In a city shrouded in smoke and teeming with life, a miracle occurred. Within the bustling streets, a unique child was born from the union of a human man and a beastfolk woman. The baby emerged with eyes of the lightest blue, reminiscent of a clear sky, and hair as dark as the deepest night, seemingly adorned with the very stars themselves.
"Huwaa!! Waaaa!!" the baby cried "It's a baby boy!" exclaimed the child's mother, her voice filled with wonder and exhaustion. She lay propped up on a bed, dressed in a long, flowing gown designed for the birthing process. Her brownish hair was matted with sweat, and her fox ears twitched with excitement.
The father, in a suit that seemed to be exhausted from running from work, wiped his brow, his face beaming with unbridled joy. "He's absolutely beautiful, Vyenn. Just like his mother," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Vyenn's eyes sparkled as she gazed at her husband. "Oh, Gerald, you flatterer. Can't you see? He's the spitting image of you," she retorted playfully, gesturing towards the newborn with a gentle nod.
As if aware of the attention, the infant's lips curled into a tiny smile, causing both parents to gasp in awe. Their hearts swelled with love for their precious creation.
"What shall we name our little miracle?" Vyenn asked softly, her fingers gently caressing the baby's cheek.
Gerald's face lit up with inspiration. "Clove," he declared proudly. "Clove Elkanzia. A name as unique and special as he is."
Overcome with excitement, Gerald carefully lifted his son into the air, laughing joyously. Vyenn's eyes widened in alarm. "Gerald! Be careful, you'll drop him!" she admonished, her tone sharp with concern.
Realizing his over enthusiasm, Gerald quickly but gently lowered the baby. "I'm sorry, love. I got carried away," he apologized, sheepishly. Vyenn's expression softened, and she couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, you big oaf. Just... hold our little Clove close, will you?"
The humble abode of the Elkanzia family was filled with an atmosphere of pure bliss. Laughter, tears of joy, and whispered promises of love echoed through the room. Little did they know, but the story of Clove Elkanzia, the extraordinary child born of two worlds, was only just beginning. His tale would be one of adventure, challenge, and destiny – a journey that would reshape the very fabric of their world.
5 YEARS LATER
In the heart of a luxurious building, where polished marble floors gleamed under soft fluorescent lights, Gerald sat in his crisp white uniform. The research lab buzzed quietly around him, with the hum of machines and the faint murmurs of researchers filling the sterile air. He adjusted his lab goggles, studying the glowing purple powder swirling gently in a glass tube he held up to the light.
"Hey, Clara, try this," Gerald called out, his voice laced with cautious optimism.
Clara, a sharp-eyed researcher with an air of authority, approached him. She took the glass tube from his hand, tilting it carefully to observe the substance within.
"Hmmm," she mused, her brow furrowing slightly. "The quality's better than before, but it's still not perfect. Might be hard to digest in its current state. But... this is progress."
Gerald let out a small, relieved chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I was thinking of adding some UJ38 to make it easier to digest, but it just won't mix with anything I've tried so far. It's stubborn stuff."
Clara tapped her chin thoughtfully, her mind already working on the problem. "Hmm, maybe we should—"
"Clara! The boss is calling you," a fellow researcher called out to her peekin through the labs door, interrupting her.
Clara straightened, handing the tube back to Gerald. "I gotta go, Gerald. Let's pick this up later. For now, just take a break, okay? You've been at this for hours."
"Yeah, sure," Gerald replied with a faint smile, though his tone carried the weight of unspoken exhaustion.
As Clara left, following the other researcher out of the lab, Gerald sank into his chair and let out a long sigh. He set the glass tube down carefully on the table before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small, worn photograph. His wife Vyenn and his son Clove smiled back at him from the picture, their faces a bittersweet reminder of his purpose.
"When I finish this research... I'll be rich. I'll give you guys the life you deserve," Gerald murmured, his voice soft but resolute.
His eyes drifted to his open notebook on the desk. Scrawled in bold letters across the top of the page was the entry:
"XP-67 Attempt: Failed."
The words stared back at him, mocking his progress. He flipped back through previous entries, each one cataloging a failure. XP-66, XP-65, XP-64—failure after failure. Yet each note carried small improvements, faint glimmers of hope.
He tapped his pen against the desk, his mind wandering back to the formula. "Maybe the ratio's off... or I need a different stabilizer," he muttered under his breath. The glowing powder held so much promise, but unlocking its true potential remained elusive.
A sudden knock on the lab door broke his train of thought. Gerald looked up to see a young assistant peeking in. "Mr. Gerald, do you need anything? Coffee, maybe?"
"No, thank you," he replied with a faint smile. "I'm good for now."
As the assistant disappeared, Gerald leaned back in his chair, letting his gaze drift back to the photograph. The faint hum of the lab filled the silence, a constant reminder of the work still to be done.
"I'll get there," he whispered, his fingers brushing over the image of Clove's face. "I'll get there for you."
The purple glow of XP-67 on the desk seemed to pulse faintly, almost as if responding to his determination.
"Clove! Come back here!" his mother called out, her voice a mixture of exasperation and amusement. She stood on the porch, her apron dusted with flour, watching as her five-year-old son darted across the sun-dappled lawn towards a group of children playing near the old oak tree.
With a fond shake of her head, she whispered, "Kids these days," a smile playing on her lips as she watched Clove's infectious laughter float back to her on the warm summer breeze.
Life in this quaint town had been nothing short of idyllic for young Clove. He had quickly made friends with the local children, each one unique and special in their own way. But among all his companions, Sara held a special place in his heart as his best friend. A half-elf with an ethereal beauty that belied her young age, Sara was the daughter of a human father and a high elf mother, her mixed heritage giving her an air of mystery that fascinated Clove.
Then there was Klein, a bespectacled boy with a shock of blonde hair and a mind as sharp as a tack. Despite his poor eyesight, Klein's intelligence shone through, making him a valuable ally in their childhood adventures. Adopted by a loving Dwarven couple, Klein brought a unique perspective to their little group, often regaling them with tales of Dwarven lore and customs.
Rounding out their circle of friends was Chloe, a charming girl from a wealthy family that owned the bustling restaurant in the heart of the city. With her glossy black hair always neatly tied back in a ponytail, Chloe exuded an air of sophistication beyond her years. Yet, despite her family's status, she remained down-to-earth, always ready to join in their games and share treats from her family's kitchen.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the group of friends decided to venture into the city, their laughter echoing off the cobblestone streets.
"Let's play hide and seek!" Sara suggested, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'll be the seeker!"
"Okay, but no using your elf senses to cheat," Klein teased, adjusting his glasses.
Sara stuck out her tongue playfully. "I don't need elf senses to find you, bookworm!"
"Come on, guys," Chloe interjected, "let's set some boundaries. How about we stay within the market square?"
Clove nodded enthusiastically. "Good idea! Ready, set, go!"
The children scattered, each searching for the perfect hiding spot. Clove darted between market stalls, finally ducking behind a large barrel of apples.
"I can see you, Clove!" Klein's voice carried from somewhere nearby. "Your shoe is sticking out!"
Clove quickly tucked his foot in, stifling a giggle. "Shh! Sara will hear you!"
"Found you, Klein!" Sara's triumphant voice rang out. "You really thought hiding behind a stack of books would work?"
Meanwhile, Chloe had cleverly hidden herself behind a tapestry hanging outside a textile shop. She could barely contain her excitement as she watched Sara walk by, completely oblivious.
"It was worth a try,"Klein's sheepish reply came.
As the game continued, the children's laughter filled the air, their joy infectious. Passersby couldn't help but smile at their antics, remembering their own carefree childhood days.
Vyenn and her friend sat at a cozy corner table in a bustling café after her son ran away to play she also went along and called a friend for a coffee, the rich aroma of coffee mingling with the faint sweetness of pastries in the air. The two women sipped their drinks, their eyes often drifting to the window where the afternoon sunlight bathed a group of children playing outside. Among them was Clove, laughing and running as he joined in a game of tag with his friends.
Vyenn smiled warmly, her eyes softening as she watched her son. "Kids these days..." she said with a light chuckle, shaking her head. "They're always playing around, day and night. Every evening, I'm out there chasing Clove down just to drag him back home."
Her friend laughed, resting her chin on her hand. "At least he's social. My daughter's too shy to even step outside the house. She's only three, but I really hope she'll grow out of it and join the other kids someday."
Vyenn chuckled with her, her laughter tinged with understanding. "They all grow at their own pace. Give her time."
The two shared a knowing smile before her friend leaned back and crossed her arms. "By the way, Vyenn, I haven't seen your husband Gerald around lately. How's he doing?"
Vyenn sighed, her smile fading just a touch. "Oh, Gerald's been at the lab for twelve days straight now. It's exhausting for him, but he makes sure to call us every night. He tells me about his day and always asks how Clove and I are doing."
"Twelve days?" her friend repeated, her brow furrowing. "What's keeping him there so long? What kind of job takes that much time away from his family?"
Vyenn stirred her coffee absentmindedly, her fingers tracing the edge of the cup as her gaze drifted to the soft glow of the café light above. "He says he's working on something revolutionary, something that'll make us rich," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mixture of hope and skepticism. "But it's not like we can't afford the basics. Sure, we eat bread and soup more often than I'd like, but that doesn't mean we're poor. I'm just saving up for Clove's enrollment when he grows up. We want him to experience a life that neither Gerald nor I ever had."
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Her lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes softening with concern. "But every time we talk, he's in such a bad mood. He makes little to no progress, or when he does, it never seems to go the way he hopes. It's hard to watch. I can tell it's wearing him down."
Her friend clicked her tongue sympathetically. "I can't imagine. My husband's been on a one-week break, and all he does is laze around the house. He's been doing nothing." She sighed heavily, rolling her eyes. "But I will say, he's a great father. At least he takes care of our kid when I'm not around."
Vyenn smiled faintly, shaking her head. "That's something, at least. Gerald's got a good heart, too. Even with everything on his plate, he makes sure to ask if Clove's eating well, if he's sleeping okay. Oh! He mentioned something interesting the other night about his work—they're actually creating—"
Ring, ring, ring.
Vyenn's words were cut short as her friend's phone buzzed on the table. "Oh, sorry about this, I need to take it," her friend said, already standing and grabbing her phone.
"Of course, go ahead," Vyenn replied with a polite smile as her friend stepped outside to answer the call.
Just then, a waiter approached with a tray. "Ma'am, one Java Patch and one Cappuccino Fresco?"
"Yes, that's mine," Vyenn said, gesturing to the table. The waiter set the drinks down with a nod, and Vyenn smiled faintly. "Thanks."
As the waiter moved on, Vyenn sighed softly and turned her attention back to the window. Clove was still outside, his cheeks flushed with excitement as he darted around with his friends. The sight brought a bittersweet warmth to her heart. She reached for her coffee, cradling the warm cup in her hands.
Her thoughts drifted to Gerald. What are you working on, Gerald? she wondered silently. What's keeping you away from us for so long?
Her gaze lingered on Clove, his laughter muffled by the café's glass panes. Despite everything, she found solace in moments like these, where her son's joy could momentarily ease the weight of her worries.
5 YEARS LATER
Time flew by, and five years passed in what seemed like the blink of an eye. The children had grown beautifully during this time.
"Hey, Mom! I gotta go, we're heading out now!" Clove shouted, his voice carrying over the bustle of the street as he turned to wave at her.
Vyenn smiled warmly, raising her hand in a small wave. "Alright, stay safe! I love you!" she called back, her voice filled with affection.
Clove took off running to join his friends, his laughter ringing out as he caught up to them. Barely a moment passed before one of his friends, Klein, snatched the snack Clove had brought along.
"Hey! That's mine!" Clove exclaimed, his face scrunching up in frustration as he reached for it.
"Hehehe, not anymore—it's mine now!" Klein teased, flashing a mischievous grin as he held the snack out of reach.
The group of kids erupted into laughter, their playful banter filling the air as Clove tried to wrestle his snack back. Even as they teased and chased each other, their joy was infectious.
Vyenn chuckled softly, shaking her head at the sight. Her son's determined pout and his friends' endless energy reminded her just how much Clove had grown. Watching him laugh and play so freely brought a deep sense of pride and warmth to her heart.
Clove had transformed into a strikingly handsome ten-year-old with long hair tied neatly with a rope, his gaze calm and thoughtful. Sara had blossomed into a captivating young girl, her hair dancing gracefully with the wind whenever she moved, and her smile lighting up those around her. Klein, already recognized as the youngest ten-year-old craftsman in the village, honed his skills under the watchful eyes of his parents. Meanwhile, Chloe had matured into an elegant young lady, the pride of her family, which now managed a network of restaurants that spanned the country.
In the heart of the bustling city, the renowned Arcanum Academy stood as a beacon of opportunity and prestige. Known far and wide, it was a place where, starting at the age of ten, young minds could begin their journey into a world of knowledge, magic, and mastery. For countless children, it was the first step toward forging their destinies.
This was the destination for Clove, Sara, Klein, and Chloe, who were now heading toward the academy together. The four of them piled into Chloe's sleek, well-polished car, driven by her family's loyal butler. The vehicle pulled smoothly away from the curb, navigating through the lively streets toward the heart of the city.
"I can't wait to get to the academy!" Klein exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat with excitement.
"Hey, Chloe, thanks for the ride! And thank you too, Sir Butler!" Clove said, glancing up at the driver with a grin.
The butler gave a polite nod, his eyes glinting with amusement as he smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure, young master Clove."
"Yeah, no problem," Chloe said, brushing her glossy black hair over her shoulder. "My mom insisted I bring you guys with me since the academy's so far away. She thought it would be safer this way."
"Then a big thanks to Chloe and her mom!" Klein declared dramatically, prompting a round of laughter from the group.
"How about you, Sara?" Chloe asked, turning her attention to the elegant girl beside her. "I thought your mom was going to give you a ride today."
Sara smiled softly, her long hair swaying slightly as she shook her head. "I declined. I told her I'd rather go with you guys—it's much more fun this way."
"Good choice!" Chloe replied with a grin.
"Alright, let's pass the time with a game," Klein suggested eagerly. "How about I Spy? But let's keep it limited to things inside the car!"
"Sure!" the others agreed enthusiastically.
"Okay, I'll go first," Klein said, adjusting his glasses as he scanned the car. "I spy with my little eye... something red."
Clove raised his hand quickly. "Uh... Sara's bracelet!" he guessed, pointing at the bright red accessory on Sara's wrist.
Klein snapped his fingers. "Got it! Alright, your turn, Clove."
The game continued, filling the car with laughter and cheerful banter as they passed through the vibrant city. The group's joy was infectious, and even the butler couldn't help but smile as he navigated the streets.
Before long, the car began to slow, turning onto a grand road lined with towering lampposts and intricate stone arches. The familiar gates of the Arcanum Academy came into view, their ornate engravings glinting in the sunlight.
“Here we are,” the butler announced, his voice calm but filled with the slightest hint of pride.
The children’s chatter quieted as they leaned forward, their eyes widening with awe. The sight of the academy—its spires reaching toward the heavens—was enough to leave even Klein momentarily speechless.
"Hey Clove, look! We're finally here—near Arcanum Academy!" Klein's eyes sparkled with excitement as he pointed towards the towering buildings.
"Woah..." The children collectively gasped. Before them rose magnificent, intricately designed structures that stretched towards the sky. The academy's buildings boasted eccentric patterns, elaborate carvings, and towering spires that gave off an air of both grandeur and mystery.
"My dream... it's finally happening!" Klein exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "Arcanum Academy—one of the top one hundred academies in the world. It's where nobles and the wealthy gather to study. The academy excels in crafting and literature, and it even offers classes in blessings and swordsmanship." His expression turned serious as he declared, "The Holy Knight Galahad graduated from here! Now, everyone calls him The Great Creator. One day, I'll work ten times harder to be like him. I'll shine so brightly that—"
Chloe playfully smacked him on the head, interrupting his grand proclamation. "Ouch!" Klein yelped, rubbing the sore spot while shooting her a mock glare.
"Stop dreaming, Klein," Chloe teased, her eyes gleaming with confident determination. "You're not the one who's going to shine here. It's going to be me! I'll follow in the footsteps of my idol—the Witch of the Valley. They say she started here at our age before being transferred to the Capital!"
Klein scoffed, unable to hide a grin. "You need to stop dreaming too, Chloe."
The exchange sent everyone into a fit of laughter—all except Clove. He stood quietly, a soft smile on his lips. All he wanted was to live happily alongside his friends and family.
Their merriment faded as they continued their approach to the academy's heart. Rising above all the other structures was a building that resembled a grand castle, adorned with intricate gears and curious designs. Its sheer scale left the children awestruck and speechless as they craned their necks to take in its majesty.
The group let out a collective "Woah," captivated by the mesmerizing view. The academy stood before them, its towering spires and ornate architecture bathed in golden light.
"Is it just me," Klein murmured, "or does it feel like we're staring at a dream?"
Sara nodded, her voice soft. "No, it's real. The Arcanum Academy..." She trailed off, unable to finish as the sight overwhelmed her.
The gates, enormous and engraved with intricate runes, began to creak open. The rhythmic clanking of gears reverberated, a sound both mechanical and ritualistic.
As the gates parted, Chloe gestured toward the courtyard beyond. "Look at all of them," she said, adjusting her scarf. "Merchants, nobles... and more."
The crowd inside was a swirl of colors and characters. Noble children stood in their elegant robes, merchants' heirs displayed vibrant, practical attire, and others carried themselves with unassuming yet unmistakable confidence.
Klein's eyes widened as he scanned the gathering. "No way," he whispered. "Jonathan's here."
"Jonathan?" Chloe asked, glancing at him.
"The son of the Sun merchant," Klein said, his voice trembling with awe. "His family's famous for selling secret maps. They say he knows the location of things no one else dares to find."
Sara crossed her arms. "Sounds shady."
"Shady or not, he's legendary," Klein replied, his gaze shifting to another figure. His breath caught. "And Lexi's here too."
Chloe's eyes narrowed as she found the girl Klein referred to. Dressed in sleek black with scarlet accents, her piercing crimson eyes seemed to cut through the crowd.
"The Demonic Baron's daughter," Klein explained. "Her father killed a billion demons when a demon crack tore open his lands. She's probably stronger than all of us combined."
"Not the friendliest face," Sara said dryly, her eyes lingering on Lexi.
Before they could comment further, another presence caught their attention. A silver-haired girl with shimmering nine tails stood quietly, her golden eyes scanning the crowd.
"Menoza," Klein said, his voice hushed. "She's from the Nine-Tail Clan."
"The ones who can create undying fire?" Chloe asked, fascinated.
He nodded. "And she's probably the youngest prodigy among them."
The gates fully opened with a heavy thud, and a deep bell tolled from the academy's central tower. The lively chatter among the students faded as everyone turned toward a figure stepping forward in flowing indigo robes.
"Welcome, new students," the figure began, their voice rich and commanding. "Today, you step into a world of potential, where your strengths, knowledge, and potential will be tested like never before."
The words resonated through the courtyard, and Klein clenched his fists, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. "We're really here," he said softly.
Sara glanced at him and gave a firm nod. "Let's show them what we're made of."
Chloe smiled faintly, her elegant demeanor returning. "Together."
With that, they stepped forward, ready to face the challenges that awaited them
As Clove stood before the grand gates of the Arcanum Academy, his heart raced with anticipation. This was the first step toward his future, a journey he had long dreamed of. He adjusted his bag, stealing one last glance at his friends, Sara, Klein, and Chloe, who were cheering him on from behind.
But just as he was about to take his first step onto the academy grounds—
BUZZZZZZ!!
The deafening sound tore through the air, unnatural and piercing. The town seemed to freeze, the buzz reverberating like a massive swarm of unseen insects. Civilians turned their heads in alarm, hands instinctively clutching at their ears.
"W-What's that noise?!" someone shouted, their voice barely audible over the droning hum.
A merchant near his stall dropped a basket of goods, his face pale. "This... this isn't normal. What's happening?!"
Mothers clutched their children tightly, eyes scanning the skies in fear. The atmosphere felt wrong—thick, oppressive, as if something catastrophic was about to unfold.
Clove froze mid-step, his heart pounding in his chest. His friends instinctively grouped together behind him, their wide eyes fixed on the heavens.
"Clove... what's going on?" Chloe whispered, her voice trembling.
Before anyone could answer, the source of the sound revealed itself. The sky—clear and serene only moments ago—began to distort. Thick, swirling clouds gathered unnaturally, forming a vortex high above the city.
And then, without warning, the heavens split open.
A massive, blinding white beam erupted from the swirling clouds, descending with terrifying speed. Its brilliance was overwhelming, searing the eyes of anyone who dared to look directly at it.
"Get down!" a guard shouted to the crowd, his voice desperate.
"Run!" screamed a shopkeeper, abandoning his stall and bolting for cover.
The beam struck the earth with a deafening roar, the impact sending shockwaves through the city. Buildings groaned and cracked as the ground itself trembled violently. Windows shattered in an instant, shards of glass raining down on the panicked citizens.
"Get back!" Klein yelled, grabbing Sara's arm as the blinding light expanded outward, swallowing the streets in a surge of raw, unfathomable energy.
But it was too late.
The beam unleashed its full fury, a tidal wave of destruction consuming everything in its path. Homes disintegrated, their walls crumbling like sandcastles under the relentless force. Streets dissolved into glowing ash, and people... people simply vanished. One by one, they were engulfed by the light, their screams cut short as they disappeared into nothingness.
Clove's vision blurred as the energy rushed toward him. He tried to move, to shield his friends, but his body wouldn't obey. His last sight before everything turned white was Klein pulling Sara close, his eyes wide with terror.
And then there was nothing but light.
The beam raged for what felt like an eternity, its hum growing louder and louder until it became deafening silence. When the light finally dimmed and the dust began to settle, the once-thriving city was no more.
The streets were gone, replaced by an enormous, smoldering crater. The buildings, the people, the vibrant life of the town—it had all been erased, leaving only charred remains and a haunting stillness.
As the ash swirled in the faint breeze, a figure emerged at the center of the devastation.
It was Clove.
His body lay crumpled at the bottom of the crater, his clothes tattered and singed. He was unconscious but miraculously unharmed, the sole survivor of an unimaginable catastrophe.
Above him, the faint hum of energy still lingered in the air, a chilling reminder of what had just transpired. Around the crater's edge, survivors from neighboring areas began to gather, their faces etched with disbelief and terror as they took in the destruction.
"What happened here...?" whispered an older man, his voice breaking.
A woman clutched her chest, her eyes filling with tears. "The city... it's gone. Everyone's gone."
Another fell to their knees, trembling as they stared at Clove's motionless figure. "Who is that? How is he still alive?"
No one could answer. The world itself seemed to hold its breath, as if recoiling from the violence it had just witnessed. Clove lay still, a lone figure in the vast emptiness, as the mystery of the beam hung heavily over the ruined land.