Chapter: 2 The Land Of Eden

They say a home is a place filled with memories of the days you spent, collections that enchanted you for hours, and a gentle aroma of nostalgia that reminds you of the friendships you've made most of your life.

The day had finally come for Lionel to depart for the camp, and he felt a mix of excitement and sadness about the days ahead. He took one last deep breath, savoring the memories of his cherished home, its joys, and its sorrows. On their final day together, his father stood beside him, reluctant to let go.

Lionel knew that if he pushed his dad even a little, he would cry for days. To spare his dad the trouble, Lionel showed a stiff smile and sat in silence. That way, it wouldn't be too difficult for his dad to bear the pain of seeing his son leave.

Rugue's heart ached with pride and sorrow, knowing that parting ways with his son would be one of the most challenging moments of his life. He struggled to find the right words to express his emotions. But since this was their last day together, he could only think about leaving his son a parting gift—a token to remember him by.

Gathering his courage, Rugues closed his eyes and whispered an incantation, conjuring a shimmering orb of light that floated above his palm. From the orb danced images of their fondest memories together: Lionel's first steps, their camping trips under the starry sky, and the countless laughter-filled evenings spent by the fireplace.

"Here, my son," he said, beads of sweat dripping from his brow.

Lionel felt conflicted and amused by his father's actions. He always thought his dad might try to make amends for their previous disagreements. He rolled his eyes when his dad mentioned the shoe, already anticipating what would happen.

Seeing his son's nonchalant appearance, Rugue's heart ached. No one knew how much time he had poured into crafting the perfect enchanted shoe for his son, one that would provide comfort and protection on his journey. Yet, here he was, treating him like a stranger.

"Sure, Dad," Lionel threw a nervous glance at his uncle in the corner. "he's going to annoy me for an hour," he said, referring to his dad's clingy and affectionate nature.

Shaking his head, Rugues couldn't help but raise his voice from his son's lack of appreciation. "Lionel, you may not appreciate it now, but I promise you'll thank me later. That shoe is no ordinary footwear. It's been imbued with charm to enhance your agility and protect you from harm."

Lionel twitched his eyebrow. "Magic? Alright. But if that shoe starts dancing on its own. I'm blaming you."

Rugues coughed and came closer to his son, a shrewd yet reassuring smile on his face. He gently knelt before his son, pretending not to notice the tears forming in his eyes.

He smiled and hugged Lionel tightly. "My dear son," he said, "I want you to know that I believe in you. I know the days ahead will be challenging, but I have every confidence that you will face them with courage and determination. You are strong, resilient, and capable of great things. I'm always here for you, always."

Lionel could feel his father's hand shudder in reluctance as he struggled to let go. The grip from his father's hand felt like a pledge to never let go, to always stand by his side, no matter what lay ahead.

"Dad..." Lionel sniffed as his eyes were about to burst into tears while looking up at his father.

"Sigh, here we go again," Ben interrupted, stepping between them before it got too emotional. "This happened twice already. Wait. No! You do this all the time!"

"Alright, alright," Rugues slide a bitter look. "Ahem," he coughed. "Before we continue, let me present you with one final gift. It's one of my latest inventions."

Ben glanced at him with a doubtful expression. But since he was also interested in his friend's latest invention, he decided to play along.

Rugues grinned, revealing a majestic plate inscribed with a new and odd inscription. The strange substance seems to move according to its basic instinct, shifting and adapting at its own pace. "It's one of a kind," he said, staking his entire pride in his invention.

Ben looked at Rugues with a doubtful expression. "Is it one of those plates that registers your information on it?"

Rugues scowled. "No, it's not. How dare you compare my creation to those simple pieces of metal?" he said, shaking his head. "This is something much more unique and complicated."

"You'll see what I mean when you use it," he grinned.

"Come here. Let me show you my masterpiece." Rugues flicked his wrist, revealing a needle emerging from his hand. Lionel's heart skipped a beat as he stared at the seemingly harmless needle, illuminating its sharp edges with horrifying focus.

"What?" Lionel nervously gulped. "That's a needle."

"Shush," Rugues hushed, and with a firm grip, he took his son's hand and pricked the needle against the tip of his finger.

A tiny droplet of blood stained the surface of the plate, and at that moment, something extraordinary happened. The black plate beneath Lionel's fingers began to wriggle and shift in response to the blood, like a worm finding its prey. Within seconds, a series of letters materialized on the plate, formed by a peculiar black substance that seemed to mingled with the blood. The letters appeared to display Lionel's information that is unique to his identity.

[Status] [Unawakened]

Lionel Argentine

Beginner Apprentice

Class: (None)

Vocation: (Conjuration: 1)

"Impressive," Rugues examined the information displayed on the plate. "It seems you have discovered your vocation at a young age," he added, as he ran his hand through his son's hair.

"But I wouldn't call it an awakening," Rugues continued, looking at the plate thoughtfully. "It's more like an epiphany, a discovery you made on your own."

Ben looked surprised. "Did you replicate that plate for your son's gift?" he asked. "You managed to combine the effects of mana and anima in your invention."

Lionel was intrigued. He had never heard of mana before. "How do you use it?" he asked.

"Compositions," Ben answered. "But that all changed when anima got introduced. It's merely used for materials, transmutation, and conjuration. It can never amount to anything." Ben strained his voice. "It's complicated, but let's assume that mana is a stone, and anima is a world within a stone. For example, when you gather mana, and infuse it into a stone, it amplifies the object's durability, increasing its stability."

Rugues nodded, then went on to explain that anima lacked this inherent ability. "However, anima lacks this ability. It's not similar to a stone, but in essence, nothing. To be exact, it exists simultaneously. Anima is considered almost benign and empty because it can only be maintained with something that coincides with its existence. To be precise, anima can only expand its size, not its nature or its structure. Thus, many like to call it a world within a world."

"If mana is so important, why anima? It seems to me that it lacks the crucial qualities for practical use," Lionel said, confused by their characteristics. Though, he tried his best to grasp the concept behind the two forces, he still managed to understand some of its ideas that kept nagging at him.

Rugues was about to speak, but Ben intervened and said sternly. "Because mana can only do so much, even if your father and I disagree on a lot of topics, mana is simply selfish, it can only think on its own, unable to coexist. It's like a stubborn rock that refuses to adapt or change. They are similar in origin, but also limited to their ideas."

"Not only It refuses to acknowledge its own limits, it fabricates its own illusion to sustain its object, but at the same time, accuses that illusion," Ben said to his disappointment.

"What! How absurd!" Rugues hollered. "Anima is merely a stubborn illusion, pretentious ideas without substance. You're all pretenders."

"We are not creatures of chaos. Humans are creatures of Law! Do you see yourselves as a goblin? A monstrosity of mangled flesh? No! You used sacrificial lambs and ceremonies to project an effect that is similar to a mana. They aren't tools at all! You are sacrificing the life force of every living being. For what! To create a memory that codifies into the real world."

"But isn't that the same as mana, dad?" Lionel asked, putting the pieces together.

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"No, it's not. If it can be exercised to invigorate our laws and introduce order," Rugues firmly replied.

"Wrong, my friend," Ben shook his head. "Mana is not bound by its rules. It exaggerates them. As much as you dislike anima, it's the same as its origin. It allows others to manipulate powers beyond our control."

"Anima is a bridge. It relies on a connection, and it can't exist without it. Sure, anima has its limitations, and I can acknowledge that. But because of these limitations, anima is more stable and consistent. Faith is everything to us, whether you acknowledge it or not."

"Remember what you said about memory? Think of the lantern, think of the memories you can store, the reflections of emotions and experiences held within."

While Rugues thought of an argument to refute back, he turned around toward his son, concerned by his sudden silence. "I..." Rugues abruptly paused, memories flooding back to him.

"You should probably head out now," Rugues gave up and snuggled his son's head. "The plate might be useful for your studies later on. It can acquire knowledge and extract it from your mind."

"Oi, don't you think it's a bit stingy of you for not sparing me one of your inventions," Ben said as he also halted the conversation and lightened the mood. He winked at Rugues, hoping to let him see the impact it could have on Lionel before he left.

Rugues rolled his eyes and lowered his voice, displaying his usual casual nature whenever he and Ben had a conversation. "Speak for yourself," he said. "You're an Anurand. What use is it for you anyway?"

Ben chuckled. "Don't underestimate us just because we don't use physical materials to cast spells. It's useful for someone like me who collects unique and rare items."

Rugues smirked. "Fine, I'll take it as another gesture of your collection as a repayment."

Ben flicked his hand and tossed the item to Rugues. "Here, catch it. It'll keep your time busy while your kid's gone."

Rugues caught the item with ease. "Ha! I'll make sure to put it to good use."

As Lionel said his farewell, his eyes glistened with tears as he stared at his dad one last time. "Thanks for the gift, Dad. I'll be going now."

"Wait!" Rugues shouted, unable to bear the thought of leaving his son without a good word of advice. "Before you leave, remember our home, our lives that you and I and your mother experienced together. This will always be your Eden."

"I... I will, Dad. Always," Lionel said in a farewell tone, his voice choked with emotion.

***

The thought of setting foot on his journey filled Lionel with a newfound sense of purpose. He could feel the weight of his steps lighten as he walked, a feeling so serene that it basks him with delight.

Lionel looked up at his uncle, who was walking beside him, and asked, "So, how did you and Dad first meet?" He playfully nudged his uncle's clothes. He couldn't help but feel a bit lost as he stared down at his new shoes. The shoes his father gifted him had a strange ball of light that constantly bloomed whenever he took a step. The more he stared at his shoes, the more he felt annoyed, wondering if his father's weird habits and the unusual gifts he received were a blessing or a curse.

"Hmm, let me think," Ben said, noticing Lionel's condescending stare at the shoes. "Your father gave you a good gift. Be grateful," he said, smacking Lionel on the back of his head.

Lionel flinched at the sudden smack and rubbed the back of his head. "I was just curious," he replied, glaring at his uncle. "I can't help but wonder about his past."

"Fine, kid. I'll indulge you for now," his uncle said with a reluctant smile. "Let's just say he's had his fair share of adventures," he added with a sly grin. "But you'll have to ask him for the story yourself. I'm not in a position to spill all his secrets."

Lionel giggled and shook his head. "He's always like that. A lazy nerd."

"If you say so," his uncle said, giving him a playful wink. "Your father is a tough nut to crack."

"Spartacus," Lionel said, rummaging through his backpack and retrieving his book. "I've been reading it for quite some time now. I had fun reading it, especially with the historical narrative it conveys."

"Ah, Spartacus," Ben said, glancing at the book in his nephew's hand. "It's a classic piece of historical fiction, filled with tales of rebellion and heroism. I can see why it's your favorite," he said, flipping through the pages with interest.

"Well, you're lucky you're going off to camp," Ben handed the book back to Lionel. "You'll get to experience some excitement and adventure for yourself, though it might not be what you expect."

Lionel couldn't help but grin at his uncle's words. He had always been looking forward to the thrill of adventure, much like his mother.

"Yeah, I guess I got a bit of both of them in me," Lionel felt a longing to see his friend.

Lionel missed his friends dearly and wished to see them before he left. He thought he might be able to visit them before leaving, but considering that his friends were the same age as him, there was a chance he might be able to meet them at the campsite before the awakening ceremony.

In the heart of the land, there existed a mysterious ceremony that called out to those who sought to unlock the potential hidden within their souls. It was a sacred gathering aimed at cultivating the untapped talents of young children and revealing the magic that lay dormant within them. Lionel could still remember what he had heard about the ceremony from his parents. According to the tales passed down through generations, the ceremony was said to be a chance for champions to receive blessings from a benevolent god. These divine gifts would aid them on their journey through life and help them achieve greatness. While some might dismiss these stories as mere myths, he was certain they held a kernel of truth, waiting to be uncovered.

Lionel could finally see the crowd surging through the streets nearby, displaying a vibrant array of colors and textures. His eyes were drawn to a group of tall, fair-skinned Anurands, dressed in flowing robes that billowed like ethereal banners in the wind. They walked with dignity and composure, commanding respect from those around them,

Lionel also spotted a group of short and sturdy dwarves, their clothes made of heavy fabrics, fitted with gems similar to the colors that represented the spirits of the earth. The dwarves walked with an air of purpose, their muscles filled with strength as their beards dangled around shimmering in golden thread. Lionel couldn't help but stare in awe at the different kinds of races that had gathered to celebrate the ceremony. Some ethnicities even decorated their face with sacrificial masks, signifying their willingness to let go of their fleshly bodies and become one with the spirits.

Ben noticed Lionel's curious eyes and made a sudden suggestion. "Wanna blend in? It can be a boring walk if there's no one to talk with," he said, waiting for his nephew's reaction.

However, before Lionel could reply, he saw a familiar face moving gracefully through the crowd. "Is that Rheine?" he whispered, tugging on his uncle's sleeve.

"Well, well, look at you! I thought you were the shy one, but you're already chasing a lady," Ben teased. "I must say, I didn't expect this side of you. I thought you'd be more like your father."

Lionel blushed and felt as if his secrets were exposed. "I-I wasn't chasing her," he stammered. "I just saw someone I recognized as a friend." He tried to explain, his face flush with embarrassment. "And I'm nothing like my dad," he added, trying to change the subject.

"So... should we go and meet your friend?" Ben teased him, poking him further into the subject.

"No! No! I'm still going to meet her anyway," Lionel dragged his uncle toward the forest. "Let's go ahead and continue with the journey to the forest," he said, pouting in embarrassment, glaring at his uncle in a tantrum.

"I'm not sure if you're just shy or itching for an adventure," Ben chuckled in amusement.

"Since you are so eager to run through danger, remember, I'm only teaching you the basics," Ben eyed him critically. "Once we arrive in the forest, you'll eventually have to rely on your skills and instincts to survive."

"The Hidoran Forest may seem like a low-level zone, but it can still pose a significant challenge for inexperienced adventurers," Ben said with a strict tone. "Navigating through the dense forest and layers of thick grasses can be difficult, worse if you met those cunning goblins that lived in the forest."

"What do you mean cunning, uncle," Lionel said, sniffing his nose.

"Cheeky bastards," Ben replied numbly as birds chirped in the sky. Whenever his uncle visited their home, Lionel couldn't help but notice the unusual sight of his uncle's strange hobby. He could see his uncle wrapped in different kinds of plants and moss every time he arrived from his daily quest and wondered where they came from. Upon arrival, his uncle would spend hours complaining about the hardships he had to endure while going through the forest. He would sit for an hour and listen for hours, giggling from time to time, especially when his uncle would sometimes complain about a goblin that mimicked his every move as if mocking him.

"I swear it even made faces at me when it thought I wasn't looking," Ben said in exasperation. "It was like having a tiny green shadow stalking you, waiting for the right moment to catch you off guard."

"Huwaah," Lionel cheered. "I'm finally getting to see the goblin you've been talking about!" He raised his hand in excitement and felt like he had just hit the jackpot.

"I'm warning you, kid. Isn't just about those goblins, there's also those nasty ones you'll encounter in the forest." Ben said in a reproving tone.

Lionel was confused and asked, "Wait. Are we still talking about the same forest or not?"

"We probably are, but not exactly," Ben kept it mysterious, "I'll be accompanying you, but not the exact place you've imagined it to be."

"I don't understand," Lionel furrowed his brow, deep in thought.

"Your father was... I don't know, strange," Ben coughed and thought of a topic that might help Lionel understand the principle behind it. "Your father always had these wild ideas about space. It's one of his mind-bending out-of-the-world ideas that I could never get used to."

"Your father believed that a "space" was not just some distant void, but a definite and complex room that we can access if we have the right knowledge and tools."

Lionel listened with rapt attention as his uncle continued, "Your father spent years studying the ancient texts and scriptures, deciphering the hidden meanings behind them. He believed that space was not just a place we inhabit, but a space that inhabits us, a room that surrounds us, and that we can connect to that room in ways that we can't even grasp or imagine."

Lionel listened in awe but scratched his head. "I don't even know what the word "space" means," flinging a pebble in his feet.

"Space is the starry sky beyond the clouds," Ben gestured to the clouds. "It's where the sun and gods exist. Your father believed the world was more than meets the eye, insisting that there's more to see beyond the horizons that limits us."

Lionel's eyes widened in wonder. "Do you believe him?" he asked his uncle.

"If I had not experienced them personally, I would have considered some of his ideas as utter nonsense," Ben paused solemnly as he pointed his fingers into the sky. "But your father was a visionary."

"In a world where people cling to old traditions and beliefs, your father dared to think differently," Ben smiled.

"That's what made him special, and that's what makes you special too," Ben gently ruffled Lionel's hair with a smile. "You have your father's curiosity and imagination. And who knows, maybe one day you'll uncover some of the mysteries he pursued."

Lionel smiled at his uncle's encouragement. "Thanks, Uncle Ben. I hope I can make him proud."

"I know you will," Ben said, returning the smile. "Now, let's get going. The forest and its goblins await." He grabbed Lionel's hand and set off toward their adventure, with the endless expanse of sky above them and the unknown wilderness ahead.

The stars twinkled and shone in luminous light. "Sometimes, the greatest ideas sound like nonsense to those who lack the vision to see their potential."