Heavy rain poured relentlessly over the village of Elvendor, striking the wooden rooftops of the Draveda household without mercy.
Leon Draveda—a ten-year-old boy—stood at the doorway, biting his lip as his gaze remained fixed on his older sister, Esta, who stood proudly beneath the old oak tree in the yard.
The deep blue robes of the Academy's mage wrapped perfectly around Esta's figure. In her hand, an oak staff crowned with a brilliant blue mana crystal shimmered softly under the rain.
"Leon, you don't need to worry so much," Esta said gently, a warm smile on her face.
She crouched down, placed her hand on her brother's head, and ruffled his blond hair affectionately.
"This is just my first step toward becoming an adventurer. I'll be back before you even realize it."
"But… Sister Esta," Leon said, his voice trembling, his eyes glistening with tears."Goblins, orcs, and other monsters… they're all out there."
Esta let out a small laugh."That's why I studied magic, remember? So I can protect myself—and my companions."
She looked off into the distance, as if gazing at a future filled with adventure."Besides, this world is far too vast and beautiful to abandon. One day, you'll see it too, Leon."
Leon nodded quietly, though fear still lingered deep within his heart.
A few days later, Esta departed with her newly formed adventuring party:a heavily built warrior, an archer with a cynical smile, and a calm, soft-spoken female healer.
They accepted a quest to gather rare herbs in Sablewood Forest, not far from the village.Everyone at the guild considered the mission safe—almost dull.
No one imagined it would end in tragedy.