During the tournament, Mole had slipped away for a bathroom break. On his way back, he noticed a man walking through the stadium halls. The man wore a long brown gown with a hood that concealed his face, and he leaned on a wooden stick as he moved slowly.
Curious, Mole decided to tail him.
The mysterious man wandered beyond the stadium, through the bustling Kingdom of Ignisia, until he reached a bridge that overlooked a calm river. There, he sat down on a wooden bench, watching the waters below.
Without turning his head, the man spoke, "You've followed me long enough. Come, sit."
Mole blinked, startled. He stepped forward and slowly took a seat beside the man.
The stranger pulled back his hood, revealing a bald head, a thick black beard, and deep blue eyes. His brown skin was weathered by years, and though he looked no older than forty, his gaze carried the weight of experience.
"My name is Zephyr Dine," he said with a warm smile.
ZEPHYR: Hello, child. How can I help you on this fine day?
MOLE: Ay ay—(pointing at him) Hey old dude, what's with the creepy gown? I thought you were some kind of thief...
ZEPHYR:So you thought? (laughs) Come now, sit and talk with me. Tell me about yourself.
MOLE: I'm not telling a stranger anything. How about you tell me about yourself first?
ZEPHYR: (smiling) Fair enough. My name is Zephyr Dine. I am a traveler.
MOLE: Where are you from?
ZEPHYR: From the east, beyond the mountains. But it's not where I grew up.
MOLE: You talk so slow… You're kinda boring.
ZEPHYR: (chuckling) Maybe you just need to learn patience. Either way, I'd like to know you, Mole.
MOLE: (eyes wide) Wait—how do you know my name?!
ZEPHYR: Three years ago, I met a man who spoke fondly of his three sons. I suspected you were one of them the moment I saw you—especially since you talk too much.
[Meanwhile, back at the stadium]
COMMENTATOR: What a fantastic match! Congratulations to the victor!
SHAWN: Have you seen Mole?
LLOYD: He left earlier—said he was heading to the restroom.
SHAWN: Let's go look for him.
MOLE: (frowning) You knew my father?
ZEPHYR: Yes. He spoke proudly of all of you.
MOLE: (voice trembling) He… he died fighting to protect the village. So did my mother. I never got to say goodbye… but I swore—on their memory—I'd protect my brothers and the village. No matter what, I'll become strong. (tears falling, but smiling)
ZEPHYR: I'm sorry for your loss. You're brave and determined. But remember this: not all things can be protected by strength alone.
MOLE: I don't get it… Anyway, I need to find a master to train me.
ZEPHYR: Good luck with that. (chuckles)
MOLE: What's so funny?
ZEPHYR: I don't sense any elemental energy from you.
MOLE: (clenching his fists) So what?! I don't care about powers. I'll train. I'll fight. I'll protect everyone—even if it costs me my life! I won't fail, and I won't break my promise, old man!
(Mole storms off.)
ZEPHYR:(whispers) The second son of Hosi Thorn… if only he knew.
Scene Change: Back at the Stadium
Mole returned to the stadium and saw his brothers searching for him. He waved them over.
MOLE: Let's go home. Who won the tournament?
As they walked, Mole asked about the matches he missed, pretending nothing happened.
Scene Change: The Next Morning
Mole woke up from the same troubling dream (as seen in Chapter 1). He kept it to himself.
In the kitchen, Lloyd was reading while Shawn cooked breakfast. Mole sat down silently.
Far away, in the woods near Hosi Village (20 km from the Kingdom of Ignisia), Zephyr was seen sleeping on top of a tree at 7:20 a.m.
A village scout spotted him.
SCOUT: Hey! Who's up there?
ZEPHYR: (descending calmly) My apologies. I was just passing through. It was late, so I rested here for the night.
The scout, seeing no danger, let him pass.
Zephyr continued walking toward Ignisia.
Later That Day
Mole, now in Ignisia, continued his hunt for a teacher. He had been looking since he was five years old. Now eight, he'd been rejected over and over—always for the same reason: no elemental ability.
Yet every morning, he showed up at new doors with a smile.
Rejected again, Mole wandered the market, discouraged.
He overheard a conversation about a man who trained anyone—regardless of powers.
He rushed to an old fruit vendor.
MOLE: Where did you see that man?
WOMAN: That'll be 5 bronze coins.
Mole handed her a silver coin.
WOMAN: Thank you, kind boy. He just passed through, heading toward the bridge. Wore a brown gown. You won't miss him.
Mole sprinted toward the bridge.
Suddenly, a horse-drawn cart sped past him.
Inside, a girl his age (short pink hair, blue T-shirt, white skirt) was with two older men.
The girl headbutted one, causing a chaotic crash near the bridge. The horse and men fell into the river. The girl clung to the side of the wrecked cart, dangling over the water.
Mole rushed to help but couldn't lift the heavy cart. As it shifted, she lost her grip.
MOLE: No!
She fell—and Mole dove in after her.
The current was strong, dragging them swiftly. Mole held onto her tightly, trying to swim, but the river was too strong.
Suddenly, a man jumped in and pulled them both to shore.
It was Zephyr.
MOLE: (coughing) Hey old man... thanks. (bows)
MOLE: (to the girl) Why did you headbutt that guy?
GIRL: They were taking me against my will. I had to fight back.
MOLE: (to Zephyr) Why didn't you tell me you were a teacher?
ZEPHYR: (smirking) You never asked.
Mole stood up and bowed deeply.
MOLE: Please… become my teacher!
ZEPHYR: I'll accept—but only on one condition.
MOLE: Anything.
ZEPHYR: I need food and a place to stay.
MOLE: Done!
ZEPHYR: Good. Then I'll start your training next week. For now… I have a city to explore.