A desolate battlefield, shrouded in darkness. The ground is scorched and covered in ice. The air is thick with tension and the lingering smell of smoke. Jade and Omaru are kneeling, battered and bruised, their breaths heavy. A dark Knight, standing tall and unscathed. His obsidian-black armor gleams ominously in the dim light, and his red gem eyes shine with a soul-hungry light. His tattered cape flows behind him like the wings of a vulture. The Soul Devourer, a monstrous entity of living darkness, looms behind him, its shadowy tendrils writhing with insatiable hunger. "Look at you, reduced to mere shadows of your former selves. Your struggle is futile. No matter how much you resist, your souls will soon be mine." Jade and Omaru exchange a determined glance, gathering the last of their strength. The Ember Guardian flares up, its blue flame burning brighter, while Frost Guardian emits a chilling aura. (Jade) "We won't let you consume our souls, Moros. We’ll fight to the very end!" (Omaru) Even if it costs us everything, we’ll stop you!
(Present day, Year 377) Birds Chirp as the sun rises above the mountains. A mansion stands majestically atop a lush green hill, its grand silhouette dominating the landscape. Below the hill lies a village, a bustling community full of life and activity. With Colorful houses and stores around every corner. A young man with a determined expression, walks through the halls, his footsteps echoing in the quiet morning. He passes by the grand staircase, its banister polished to a shine, and makes his way to the dining room for breakfast. His family is already gathered around the table, awaiting his arrival. His father, a stern man with a kind smile, looks up from his newspaper as Jade enters. "Good morning, Jade," his father greets him. "Have you decided when you'll start your studies to become the next leader of the Everhart family? You know I wont be here forever. Jade takes his seat at the table, feeling the weight of his father's expectations. "I... I'm not sure yet, Father," he responds. "I want to explore the world and find my own path before I commit to that responsibility." His father nods understandingly, though there is a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "I understand, Jade. Just remember, the future of our family rests on your shoulders. We are counting on you to uphold our legacy." As Jade sits with his family at breakfast, his mother, a gentle woman, speaks up, her voice soft but commanding. "Jade, my dear," she says, placing a reassuring hand on his. "Whatever path you choose, always remember the values that have guided our family for generations. We have always stood for protecting the weak and helping those in need. It is a legacy that I hope you will carry on, no matter where your journey takes you."
Jade leaves the manor and enters the village he is greeted by the bustling activity of the townspeople. Many look up to him with respect and admiration, knowing his potential as a member of the Everhart family. "Hey, Jade!" calls out one of the villagers. "Can you help us out? We need some ice for the market, and we know you can manifest it!" Jade smiles at the request, a sense of purpose filling him. He focuses his mind, channeling his soul manifestation. With a gentle wave of his hand, he conjures shimmering ice crystals, forming them into a basket shape. Soul manifestation is the ability to materialize one's soul into a physical form, granting the individual unique powers and abilities. Jade is able to conjure blue flames and ice though he has yet to learn what it can really do. "Here you go," Jade says, handing the basket of ice to the villager. "I'm always happy to help." The villagers thank him, and Jade continues to help out wherever he can, using his abilities to assist those in need. As Jade helps out in the village, one of the children approaches him, eyes wide with curiosity. "Is it true?" the child asks, barely able to contain their excitement. "Are you really going to set out to become a Soul Knight?" Jade smiles warmly at the child, a spark of determination in his eyes. "Yes, it's true," he replies. "I want to become a Soul Knight so I can protect not just our village, but all those who need help." The child looks up at Jade with admiration, and the other villagers gather around, their expressions filled with respect and encouragement.
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Later that day, as the sun begins to set, Jade returns to Everhart Manor. He finds his family gathered in the drawing room, a warm fire crackling in the hearth. His father looks up as Jade enters, his expression expectant. "We've heard the news, Jade," his father says, his voice filled with pride. "The village has been buzzing with excitement ever since you helped them today. They've already spread the word." Jade is surprised but relieved that his family already knows. His mother embraces him, her eyes shining with pride and a hint of worry. "Our family has had many soul knights in the past. You will be the first one in generations to become one." his father says. "Thank you, Mother, Father," Jade says, his voice steady. "I promise to do my best and make our family proud." His father says "If this is truly what you want, then we will support you. But promise us, promise me, that you will always stay true to yourself and to our family's values." "I promise, Father," Jade replies, a sense of relief flooding through him. His younger sisters approach him, their faces filled with concern. "I don't want you to go, Jade," his 7-year-old sister says, her lower lip trembling. "Who will play with me and read me stories?" Jade kneels down, wrapping his arms around her. "I'll miss you too, but I promise I'll come back whenever I can. And maybe I'll even have some exciting stories to tell you!" His 5-year-old sister joins in the embrace, her small arms wrapping around Jade's neck. "I'll miss you too, Jade," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. As Jade releases his sisters from the embrace, he turns to his family, his expression determined. "I will be setting out tomorrow at dawn," he announces, his voice steady. "I want to start my journey early."
(Dawn)
As the sun rises over a ancient forest, casting a warm glow over the landscape, A young man Omaru Grayheart stands at the edge of the forest, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Memories of his past weigh heavily on his mind as he prepares to leave the only home he has ever known. "How long has it been since that day?" Omaru wonders, his thoughts drifting back to the tragic events that changed his life forever. He closes his eyes, allowing the memories to wash over him. Omaru remembers a time when his village was a place of warmth and happiness, filled with the love of his parents and the respect of the villagers. His father, a respected blacksmith, and his mother, a skilled soul manifester of healing, were pillars of the community. But everything changed when his grandfather, once a celebrated war hero, returned from the frontlines. Suffering from severe PTSD, his grandfather's mind was fractured by the horrors of war. Manipulated by the enemy, he betrayed his homeland and killed Omaru's parents in a fit of delusional rage, believing them to be enemies. The village, unable to cope with the betrayal, shunned Omaru, blaming him for the sins of his grandfather. Orphaned and ostracized, Omaru fled to the forest where he made a new home for himself. In the dense woods, he learned to farm for food and honed his survival skills. He built a small, sturdy cabin and cultivated a garden, finding solace in the quiet strength of nature. "No time to be stuck on the past!" Omaru says to himself, shaking off the memories that threaten to hold him back. "I need to get going."