As I slumbered peacefully in the gentle embrace of the dawn, the abrupt entrance of my parents shattered the tranquility. Panic etched across my mother's face as she urgently spoke to my father, Cassius, about her exhaustive search throughout the town, yielding no sign of my presence.
"What are we going to do?" my mother shouted, desperation filling the room. I've searched every street in town, and he's nowhere to be found!"
With a worried tone in his voice, my father sought to reassure her, saying, "We'll figure it out, dear." Let us not rush to judgment. Perhaps he's simply gone off and lost sight of time."
My mother's heart sank when she replied, "But what if he falls off the bridge?" His friends said a piece of it had broken off. Could he have met such a horrible end?"
"Lyle and Ken's discovery may not necessarily indicate that Kyron fell into the jungle below," my father tried to reassure her. Let us not be too pessimistic. We must maintain our optimism."
"Please, don't say that," my mother pleaded, her voice trembling from the fear. It's not possible."
A flickering image of my uncle Ashmore formed on the flower receiver and was projected into the room as the discussion progressed, their emotions raw and exposed. "Did you find him?" he said, his face troubled.
My father's voice was solemn as he replied, "No, Ashmore. We're still looking."
Uncle Ashmore's face conveyed his disappointment and sorrow. "You're being careless, Cassius." It's tragic to lose him in this manner."
I slowly descended the stairs, rubbing my eyes in the dark lighting. "Did something happen?" I wondered, my mind confused by haze and concern.
My parents turned towards me in a heartbeat, surprised, their faces overflowing with relief and intense emotion of joy. They raced towards me, embracing me tightly, tears spilling down their cheeks.
I felt stuck between their arms, seeking relief and understanding, overwhelmed by the intensity of their reaction to calm the turmoil in me. As their words became true, the severity of the situation was clear to me, and I realized the magnitude of this incident allowed their dread and the depth of their love for me on this day.
The room hummed with emotions—relief, gratitude, and an unbreakable kinship strengthened by adversity. I realized then the fragility of life and the strong bond between a child and their parents.
The room hummed with emotions—relief, gratitude, and an unbreakable kinship strengthened by adversity. I realized then the fragility of life and the strong bond between a child and his parents.
As my uncle said his goodbyes and told my parents he would contact them soon, the town's guild members gathered outside to organize a search team. Their commander, Yami, the father of my friend Ken, stormed into the house, asking for my father, Cassius. He joyfully declared that he had gathered a party to walk into the bush, confident that the creatures would be no match for them. When he saw me, he diverted his gaze and shouted, "Boy, I'm so glad to see you're safe." But what happened?"
My father quickly guided Yami outside, explaining that it was too soon to ask and expressing his sheer relief that I was alive. They returned to town, leaving me with my parents. Feeling exhausted, I informed them that I was tired, and they led me to my room. As I lay down to rest, my father told me that I would be homeschooled from now on. I began to mention my friend, but he interrupted me, stating that my friends would be allowed to visit, but I would no longer attend school. He shared the news that Morgan and Alex were in the hospital due to a bloody battle that had ensued between them. He warned that there would be more to discuss later but advised me to rest for now.
Feeling a surge of anger and realizing why my cousin hadn't been waiting at the gate to walk me home, I reluctantly went to bed. Later in the evening, I woke up with the desire to watch the tournament on the flowervision. You see, when children reach the age of eleven, they become eligible to participate in ranking tournaments that allow them to apply to guilds and schools. It had been my dream to follow in the footsteps of my older brother, Bryan. Four years ago, at the age of eleven, he entered the tournament and earned acceptance into a school in Mal Ra.
As I watched the flowervision, my father entered the room and called me to join him outside. I swiftly got up and walked with him down the farm trail. He asked me where I had been and what had happened along the way. I felt a mix of fear and the desire to tell him everything, but I knew I had to protect GrandLeaf's whereabouts. So, I decided to tell him that I had fallen off the bridge and was scared. I mentioned finding one of our runaway deer and riding it home. I continued, saying that three Montilians had attacked us. Just as I was about to make it back safely, one of them grabbed the deer. My father had a shocked expression on his face as he pulled out his flower phone and urgently called Yami, instructing him to come to our house quickly with the party.
After hanging up, my father asked me if I was sure there were three Montilians, and I assured him that there were. He explained to me that Montilians were usually solitary hunters, but they worked in packs when one of them evolved into a Dinotilian. He further elaborated that Montilians had three cycles based on the number of horns they possessed: Mon for one horn, Di for two, and Tri for three. The most powerful form was the Tri, which could grow wings and transform into dragon-like creatures called Trimorphfia. These dragons were known for their destructive capabilities and were to be avoided at all costs, especially their dens.
Suddenly, we came across a lifeless worker robot on the trail. My father informed me that it was the same one I had mentioned before, the one that wasn't working that day. After performing a diagnostic, we discovered that its heart stone had died. You see, these robots absorbed sunlight as energy through their artificial tree hearts to stay alive. However, the hearts could only last for a certain period of time. My father picked up the robot and took it to the shed to replace the heart stone. Then he instructed me to go inside, as he needed to step out for a while.
Shortly after, Yami arrived with his party, and he and my father set off into the jungle together.
Later that eventful night, while my father ventured into the jungle with the search party, I found solace in the company of my mother. We laughed and played in the kitchen, creating joyful memories together. It was during this tender moment that my mother shared my father's desire to homeschool me, but due to her busy schedule, she decided to entrust my education to my aunt, Shara, who would serve as my tutor.
Hearing my cries, my mother hurried into my room, her concern evident in her eyes. She asked me what had happened, and upon realizing that my tears were driven by worry for my father's well-being, she climbed into bed beside me, holding me close. With a tender voice, she reassured me that everything would be all right, soothing my troubled heart. As she softly sang me a lullaby, I gradually drifted into a peaceful sleep, feeling safe and loved.
The next morning, my mother woke me up and informed me that my aunt had arrived and to get ready. I was surprised because I thought I was going to school at home, so I asked her about it. Confusion filled my mind as I questioned if my father had returned. A mix of concern and relief washed over my mother's face, and she smiled before assuring me that my father would be home by the time I returned. She advised me to enjoy my day and listen to my aunt's teachings.
I quickly got ready, and as I descended the stairs, my aunt greeted me with a warm hello. She asked if I was ready, and I nodded eagerly. Together, we stepped out of the house, and that's when I saw it—a magnificent creature standing before us. Initially frightened, I looked to my aunt for reassurance. She calmly told me not to worry, assuring me that the animal was friendly and wouldn't harm us. It was a giant bird with beautiful white wings, a grey back, and a formidable beak. With cautious excitement, we climbed onto its back, and off we soared into the sky.
As we flew, the view was breathtaking. I could see the vast expanse of the entire jungle beneath us. Eventually, as my aunt called it, the seahawk landed gracefully at her house. We dismounted, and my aunt expressed her gratitude to the bird, which then took off into the sky. As we walked towards her house, my aunt initiated a conversation, asking me how much I knew about the power system. I admitted that I didn't know much, only that enhancers use energy to enhance their strength, shifters transform into beasts, sages manipulate their energy, and nobles possess psychic abilities. She acknowledged my understanding but emphasized that there was still a lot for me to learn.
Inside her house, I spotted my cousin Morgan and rushed over to greet him. He asked how I was doing and expressed his relief that I had made it home safely. I thanked him but questioned why he had fought on my behalf. I reminded him that Alex Ward, a shifter like him, already had a rank, so there was no need for such a battle. Morgan replied passionately, stating that because I was family, he would show no mercy to anyone who threatened us. We shared a laugh, and I commented on his injuries, mentioning that he shouldn't have fought so fiercely. Morgan shrugged and admitted that even though he acted tough, he was scared in the end. We both passed out during the battle, rendering the rank meaningless.
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My aunt then instructed Morgan to rest and beckoned me to join her for my lesson. We entered a room filled with artifacts and peculiar animal parts. It was apparent that my uncle's adventurous spirit had taken him to various parts of the world. My aunt gestured for me to sit at a desk, ready to impart her knowledge and guide me on this exciting educational journey.
Her words resonated within me as she unveiled the intricate power system of our people. Sages, like her, were akin to living batteries, growing stronger with each utilization of their powers. My mother's medical profession had honed her strength, expanding her capacity to heal and serve. Some sages, limited by their energy reserves, could only attend to a couple of people per day. Thus, my aunt held the esteemed rank of a 6th-grade sage.
Shapeshifters, on the other hand, channeled their energy to assume animal forms, progressing from partial to semi and eventually complete transformations. Enhancers directed their energy towards bolstering their speed, strength, defense, and senses. The distribution of these attributes depended on their innate dominance, with the primary attribute reaching a maximum of 100%, the secondary at 75%, and the remaining two at 50%. As for the nobles, they shared similarities with sages but wielded psychic abilities such as teleportation, telekinesis, mind reading, and glimpses into the future. The radiant energy emitted by our sun made all these powers possible.
Observing four devices on the shelf behind my aunt, curiosity took hold, and I inquired about them. She revealed that they were called flowerseeds, repositories of knowledge pertaining to our powers. She encouraged me to nurture my education, and in a demonstration, she touched one which declared my powers to be of the sage class. Meditation and focus were crucial for advancing within my class, an insight that left me stunned. Though my aunt expressed sadness that I had not been born with powers like the rest of our family, I secretly harbored the knowledge that my own abilities were on the verge of revelation. I desired certainty and proficiency before unveiling them to the world.
As the lesson concluded, my aunt granted me permission to visit Morgan and instructed me to inform her when I was ready to return home. Grateful for her guidance, I thanked her and seized the opportunity. I reached for the first device adorned with the noble symbol but remained inert. Likewise, the sage device yielded no response. However, as I grasped the enhancer device, it sprang to life, proclaiming my class as an enhancer with speed as my dominant attribute and heightened senses as my secondary. Life experiences like exercise will help strengthen your attribute. The sheer elation that surged through me was immeasurable, filling me with renewed determination to comprehend and master my newfound powers.
As I finished my conversation with Morgan, our fun was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Aunt Sarah, who exclaimed that they seemed to be having a good time and that the day was passing by quickly. She asked if I was ready to leave and witness the sunset. Eager to see if my father had returned from the jungle, I agreed, bidding farewell to Morgan and joining Aunt Sarah on her seahawk.
We flew back to my home, and upon landing, Aunt Sarah mentioned that she would see me again tomorrow. I rushed to the front door, only to find two men leaving with somber expressions and lifeless eyes.
With a mix of anticipation and worry, I hurriedly entered the house and found my father and mother engaged in conversation at the kitchen table. Overwhelmed with relief, I rushed towards my father, embracing him tightly and questioning if everything was okay. However, he delivered the heartbreaking news that Ken's father and four other hunting party members had perished while hunting the Montilians. My heart sank as I cried for the loss of my friend's father. I asked him why their team wasn't strong enough to defeat the monster.
In a somber tone, my father explained that they had encountered a Trimorphfia, the most formidable form of the beast, and barely managed to survive the encounter. He revealed they had just returned, and Yami had gone to inform the guild and Ken's family about the tragic loss. He instructed me to visit Ken to offer support during this difficult time.
Emotionally shaken, I bid my parents goodnight and retreated to my room. As I gazed through the window, I activated my enhanced senses, tuning in to my father's conversation with my mother on the porch outside. Mother questioned what had transpired during their expedition, expressing confusion as to why three Montilians could pose such a challenge to their party of nine.
Father, evidently fearful of the revelation, reluctantly shared that "there were actually five Montilians present. Two of the Montilians had already evolved, and the party ventured into the jungle, tracking the Montilians' path. We passed the towering soul tree, delving further into the jungle's depths as night Set in. Ken's father Knots halted near a deer carcass, where three beasts were feasting. We coordinated our plans and executed them flawlessly. The first Montilian fell quickly as Knots utilized his enhanced strength to impale the creature with his spear. Dispatching the second one proved relatively straightforward. However, as the third one was being distracted, I seized the opportunity and grabbed the second Montilian. Yami transformed into his bird-like beast form and sliced through the third beast with his sword. After the battle, we regrouped, catching our breath and recovering from the brutal fight.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupted from the jungle, causing the trees to tremble. A menacing creature was making its way toward us. Without warning, a 12-foot Dinotilian burst through the foliage, its scales red and black and its eyes an eerie green. It snatched one of our party members, freezing everyone in shock. The sages cast their radiant light, illuminating the darkened areas and revealing a Dinotilian glowing with a green aura, indicating its evolution. The creature sprouted wings, its scales turning blue, and it grew to an astonishing height of 18 feet. The sight left everyone in awe. The red and black Trimorphfia swiftly dispatched two more members of the party.
Driven by determination, I pursued the beast, channeling all my energy into a powerful punch that struck the creature's forehead, putting an end to its rampage. In a fit of rage, the newly evolved Trimorphfia retaliated, unleashing a colossal fireball from its mouth. Yami grabbed me, swiftly lifting me to safety, but one of our companions fell victim to the flames. We ran for safety, leaving Yami had the burning desire to avenge his brother Knot's death, who was caught in the fire, but I had no choice but to knock him unconscious, aware that we stood no chance against the beast. The last Trimorphfia that emerged from this jungle claimed my father's life, becoming one of the four cardinal beasts. Seeking refuge and safety, we hurried back home", with my mother silently thanking the heavens, fully aware of the power and danger posed by the Trimorphfia.
Listening intently, I made my way to bed, reflecting on my harrowing experience in the jungle. It wasn't easy to fathom that such formidable creatures could emerge from those depths. Exhausted, I finally drifted off to sleep, my mind still filled with the haunting images of the beast and the tremendous loss we had endured.
As I slept, I found myself in a dream where the clouds took the shape of a devil's head, but it appeared different somehow. The devil's head in the sky turned red and spoke, proclaiming that all our souls belonged to it. The people around the city trembled in fear, running towards me and falling to their knees. Surprisingly, I didn't feel scared; I was ready to face the challenge. Eventually, I woke up, puzzled by the dream but determined to continue with my plans to visit Ken.
Heading downstairs, I found my father preparing for our trip. He informed me that he would be ready in 30 minutes, so I took the opportunity to go outside and test my abilities. Making my way to the field, I focused on reaching the bottom as quickly as possible. Closing my eyes, I concentrated and then opened them, running at top speed. The surroundings blurred as I raced down the path, feeling as though time had stopped, similar to my encounter with Morgan. Suddenly, I found myself at the bottom, as if I had been teleported. Turning around to assess the distance, I felt a wave of weakness wash over me, and I fell to one knee, catching my breath. It became clear that I needed more practice using my speed as it took a toll on my body. Slowly, I made my way back to the house, where my father was coming out, ready to embark on our journey.
Together, we set off for the city, and upon arrival, we discovered that the town was holding a ceremony to honor those lost in the jungle incident. Each place had flowers placed with pictures of the deceased. We paid our respects and met up with Yami at his family's house. Ken was there, gazing at his father's picture. I approached him, unsure of what to say. Finally, I mustered the words, apologizing for his loss. However, he pushed me away and ran outside, crying. I felt a pang of sadness for my friend, but I realized his sadness was similar to my own. I ran after him, calling his name, but it wasn't until we reached their family garden, with me sitting by the pond, that he finally acknowledged me. He shouted, blaming me for falling off the dam bridge and questioning why I had to be brave. He wished I had died instead, believing that if I had, his father would still be alive. He called me a freak of nature, stating that I didn't even possess any powers. Hearing those words from my friend, after all, I had been through, was devastating. I couldn't tell him the truth, not only to protect Grandleaf's secret but also because he needed time to process his grief. I turned away and walked slowly back to the house, tears streaming down my face. Lyle saw me and asked if I was okay, but I couldn't find the words to respond. Approaching my father, I asked if we could leave now. He noticed my troubled expression and realized something had happened but respected my silence. As we headed out, a mysterious figure dressed in black, wearing a cloak adorned with unfamiliar markings, passed us. Curious, I asked my father who that person was, and he explained that he was there to take care of the Trimorphfia. Thoughts of this individual lingered in my mind as I sensed a massive monster-like presence. On our way home, my father offered to talk, but I declined, telling him I was okay. Once we arrived home, my father tucked me into bed and informed me that starting tomorrow, he would teach me an ancient martial art passed down in our family called Ele-ki. Excitement filled me despite the lingering weight of my friend's words. I knew I had no choice but to grow stronger from the pain I felt that day.
Chapter Two came to an end, and a six-year time skip would follow this life-changing incident.