Far from the ruin and sorrow of the night, the first light of dawn touched a quiet valley where time seemed slower, safer.
In a small, simple house, the scent of warm food filled the air. A man with silver hair stood at the stove, his hands steady despite the years. His eyes, lined by time, watched over the meal and the home with quiet care.
"Kieran! Hurry up, or you'll be late for school!"
From the floor above, the thump of footsteps echoed.
"Coming, Grandpa! I'm ready — just hand me my tiffin!"
A boy appeared at the stairs, his dark hair tousled, his grin bright. Fourteen, full of life, his gaze carried a spark of something deeper, something hidden even from himself.
His grandfather handed over the lunchbox with a soft smile.
"It's your first day. Study well. No mischief."
Kieran laughed as he slung his bag over one shoulder.
"I promise I'll study... but no promises about mischief!"
The old man shook his head, the corner of his mouth lifting in quiet amusement.
Outside, the morning felt fresh and new. The sky stretched wide, endless possibilities waiting beyond the horizon.
Kieran walked the familiar path, but today it felt different — today marked the beginning of something new.
A new school. New faces. Maybe even friends.
His heart beat a little faster, not from fear, but from the unknown.
As he went, his mind drifted to the words his grandfather often spoke:
Before you can train with others, you must train your body and mind. Only then will you be ready for what waits beyond.
Kieran clenched his fists at his sides, feeling the strength he'd built in secret hours of practice.
I've worked hard. Now it begins.
But somewhere beyond the peaceful valley, beyond the blue sky — darkness watched, waiting, and hungrier than ever.