On a night when the full moon shone brightly, it became the iconic sight of the city of Raisymad—known by its title "Eternal Light in Darkness City." The city appeared like a paradise on earth.
After waiting for some time, Rawin spoke to his grandfather, "Grandfather, can you tell me about my parents' past?"
His grandfather replied, "Are you sure you still wish to hear it?"
Rawin nodded. "Yes, Grandpa. Please tell me the story of my parents."
His grandfather nodded slowly. "This is the truth from fifteen years ago—hidden by the elders and the chiefs of the tribe."
Rawin asked again, "Why did they hide the truth, Grandpa?"
His grandfather sighed. "Because they didn't want to be punished for the sins they committed."
"Was the punishment that severe?" Rawin asked.
"Yes," his grandfather answered. "A punishment so great that even three hundred years wouldn't be enough to atone for it."
Fifteen years ago, an expedition was held to expand the territory of the Northern Tribe. It was planned by the fifth elder, Norten, who aimed to push beyond the mountain borders. The plan had been rejected several times before, as previous expeditions had ended with hundreds of warriors vanishing without a trace. One survivor spoke of shimmering creatures, and soon after, the story was linked to the legend of the Glossy Beasts.
It was said that Glossy Beasts were ancient creatures from the depths of hell, still alive to this day. They were categorized into several ranks:
I. Minius – [Not Dangerous] Causes only minor injuries.
II. Norma – [Moderately Dangerous] Can easily kill one person.
III. Greate – [Dangerous] Can easily kill ten people.
IV. Alph – [Highly Dangerous] Can easily kill a hundred people.
V. Ancien – [Extremely Dangerous] Can easily kill ten thousand people.
VI. Myt – [Unpredictable] Estimated to kill five hundred thousand people with ease.
VII. Celest – [Unpredictable] Estimated to kill ten million people effortlessly.
Because of this, the Northern Tribe formed a warrior hierarchy consisting of eight levels of strength:
I. Whisper Novi – [Beginner] Cannot yet match the power of two ordinary people.
II. Breez Initia – [Basic] Possesses strength equivalent to ten people.
III. Gale Warrior – [Lower] Advanced strength equal to thirty people.
IV. Tempt Knight – [Intermediate] Special strength equivalent to eighty people.
V. Stor Lord – [Upper] Elder-level power equal to two hundred people.
VI. Zeph Sage – [Elite Upper] Chief-level strength equal to eight hundred people.
VII. Wind Saint – [Divine Deputy] Wields power comparable to the lesser gods.
VIII. Wind True Sky – [God] Possesses immeasurable strength, estimated to equal one million people.
During that expedition, Rawin's mother, Milta, was pregnant with him. She was actually ordered to return to Raisymad, but a fierce snowstorm raged for more than three months, preventing her return. Rawin's father, Risten, grew increasingly worried about the fate of his wife and unborn child as the blizzard continued endlessly.
The expedition dragged on, and many warriors perished—twenty Breez Initia, five Gale Warriors, and one Tempt Knight. It was the greatest loss in Northern Tribe history. Yet, Commander Norten still refused to abandon his ambition for expansion.
Eventually, Milta gave birth to a healthy baby boy and named him Rawin. But fate was cruel—she fell gravely ill soon after and passed away.
Sensing that the next battle would pit them against a horde of Alph Beasts, Risten entrusted his newborn son to his closest friend, Tirsa, saying, "I'm certain we will face a large group of Alph Beasts in the next battle. When that happens, I want you to stay in the rear lines and flee if you have the chance."
Tirsa protested, "Why should I run and leave my comrades behind?"
Risten replied, "Because I want you to protect my son. Take him to his grandfather."
Tirsa asked, "Why won't you flee with me?"
Risten smiled bitterly. "Because I can't—my duty as a Tempt Knight forbids me."
With tears in her eyes, Tirsa said, "Very well. I'll protect your child with my life, my dear friend."
"Thank you, my friend," Risten replied solemnly.
And just as Risten predicted, they encountered ten Alph Beasts, thirty Greate Beasts, and a hundred Norma Beasts. The battlefield became a mountain of corpses and fire. Tirsa fled as instructed, crying and filled with guilt. When she finally reached Raisymad, she reported everything to the elders and the tribal chiefs. But instead of being honored, she was sentenced to death by hanging.
The incident was buried in secrecy—only the elders, the chiefs, and Rawin's grandfather, Dalwin, knew the truth, as Tirsa had told him before approaching the council. It became one of the tribe's most tragic untold histories, without memorial or mourning.
Rawin turned to his grandfather and said, "Grandfather, can't I do something to the elders and the chiefs?"
Dalwin shook his head. "With your current strength, the gap between you and them is like the distance between a canyon and a mountain."
Rawin clenched his fists. "Then allow me to train outside the village, Grandpa."
Dalwin sighed, then nodded. "I expected you would say that. But remember—the outside world is dangerous if you are careless."
Rawin smiled. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I'll handle whatever lies ahead."
Dalwin then said, "I have an old friend who lives near the mountain border, in Geyser Village. His name is Herkel. Tell him my name—he'll help you. And if he pretends not to remember, tell him this phrase: 'Unrequited love.' That will jog his memory."
Rawin laughed lightly. "Alright, Grandpa. I'll remember that."
After several days of preparation, Rawin was ready to depart.
"Don't forget what I've taught you," said Dalwin.
"Of course, Grandpa. I remember everything," Rawin replied.
"Good," Dalwin said softly. "I've also packed you a pouch of gold coins. It should be enough to last until you reach Geyser Village."
"Thank you, Grandpa. I promise I'll return safely," said Rawin.
Dalwin smiled warmly. "Your grandmother Melisa and I will be waiting for you here, in this cottage."
Rawin smiled back, waved his hand, and set off into the unknown.