As the village gradually surrendered to the soothing embrace of night, Aldric's words reverberated through the air like a compass, guiding the weary yet resolute souls. His voice bore the weight of experience, and each syllable etched a mark of authority upon their hearts.

"Take your rest now," he advised, his tone unwavering. "Tomorrow's battle demands strength—both physical and mental. Sleep well, everyone."

As his instructions sank in, the villagers started dispersing, their footsteps gradually fading into the velvety darkness. The surroundings seemed to exhale as families retreated into the welcoming embrace of their homes. The soft night breeze rustled through their surroundings, carrying the scent of earth.

As the crowd thinned leaving Ethan alone with his parents, he turned to his mother. A spark of curiosity illuminated his eyes as he leaned nearer and whispered, "Mom, should I go through your wind spell?"

His mother held mastery over manipulating the currents of air, a connection to nature that granted her exceptional control over the winds.

Within this Four Seasons realm, one's chosen path remains unconstrained by rigid boundaries. Mana flows universally through the environment, granting individuals the latitude to shape their own distinct paths. Some commit to a singular elemental affinity, while others endeavor to weave a mosaic of multiple elements.

Nevertheless, specialization holds the key within the realm of elemental mastery. Scaling the ladder of proficiency demands an ever-increasing reservoir of resources and innate aptitude. As one ascends the ranks and crosses the boundaries of their limits, the challenges increase exponentially, compelling most to channel their energy into a single elemental pursuit to surmount the formidable obstacles that lie at their tier.

She shook her head gently, denying the request, the moonlight glinting off her eyes as a knowing smile curled her lips. "Not tonight, Honey," her voice carried like a gentle breeze, tinged with the weariness of the day's endeavors. "It's already late, and now is not the time." Her hand extended, her fingers tracing a feathery caress along his cheek—a tender gesture that spoke volumes. "We'll have our lessons another day."

A playful resistance tugged as he pouted slightly. "Mom, I'm not a child anymore," he protested as he yawned, interrupting his words. The night had taken its toll and his eyelids grew heavy. He settled into his mother's comforting embrace, his exhaustion pulling him into a hazy state between wakefulness and slumber.

She held him close her warmth mingling with the cool night air. The chirping of crickets and the distant rustling of leaves formed a gentle lullaby lulling him closer to sleep. With a gentle touch, she lifted him from the veranda and carried him to his bed, carefully tucked him in, her touch as light as a feather.

As the rays of morning light brushed the edges of the horizon, Ethan rose from his slumber. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the soft glow that filtered through the window. He stretched and let out a sleepy yawn before blinking and directing his gaze to find his father. With a curious furrow of his brows, he mumbled, 'Mom, where's Dad?'.

His mother, busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast, turned to him with a warm smile. "He's already set out," she said, her tone filled with concern. "He's ensuring that everyone takes their positions across the village."

Ethan nodded in understanding as he took his seat at the table. The clinking of cutlery against plates accompanied his every bite. With each mouthful, he felt the urgency of the day ahead settling in. He had a lot of preparation to do for the day.

Outside the village boundary, Aldric, flanked by Gareth and a band of determined mages, walked purposefully along the narrow road that wound through the dense forest behind the village. The path led toward the orc village—an ominous potential point of attack, making safeguarding this area a top priority. With a nod and hushed instructions, Aldric assigned each warrior to their designated area.

The forest enveloped them with the earthy scent of moss and dew hanging in the air. Their watchful eyes scanned the surroundings, vigilant for any signs of disturbance. Aldric's leadership was a guiding beacon, ensuring that the village remained protected. They understood the importance of their roles and were ready to act should an imminent threat arise.

Ethan slipped out of the house following his breakfast after assuring his mother that he had no intention of venturing outside the village or indulging in any reckless escapades. As time passed, he summoned his friends to gather, drawing together a group whose ages aligned closely, with only a few months or years separating them. The rendezvous took shape at Ethan's dwelling, the place chosen by him for their meeting.

"So, why'd you call us?" Orrin, with his finger delving curiously into his nostril, quizzed him with a mischievous grin. Ten-year-old Orrin Stoneforge, Ethan's closest companion, sported a banyan and shorts, his feet unburdened by footwear since his residence lay merely ten steps away from Ethan's.

"Let me tell you." Ethan tried to continue but was cut short in the middle.

"Eww quit that nose-picking," Isabella Nightshade admonished angrily as her hand swatted away Orrin's intrusive digit. Isabella, a protective elder-sister figure among the village youngsters, secured her brown hair with a pristine white hairband. Standing taller than Ethan and the rest of the children who had gathered. She counted eleven years, a mere half-year less than Ethan's forthcoming twelve.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

"Alright, now what I was going to say," but before he could continue, he was cut short again.

"And seriously, don't put that in your mouth, you dumbo," Kaelen Swiftwing chimed in as she slapped Orrin's head, her tone brimming with playful exasperation. Another village comrade at the age of ten, Kaelen shared Orrin's chronological sphere, often finding herself engaged in his company due to their aligned ages. Her demeanor carried a hint of cheekiness and annoyance, particularly directed at Orrin's nose-picking and other antics, which she often found amusingly absurd.

A few more young friends, aged around four to nine, joined the gathering. Among them was Aria, her red eyes always reflecting her simmering fury. Milo stood out with his quiet and introverted demeanor, often seen behind large glasses that added to his geeky appearance. Contrary to his appearance, he wasn't particularly bright. Jasper was another in the group, tall like Isabella but incredibly thin, almost resembling a stick. His nickname 'stick' was a playful jab at his frail frame, though beneath it, he held surprising athleticism and speed.

As the group gathered, Ethan's patience waned. He raised his voice, addressing Orrin's constant nose-picking, "Stop that!" However, Orrin paid no heed, absorbed in his habit. Undeterred, Ethan resumed speaking, "As you all know, our village is on the brink of a goblin and Orc raid."

Yet before he could delve further, Kaelen intercepted him with her characteristic brashness. "So what? Yesterday, your father explicitly told us to remain indoors. What's the reason for summoning us here?"

Ethan's frustration simmered beneath the surface, and irritation etched across his features due to the repeated interruptions. "At least let me finish," he retorted, his tone tinged with vexation.

Resuming his narrative thread, he picked up where he'd been interrupted. "We're not yet capable of wielding magic, which leaves us unable to aid the elders." He paused, catching his breath and gathering his thoughts, then continued, "Yet, simply sitting at home doesn't feel right. However, I've devised a means through which we can offer assistance without needing power."

"Everyone please bring as many glass bottles as you can which should have lids on top," Ethan asked, for his plan to work he needed these glass bottles, and that too in large sums.

Kaelen's curiosity got the better of her, and he leaned in, her eyes alight with questions. 'Alright, but why do we need so many glass bottles?'

"Please, bring them first, and we can discuss the details once you've gathered them" Ethan pleaded.

"We will do it" Isabella chimed in, her voice carrying the weight of her agreement as she nodded in response to Ethan's plea. With their determination ignited, they wasted no time and left.

As time slipped away, a quiet assembly formed behind Ethan's residence. Stout vessels brimming with brewed alcohol stood in readiness. Adjacent to these mud containers harboring fermenting cashew fruit pulp—a symphony of muffled gurgles attesting to their transformation.

The children from all over the village brought glass bottles and containers, showcasing their unity. Each piece contributed to their communal strategy, building a sturdy foundation of support for Ethan's plan. They all held glass containers, carefully sealed to prevent any accidental spillage. Ethan's mind drifted to a memory of his mother's words from a visit to a cashew farm. She had explained that tightly sealed containers could cause the fermented pulp to explode.

He recognized that the explosion itself posed no danger, yet the resounding noise it created was substantially powerful and attention-grabbing. It could divert the goblins' attention, providing an opportunity for the warriors and villagers to take action.

Amidst the gathering, Ethan undertook the task of filling glass containers with the dense cashew pulp from the initial batch.

Orrin's curiosity peaked as he touched the utensil containing liquid with his finger, tainted by a booger. "What are you up to?" he inquired.

"Eww, if you touch that, I won't be taking it," Kaelen chimed in, frustrated with Orrin.

Ethan responded with a grin, ignoring their banter, "I am preparing these batches for the upcoming battle" he explained.

Orrin's brow furrowed. "But what will this do?"

Ethan's smile remained as he shared, "When we shake these bottles, pressure builds up inside. And when we throw them, they'll create a loud bang."

In reality, if the fermented pulp was left in the bottle undisturbed for a certain period, it would also result in a similar bang. However, with time being of the essence, shaking the bottles to build pressure was their only option.

Pouring the mixture into the pulp, a burst of bubbles arose, hinting at a chemical transformation. With careful guidance, Ethan had everyone place a broad leaf atop the concoction, and then sealing it tight with a lid to prevent any spillage. Ready at last, he gestured for them to move it to the gate, anticipating the goblins' approach. Likewise, he prepared another set of batches, filling them with a potent concoction.

As they gathered the batches, they carefully arranged them near the entrance. The gate was fortified using rough wooden branches and forming a makeshift wall that would safeguard the mages and villagers from potential harm. Throughout the surroundings, warriors, and mages paced with watchful eyes. Their hands clutched weapons—swords, pickaxes, and various tools of defense they could gather. The air was charged with unease, etching lines of worry on their faces and revealing their awareness of imminent danger. Currently, the land remained still and silent, devoid of goblin movements or any nearby commotion, giving rise to a tense calm that foreshadowed the storm ahead.

Amidst all this, there was no sign of his father in the vicinity. "Maybe he is checking other places," Ethan murmured.

Ethan approached the villagers stationed around him, his words blending with the hushed whispers of leaves rustling in the breeze. He explained the purpose of the glass containers, his gestures aiding his explanation. Taking a container in hand, he shook it vigorously, creating pressure that allowed the ferment to initiate a chemical reaction before letting it drop to the ground.

Bang

A sharp crack pierced the air, its echo lingering for a moment. The visual demonstration painted a clearer picture, conveying the plan without words. Nods and agreements spread through the group, an unspoken understanding binding them together.

"Remember," Ethan said, his voice low but determined, "when you throw these containers, make sure you've shaken them vigorously. We need the pressure to build up inside." He also advised his friends to take note; during the chaos, most mages would likely be occupied defending themselves. It wouldn't be wise to expect them to execute it. Furthermore, doing it in advance isn't feasible, as the containers would explode prematurely.

Kaelen looked around at the determined faces of her friends. "We can do this. Let's make sure those goblins remember the surprise we have in store for them."

With nods and resolute expressions, the group stood ready, their plan clear and their resolve unwavering.