Prologue: August's Journey
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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Time to Leave the Nest
The days had come and gone far too swiftly, like autumn leaves caught in an unforgiving wind. It was now the beginning of a new season—the season of fall, when the world prepared to slumber beneath winter's approaching veil.
August, in his methodical way, had already bid his farewells to his friends and the other villagers. The memory of yesterday's celebration still lingered fresh in his mind: his twelfth birthday, a milestone that had transformed from joyous festivity into a bittersweet revelation. It was there, surrounded by familiar faces and the warmth of communal love, that he had unveiled his plans to venture into the greater world beyond their forest enclave.
The revelation had struck like lightning across a clear sky. The others—especially Angeline and the Trio—were shocked by the sudden announcement that only a handful of trusted souls had known beforehand. The adults had mostly been privy to these secrets, their weathered faces betraying nothing during the weeks of careful preparation. The secret had been remarkably well-kept, making the revelation all the more impactful, sending waves of tearful celebration rippling through the gathered children.
Yet August had been quick to offer reassurance, his voice steady despite the emotion threatening to crack it. He promised them it would only be until the snow had thawed and spring breathed life back into the world—he would return the following year, as certain as the seasons themselves. August harbored other intentions for this journey as well, deeper purposes that he kept close to his heart like treasured secrets.
He had also explained that he wouldn't be venturing forth alone into the unknown. An adult would accompany him on this perilous journey, and that adult would be Andy. The choice had been deliberate and wise—Andy's skills as a former merchant were invaluable, his knowledge of trade routes and market customs were extensive. Moreover, his credentials as a former mercenary lent him the hard-earned wisdom of what to expect in the world beyond their peaceful village borders. Andy understood the harsh realities that awaited beyond the protective embrace of their forest home.
In the months leading to his departure, August had been thoroughly educated and briefed by the village adults on various matters of survival and diplomacy. He had been rigorously trained by his master, Aetherwing, each lesson designed to better prepare him for the trials that lay ahead. Even their captive, Sandeval, had been consulted for his insights—approached without judgment despite his circumstances. He was, perhaps, the most qualified among them to inform August and Andy about the current state of the world, being their newest and most recent connection to the outside realm.
Sandeval, however, had not been chosen as August's traveling companion for this crucial journey. The reason was pragmatic and sobering: he was currently wanted by his former employer, a dangerous enemy whose reach extended far beyond their forest sanctuary. With their bloodhounds now dead and missing, Sandeval would surely be the prime suspect in their disappearance, making him a liability rather than an asset on the road.
The villagers, ever vigilant and protective, were also preparing for potential retaliation. They understood that additional enemies might come seeking answers, seeking revenge. But Aetherwing's reassuring presence and his promise that the previous catastrophe would not be repeated allowed August to depart with the knowledge that his beloved village would remain secure in his absence.
During the span of those final two months, August had trained relentlessly, hunting powerful beasts in the deepest parts of their forest territory. He rarely returned home, even during the most sweltering hours of the summer season, pushing himself beyond all previous limits. When he did return, it was only to continue his education, absorbing knowledge like parched earth drinks rain. His unwavering perseverance had eventually paid dividends that astounded even his mentors.
His level had reached eighteen [Lvl.18]—a remarkable achievement that filled him with quiet confidence and newfound strength. He estimated that he was now probably as formidable as the deceased bloodhounds they had fought previously. His movements had become streamlined and purposeful, each attack calculated and deliberate, every motion serving a deeper tactical purpose. His magical applications had evolved alongside his physical growth, becoming more refined and potent with each passing day.
Wisdom now gleamed in his young eyes—a depth of understanding that seemed far beyond his twelve years. His body, though still lean with youth, had developed a deceptive strength that rippled beneath the surface. The muscle definition spoke of countless hours of training, of battles fought and won against formidable foes. He possessed a power that even seasoned adults would struggle to contend with easily. His aura had grown increasingly fierce and untamed, like that of an apex predator stalking through its domain.
Even Aetherwing, with his ancient and discerning eyes that had witnessed centuries of powerful magical beasts and warriors alike, recognized the transformation. He knew, with the certainty that came from vast experience, that his ward could no longer be easily rivaled by common adversaries. The villagers, too, felt the profound change in August's presence. There was something different about him now—a cold, calculating intensity that reminded them of the great beasts that ruled the deeper forest. August's strides carried newfound confidence, and when he spoke, it was with the finality of someone who had found his purpose and would not be swayed from it.
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The Day of His Departure
The morning of departure arrived with the inevitability of sunrise. Before taking his leave, August sought one final, serious conversation with his Master Aetherwing. The ancient guardian's words would be the last guidance he received before stepping into the unknown.
"Lad," Aetherwing began, his telepathic voice carrying the weight of centuries, "you now possess strength that can protect you from many forms of harm. But never allow yourself to believe that you are the strongest being in existence. We are all merely frogs in the massive well we call the world. There will always be someone stronger, more powerful, more cunning than you. Before you resort to violence, carefully consider the probabilities and consequences that may follow such actions. Remember that you can never recover what has already been said and done. Think about it a hundred times before you commit to something you might later regret. You have already experienced the weight of such decisions—you know intimately what it feels like to live with the consequences of your choices."
The master's beastly eyes grew distant, as if seeing beyond the present moment. "But understand this: failure is not the end of all things, especially if you draw breath and your heart still beats. Failure is often the most effective teacher, the most honest guide toward future success. When you fail—and you will fail, as we all do—learn from it. Do not take every setback to heart; instead, look beyond the immediate pain and misery. Ask yourself: where can I take this failure beyond mere suffering? How can I transform this defeat into wisdom?"
Aetherwing reached into his massive wings and withdrew a leather/feathery pouch that seemed to shimmer with inner light. "I will give you this magical item pouch. It is enchanted to grow alongside its owner as you steadily upgrade and improve it. Currently, it exists in its most basic form and can hold twenty items within its dimensional space. Additionally, I have incorporated a special feature—it will alert me whenever you find yourself in mortal danger. To activate this emergency beacon, you must pour your blood upon the pouch's surface. Once activated, it becomes accessible only to you, and to no one else unless you explicitly grant them permission."
**[NOVICE - CLASS I - AETHERWING'S MAGICAL ITEM POUCH]**
Crafted by Aetherwing with the aid of August's SYSTEM using one of his own precious feathers combined with hides and leather from beasts August had previously hunted. It was his parting gift to his ward, August.
**Features:**
- 20-capacity item sub-space storage
- Alerts the creator when the owner faces mortal danger
- Accessible only to the designated owner
A/N: Items of the same type can be stacked together. For example, if August possesses a stack of Boarat meat, the maximum stack capacity is 20 pieces, occupying one subspace slot of his current 20-capacity limit. Each level upgrade adds 5 additional spaces and increases maximum stack capacity by 5.
August felt his heart swell with gratitude as he comprehended the incredible capabilities of this magical artifact his master had crafted specifically for him. Yet something about its creation struck him as peculiar—he had a growing impression that his SYSTEM had somehow influenced its eventual making, though he couldn't quite articulate why.
[SYSTEM: (NO COMMENT)]
Setting aside his curiosity about the pouch's origins, August bowed deeply before his Guardian Beast and Master. "Thank you for this precious gift, Master, and for everything you have done for me throughout these past few months. Your wisdom will guide me even when we are separated by great distances."
With gratitude filling his heart, August began the trek toward the village center, though his original plan had been to leave quietly in the pre-dawn darkness without waking the others. Those beloved rascals, however, had anticipated his intentions and had risen before the sun, preparing preserved foods and cooking fresh meals for his journey. They had even meticulously double-checked his inventory, ensuring he hadn't overlooked any crucial supplies.
Their nervous energy was palpable as they moved back and forth around him, chattering about various topics and requesting that he bring them gifts when he returned from his great adventure. But August understood the deeper meaning behind their seemingly casual words—this was their way of expressing their love and concern, their method of saying he should take care of himself and return safely to them. Their worries were etched clearly on their faces, like emotions painted on a living canvas.
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Goodbye for Now
When August arrived at the village center, he discovered that most of the villagers had gathered there to see him off. Andy stood among the crowd, his own traveling equipment already prepared by the caring hands of their community. The two travelers said their temporary farewells to the assembled villagers, and the air filled with a mixture of gentle sobs and brave smiles. The children displayed a complex array of emotions—sadness at his departure mixed with excitement for his adventure—but deep down, they possessed an unshakeable faith that August would thrive wherever his path led him.
They had known him longer than anyone else, had watched him grow from a mysterious child into the formidable young man before them. If anyone could survive the harsh realities of the woodlands and the even greater challenges of the outside world, it would be August. He had been forged by this forest, shaped by its trials and strengthened by its lessons. In their hearts, they knew with absolute certainty that August would not merely survive—he would succeed magnificently.
The final farewell belonged to Angeline, the girl August had rescued from the bitter embrace of death during those harsh winter months almost two years ago. She was no longer the timid, frightened child he had carried through the snow. Time and care had transformed her into a confident young woman who now stood before him with courage blazing in her eyes.
"Gel," August began, using the affectionate nickname that had grown between them, "please take care of things here while I'm gone. I promise I'll return after the snow thaws and spring returns to the world. Don't worry—I'll bring gifts for everyone when I come back from this journey." His voice carried a note of wonder as he continued, "It's strange, you know. I always thought you would eventually choose to leave this forest enclave, this tiny village we call home. But you stayed, and I cannot thank you enough for that choice. You've been my anchor, keeping me grounded and sane through everything we've faced together. So please, wait for me here. I hope you'll all still be in the village when I return. Goodbye for now, Gel."
Angeline had maintained her brave façade throughout the morning's ceremonies, but hearing August's heartfelt words finally broke through her carefully constructed composure. Tears began streaming down her cheeks, one by one, as if a dam had finally burst. Unable to maintain her distance any longer, she rushed forward and wrapped him in a fierce embrace, her face wet with tears and her voice thick with emotion as she whispered, "I'll see you later, Gus. Come back to us safely."
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The First Step of His Journey
With all words of love and temporary farewells exchanged, August and Andy began their measured trek toward the village gates. Each step August took seemed to shift his mental state, his focus narrowing and sharpening until it became laser-focused on the monumental task ahead. He was about to take his first steps beyond the protective boundaries of his childhood home, venturing forth into a vast world where countless lessons and challenges awaited his arrival.
The villagers remained gathered behind them, watching intently as the two figures gradually faded into the distance. They stood vigil until the travelers' silhouettes disappeared entirely, swallowed by the forest path that would eventually lead to the greater world beyond their sheltered valley.
As the last traces of August and Andy vanished from sight, questions hung in the air like morning mist. What would become of their beloved village in August's absence? How would their young hero face the countless challenges that would inevitably be thrown at him in the unforgiving world beyond their forest sanctuary? These were questions that only time would answer, mysteries that would unfold in the days and seasons to come.
The journey had begun, and with it, a new chapter in the legend of August—a chapter written not in the safety of familiar surroundings, but in the vast, dangerous, and magnificent world that lay waiting beyond the forest's edge.