The old man noticed a movement in the woods. His expression changed.
Old Man (to John): "Stay inside. No matter what you hear—do not come out. And no one can come in... unless they pass through me."
He walked toward the trees, disappearing into the shadows.
In the distance, he saw a woman in red. She looked just like the one from five years ago... only younger.
They didn't speak. They launched into combat immediately—fighting like warriors born for this moment.
John watched them silently from behind the trees. He had followed despite the warning.
They clashed for what felt like hours, their movements fast and deadly. Then, the girl raised her sword for a final strike. The old man was vulnerable.
John leapt in and blocked the blow, saving him.
Old Man (angrily): "I told you to stay back!"
John: "I just saved your life!"
He turned to the girl, eyes sharp. With one quick move, he knocked her down.
John (serious): "Before I kill you—who are you? What do you want with us? Why are you here? And where are you from?"
Girl (scared): "My name is... Mary."
Before she could say more, the old man struck her, knocking her unconscious.
John (furious): "Why did you do that?! She already gave up!"
Old Man: "We're in the wild. Out here, we take no chances. We'll keep her alive—and find out what she knows."
---
A few hours later, Mary woke up—her eyes alert and body tense. She looked ready to strike.
Old Man (calm but cold): "Don't even think about it. I let you live in the wild because you're still a child. But in my house—you're the enemy. I could kill you without even lifting a finger."
She saw a glowing mark on his hand. Her eyes widened in shock.
Narrator:
That mark... it told her everything. He was a Lord of Five Acts. He had lived for over 100 years. He was one of the few left.
Mary dropped to her knees, trembling.
Old Man (stern): "Why are you here?"
John entered the room and slammed the door.
John (demanding): "What's going on?!"
Mary (softly): "I'm Mary. I came here... to find John."
Old Man: "Why?"
Mary: "Because... he is the new Lord."
The old man understood what she meant. But John stared at them, confused, sensing there were things they weren't telling him.
The old man entered Mary's mind to read her thoughts—but something unexpected happened. He was kicked out.
John (shocked): "What just happened?"
Old Man: "She blocked me. That shouldn't be possible... unless—"
John (interrupting): "Tell us everything. Now. Or we'll get it out another way."
---
Mary (sighing):
"Alright… A long time ago—
(wind howling in the background)
—I lived under the rule of a man named Don. He was fearless... and feared. Power-hungry. Ruthless. He wanted the throne—and took it.*
He killed the last king in battle. Then, he slaughtered every good man who stood against him. He enslaved their wives and children. He executed anyone who resisted.
At the time... you, John, were just a child. Your mother was pregnant—with your little sister."
John (shocked): "I have a sister?"
Mary: "Yes. She's locked in the prison—with your mother."
John's hands clenched into fists.
Mary:
"After Don took the throne, a prophecy was revealed:
That a boy would be born—one who would rise, defeat Don, and rule the people with love and justice.
Don was terrified. He sent his army to find and kill you.
On the night they attacked, we fought to protect you.
Innocent people died for your sake.
My mother—her name was Mary too—gave her life to save yours. I was named after her."
She paused, breathing deeply.
Mary (gently): "It's time, John. You must come with me. You're the prophecy."
---
John looked around. His mind raced. Everything felt heavy.
John (quietly): "This is... too much. I need air."
He stepped outside, tears in his eyes. The wind brushed his face. He clenched his jaw.
John (to himself): "I have to make them pay... for everything they've done."
Old Man (following): "You're not ready yet. Don't let your emotions cloud your path."
John: "You've said that for too long!"
Old Man: "And I'll keep saying it. You are not ready."
John (challenging): "Then stop me! I'd love to see you try."
John walked straight through the invisible barrier that had kept him inside for years.
The old man didn't move.
Old Man (to Mary): "He's ready. Watch over him. He's strange... but he needs someone to have his back."
He handed her a sword.
Old Man: "Take this. It's for him. The spirit of the ancient ancestors lives in that blade."
Old Man (to Mary):
"Keep it safe. He will need it in the future. Give it to him only when the time is right—when he's ready to awaken the spirit inside it."
He looked into the distance, his voice low.
Old Man:
"Remember... eyes are on you. Watch out—for your enemies may be your friends. No one must know about him. Our fate is in his hands."
He glanced back at John with quiet admiration.
Old Man (softly): "He's a good kid."
John noticed the old man staring and ran toward him, a mix of emotion on his face. He hugged him tightly.
John: "Come with me!"
Old Man (gently): "You don't need me yet. I'll be there when you truly need me. Just call me."
John: "How am I supposed to do that?"
Old Man (smiling faintly):
"You'll figure it out. Just believe in yourself. You can do all things. Don't fight it. Embrace what you have."
He paused, then looked at John with sharp, piercing eyes.
Old Man (firmly): "Do you understand what I said, son?"
John (nodding): "Yes... I will miss you."
The old man gently pushed John away, then turned toward the door.
Old Man (with a faint smile): "Get some sleep. You've got a long day ahead of you."
At dawn, before anyone awoke, the old man left.