Amari woke up restless. He walked aimlessly through the village, thoughts swirling in his head.
I can't just sit here… thinking and wondering isn't going to get me anywhere. I'll never find answers like this.
He stopped, clenching his fists. If the Light family is still alive… I have to find them. With or without Vandel's help.
Without another thought, Amari rushed home. He packed what little he had—some food, a few changes of clothes—and set out.
At the edge of the village, he froze. The barrier.
He had forgotten about it, but now it loomed before him, shimmering faintly in the morning light. He remembered the strange tingling sensation from when he touched it last time. His hand trembled as he reached forward.
It'll only last a second, he told himself. Taking a deep breath, he stepped through.
A surge of tingles shot through his entire body, making him shiver. Then, just as quickly, it vanished, and he found himself standing outside.
He turned back, gazing one last time at the only home he had ever known. Then he faced forward and began walking down the unknown path.
I don't even know where I'm going. I don't have a single lead. But I have to find them… I have to find the Light family.
Hours passed. Eventually, Amari saw another village up ahead, larger and more modern than his own. His heart leapt. Maybe… maybe someone there can help me.
But before he could reach it—
BOOM!
The ground shook violently as a monstrous figure crashed down before him. Its eyes locked on him immediately.
"I've come to kill you," the creature snarled.
Amari's body froze with fear. He couldn't even speak. The monster's massive hand seized him, lifting him high into the air.
"Time to tear you apart!"
Pain shot through his body as the monster began to pull. Amari screamed, desperately willing his powers to activate.
Come on! Work! Please—!
But nothing happened. His powers refused to answer.
Just as the monster roared and prepared to rip him in half, its body suddenly shuddered. Its eyes rolled back, and it collapsed with a thunderous crash.
Amari fell from its grip, plummeting toward the ground—until strong arms caught him.
He looked up, gasping. "Vandel…?! What are you doing here?"
Vandel didn't answer right away. He gently set Amari down, then turned toward the fallen monster. With two crushing blows—one to the stomach, one to the face—he knocked the beast unconscious.
"Come on," Vandel said, pointing toward the nearby village. "We'll talk there."
Amari blinked. "But… what about the monster?"
"I already contacted some heroes. They'll come clean it up." Vandel brushed the dust off his hands.
Still shaken, Amari asked again, "So… why are you here?"
Vandel looked at him firmly. "I thought about what you said. About finding answers. I want them too—I want to know who told me about your eyes. And besides…" His gaze softened, just slightly. "I can't let you wander out here by yourself and get killed. So I'll help you find the Light family."
Amari's eyes widened. His chest swelled with relief. "R-really?! Thank you so much, Mr. Vandel!"
But then another thought struck him, and his voice trembled. "But… how are we even going to find them? There's no trace. They disappeared twenty years ago…"
Vandel's expression grew serious. "I know someone. Someone who might be able to help us."
Amari nodded, hope flickering to life inside him. "Okay."
Together, they entered the village. For the first time, Amari wasn't walking the path alone. That night, they rented a small room, preparing for the journey ahead.