Chapter 2: A walk through Eldoria 𝟙

by Yuzuuu

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Sebast stepped out of his modest home, carefully balancing his infant grandson, Sebast, on his shoulders. The baby giggled, his tiny hands clutching Sebast's hair, his wide eyes eagerly taking in the bustling world around them. The sun cast a warm, golden glow over the streets of Eldoria, where people went about their daily routines with a sense of quiet determination.

As they walked, Sebast pointed out a group of people toiling in their gardens on the right side of the street. "Look, Young Boy," Sebast said, his voice gentle. "These folks are planting flowers, making our world a bit more beautiful."

The Baby cooed, his small face lighting up with delight at the colorful sight. They continued their stroll, the cobblestone path beneath them resonating with their steps. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of children playing.

Suddenly, a man came barreling towards them, his eyes wild with urgency. "Move aside!" he shouted.

Sebast barely managed to step out of the way, colliding shoulder-first with the frantic runner. Sebast wobbled precariously but remained safe in his grandfather’s grasp. The man paused only to glare at Aris. "Watch where you’re going, old man!" he spat before dashing off.

Sebast straightened, dusting himself off. "I apologize," he murmured out of habit, watching the man disappear into the distance. He felt a familiar weight on his hip that hadn't been there moments before. A smirk tugged at his lips as his fingers brushed against a small pouch—the thief's own purse, now containing ten silver coins.

"See that,?" Sebast whispered to his grandson. "That's how you handle a thief."

He gurgled in response, waving his tiny hands as if to applaud his grandfather’s cunning. Just then, another man approached, breathless and agitated. "Excuse me, sir, did you see a man in a black hood run by?"

Sebast's eyes narrowed slightly. "No, I can't say that I have," he replied, his tone neutral. The man looked disappointed but quickly moved on to question others.

He watched him go, then turned his attention back to Sebast, lifting the baby's hands gently. "This, my dear, is the world you've been born into—a place filled with both good and bad people. It's important that you never become one of the latter, alright?"

The young boy laughed, his innocent joy a stark contrast to the harsh realities Sebast had just described. They continued their walk, and after about ten minutes, they arrived at a local park. It was a serene place, filled with the laughter of children, the chatter of families, and the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.

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Sebast found a bench under the shade of a large tree and sat down, placing Sebast on his knee. The baby’s eyes widened with delight at the sight of children playing in a sandy area nearby. "You want to join them, don’t you?" Sebast chuckled.

He young and carried him over to the sandbox, setting him down gently. Sebast immediately began to play, his small hands grasping at the sand, his laughter mingling with that of the other children. Another child, a little girl around four years old, watched him with curiosity before joining him in play.

Sebast felt a sense of peace wash over him as he watched his grandson enjoy the simple pleasure of playing in the sand. It was moments like these that reminded him that not all was dark in the world.

"Hello," came a voice, breaking his reverie. Sebast looked up to see a woman approaching them, concern etched on her face. "What's your business here in a place where children play?" she asked, her eyes scanning Sebast warily.

"Oh, I'm just here with my grandson, giving him some time to enjoy himself," Sebast replied with a reassuring smile.

The woman's expression softened. "I see. My name is Akemi," she introduced herself, her tone now more relaxed.

"You don't seem to be from Veridian. Are you from Elithoria?" Asks Sebast.

"Yes, I am," Akemi answered, nodding.

"What brings you to Eldoria in Veridian?"

"I'm here to help those in need," Akemi explained. "I've heard about the emperor's cruel acts and what he's done to the villages. I want to provide aid, whether it’s food or money, to those who have suffered."

Sebast sighed, his eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and resignation. "I admire your compassion, Akemi, but I'm afraid it might not be enough to heal the wounds inflicted by such loss."

Akemi looked down, her voice tinged with sadness. "I know. But I have to try, even if it’s just to bring a little comfort to their hearts."

Sebast gave her a warm smile. "Your heart is in the right place. I’m rooting for you."

"Thank you," she said, her eyes meeting his with gratitude.

As they continued their conversation, he noticed the little boy and the little girl playing together. However, their innocent play soon turned into a minor squabble over a toy. The Little Boy, with his striking gray eyes you her hands, looked intensely at the girl, who suddenly froze, her eyes wide with confusion and fear.

Noticing her daughter crying Akemi rushed over, scooping her up and breaking the unintentional magical connection between the children. "I'm so sorry, I forgot about my daughter's snack time. We should be going now," she said Laughing, See you around!

Sebast nodded understandingly. "Take care."

As they left, Sebast turned to Little one, concern etched on his face. "What did you just do?" he murmured, taking the baby's hands in his own. "How did you manage to use magic?"

Sebast’s heart pounded with a mix of fear and amazement. His grandson had manifested magic, something Sebast had tried to keep under control with anti-magic Technique. But it seemed The young boy power was stronger than he had anticipated. He felt a chill run down his spine.

***

At that moment, a young mage from the Astrith Academy, drawn by the surge of magical energy, scanned the park with narrowed eyes. "Who dares to use magic among civilians?" he muttered, recalling the academy’s strict regulations against such actions.

Just as suddenly as it had appeared, the energy dissipated. The mage frowned, puzzled. "Strange. Why did it vanish so quickly? Even if the energy disappears I can feel where the essence is from, I will find you and make you pay for it."

***

Sebast took a deep breath. "I’ll have to use anti-magic again," he said quietly. "I don't know how you did that, but we can't afford to draw attention."

He picked up the baby, the baby's innocent smile doing little to calm his racing thoughts. "For now, let’s continue our day. There’s someone I want you to meet—A very skilled forger and a very old friend of mine."

Sebast responded with a joyous squeal, lifting his tiny arms in excitement.