Edlin turns around and sees a girl calling him "brother" — and then suddenly, that same girl, his sister, runs into his arms and, with a voice full of pain, says:
Amber - Where were you all this time, brother?
Edlin didn't remember who the girl was, but when she called him "brother," he, without thinking twice, hugged her tightly.
Edlin makes her sit down, and as time passes, Amber realizes that Edlin has lost his memory.
Then Amber says:
Amber - You don't remember anything… truly nothing at all, brother?
Edlin - No, I don't even know what happened to Dong. He was with me, and now he's not. When I found out, I couldn't believe it. I'm scared something might have happened to him.
Then Amber says with pride:
Amber - Dong will be fine, brother. He's always been a bit mischievous, but he's not weak enough for anyone to kill him easily. I'm sure he's fine and probably hiding to protect himself. After all, we trained under Uncle Strider, and I have full faith in that training.
"Alright, we'll talk tomorrow. You rest first."
Amber leaves, and Edlin sits beside his father for a while. After some time, he falls asleep. In the morning, he wakes up and sees that his father is already gone. In a panic, he starts searching for him and then spots his father standing outside, leaning on a stick for support.
Edlin - Father, you still need rest, and here you are standing.
Strider - Don't think of me as weak, son. I've faced worse conditions than this. Come, follow me, I have something to show you.
Strider leads Edlin into a house, and suddenly, Edlin feels a sharp pain in his head. As he looks around, the house feels strangely familiar, like he's seen it before.
Edlin - It feels like… I've been here before.
Strider - This is where we live — your childhood memories are tied to this place. You, Amber, Dong, and Joshua used to play here. Oh, and yes, you haven't met Joshua yet, have you?
Edlin - Joshua? Is he… also my friend?
Strider - More than just a friend — the four of you considered each other brothers. And among you, Joshua is the eldest.
Edlin - ohh..
Strider - My son, you must rest here for two days. After that, you, Joshua, and Albert will set out on a journey. There's a place in the Snowy Mountains that I've marked on my map — you three must go there. And then, you'll have to find out what happened to Dong.
But remember, the Snowy Mountains are ruled by King Khandak — whose brother… you killed.
And then, Strider walks over to a hidden compartment and pulls out a sword and a shield. As soon as Edlin lays eyes on them, he feels a strange pull — as if the weapons are calling out to him. The sword gleams with a silver-blue hue, its edge so finely forged it seems to hum with power. The hilt is wrapped in deep crimson leather, worn but strong, perfectly molded for his grip. The shield, round and polished, bears the crest of an ancient warrior clan, with runes carved along its rim that shimmer faintly in the light.
It was clear — these weren't ordinary weapons. Their craftsmanship was flawless, the kind only a master smith with generations of knowledge could create. They had endured time, war, and perhaps even legend. Holding them felt like holding history itself.
Strider says with quiet pride,
"These were meant for you. They've waited long enough."
As Edlin looks at them, a spark lights up in his eyes — a mix of awe, recognition, and something deeper… as if a forgotten part of him is awakening.
Strider - It's an old habit of yours — you've always been drawn to swords and shields. Whenever you saw one, your eyes would light up just like they are now.
This is a symbol of our bloodline — this sword and shield that the world has long forgotten. They were always meant for you. I had them forged by the most skilled dwarf smith I ever knew, crafted only for you. From this day forward, they are yours.
Edlin takes the sword and shield in his hands and gives them a swing. To his surprise, they move with him like extensions of his own body — swift, balanced, and precise. He can hardly believe it… How could he wield them so naturally?
Strider - Son, you must go to the Snowy Mountains — because I hid some things there from our bloodline… and a medicine, one of a kind in this world. I hid it in case something ever happened to me, so that one day you could find it, learn the truth about our family's past, and absorb that medicine.
It's not just any remedy — it's like an elixir… a source of great strength, meant only for you.
Edlin - So, father, you had already done so much in advance.
But what other secret is hidden there that you've kept from me? I feel like it must be a very precious treasure—just like this sword .
Edlin stays in the village for two days, and during this time, he meets Joshua. Joshua tells him about Buranai in hopes that it might help Edlin remember something, but it has no effect. Joshua also meets Albert and thanks him for helping Edlin so much. One by one, Joshua, Amber, and Strider share old memories with Edlin, but his memories still remain blurry. And so, two days pass.
Strider has also started walking and sitting properly again, and the time comes to prepare for the next journey. Strider had already convinced Joshua to join, and Joshua was ready—he wanted to find his brother and help Edlin as well. So Edlin, Joshua, and Albert were now prepared to set off on their next journey.
Early in the morning, they were all ready to leave. Edlin arrived with his father, while Joshua stood prepared, wearing armor. Albert was there too—and so was Amber, who didn't want to let her brother go. But she had to understand, even if it was difficult. Everyone mounted their horses, but Albert was still talking to Strider.
(Strider to Albert)
Strider - Sir Albert, I know you are with my son and will help him, and I am truly grateful for that. But Sir Albert, there is something important I need to tell you.
Albert's expression turned serious. He stepped closer, sensing the weight in the Strider's voice.
Albert - What is it?" he asked quietly. "You have my full attention.
Strider - Albert, when the orcs attacked, I saw something I had never seen before—all the orcs had red eyes, and there was a strange black mark on their necks. And you know what that signifies—Shadows.
Albert is shocked and says,
Albert - Shadows? No, this can't be. They were defeated 400 years ago.
And how do you know all of this?"
Who are you sir Strider ?
Strider - Hmm, Albert, now is not the time to ask who I am, because if the Shadows are real, you shouldn't stay here. Go and inform Commander Zack.
Because you must already know how dangerous the Shadows are—the sworn enemies of mankind."
Hearing this, Albert immediately starts to leave. Joshua and Edlin are confused, wondering what Strider had said that made Albert rush off so quickly. Albert gestures to Strider and says, "We should leave." Strider nods, giving his permission. Everyone is confused, but the three of them say their goodbyes and head off in different directions.
(Albert says to Edlin and Joshua)
Albert - We have to leave now. I'll explain everything on the way.
And in this way, Edlin, Joshua, and Albert set out on their next journey.
To be continue...