INTRO
"Hi,
My name is Tetsuo Hikaruzaki and welcome to my story.
I'm the Prince of Verdantis… technically.
That's because titles don't really mean much here, at least to me and my family.
My mom made sure we treat the people as family so my sister and I don't get a "big head".
Because of that, the people don't bow when I walk by—they wave, shout my name, or
sometimes throw fruit at my window when I oversleep(that's usually funny).
It's a kingdom full of life.
A kingdom full of heart.
And honestly? I wouldn't trade it for anything".
**************
Tetsuo jogged along the moss-covered stone paths of Verdantis Village,the capital city of Verdantis; sunlight breaking through the emerald canopy overhead. People were bustling around—fishermen hauling nets, children running past with leaf-woven kites, elders brewing herb tea strong enough to knock out a wild buffalo.
"Prince Tetsu! Morning!" a woman called from her stall, waving a hand covered in flour.
Tetsu grinned and paused. "Morning, Ma Rin! Did you finally win the bread-baking contest?"
She scowled. "Second place!"
"Congratulations!" he said proudly.
"It was only two people competing!"
"That still counts!"
She tried to look offended but burst out laughing. "Go on, you troublemaker. Try not to cause chaos today."
"No promises," Tetsu winked and continued his jog
Just ahead, Tetsu spotted Old Man Rugo struggling to push a huge cart of logs.
Tetsu jogged over. "Rugo-sensei, if you push that any harder, your bones are going to pack their things and leave your body."
Rugo snorted. "Boy, help me or I'll hit you with my walking stick."
"You'd miss."
"It's the effort that counts."
Tetsu chuckled and lifted the entire bundle of logs onto his shoulder with little effort
"Where do you want these?"
"By the shed. And don't drop them—my back is already planning to betray me today."
Tetsu set them down gently. Rugo placed a wrinkled hand on his shoulder.
"You're a good boy, Tetsu. Your mother raised you right."
Tetsu smiled softly. "I try."
"Kinda wholesome, right? That's how Verdantis is. Everyone knows everyone. Everyone helps everyone. Peace, harmony, a little craziness… all wrapped in bright green leaves.
Sometimes I wonder if every kingdom is like this. I wonder if they enjoy this kind of tranquility and if the metropolis cities that house all clanfolk is really as good as they say.
One day, I'll see them all. But for now…
Breakfast is calling my name".
****************
Tetsu pushed open the carved wooden door of their home.
"Welcome back, Tetsu!" his mother called from the kitchen. The air smelled of warm bread and herbs.
WHAM!
Mitsuri tackled him to the floor.
"TETSU! TETSU! TETSU! Tell me the story again!!"
Tetsu blinked. "Mitsuri… did you eat sugar again?"
"No!"
"Then why are you vibrating?"
"I'm EXCITED!"
Tetsu sighed. "Mother, I blame you."
His mother laughed. "She's been waiting since dawn."
Tetsu lifted her onto his lap. "Fine, fine. But only the beginning."
"Yay!! Tell me the origin story! The real story!"
Tetsu smirked. "The real-ish story."
*******************
Tetsu cleared his throat dramatically.
"A long time ago, the Divine Tree stood in the heart of the world. From it, humans received Tenki—the energy that flows in all things, in all living beings, in all nature. From this energy, the Ten Clans were born, each blessed with an Origin Weapon: powerful artifacts that could channel the Tenki of their clans."
Mitsuri's eyes widened. "Ten clans?"
Tetsu nodded. "Yes. The Light Clan, the Shadow Clan, the Fire Clan, the Water Clan, the Ice Clan, the Air Clan, the Earth Clan, the Metal Clan, the Cosmos Clan, and the Nature Clan—our Verdantis."
"And humans… were blessed with their energy?"
"Yes. But not everyone is chosen. Only some are born with gifts, or seals that increase their power if trained well."
"And Akira?" Mitsuri whispered.
Tetsu's eyes dimmed. "Akira… was the leader of the Shadow Clan. He tried to take all the Origin Weapons for himself, and for that, the Shadow Clan was exiled. Nobody knows exactly why he rebelled… but people still remember his strength and cunning."
Mitsuri frowned. "Is he bad?"
Tetsu smiled softly. "He made mistakes, but even heroes can fall. That's all you need to know for now
*************
Tetsu's mother set down steaming red miso soup with umami rice
"So…" she said, while serving rations. "I suppose we should discuss your next step. The Academy term begins soon."
Tetsu raised an eyebrow. "Really? When's it start?" About a week from now" Tetsu's mom
replies ."I see… The tuition is all set?"Tetsu asked
"Already taken care of," she replied. "And the connections we've prepared will ensure you enter safely."
Tetsu nodded, chewing thoughtfully. "Good. I just… hope I'll find friends there, not just classmates. I hope I improve on my technique too"
"You will," his mother assured. "And Mitsuri… you must promise to behave while I'm gone."says Tetsu
Mitsuri pouted. "You're leaving me behind, aren't you?!"
Tetsu laughed. "Not leaving. Just… going to learn some things. And you'll see me after I become a great hero."
Mitsuri's frown turned to a mischievous smile. "If you don't bring back candy, you're a bad hero."
Tetsu shook his head, smiling. Children… always have the best motivation
************
Later that night, as Tetsu lay in bed, he gazed out the window at the glowing Verdantis forests. The moonlight reflected off the village's gentle streams and cobblestone streets. Tomorrow would be just another day of preparing… but soon, he would leave this place, stepping into a world much bigger and more dangerous than any story he'd told Mitsuri.
The week of preparation passed swiftly, and the day before his departure came. Tetsu sat by the stream, gazing at the sights of Verdantis one last time… unaware of the trials, friends, and hidden enemies awaiting him at the Academy.
Chapter End.