
Zet needed time to process this unexpected offer. "Let me think. Give me one day," he requested.
"Sure, but I have to live in this... humble abode for a day?" King Henry retorted, his discomfort apparent. "That doesn't befit my status."
Zet's patience was wearing thin. "Are you asking for a fight?" he shot back, the tension between them palpable.
Henry attempted to steer the conversation back to the proposal. "The capital is called Astralholm, and this continent is Celestis."
"I haven't agreed to anything yet," Zet emphasized, his uncertainty evident.
King Henry acknowledged the situation. "Yes, but there seems to be no other choice."
"Bastard," Zet muttered under his breath, feeling a whirlwind of emotions.
Feeling the need to clear his mind and regain some semblance of control, Zet decided, "I need to hunt. Now. I'm going."
Henry, relenting to the situation, offered an alternative. "No need. I'll hunt them down. You can sit and relax."
Zet was taken aback by the offer but conceded, "Yes, sure."
After a few moments, King Henry returned, displaying his prowess. He brought back a tree seemingly broken by a powerful strike, along with two rabbits and an abundance of fruits. Zet couldn't help but be impressed. "What the... are you even human?" he exclaimed, astonished.
Henry shrugged off the praise. "It was nothing."
"I'm exhausted. Is there a bath here?" Henry inquired, feeling the weight of his journey in his bones.
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Zet pondered for a moment, aware of his own habits. "I usually bathe in the lake nearby, but the water is freezing this time of the year. Should I guide him there too?" he thought. "You can climb to the top of the mountain; there's a lake there. It's a good place to freshen up," Zet suggested.
"The top of the mountain? Well, it can't be helped. Are you coming too?" Henry asked.
"Yeah, sure," Zet agreed, leading the way.
As they made their way up, Henry struck up conversation. "Is this your daily routine? I mean, do you bathe daily?"
Zet chuckled, "Nah, once a month if I feel like it."
"That's not very... hygienic," Henry commented.
"Who needs to be hygienic when you're alone in this forest? Daily hunting and eating, that's all I knew in my life," Zet replied, his tone nonchalant.
Henry mentioned a shift in Zet's life that was approaching. "There's an academy in the capital. You'll be joining there soon."
"Whatever. I don't think I am qualified to live a normal life," Zet dismissed the notion.
Eventually, they reached the lake. Zet remarked, shivering, "It's so cold here."
Henry, using his mastery of magic, invoked a spell from the Domination series to remove the cold, warming up the environment and the lake. Zet, amazed by this display of magic, exclaimed, "What was that?"
"Magic. Welcome to the magical world, where magic is everything," Henry explained.
"Wow, magic is so cool. I wish I could use it," Zet marveled, the potential of this new world unfolding before him.
Zet and King Henry immersed themselves in the comforting embrace of the warm waters. Zet couldn't help but revel in the sensation. "This water feels so good. I've never bathed in hot water before," he remarked, a sense of relaxation washing over him.
"Living in a mountain was not an easy task, Zet. I'm glad you were able to survive here," King Henry acknowledged, reflecting on the hardships Zet endured.
"Thank you," Zet replied, appreciation in his tone.
After a brief silence, curiosity got the better of Zet. "What is the capital like?" he inquired.
King Henry leaned back, reminiscing about the bustling city. "The capital is lively, bustling with people who are generally nice and kind. There are markets where you can find anything you want. Young people like you play and socialize all the time. Moreover, you can make many friends as you study in the capital."
Zet, however, had his own aspirations. "King, I want to be an adventurer. I want to become the greatest, like my father and you."
"And your reason for wanting such power?" King Henry probed.
"I want to find out the truth about everything. I want to uncover where my brother went after that night," Zet confessed.
King Henry's eyes narrowed in understanding. "Tell me everything you know about that incident. The incident that took your father's life."
Zet hesitated, the memories still a haunting presence in his mind. "I don't know that much," he began. "They attacked us out of nowhere. Father cast his barrier power to protect me. The next moment, I saw my father with a big hole in his chest. The intruder... they cut him in half. Then, the intruder tried to catch me, and that's when Brother came to save me. The intruder ran away, and my brother went after them."
Zet's grief overwhelmed him, and the forest bore witness to his anguish, echoing his cries through the trees. Memories of that fateful night surged to the surface, as vivid as if they had happened just moments ago.
"Zet, listen to me," his father's voice resounded in his mind. Zet clung to his father, who was already on the brink of death. His father's words were a lifeline, a final guidance.
"Live your life to the fullest. Don't let yourself fall into the dark. You are the brightest child with immense potential. It's not the right time to awaken. I will always love you, my son," his father whispered, his strength fading.
His brother's voice followed, a comforting presence in the memory. "Hey, Zet."
Zet choked on his sobs, managing to respond, "Brother."
"You are still young. Grow stronger, Zet. Come to find me. Until then, please be safe. I will tell you everything the moment you find me. The answers you are seeking will be there," his brother assured.
"Brother, please don't leave me alone. I'm scared. Help me!" Zet pleaded desperately, his heartache consuming him.
But the echoes of the forest were his only companions, reverberating through the emptiness. The world remained silent to his agony.
Amidst the haunting memories, King Henry posed a critical question, cutting through Zet's turmoil. "Are you looking for revenge or seeking the truth?"
Zet's response was resolute, his determination fueled by pain and loss. "Both. I will not rest until I get my revenge."
King Henry's tone turned solemn, a warning laced with concern. "If you turn to evil or take the wrong path, I will personally end your life for the sake of this world."
"I don't care. As long as I get my revenge, I will not care, even if you end my life. I can even give you my life, as long as I fulfill my goal," Zet declared, the shadows of vengeance clouding his soul.
King Henry, ever the experienced and wise figure, addressed Zet with a sense of solemnity. "Come with me. It will aid you in reaching your goal. But do not forget my warning. Revenge may seem like the best course, but it will never satisfy you. The moment you achieve it, you'll be left with a hollow emptiness, and your life will revolve around that one purpose. However, if you choose to live your life without revenge as the primary focus, you may find true fulfillment."
Zet, driven by his thirst for power and ambition, replied firmly, "I want power. I want to explore different worlds. I want to become someone feared, a force to be reckoned with."
King Henry, now a voice of caution, reminded him, "The goal you've described is already lived by someone I know, and they are not leading a good life."
"I'm not asking for a good life," Zet retorted, his resolve unshaken.
"In the end, you will regret this decision," King Henry predicted. "If that day comes, remember, misfortune does not stay forever. Don't give up at that moment."
"I will keep that in mind," Zet replied, acknowledging the weight of these words. He had made his decision.
"I have made up my mind. I will become your son and live in the capital," he stated firmly.
King Henry laid down the new terms. "We leave tomorrow. From now on, you will address me not just as Henry, but as King and your father. No more jokes, and mind your language."
"Understood," Zet responded, accepting the gravity of his commitment.
King Henry issued his instructions to Zet, setting the stage for their departure. "Pack your belongings and be ready for your departure. I will summon the carriage tomorrow."
Curiosity piqued, Zet asked, "How did you call the carriage or something?"
King Henry chuckled, "Nope, I'll meet you tomorrow."
Zet, with practicality in mind, urged Henry to finish his meal before leaving. "Eat your food first, then you can go. The capital is nowhere near here."
Henry reassured him, "Don't worry. I can move faster than you think. I've even challenged Sect to a race, but I lost. Hehe."
"Who's Sect?" Zet inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him.
In response, King Henry unleashed a spell from the Domination series, invoking the power of speed. In an instant, he disappeared without a trace. No wind stirred, no dust settled; it was as if he had teleported from the spot.
Zet could only mutter in amazement, "What the hell?"
Putting on his clothes, Zet made his way back to his home, his mind buzzing with thoughts. "That magic was so cool. I wish I could use magic like King Henry. Well, from now on, he's my father, I guess."
As he pondered the upcoming journey to the capital, excitement surged within him. The prospect of the academy, the mysteries of magic, and the new life that awaited him filled his thoughts.
"Father, thank you for everything you did. I'll never forget you," he whispered, his heart heavy with emotion. "I wish you could be here to see me depart. The academy... what will it be like to be a student there? Will I be able to use magic after joining?"
His thoughts raced as he considered the possibilities. "And if I'm living as the son of the king, will I also live in the royal mansion? This is getting so unreal. Am I dreaming right now?"
In the grip of excitement and anticipation, Zet had forgotten to eat throughout the entire day. His stomach protested loudly, reminding him of his neglect. When he woke, he found King Henry already back, enjoying a meal.
"Zet, what's this? You're already back? What happened to the carriages?" Zet asked, surprised.
King Henry reassured him, "The carriages will arrive around evening, so no need to worry. Come, join me for a meal. The food is quite delightful."
Confused, Zet inquired, "But I didn't prepare any food yesterday. How did you manage this?"
His stomach grumbled, and he added, "I'll inquire after I eat."
The aroma of the food was irresistible, and Zet couldn't resist. He found the food to be even better than his own cooking. "You're a professional chef," he remarked in amazement.
King Henry chuckled. "I haven't cooked in ages, but these flavors do take me back."
With their hunger sated, King Henry revealed his preparations for their journey. He presented Zet with opulent garments, woven from the rarest of materials. The tunics were made of delicate silk, capturing the moonlight with a shimmering glow. Golden threads adorned the hems, depicting scenes of heroism and mythical creatures. Their trousers, a deep royal amethyst in color, were crafted from the finest leather. Cloaks made of ermine fur, from the pelts of enchanted beasts, draped gracefully over their shoulders, exuding an aura of majesty. Jeweled clasps adorned these garments, each gem reflecting the kingdom's opulence.
"You are no ordinary child now. You are the King's son," King Henry emphasized.
"I've never worn clothes like this before," Zet confessed.
"Get used to it. From now on, you will always wear garments like this," King Henry advised.
"Very well. How about we move on?" Zet suggested.
"The carriage will arrive later, so be patient. The world waits for you. This is your new beginning," King Henry reassured him.
"Please take good care of me, King. This is my final goodbye to this place," Zet said, a sense of determination in his voice. He stepped outside, ready to embrace what lay ahead.
"Can you burn down this house for me, King?" Zet asked, a decision made.
"Are you sure?" King Henry inquired.
"Yes, this is my new beginning, my determination. From now on, I will only focus on getting stronger. Seeking an answer for my father's death. The moment I see the people that killed my father, they will pay for what they did," Zet declared.
"As you wish," King Henry responded.
King Henry invoked the power of the Domination series, commanding the very elements around the house. The cold transformed into an intense heat, the sun aiding in the process. The temperature soared to 10,000°C, and in an instant, the house was engulfed in flames, burning down to ashes. Zet stood there, watching his past go up in smoke.
As the flames danced and the embers crackled, a carriage arrived, marking the beginning of Zet's new journey.
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230916063_50702a3f39_w.jpg]The grand carriage, a symbol of regal opulence, stood before them—a marvel of craftsmanship and luxury befitting the highest echelons of the kingdom. Crafted from the finest mahogany, its frame bore intricate carvings depicting scenes of valor and nobility. Inside, it boasted lavish velvet cushions dyed in deep imperial hues, offering unparalleled comfort. Golden accents and embroidery adorned the interior, depicting the kingdom's heraldry and emphasizing the power and prestige of those privileged enough to ride within.
Magnificence extended to the steeds that drew the carriage, their gilded harnesses gleaming in the sun. The four horses, their coats a burnished gold, were a sight to behold, embodying elegance and strength. The air carried the rich scent of polished leather, a reminder of the luxury contained within this mobile haven.
As Zet stepped inside, awe and admiration welled up within him, and he could only utter, "Beautiful."
King Henry grinned proudly. "Isn't it? This is my pride. Within these walls, you will witness the world that I helped create."
"I can't wait," Zet exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over. "To explore this world, to face the challenges and the unknown."
King Henry, his expression reflecting a mixture of wisdom and expectation, warned, "There are formidable individuals awaiting you in the capital. You must surpass them all to achieve the goals you've set."