The sun rose over the beautiful city of Kassel, capital of the Kingdom of Kamira, displaying all its glory and splendor.
But not far from the city center, there was an abandoned area, forgotten by time, where almost no merchant dared to pass.
Among dirty, silent alleys, lying on a pile of old rags, was a boy of only twelve years old.
'Is it morning already?' he thought, waking up still half-dazed.
Ugr… ugr… ugr…
His stomach growled loudly, cruelly reminding him that he hadn't eaten in days. His thin body reflected all the hunger and misery consuming him.
He got up unsteadily, pressing his empty stomach as if he could trick the pain. After walking a few blocks, his eyes fell upon a scene far too common in that place: the lifeless body of a girl he had known since he had been abandoned.
A deep cut across her neck revealed a tragic end.
The boy barely reacted. He was used to it. He had thought of ending his own life many times… perhaps by jumping off the roof of some house… but he had always backed out at the last moment.
Ignoring the sight, he moved forward. The air carried the putrid smell of corpses, rotting food, and scattered garbage, an odor that would make anyone vomit within seconds. But years of living there had already hardened him.
Aimlessly, he searched for something to eat when he spotted a luxurious carriage in the distance. It was unlike anything in that miserable area.
Ornamented with gold details and painted black and red, it bore a crest on its side: two crossed swords, a red flower in the center, and three stars above.
The boy watched from afar.
"Probably some noble wanting to flaunt the gap between us and them… Maybe, if I'm lucky, they'll give me something to eat."
Summoning his courage, he approached. There was no one around. His eyes scanned every corner until, to his surprise, he found a piece of cake still intact.
"I can't believe it… I must still be dreaming."
He held the sweet as if it were the greatest treasure of his life and, without hesitation, took the first bite.
But then, Puff!
An arm grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the wall with brutal force.
Before him stood a tall, imposing man, wearing silver armor with the same crest emblazoned on his shoulder and chest.
'Damn… I got distracted while eating and didn't even notice him coming…'
"You filthy rat! What do you think you were doing?" The voice echoed, full of disdain, as the soldier drew his sword.
"How dare you touch our carriage with those disgusting hands? You will pay with your life, so you never taint anything again, you miserable trash!"
"N-no… please… I was just… *cough*… I only wanted something to eat…"
The man paid no attention. His cold eyes saw not a starving child, but dirt that needed to be eliminated.
The silver blade rose, reflecting the sunlight.
*Damn… it's the end…* thought the boy, unable to move his fragile body.
The sword descended toward his neck...