Chapter 1 – The Forbidden Story
Late at night, in a room where the flickering light of a lamp fought against the darkness, an old man entered quietly.
He approached the bed where his grandson was already waiting, his eyes shining.
"So, my little darling, what story would you like tonight?" he asked with a smile.
The boy, unable to hide his excitement, exclaimed:
"Tell me the story of the knight who rescues the princess by fighting monsters!"
The grandfather stifled a laugh, then shook his head.
"Eliott, aren't you too old for these childish tales? Tonight, I have another story..."
Eliott frowned, offended.
"You know very well that all your stories end the same way: a hero saves a princess and falls in love. I want action, twists and turns, something lively!"
The old man, caught in a trap by his grandson's insistence, thought for a moment. Then, in a more serious voice, he said:
"Very well. I'll tell you the story of a boy... but not just any boy. This boy dreamed of shining in the eyes of the world. However, his fate was not a happy one. His story is dark, full of pitfalls, and your mother would kill me if she knew I was telling you. Do you really want to hear it?"
Eliott's curiosity reached its peak.
"Please, Grandpa! Tell me. And if Mom wants to hurt you, I'll protect you with Dad!"
The old man burst out laughing, a warm laugh that filled the room.
"Very well, my boy. Sit down, because this story is unlike any other."
Eliott, despite being only fourteen, climbed unashamedly onto his grandfather's lap. The room suddenly seemed bathed in an unforgettable warmth.
"So... it all began at the foot of a mountain, where rain was ravaging the land. Hundreds of slaves, chained and exhausted, were climbing the slope under threat of death.
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In the middle of this crowd, a boy of fifteen or sixteen was struggling to move forward. His emaciated body bore witness to malnutrition. His thoughts were racing:
I'm fed up... we've been walking for days on end.
An old woman walking beside him whispered in a weak voice:
"Be brave, my boy. In a few hours, we'll reach the gate. Once we're there, maybe we'll finally be free..."
But the young boy had a bad feeling. He stumbled in a puddle and, as he got up, saw his reflection.
Skin and bones... wavy black hair, tired green eyes... and that orange spot in my left eye. I look like a monster. Even my face, which could be handsome, is ruined by hunger.
When they reached the top, an imposing man stepped forward. His voice boomed:
— Listen to me, slaves. Today, you will enter the abyss of monsters. These portals, which appeared two hundred years ago, will send you to an unknown planet. There, you will have to survive a trial. If you succeed, you will achieve your first awakening... perhaps even an innate ability. And if you are truly lucky, you will be sent to the city of heroes, on Qunorr. But do not think that this will be the end: once awakened, you will have to return to the abyss.
Fear settled among the slaves. But the boy, trembling, dared to ask a question:
"Sir... what is the worst place on this planet? And how can we survive there?"
The old man stared at him for a long time before answering:
"The worst place is the Sea of Monsters. An endless ocean, infested with gigantic creatures. During the day, a few islands appear briefly... but at the bottom of the waters, something terrible lurks. If you fall there, pray for a quick death."
The boy felt his heart sink. I am cursed... I know I will fall there.
When it was his turn to enter the portal, he thought:
I refuse to die without a name. I don't want to be "the slave" anymore.
He asked the old woman to name him. She smiled weakly:
"I will call you Raphael. May this name accompany you, my boy."
For the first time in a long time, the young boy smiled.
"Thank you... I will keep that name."
Then, without hesitation, he stepped through the gate.
[Challenger! Your first trial is about to begin.]
Shocks engulfed him. When they stopped, Raphael opened his eyes... and found himself falling into an endless ocean.
"I knew it... damn it!" he cried, in despair.