My father is an officer under the Venus Company, a massive trading enterprise spanning the continent, managed by the noble Medus Earl's family. Today is a significant day for our family—my engagement to the Earl's daughter.
This arrangement was planned years ago by the Earl’s father and my grandfather. They made a promise to unite both families through marriage. Initially, both my parents and the Earl’s parents opposed the idea, believing it unfair to engage their children without their consent. However, the Earl's father proposed a truce: when the children reached the appropriate age, they would be given a choice. If even one of them agreed to the marriage, the engagement would proceed.
At midday, we arrived at our ancestral village, where it all began. Shortly after, the Earl’s family arrived as well, traveling discreetly in a single carriage with personal guards. The engagement was kept secret from the public, ensuring their arrival remained unnoticed.
I stood beside my grandfather, awaiting their descent from the carriage. First, the Earl’s father stepped out, followed by other members of the family. But what truly captured my heart was the girl I was about to be engaged to—Eve Medus Sarees.
She looked like an angel from the sacred books, as if she had descended to Terra, illuminating everything around her with an ethereal glow. Meanwhile, I was just an ordinary boy—slightly above average in both looks and ability. I couldn't help but wonder if this was truly happening to me.
As she stepped out of the carriage, she first bowed to my grandfather, then turned to me and respectfully inclined her head. In response, I gently took her hand and kissed it, following the custom my grandfather had taught me—a sign of respect towards nobility.
With the formalities complete, we proceeded directly to the engagement ceremony. Holding her hand, I solemnly recited the vow under the priest’s guidance. And just like that, I was officially engaged to Eve Medus Sarees.
I was only twelve years old at the time. I later learned that Eve was set to enroll at Stardome Academy that year. However, I wasn’t skilled in swordsmanship, magic, or martial arts, so I hadn’t planned to attend. But I made a decision that day—I would train for three years and join Stardome Academy, determined to impress Eve.
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THREE YEARS LATER
Standing at the entrance of our village, I bid farewell to my grandparents, telling them I was finally leaving for the academy. From there, I traveled back to my home in Malaket Town, where I had spent my entire life. After spending a final day with my family, I set out on my journey, leaving behind my home with nothing but a simple sword, a backpack, and some money.
To reach Stardome City, where the academy was located, I boarded a passenger cart—one of the cheaper ones available. Including myself, there were five passengers, all seemingly headed for the entrance exam as well.
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Before we could depart, the driver requested payment. I wasn’t aware of the fare beforehand, but others had already paid. I handed over five silver coins, the amount we had agreed upon. The last passenger, the one sitting beside me, handed over three silver coins and five bronze coins.
The driver immediately started arguing, claiming it wasn’t enough. He threatened to remove the boy from the cart if he couldn’t pay the full amount. I didn’t want to get involved, but I couldn’t just ignore it either. I took out two silver coins, handed them to the driver, and asked him to return the five bronze coins to me. He complied.
The boy turned to me with gratitude and said, "I’ll never forget this kindness. I promise I’ll repay you someday."
Taking a closer look at him, I noticed something peculiar—his ears. They resembled those of an elf, but they weren’t as long.
"Are you a hybrid?" I asked.
"Yes. How did you know?" he replied, looking curious.
"I’ve seen some before. Your ears gave it away," I admitted.
"I see… are they that obvious? Anyway, I’m Leon Purpleton—half-human, half-elf." He extended his hand toward me.
"I’m Kex Tejowrath, from Malaket Town." I shook his hand in return.
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A SUSPICIOUS NIGHT
We travelled for hours, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the driver stopped the cart. He announced that we would rest here for the night. However, I couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling about our surroundings.
The road was enveloped in darkness, and the eerie silence made my skin crawl. Something about this entire situation felt off.
The driver called us over for dinner, handing each of us a bowl of soup and a piece of bread. Just as I was about to take a bite, Leon grabbed my hand, stopping me.
"Don’t eat it. The food is laced with sleeping powder. If you take even a single bite, you won’t wake up for an entire day," he whispered.
At that moment, I noticed shadowy figures emerging from the trees. I immediately stood up and shouted, "Everyone, stop eating! The food is drugged—throw it away and come to me! We’re not alone! There are some other present here."
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the other passengers obeyed without hesitation.
A large orc, wielding a massive axe, stepped forward and smirked. "Well, well… this is a first. A mere brat figured us out before we could even begin. I must say, I’m impressed."
Beside him stood the driver and a foxanoid—a humanoid creature with a fox’s face and tail.
"Yo, driver, you led them too deep into the forest. We usually do this at the entrance, remember?" the foxanoid sneered.
"There are three boys and two girls… I’ll take the girls. Foxy, you handle the guys," the orc chuckled darkly.
The driver grinned and proposed a bet: "Let's see which of them has the most money. Whoever guesses right gets a 50% share, and the other two split the rest."
"Fine by me," the orc agreed.
"Works for me," the foxanoid nodded.
Suddenly, one of the girls burst out in rage. "So, it was you! You’re the criminals behind the missing students! I heard about this—students heading for the academy entrance exam have been disappearing. My sister was one of them!" Her voice trembled with fury.
This was no ordinary robbery. This was something much darker.
And we were right in the middle of it.