I asked the chief of the tribe:
— "What happened? And why were my parents in those pictures? Where did they go? Where are they now?"
He answered me with a serious face and a heavy voice:
— "Sadly, son… your father and mother were taken by the Beast King—Ghram."
My heart raced, my mind struggling to understand:
— "What…?! Tell me everything."
The chief sighed deeply:
— "After your Your grandmotherdeath, your parents chose to remain here. They didn't want to return to your world, so they stayed. In their second year, they had their first child. We were unsure what to name him… until your grandfather said: 'I'll give him a name.' He named him Arian. We held the greatest celebration in the history of the tribe."
Then his voice trembled as he added:
— "But Ghram, our fiercest enemy, kidnapped your parents. They were defending you. He struck in a moment of weakness. Your grandfather tried to protect you all, but Ghram ambushed him and drained nearly all his power, leaving him only enough strength to send you back to your world."
In the fading memory, Ghram's terrifying laughter echoed:
— "This time you've lost, Zoham. I won't kill you—I'll let you live. But your children… I'll torment them for eternity. Don't forget… I control time. No matter how many times you try to kill me, I will always return. Farewell, Zoham."
The chief looked deep into my eyes:
— "Bring me Arian."
They carried me away, returning me to my world. Since then, we hadn't seen you again. The barrier your grandfather created is still holding, but it will last only two years. After that, Ghram will invade your world… and no one will stop him."*
I shouted in despair:
— "But how?! My parents were with me until I was ten years old! Are you lying to me?!"
The chief placed his hand on my shoulder, his voice heavy with sorrow:
— "I'm not lying, son. Your grandfather gave the last of his life force to keep your parents alive by your side. He didn't want you to grow up alone, without a father or mother. He sacrificed everything… just to protect your heart."
My spirit shattered:
— "I'm weak… I'm a failure… I've never succeeded in anything… How could I possibly do this?"
The chief smiled gently:
— "No, son. You are not weak. You carry your grandfather's power. He kept his distance from you only because of Ghram—if he revealed the truth, Ghram would have killed you. That's why you never met him. But today… you'll discover the path. You'll become the strongest in the world. You will save your parents… and fulfill your grandfather's final wish."
I stood still for a moment, breathing deeply, feeling a new force rise within me. Then, with a firm voice, I declared:
— "I… will become the strongest in the world!"
---
After I told the chief of the tribe about my desire to become the strongest, he took me to my grandfather's old house here in the village. I stepped inside, hesitant, looking around: the bedroom, the old furniture—every corner carried mysterious memories.
Then he opened another door and said:
— "Come, I'll show you the best thing in this house."
I entered my grandfather's training chamber, a room filled with strange equipment I had never seen before. My eyes widened in awe: mechanical devices, bizarre cylinders—everything radiated power and secrecy.
I asked the chief:
— "So where do I start training? I don't understand anything!"
He smiled:
— "Don't worry. Tomorrow you'll know everything. For now, you must strengthen your resolve."
Something inside me screamed: "You must become the strongest, Arian! You've never failed before!" I remembered my reason for this journey… saving my parents.
---
I joined the tribe for lunch, but my thoughts were far away. Everyone around me laughed and chatted, the air filled with warmth and joy… yet my chest felt heavy, as if a storm was locked inside.
I sat down with the food, but my hands wouldn't move. My appetite had vanished. That's when I noticed her—Rose—her bright eyes quietly watching me.
She walked over and sat beside me. Her presence was gentle, almost soothing.
— "You're not eating… why?" she asked softly.
I lowered my gaze.
— "I… I don't feel like it."
Rose tilted her head, then smiled—a smile that felt like sunlight breaking through the clouds.
— "You have to eat. Your body needs strength."
Her words were simple, yet they reached a place deep inside me. For a moment, the weight pressing on my heart eased.
That instant… I realized she was closer to me than anyone had been in years. The warmth in her smile lit something in me, something I thought I had lost long ago.
I looked at her, almost wanting to speak, to thank her, but the words stuck in my throat. She only laughed lightly, pushing the plate toward me.
— "Come on, Arian. You'll need every bit of strength… if you truly want to become the strongest."
And for the first time that day, I felt a quiet comfort—like maybe, just maybe, I wasn't alone anymore.
---
After lunch, I tried to rest, though my mind was clouded with uncertainty about tomorrow. When I awoke, a gentle knock came at the door. I opened it—Rose stood there, her presence almost comforting.
— "Come, breakfast is ready… and after that, you'll meet my father."
I followed her quietly, as if I had lost my voice. After breakfast, I met the chief again, who introduced me to Ravel—the strongest warrior in the tribe, the man who had saved me when the monsters attacked my grandfather's house.
— "Ravel will be your master… you will learn everything from him to become the strongest."
I thanked him for saving me and said:
— "Let's begin this new journey of training."
My heart trembled with fear and tension, yet at the same time, excitement surged through me… This was the true beginning of my adventure.