The cold mountain wind sliced through the morning like a silent blade, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and burned wood. Benjamin awoke to the distant sound of bells — the signal that the villagers were beginning another simple, peaceful day. He stepped down the wooden stairs of the cabin, feeling the rough floor beneath his feet, and was greeted by the warm smiles of those who lived there. Two years had passed since the old man had found him unconscious by the riverside, and in that time Benjamin had grown to love this place. He didn't know who he was or where he came from… but here, in the heart of the mountain, he had found a home.
Children ran between houses, hammers echoed through the crisp air, and the sky, a translucent blue, seemed to promise a quiet day. Benjamin was helping one of the women carry sacks of wheat when the ground trembled — gently at first, like a subtle warning. Then came the roar.
A deep crack split the village square like a growing scar. People screamed, some stumbled, others ran toward the hills. The ground gave way in massive blocks, swallowing entire houses and dragging villagers into the abyss.
Seized by an instinct he couldn't explain, Benjamin dropped the sacks and ran toward the screams.
- Benjamin: "Hold on!" - He shouted, reaching out to two children teetering on the edge of the fissure. - "Come on, quickly!"
He grabbed a girl by the wrist and pulled her to safety, then the other. His lungs burned, and his heartbeat pounded like war drums. The cracks spread like black veins across the earth, and chaos devoured everything he knew.
With the survivors gathered, Benjamin led them down to a lower, safer area at the foot of the mountain. Smoke veiled part of the sky, and the earth's rumbling was like the growl of a starving beast. But as everyone reached safety, one face burned in his mind — his grandfather. He wasn't among the evacuees.
Benjamin's heart clenched. Without hesitation, he turned and ran back, climbing the so-called Hill of Destiny in search of the only familiar figure he had left.
And then he saw him: the old man hovered on a gray cloud, wearing a long robe embroidered with symbols that shimmered like living runes. His serene gaze stood in stark contrast to the apocalyptic chaos surrounding them.
- Benjamin: "What's happening here?" - Benjamin panted, sweat and dust covering his face. - "My village… it collapsed."
- Elder: "This place will sink at any moment," the old man's voice cut through the wind like a command. "We must get higher."
Benjamin ran toward the ledge, but the cliff was already crumbling. The old man, standing on the other side, extended his hand.
- Elder: "Go! Jump now!"
Without thinking, Benjamin leapt. The cliff behind him crumbled like a sandcastle swept by the tide.
Gasping, he fell to his knees and stared at the old man, eyes wide.
- Benjamin: "But… what are you?" - He whispered, his breath uneven.
The old man didn't answer right away. He simply pointed beyond the clouds, where a colossal tower pierced the heavens.
- Elder: "Look there… That is the Focus Tower. It was once the beating heart of this world."
A shiver ran down Benjamin's spine. There was something both imposing and mournful about that distant structure, as if it had been silently watching all along.
- Elder: "An ancient prophecy says… 'The Vile Four will steal the powers and divide the world behind four gates. In that moment, the Knight shall appear.'" - The old man's voice echoed like a ritual. - "The prophecy has become reality. The most dangerous monsters have escaped with the keys, draining the power of the world's crystals. Chaos spreads across the land. Benjamin… only you can save the Four Crystals."
Benjamin stepped back, confused and out of breath.
- Benjamin: "Wait… me? How?" - His voice was nearly a shout.
- Elder: "Yes, you, Benjamin." - The old man placed a hand on his shoulder. - "Only you could be the Knight."
- Benjamin: "But that's craz—"
A roar split the air. From the highest rocks, a colossal shadow leapt.
- Elder: "Watch out!" - The old man cried. - "A monster… and a strong one!"
Behemoth landed before them, making the ground quake. Its eyes gleamed a deep crimson, and every motion radiated raw power. Benjamin raised the short, flimsy sword he had grabbed in haste — a mere piece of metal compared to the beast before him.
- Benjamin: "I… I have to fight." - He muttered through clenched teeth.
He charged, slashing the creature, but the blade barely scratched its thick hide. Behemoth answered with a brutal headbutt, throwing him back. His armor groaned under the impact.
- Elder: "Hold the sword the way I taught you! Firmly, Benjamin!" - The old man shouted.
Benjamin inhaled sharply and steadied his stance. When Behemoth lunged again, he rolled aside and counterattacked, driving the blade against one of its horns. With a deafening crack, the horn shattered. The ensuing roar was pure rage.
The beast thrashed wildly, ramming rocks and walls. Seizing the moment, Benjamin climbed onto its back, struggling to stay upright as it bucked violently. Gritting his teeth, he plunged the sword into its thick flesh and dragged the blade toward its neck. The monster convulsed for a few seconds — then collapsed, shaking the ground.
Benjamin fell onto his back, panting. The old man landed beside him.
- Elder: "Looks like I was right." - He said with a faint smile. - "You are the true Knight."
- Benjamin: "What? But you were sure of it!" - Benjamin shot back, still breathless.
- Elder: "Well…" - The old man scratched his beard, almost sheepish. - "It was more of a guess, really."
Benjamin let out a nervous laugh.
- Benjamin: "So… grandpa… can you guide me to those crystals?"
- Elder: "You must find them yourself." - Another tremor shook the ground. - "This place is getting dangerous. Follow me to the forest."
The old man ascended on his cloud and disappeared into the distance. Benjamin stood still for a moment, his body still humming with adrenaline.
- Benjamin: "Am I dreaming… or did I die?" - He muttered. - "Aaaah… I better get out of here."
He took a few steps, still dazed.
- Benjamin: "But… who even is my grandpa?" - He whispered, staring at the distant tower.
He descended the Hill of Destiny as the rocks behind him were swallowed by chaos. Thus ended the first chapter — and the prologue of his journey.