The night draped Lumenix in a cloak of shimmering stars, the pale moon casting silvery beams into the small, humble abode of Ivan Comer. The world outside was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. Inside, however, the atmosphere was alive with the whispers of legends long past.
At a sturdy wooden table cluttered with papers and old trinkets, sixteen-year-old Ivan sat hunched over a book, its spine cracked and pages frayed. His glasses slipped down his nose as he leaned closer, the flickering light of a single oil lamp illuminating the words that danced off the page: "The Legends of Four Adventurers." Tales of bravery, camaraderie, and battles against fearsome foes filled his mind, igniting a fire in his heart.
"Edwin, the heart of the group, striking down the Dragon Lord!" he murmured, his eyes sparkling with wonder. To Ivan, these weren't just tales; they were a call to adventure, a beckoning to follow in the footsteps of the greats.
Just as he was lost in reverie, the soft creak of the door interrupted his thoughts. "Ivan," came the gentle voice of his mother, Amelia, her silhouette framed by the doorway. Her smile was warm, a beacon of comfort in the dim light. "It's getting late. You should be in bed."
Reluctantly, Ivan placed the book down, the cover worn smooth from countless readings. "Just a little longer, please? Can you read to me again, like you used to?" He glanced up at her, his youthful face earnest, the longing for those comforting stories evident in his wide eyes.
Amelia chuckled softly, her laughter like a light breeze on a summer evening. "You're too old for bedtime stories, Ivan. But for you, I suppose I can indulge." She walked to the table, picking up the book, her fingers dancing over the cover as if it were a treasured artifact. "Where shall we begin tonight?"
"From the part where they first fought the Dragon Lord!" Ivan's voice was bright with excitement. He settled back in his chair, eager to be swept away once more into the world of heroes.
Amelia's voice was melodic as she read, weaving the tale of the four adventurers—Edgar, Groyder, the mysterious elven woman, and Edwin—their destinies intertwined as they faced seemingly insurmountable odds. The story unfolded like a tapestry, each thread vibrant with courage and sacrifice.
"...And as the last breath of the Dragon Lord escaped his lips, the land of Lumenix breathed a sigh of relief. The four stood together, their bond forged in the fires of battle, their laughter echoing through the valleys…"
The words wrapped around Ivan like a comforting embrace, the imagery vivid in his mind. He could almost feel the heat of the dragon's breath, the clash of steel ringing in his ears, the thrill of adventure pulsing in his veins. Yet the realization that he had yet to experience such adventure cast a shadow over his enthusiasm.
As Amelia's voice trailed off, Ivan's eyelids felt heavy, but his heart raced. "Mom," he whispered, "do you think I could ever be like them? A hero?"
She paused, her gaze softening as she looked at her son. "You have the heart of a hero, Ivan. Remember, it's not just about strength or power; it's about courage, kindness, and the will to protect what you love."
He nodded, the weight of her words settling deep within him. "I want to be the best. I want to go to Alethea and study at the academy. I want to make friends, learn magic, and become a protector of our kingdom!"
Amelia smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Then you must believe in yourself, my dear. The journey will not be easy, but if your heart is true, you will find your path."
As she tucked him into bed, the warmth of her presence lingered like a soft blanket. "Goodnight, Ivan. Dream of your adventures."
"Goodnight, Mom," he replied, clutching the book to his chest. As sleep began to pull him under, he thought inwardly about the capital. What if he met Duke Edgar himself? Seeing such a legend with his own eyes would make his life complete, as he always found hope and courage in the stories of the four adventurers.
The next morning dawned with the sun breaking through the horizon, casting a golden hue over the modest home. Ivan awoke to the chirping of birds and the soft rustling of leaves outside his window. He stretched, the remnants of the night's dreams still fresh in his mind.
"Soon... I'll be in the capital, the heart of the Lumenix Empire