~Woo! First chapter! Writing hasn't always been easy, but now starting this fiction proved to be a challenge. My respect for fiction authors and light novelists have skyrocketed. Please enjoy!~
Prologue
“Serris! By Faralaies’s name, what the hell are you thinking! Have you gone mad? What do you think you will do by leaving your precious child here?”
“I have no other choice, Tres. He is not safe here with all this chaos happening.” A hint of grief filled his voice. “My boy, my child, he won’t be able to withstand everything. I worry that I will not be able to protect him properly, given the situation.”
“But, in this… this blasted Kingdom! Do you know how unworthy this place I for someone as magnificent as your son? I’d rather provoke the Beast King than stay here!”
“We don’t have any time! Besides, this town is safe. I have found a couple trustworthy enough to raise him. No one threatening should be able to figure out who he is, or the power he holds. You know very well that I do not wish to part with him either.” Tears started to roll down his face. “I know he will grow up to be a strong, handsome, and powerful gentleman.”
“Shit! It’s here! We have to leave now!”
Placing down a basket, the figure spoke softly. “My son, don’t forget that your daddy and kingdom are waiting for you! Never forget your last name; Lunis. Remember me, remember that you are strong.”
The figures disappeared into the night at a rapid pace.
Left upon a doorstep, a small, straw basket lay. Inside was a boy, less than a year old. He was nestled in silently, peacefully dreaming.
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Chapter 1: A Boy Named Serrin
*Drip* *Drip* I could feel a wet sensation on my skin. Sitting up on my bed, I wiped the tears and sleepiness from my eyes. Opening them, I awoke to a blindingly radiant sunlight shining throughout my wooden room. “That dream again, huh?” Glancing at my calendar, I notice the date. Cerine 4th, Year 700. Recalling the details, this dream always occurs the day before my birthday. However, the scene is too vivid to be merely just a dream. Thoughts like these are too much for my brain in the morning. I smelt a delicious scent coming from downstairs. I decided to get ready for the day rather than go back to sleep. Getting out of bed, I headed towards the bathroom. Looking at my reflection, I notice something strange.
“Huh? What’s this?” Staring into the mirror, I found a strange symbol upon my forehead. It had a soft, violet glow to it. The intricate design featured a crescent moon in the center, with runes and lines creating a circular perimeter around it. Touching it, the symbol disappeared. I jumped a little. Looking again, I saw my normal appearance: dark hair, deep violet eyes, delicate skin, a small nose, and a strong v-shaped chin. Maybe I’m seeing things. Symbols are a presence of awakening your affinity for magic. However, every single mage-doctor in the Solaris Kingdom has told me I didn’t have enough Radiance flowing in my body. I got my hopes up for nothing. After showering and changing, I headed downstairs for breakfast.
“Good morning, Serrin! Did you sleep well last night?” asked a sweet voice
“Good morning, boy! Did the smell wake you up too?” a powerful voice spoke.
Mrs. Lydia and Mr. Darryl, or the Rainsworth’s took me in as a child. Mrs. Lydia is a pretty and sweet woman. She has soft, light blue hair, and a beautiful smile. Her cooking is very famous in this town. Mrs. Lydia is also a well-renowned scholar. Mr. Darryl is a strong and wise man. Packed with strength and handsome features, Mr. Darryl is someone whom I respect and admire deeply. Fiery red hair, piercing dark brown eyes and a prominent deep voice easily separates Mr. Darryl from anyone else. He is currently serving as a Knight instructor.
“Good morning. I slept well enough last night.”
Staring at the perfectly made food on the table made my mouth water. The power of food is simply astonishing! Fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, perfectly golden toast and even homemade orange juice. Mrs. Lydia is truly the best! Sitting down, I helped myself to breakfast.
“Serrin, you’re turning 16 tomorrow! You’re growing up too fast, my dear.” Mrs. Lydia chuckled
“Indeed, I am.” I answered back with my mouth full. Proper table manners are a must, but early mornings tend to take over your etiquette and thought process.
“Did you do your homework too? A fierce stare aimed in my direction.
“Yes I did, Mrs. Lydia.” Being homeschooled meant I couldn’t have an excuse for uncompleted homework. But, I do like to learn and study, especially on the subject of magic.
A pleasant conversation ensued during the rest of breakfast. After eating, I helped clean the table and wash the dishes. I am always grateful for the Rainsworth’s caring for me, and I am always willing to lend a hand whenever the opportunity arrives.
“Ah, Serrin, do you mind going to the marketplace today? I need you to buy some ingredients for me. I have some urgent business to take care of today.” said Mrs. Lydia.
“Of course I will.” I responded. She then handed me a long list. I start to regret this decision.
“Do you mind buying me some leather as well?” asked Mr. Darryl.
"No problem."
“Be sure to bring your Radiance light!” called Mrs. Lydia.
In the Radiance Continent, all citizens and creatures alike rely on ‘Radiance’. ‘Radiance’ is a part of all living things’ bodies, and must be constantly refilled and sustained. Radiance naturally releases from the body all the time, to strengthen and maintain it. Radiance is similar to blood, when you lose too much, you will die. Truthfully, I somehow don’t have a single ounce of Radiance in me, and can somehow live without it. Radiance comes directly from the Sun, so people soak in the Radiance during the day. At night, Radiance lamps, with Radiance fragments inside help to keep your body intact. Radiance is also needed to channel mana; the source of magic. Mrs. Lydia makes me bring a small Radiance light with me as people who have been diagnosed with low Radiance are required to bring one around. I keep mine in my pocket, but it always remains untouched.
“I will.” Grabbing my cloak, I headed out the door.
Walking towards the inner most part of town, I glanced back at the house. It was a small, old, wooden mansion, with many rooms and windows. The interior is furnished well, but a little out of date. We own some magical technology such as the hologram TV or the Radiance-powered car though. It is located on the outermost part of Solaris City, surrounded by nothing but breathtaking wildlife and scenery.
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The innermost part of Solaris City is surrounded by giant walls, and a protective barrier. The place is highly secured with guards stationed at every corner. Walking through the massive gates, the city is filled with vibrant colours and lights. Beautiful architecture, statues, and marble buildings are a sight themselves. Decorated with flowers and banners, Solaris City is worth the title of Capital.
The marketplace in Solaris City is a busy one. Millions of citizens shop and socialize within the marketplace. Plays, art displays, foreign animal shows, magic acts, orchestras and much more activities are a daily occurrence here. Putting my hood on, I proceeded to shop. While many hairs and eye colours can be found in this Kingdom, no one else seems to have black hair. Violet eyes aren’t common, but having ‘pure’ violet eyes is unheard of. Stares make me uncomfortable. I prefer to not be the center of attention. Hovering to each stall and shop, the shopkeepers always welcome and greet me.
“Fine day isn’t it, Serrin?” asks Melina from the bread stall.
“Well, well, well if it isn’t Serrin my boy!” exclaims Basil from the spice store.
“Hello Mr. Regular!” greets Zara from the cake shop. It is always a pleasure to go shopping here. Everyone is so kind and helpful. Not to mention, I always get discounts and bonuses from the vendors.
Wandering around the marketplace, I see many ads for Stellar Academy. Stellar Academy is Radiance Continent’s number one Mage and Knight Academy. Both high and prestigious, only the most gifted are selected to attend. Reading one made my heart waiver a little. Mrs. Lydia decided to homeschool me instead of attending a public school. Having little radiance is frowned upon in this country. Radiance staffs and swords are made for both Mages and Knights. While they are embedded with Radiance fragments, they are designed to react to your own Radiance. Mr. Darryl chose to train me in both combat and sword, which made me feel more confident, rather than being left with no power. Still, even Knights need magic to be considered strong! At least I can still dream about having magical powers. Knights aren’t bad, but I already knew their fighting style. Mages are more valued in this kingdom, due to their powerful magic and spells, and this kingdom relies on magic! Man, how I wish to become a mage.
Leaving the ad, I noticed a young lady being attacked by a group of about 6-8 men. Alarmed, I headed towards the area. To my surprise, an old man steps in to save her. The lady runs off, leaving the old man to be surrounded. Picking up my pace, I dashed in to save him.
“Hey old fart! The hell are you doing, chasing off the lady, huh? We were just trying to have some fun with her!” laughed a man.
“Now, you will pay for that. We worked real hard trying to find the right girl.” said another.
“Why don’t you leave her alone!” mocked a man.
Closing in on the old man, I panicked. Mr. Darryl tells me to use my strength for justice, and not to pick fights with random people. This situation definitely needed some justice. Taking a huge leap, I soared in the air; quite majestic really. Targeting one of the men, I kicked the back of his head. Knocking him to the ground, the others soon noticed.
“Hey, what the fu-“another man barely said as I hit his pressure points. One by one, the men swung heavy fists. A dodge here, a punch there, a kick there, soon a pile of bodies lay on the stone ground.
*Thump* the last man fell.
“Sir, are you alright?” I asked the old man who by this point had a shocked expression upon his face.
“Not at all, young man. Are you alright yourself?” he responded.
“Oh, I’m fine, thank you. Would you like me to help you back home?”
“That’s okay, boy. You have done enough for me today.” The man chuckled. With that, he waved once more, and strode off deep into the marketplace.
What a long day. I should head back home as well. Finishing up some shopping, I walked back to the wooden mansion.
“I’m home.” Calling out, I spotted Mrs. Lydia preparing dinner.
“Serrin did you finish shopping?” asked Mrs. Lydia.
“Yeah, I did. There was quite a number of people there than usual.” Handing Mrs. Lydia the groceries, I started preparing with her. To think it was this time already! Washing, chopping, cleaning, cooking, and even sewing, I always help Mrs. Lydia. Once the food was ready, Mr. Darryl joined us in the kitchen.
“I smell dragon blood soup!” drooled Mr. Darryl. Dragon blood soup, crispy mushroom sheep, and sunshine lettuce salad filled the air with its breathtaking aroma. With all of us seated at the table, we began to eat. Light conversation was made throughout the meal, mostly about my shopping trip.
“You did what!?” exclaimed Mrs. Lydia.
“That’s my boy! Did you beat them up good?” laughed Mr. Darryl.
“Ha ha. I sure did.” Finishing my meal, I cleaned up and headed towards my room.
“Oh wait Serrin. I have something for you.” Pulling out something from her apron, Mrs. Lydia handed me a little black box.
“Thank you.” Looking at the box, I noticed it seemed solid, more cube like. The box was deep obsidian, with a soft yet smooth texture to it. The box itself was quite plain, except for one side having a strange… crescent moon symbol?
“Where did you get this Mrs. Lydia?”
“It came in the basket we found you in. I couldn’t wait to give it to you. Today felt like the right moment. It doesn’t seem to open though, even when applying Radiance to it.”
“I’ll treasure this. Thank you, really.” Racing to my room, I hurriedly shut the door. Her words were very peculiar. “It doesn’t seem to open though, even when applying Radiance to it.” The symbol engraved into the box definitely resembled the same symbol that had appeared on my forehead earlier this morning. Touching the lines, they briefly lit up a violet hue. After, the box gave no reaction. I undeniably need to tinker with this. Clearly this box has something to do with me and feasibly a clue to why I don’t have Radiance. Setting the box down, I tried looking up the symbol.
Hours passed, and I hadn’t noticed the sun had set. Nothing even close to this symbol had come up. “Oh well, I guess I’ll look further into it tomorrow.”
Staring outside my window, a pretty moonlight beamed back at me. “Time to get some rest,” I muttered crawling into bed.