In the Shadows of the Espinaza Forest, One of the States of the Kingdom of Demar,
Aryan, fourteen years old, was training with a wooden sword in a heavy silence, pierced only by the sound of the wind and the gasps of the branches. His black hair clung to his forehead, and his brown eyes glowed with a restrained anger, as if they contained a world of hatred yet to be born.
Beside him, Arthur and Samer exchanged glances, observing his sharp, focused strikes.
Arthur, whispering as he pointed at Aryan: "Look at him, how professional he looks."
Samer: "Let's go ask him, maybe he'll teach us how he became like this."
They approached him, sweat dripping from his neck as he lowered his sword.
Arthur: "Aryan, how did you become this strong?"
Aryan stared at his wooden sword, then muttered without raising his head:
Aryan: "Anger… it's what drives me. The more I tame it, the more it becomes my power and my weapon. I want to join the army… like Lieth."
They continued training until night crept upon them, and the moon appeared like a white eye watching from above. When they were done, Aryan waved his hand:
Aryan: "See you later, guys."
He returned to his modest home, where there was no luxury or warmth, just silent walls that choked the air. He entered to find his mother, Sarah, and his father, Real, sitting at a simple table, staring at him.
Real, arrogantly: "You must be ready… I saw a vision from the god Demar, where he tortures you."
Sarah, with a cold calmness: "The will of the god must be done."
Aryan, casting a blank look at the table: "I know… no need to remind me. We've been doing this for a long time."
He entered his room. It was strangely neat, as if the arrangement was a ritual, with a balcony overlooking the sky, and a small desk next to the wooden bed.
Real entered behind him, holding a cane.
Real, with a faint smile: "By the cane or by the hands this time?"
Aryan: "It doesn't matter... as long as the will of the god has been issued."
Real began to strike his feet, then slapped his face. Aryan didn't move. His tears fell silently, as if the pain couldn't find a mouth to scream through.
Real, surprised: "You're crying… but you don't make a sound?"
Aryan, in a soft voice: "If I screamed… it would be a protest against the will of the god. My tears are the only thing I can't control. Tell the god to forgive me."
Real: "I will."
Then he kicked him, and Aryan fell beside his bed, staring at the sky through his small window.
Aryan (internally): "Am I really here? Is this life? Or a dream? Why is the god tormenting me? This must be a nightmare..."
A faint voice In the corner of the room – Black: "Everything is real, brother. But it will end soon. Just be stronger… and endure."
Aryan fell asleep from sheer exhaustion, on the floor.
With the first rays of the sun, its light crept through the room's window, touching Aryan's closed eyelids as if waking him from a nightmare. He opened his eyes in panic, cold sweat dampening his forehead.
(Aryan, whispering to Black sitting in the shadows): "The holiday is over… time to return to another hell: school."
He slowly got up from the floor, his body aching from the previous day's beatings, but his face showed nothing. He entered the bathroom, took a shower, and wore his school uniform. Sarah was watching him from the corner of the room, her gaze hateful, as if she was burning to see something that wasn't happening.
He took his silent meal and left. His close friend, Maher, was waiting for him outside, carrying his bag and smiling despite everything.
(Maher, with a faint smile): "Good morning, you gloomy warrior."
(Aryan, with bitter sarcasm): "Morning, shadows."
They exchanged greetings and walked together toward the school near Aryan's house. The first class was geography, and the classroom was of medium size, with windows overlooking the quiet neighborhood. They sat at the front seat, near the door.
(The teacher, with a deep voice): "Today's lesson is about the geography of the five human kingdoms: Velindra, Actonia, Al-Sa'ida, Demar, and Salomar. These kingdoms were once united under the banner of a great sorcerer named Ralph, who brought peace after devastating wars, establishing a great empire. But after his death... hatred returned, and division followed. Now, forecasts predict the approach of new epic wars."
The teacher paused for a moment, pointing to a large map on the wall.
(The teacher): "This empire is surrounded by the 'Great Ocean,' and beyond it lies the 'Empire of Nature'… a distant neighbor, yet alwayss watching us."
The lesson ended, and the students left. Aryan and Maher went to the breakyard.
(Maher, looking at his food in disgust): "My mom made fish again… I've told her a hundred times I hate It."
(Aryan, opening his meal): "Take my plate... I have meat and rice. Trade me."
But before they could begin their meal, three boys entered the yard. Zaid, Hisham, and Mokhtar. Their faces were filled with contempt, and their eyes searched for a target… and it landed on Maher.
Maher (smiling): "Yeah, just a bit of fish."
Arian: "You don't have to give them your lunch, Maher."
Mukhtar: "Why are you interfering, coward?"
Hisham: "You wanna fight?"
(Arian grabs Hisham's hand, challenging him): "Bring It on, fat boy."
The fight broke out—Mukhtar struck Arian, and they wrestled until Arian managed to throw him to the ground.
Hisham (quickly): "You think you're strong like your dad?"
Arian froze. They began beating him while he stood motionless. His tears began to fall silently as he stared at the ground. Maher tried to interfere, and they beat him too. After a while, they left them alone.
On their way home...
Maher (gently reproaching): "I told you I'm fine. I just can't dodge them forever. If a small sacrifice can solve a problem, I don't mind."
Arian (glancing sideways): "I know. I just hate bullies."
Maher: "But why did you freeze when they mentioned your father?"
Arian: "It doesn't matter now."
They walked silently until they reached Arian's house—it was closer to the school. They said goodbye.
As Arian entered the house, he was surprised to see his brother Laith had returned from the army,he was tall with white hair and green eyes.
Arian (excited): "Laith! When did you get back? You didn't tell me you were coming today!"
Laith (laughing): "I wanted to surprise you."
Arian rushed to hug his brother tightly.
Laith (ruffling his hair with a laugh): "I've got so many stories to tell you, but today we're heading to the Fight Club. My friend Uqab is waiting. Go change your clothes, let's go!"
Arian (smiling): "Alright."
Meanwhile, Real and Sarah were watching Arian and Laith quietly. When the chance came, Sarah approached Arian.
Sarah (serious tone): "Don't tell Laith about the visions, Arian."
Arian (smiling faintly): "Don't worry. I know."
They headed to the combat club, located near the forest where Arian usually trained. Along the way, Laith recounted the strange creatures he'd seen, the dragon they encountered, and the battles he fought to defend the kingdom of Demar. Arian listened intently, a soft smile on his face with every word.
Laith: I'm leaving the day after tomorrow, but don't worry—I'll be back In a month, in the heart of winter.
Arian (lowering his lips): You're leaving so soon... But it's alright, I'll always wait for you. Next time, you'll train me with the sword yourself.
Laith laughed in agreement. Soon, they reached the combat club—an old, circular wooden hut lit inside with torches. A few makeshift benches were scattered around, and at the center stood a large wooden fence forming the fighting ring.
Uqab (laughing): Welcome, Laith! And welcome to your brother. There's a match going on now—Idris versus Jabbar.
Idris entered the ring—a young man of average build, but with a sharp presence. Then came Jabbar, a large, muscular man. The bell rang. Jabbar charged in, striking Idris and knocking him to the ground. Idris quickly recovered and activated his Rava, setting his fist ablaze.
Laith: Isn't using Rava in the ring forbidden?
Uqab: In the Dinari fights, everything is allowed.
Arian watched with intense focus, clearly enjoying the fight. He thought Jabbar would win, but after taking several hits, Idris began to read his opponent's fighting style. He dodged multiple strikes, waiting for the right moment. When Jabbar went in for a heavy blow, Idris ducked and landed a fiery punch to his liver, dropping him to the cheers of the crowd.
Arian (to Laith): I thought Jabbar would win.
Uqab: Don't judge a book by its cover, like Jabbar did—or you'll fall just like him.
Idris (shouting): Who else wants a beating, you bastards?
Uqab (to Laith): You're gonna let him talk that much, Laith?
Laith jumped over the fence.
Laith: Come at me, then.
Idris lunged straight for his face, but Laith dodged. Another punch—dodged again. Laith countered with an uppercut to the chin, sending him to the ground.
Laith: True, my Rava isn't powerful, but my mind and body are sharper than yours.
Arian jumped into the ring, chanting, "Laith won! Laith won!" Laith thanked him with a smile. Shortly after, they bid Uqab farewell and left.
Laith (on the way): Fighting makes you hungry. Hey, Arian, I know a good place to eat nearby.
They went to the restaurant, ordered their food, and spent the evening laughing and talking until they returned home. Two days later, Laith departed, after a heartfelt farewell and a promise that he'd be back soon.