It all started with a majestic bird, its wings painted white with elegant black tips, and a circle of yellow adorning its neck. It soared gracefully overhead the Kingdom of Valonde, the realm of the west, nestled beneath the towering Boneridge Mountains, boasted spires reaching celestial heights. Through it flowed the Valonde River, the namesake of the kingdom, gifting its inhabitants with clean water and playful water spirits. It is in that grand city that the guard Edmund “Ed” Reiner stands as a sentinel watching that bird flying freely above him.

“Another boring day” he grumbled underneath his breath so that his partner, Gery, could not hear. His dark brown hair danced in the wind as he stood there for hours and hours guarding this city of his. Beneath the walls of the city were miles upon miles of grassland. “And beyond that is a life I will never see,” he thought.

“What are we even doing here, there hasn’t even been a monster sighting in over a year,” he said as he angrily tapped his foot on the ground to distract himself from these thoughts.

Gery, a few years older and already a Sergeant, leaned casually against the stone parapet. With a wry smile, he responded, "Did you ever think that perhaps the monsters are just enjoying a break? Even they need a vacation from time to time."

Ed scoffed, "Monsters taking vacations? That's a new one, Sergeant." He adjusted the grip on his spear, eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble. Much to his disappointment, there was none.

Gery chuckled, "You never know. Maybe they're plotting a surprise party for us. I’m sure you would need it" He winked playfully, causing Ed to roll his eyes.

“Monsters don’t take breaks, they rape, kill, and pillage, that’s why they’re called monsters,” Ed said as he began another patrol of the walls. "I reckon all the monsters in the area have been eradicated by adventurers. There's been a rise of them lately, and we're stuck here with no action."

“I rather enjoy having no action. Peaceful days mean we get to enjoy more of Valonde's beauty. A year from now will be the Day of Ascension, the festival will be quite thrilling.” Gery said excitedly.

It was true, the festival is quite an important day meaning there will be plenty of activities. The Day of Ascension celebrates the day High King Darian I became one of the thirteen deities. It was a momentous occasion for the kingdom bringing prestige that we still see today despite the ascension being 500 years ago.

The hours went on until the bright morning sun sunk to its lowest levels giving rise to the moon. The sound of steel footsteps could be heard approaching them. Ed quickly turned and saluted. In front of him was an aged man plated with armor and a steel axe hanging on his waist. This was the man in charge of the Valonde City Guards, Commander Emerett.

“Nice work today men, stand relieved” the Commander grunted as he walked by. He did this every day personally. Usually, it would be the captains that would perform this task but Commander Emerett sees it as his duty to do so. He respected that in his commander though it seems that it was all he was good for.

“Reiner see me in my quarters, I have something to discuss with you,” Commander Emerett said. He was already well on his way to the next section of the walls when Ed released his salute. What could the Commander possibly want with him? He dreaded finding out, but a part of him was excited for a change in schedule.

“What's that all about,” Gery said nudging his partner in the sides. “I’ve never seen the Commander allow a guard into his quarters not even the Captains. I’ve only seen Servants enter the room and that was only for a short period. Looks like you’re in hot waters Ed”

“The Commander doesn’t seem all that angry. Perhaps the time has come for me to get a promotion” Ed replied though he appeared more optimistic than he was. “I’ll outrank you soon enough and when that day comes I expect you to obey my orders”

“Keep dreaming Ed, if you do get sacked don’t expect a goodbye gift,” he said as began to take his leave. I’ll be in the barracks if you want a shoulder to cry on”

Ed wanted to say something back but couldn’t. A part of him knew this day would come. All those years spent complaining about his position had come to bite him in the ass. When Gery had finally left, he dropped onto the floor. He was all alone again and the walls were especially cold this night.

In a few minutes, he was standing in front of the Commander's Quarters. The door to the room was made of leather over a wooden frame, it has a shaped iron handle and is textured with small relief carvings that look like small reptilian scales, Lizardfolk scales.

Inside the room was a hewn natural stone floor that had been polished smoothly. The room emanated a sense of authority, adorned with maps of the kingdom and weapons displayed neatly on the walls. A single candle flickered on the commander's desk, creating a comforting warmth.

Ed took a deep breath before cautiously taking a seat on the chair before the commander's desk. He left his spear outside the door as a show of respect. Though respect wouldn’t do him any good now.

Commander Emerett motioned towards a decanter filled with a rich amber liquid.

"Care for a drink, Reiner?"

"I don't drink, sir."

“Why ?”

“My father drank himself to death, I’d rather not make the same mistake”

The commander nodded, pouring himself a small glass. Another guard entered the room with the Commander's dinner. On his plate were two shanks of braised lambs, buckwheat biscuits, and three boiled eggs. The sight of it made his mouth water. Food has become more scarce with the influx of adventurers in the city. Demand has increased but there hasn’t been enough for every citizen.

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"Reiner, are you excited about the festival coming soon? It's always a lively time in Valonde." Commander Emerett said in between bites of his dinner.

Ed, still feeling a bit on edge, managed a nod, "Of course, sir. Festivals bring a different energy to the city, that's for sure."

The commander leaned back in his chair, his face softening "It's essential for the morale of the city. Keeps spirits high, especially for the guards. We can all use a break from the routine."

“Have you seen them?”

“Sir?”

“The riots”

“ No sir I man the walls, you would have to ask a member of the interior division”

“I see”

Ed began fidgeting under the desk. Why was the Commander asking him these questions? If he wanted to remove me from my post just say so.

“Valonde is known as a peaceful kingdom these days, a beacon of prosperity in the uncivilized West. We guard against what lies beyond the Boneridge mountains and all those who threaten Humanity” The Commander was nearly finished with his dinner. “It hasn’t been so peaceful lately within the city. The High King has ordered me to rid the city of rioters and exterminate the filth. He plans on making Valonde the perfect place for Adventurers to visit.”

“Sir if I may ask why are you telling me this? I don’t expect this to be something a simple guard should hear” Ed said nearly as a whisper. Although the Commander displayed no sense of hostility, he had an air of authority that made Ed nervous.

“What do you think happens when we are caught in a war, when we have to defend against what lies beyond the Boneridge” he said as he pulled back his sleeves revealing jagged scars along his arm. “The peace we have now is built on the blood of those who came before us”

He pointed at a specific scar just above his wrist. It looked like little branches trying to grow. "Received this one during the Fell Crusade. Battle of the Gnarled Woods. Ambushed, and most of my battalion was slaughtered. A Storm Wolf bit my arm but I cleaved the fucker in half when he did”

“We drove them off and the singers call it a victory. However, I remember that battle as the day most of my comrades died. Peace is a precious thing you see and we need men like you to protect it” Commander Emerett said as he got up from his desk and moved a sword hanging on the walls.

“As of today, you are no longer a member of the Valonde City Guard. You are hereby relieved of your duties, Edmund Reiner” The Commander's face remained stern as he delivered this news

“Why Sir? Why tell me all of this just to expel me” Ed said bewildered, though he can’t exactly be surprised. He expected this before coming in but not this way. There must be a bigger thing at play here.

“On the orders of High King Darian 12th of his name, you are hereby expelled from the Kingdom of Valonde. You will have until tomorrow to gather your things and leave” The Commander continued. “I’m sorry Edmund but it’s best you say your goodbyes now before it’s too late”

The words hit Ed like a hammer. This couldn’t be. Expelled? What crimes has he committed, what noble had he offended? He was too tired now to ask. His hand was already grasping the handles of the door

He slammed the door shut behind him and turned to see his spear still resting on the wall. He held it gently with his hand, thinking about the years he spent holding it. Those days were behind him now.

The walk home was dark and cold. As stumbled into his bed, joints aching from the hours of standing, he had a dream that night. It was a memory of when he was younger. His now baggy eyes and tired look were replaced with a jovial determined face. He knew what this was, the day of his biggest failure. The day he gave up on pursuing his dreams, was the day of the adventurer exam.

He was walking through the gates of the building, spear in hand, with his best friend by his side. Dark blue hair, and bright eyes that matched his hair were his best friend Cael Bluewater. They had known each other for their entire lives and he knew what was coming next

“If we pass together, I’ll treat you to some apple pie,” Cael said playfully arms behind his head”

“With what money” Ed replied “You haven’t had a job since you burned down Mr Browns' barn”

“Hey it wasn’t my fault Red came out when I specifically told him not to” he quickly retorted. “Besides they got some mage who knew wood magic to fix it up anyway”

As he says this “Red” comes out flying around him. It was a small spirit with flaming hair and a quick temper. This was Cael’s ability which he named “Five Spirits” and as the name implies allows him to summon five spirits who each control a different element respectively. Normally only a mage can control elements much less all five at once.

There are people around the world who are blessed with these powers. They receive these things called “Seeds of Eden” said to be from the gods themselves. Cael received his five years ago and as for Ed, there was nothing for him. Another five years have passed since then and he was still nothing.

“Anyways let’s head inside, the test is about to begin”

Suddenly there seemed to be a flash of light as time skipped forward. Ed knew this scene very well, he had seen it in his nightmares countless times. Cael stood over him, a dark look in his eyes and sword pointed towards him. Ed looked down, his spear was split in half and his hand was bloodied. Suddenly in the open air, a message appeared that read “Cael Bluewater congratulations on becoming a B-ranked Adventurer”. Cael sheathed his sword and walked away that day. It would be the last time he would see him again.

Ed awoke covered in sweat. The alarm was ringing constantly beeping into his ear. “Have to get that to the artificer” he thought but then he remembered the night before. There was no point now, no point in anything. He finished packing his belongings an hour later. The doors to his home were closed for a final time. He expected it to be sold rather quickly.

The walk to the city gates was slow. Gery was right, it was nice being able to enjoy Valonde. He passed by his butchery. The owner was a Dwarf named Khali. He had always been nice to him giving him any piece of meat that hadn’t been sold. He said his goodbyes before leaving.

This continued for a while as he said his goodbyes to everybody he knew. Among them was Lucia, the baker's daughter, who approached him with a freshly baked loaf of bread. The girl was short and slender with thick brown hair that reached her shoulders. She handed it to him, offering her sympathies, "I heard about what happened, Ed. Take this with you. It's the least I can do."

Ed bit into the warm loaf. It was golden brown with the insides being a fluffy white. He thanked Lucia and went on his way. He had known her since childhood. Sometimes he even fantasized about marrying her one day. That could never happen now.

At the city gates, Ed spotted Gery, his now ex-partner, waiting for him. Without a word, they shared a heartfelt hug. As they parted, Gery clasped Ed's shoulder, "Take care out there, Ed. We'll miss you."

Ed nodded, grateful for the camaraderie they had shared, "You too, Gery. Keep watch over Valonde." With a final exchange of glances, they said their farewells, and Ed stepped beyond the city gates, embarking on a new chapter of his journey

Lore and definitions

Grand Adventure- When an adventurer receives his license and goes out into the world, this is known as a grand adventure. A grand adventure usually lasts from when they receive their license and goes until their death or retirement

Seed of Eden- Nobody knows how or why they appear but individuals chosen by the gods receive a seed of Eden. Ingesting it gives the user an ability that is usually extremely powerful in some way

More will come soon