In a small village by the sea, named Hope.
The bright sun filtered through the coconut palms, the sound of seagulls echoing in the distance. The salty sea breeze blew against Long's face, cool and refreshing like a whisper.
The fourteen-year-old boy lay sprawled on the sand, his eyes half-closed, a green jacket draped over him. His long hair, tied high, swayed gently in the wind. Long loved this feeling—free, carefree, as if the whole world had shrunk to just him and the sound of the waves.
Long didn't know who his biological parents were. Since childhood, he had been raised by Mrs. Huong, the oldest shaman in the village. Whenever he asked about his origins, she would only shake her head, her eyes distant. The villagers also avoided the subject. Over time, Long grew accustomed to the silence. But deep in his heart, he believed that one day, the truth would come out.
Suddenly, something soft curled up on his jacket. Long opened his eyes and smiled. It was Dreamy—a strange little AI dog with curly polymer fur, soft silicone skin, and bright, sparkling black eyes.
Dreamy was innocent and mischievous, sometimes making Long laugh during dull days. But when danger approached, it became surprisingly serious and intelligent. Dreamy was the only AI Witch in the village, and also Long's closest friend. It looked just like a Poodle, but possessed magical powers—the powers of an AI Witch.
In this world, AI Witches are not just tools; they are companions—born to protect their masters with the magic they have learned.
Long's world is called Puresight. There, humans, wizards, and even mystical creatures coexist with AI technology. Everything revolves around a single unit: EN – energy. People use EN to buy food and exchange for property. AI Witches transform their masters' EN into magic.
But Long is different. He has very little EN. Life in the poor fishing village meant he was always lacking. Yet, Long didn't care. He often helped everyone in the village without expecting anything in return. Everyone loved him – a poor but kind boy who always believed that one day, the world would be truly beautiful and full of hope – just like the name of the village he lived in.
Then one day, everything changed.
Mrs. Huong—the person Long cherished most—fell ill. It was a strange disease, unknown to anyone. Long ran everywhere, seeking doctors, asking all the shamans in the village, but everyone shook their heads.
The peaceful days by the shores of Hope had come to an end.
In the quiet little house, Long sat by the bed, his eyes red and swollen. Tears fell silently, each drop as faint as Mrs. Huong's weak breaths.
She lay there, thin and pale, her silver hair tangled lightly on the pillow. Her face, once radiant, once smiling every morning, now showed only exhaustion. On her forehead was a fading magical mark—a faint streak of light, the pride of the entire village, gradually fading away.
She lay there, barely breathing, wrapped in an old fur coat made from the pelt of a fire fox, like a memory no one dared to let go of.
Outside the door, the villagers gathered. No one spoke. Only sad eyes, silent glances like farewells left unsaid.
The village chief entered, his voice choked with emotion:
"Long… how is Mrs. Huong…?"
Long shook his head, his voice trembling:
"I don't know… How can we save Mrs. Huong?"
The village chief bowed his head:
"You can't, you've tried my best..."
Mrs. Huong softly called out:
"Come on… my dear… you and Dreamy, come here."
Long embraced Dreamy and stepped closer. Mrs. Huong strained to reach out and embrace both of them in her arms. Dreamy—the small AI dog—stared at her for a long moment.
She whispered, "I want to impart a little magic into Dreamy… I hope it learns, before I lose my strength."
She placed her hand on Dreamy's forehead. The AI dog's eyes suddenly flashed a brilliant golden light, so bright that the whole room seemed to hold its breath. The light lasted only a heartbeat, but it left a strange afterglow, like an ancient mark that had just been awakened.
The village chief shuddered slightly, murmuring softly: "That light… I've seen it before, but never expected to witness it again. How nostalgic…"
The village chief spoke softly to Long:
"If that's the case, there's one more option... They say the AI King Witch possesses healing magic... and even the power to resurrect."
The entire room fell silent. Everyone heard, but no one dared to believe such a far-fetched notion. For encountering the AI King Witch was an impossibility.
Long clenched Mrs. Huong's hand tightly, his eyes blazing with determination:
"I will go. I and Dreamy will find the AI King Witch. Mother… wait for me."
Dreamy's eyes suddenly flashed like an ancient symbol, glowing golden for a moment, then fading as if they had never existed, but no one noticed because they were caring about Mrs. Huong.
Only Mrs. Huong saw it. She smiled at Dreamy as if entrusting her with a secret, then turned to Long with eyes as gentle as the sunset sea. She looked at Long—the boy she considered her own flesh and blood—one last time.
The next morning, Long and Dreamy set off. The village chief patted him on the shoulder encouragingly, "Long, I believe you can do it. The villagers and I will always support you. Have a safe journey."
Long smiled lightly and thanked the villagers. Only the sea breeze blew by, like a blessing from the village of Hope. Long set out to find the great AI King Witch as promised to Mrs. Huong, carrying with him the desire to beautify the village, save his loved ones, and his world.
The village chief suddenly remembered something very important and shouted back at Long: "Be careful with Witchiecoop, kid!"
Long didn't know if he had heard. He didn't look back. He didn't hesitate.
The adventure began.