ALDEVIA

Aldevia is a small town located in the heart of the kingdom of Denyl.

It is well known for its vast production in farm and food products, with hundreds of acres running from one end to another.

My parents, Crystal and Michael Ayden are the sole producers of a herb called the lilac.

It is a special herb known for purposes in refining mana. It is also capable of boosting once strength and agility.

To be Frank, the lilac is pretty rare in this world.

Rare also means a spike in its prices, making it one of the most expensive items in the human continent.

I'm even surprised it costs more than swords and Armour.

Up to this point I thought my parents were a bunch of nobody farmers, but it turns out they make more money than I could've possibly imagined.

As I've also read about the lilac flower. It originates in the fiend continent. I sometimes wonder how it ended up on the human continent.

But this small town isn't known for just that.

Today was an early morning. The sun rays beamed through the windows of my room as they flashed to my eyes.

I woke up and as usual stared at the beautifully furnished ceiling before proceeding to get up.

My short legs clearly also waking up stumbled before they could gain control and be able to carry my 31.8-pound body.

My mind was in haze as I gradually brought myself back to reality.

Alas, today is the day I finally visit the town of Aldevia.

"Finally, after all that begging and persuading, it almost makes me cry… [SOBS A LITTLE WITH HAPPINESS] ...Guess hard work does really pay.

Now, onwards to my parents' room."

I ran through the hallway until I arrived at my supposed destination, before gaining a couple of breaths.

Flinging the door open, I was met with the sight of my mom almost half naked.

"My eyes...!

I just woke up and this is how my day starts." I thought.

I wouldn't dare ask, because it was clear what happened last night.

Due to the door hitting the wall as I opened it, Michael woke up in shock and falling off the bed.

"What's happening?" He asked.

Mom also got up, realizing her half exposed body, she covered up with a blanket.

This was awkward as we all stared at each other.

"Morning mum and dad," I alleged.

"Hey, kiddo….owww…my head hurts like crazy," said Michael.

"Morning .. why are you up so early?Mom asked.

"Have you already forgotten, today is the day you deliver the Lilacs to Aldevia and I'm supposed to come with you this time .... remember?" I said.

"Oh, yeah, fine I'll be down in a second," mom replied.

"Ok,"I said before moving out.

When we were all ready, we headed out. Not to mention this was my first time going outside the home compound. I was a little nervous, but I'd be okay.

A jet-black painted carriage pulled up, with a white horse at the front pulling it. The horse was majestic, as its long, wavy, white mane flowed with the slight breeze.

"Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Ayden, young Ayden, how are you this fine morning?" A middle-aged man sitting at the front seat of the carriage, wearing a white shirt and an overall brown robe with a hood covering him greeted us.

"Good morning to you too, Fab,"Michael and mom answered simultaneously.

"HI," I said.

"So, we're off to Aldevia, as usual?"Fab alleged.

"Yes," mum concluded.

Such a breathtaking sight I had taken. The carriage was moving at a not so fast or slow pace but okay as the trees also traveled in the opposite direction.

A gentle breeze, tickling my skin.

After a while, the carriage came to a sudden stop. A man pulled up to the carriage scanning the inside of it and us.

"Does this world also have traffic police?

"Hope we don't get pulled over because of some ticket or something," I thought.

"I'm sorry but you can't cross, the bridge is under construction, and it cannot be able to accommodate your weight," the man said.

"You'll have to walk from here onwards, Aldevia isn't that far," he added.

"Ok, guess we're walking," Michael said as we proceeded to get out of the carriage.

"This is for your wonderful service, Fab,"Michael alleged as he gave Fab some silver coins.

"Thank you so much Mr.Michael,"said Fab with gratitude and excitement.

I guess he really needed the money.

As we bid farewell to Fab and the carriage, we started our journey on foot towards the town of Aldevia. The walk was pleasant, with the lush greenery of Denyl's countryside surrounding us. I could feel a sense of excitement building up within me as we approached the town's outskirts. This was my first time venturing beyond the safety of our home compound, and I couldn't wait to explore the town.

As we entered Aldevia, the hustle and bustle of the marketplace greeted us. The town was alive with activity, merchants showcasing their wares, and villagers going about their daily chores. The aroma of various foods wafted through the air, making my stomach growl in hunger.

Michael headed towards the Lilac herb vendor to negotiate the sale, while mom and I made our way to the local library to purchase some books. The thought of learning more about elemental magic and the demon continent intrigued me, and the library seemed like the perfect place to gather knowledge.

At the library, I carefully selected two books. The first one was titled "Mysteries of Elemental Magic: Unleashing the Power of Earth and Fire." It promised to delve deep into the secrets of manipulating these elements and honing one's magical abilities. The second book was named "Chronicles of the Demon Continent: Untold Stories of Its History and Inhabitants."

"Seems like no one really bought this book, considering all it did was collect dust on the shelf," I thought to myself.

With the purchases in hand, mom and I joined Michael, who had successfully sold the Lilac herb and secured a handsome payment. As we strolled through the marketplace, I couldn't help but notice the curious gazes of some townspeople, whispering among themselves.

"Is there something strange about us?" I asked, feeling self-conscious.

"Don't worry, dear," mom reassured. "We're just known in Aldevia, that's all. People will be curious, but they mean no harm."

As we continued through the town, a peculiar incident caught our attention. A group of agitated villagers had gathered around a merchant, who seemed to be causing some controversy. They were arguing with him about the quality of his goods, claiming that he was selling counterfeit products at exorbitant prices.

Intrigued, my family approached the commotion to get a better view. The merchant, a stout man with a shifty demeanor, was fervently defending himself. He insisted that his products were genuine and worthy of their price, blaming his competitors for spreading rumors to tarnish his reputation.

A woman in the crowd raised her voice, "You can't fool us, Jareth! We know your tricks!"

"I assure you; these are authentic!" Jareth protested, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Just as things were starting to heat up, the town guards arrived to diffuse the situation. They listened to both sides of the argument and decided to conduct an investigation to determine the truth. The villagers dispersed, but tensions lingered in the air.

Before we could proceed to leave, I noticed a book at his tent.

The text written on it seemed familiar.

[REMEMBERS]...

"They're the same writings on the heavy and large book I found in the pantry." I thought.

"Um…excuse me sir, what's that book about?" I asked the stout man named Jareth.

"Oh, this, it's a book on the Fiend language .... only one of its kind in the human Continent," Jareth said.

"Mom, can I also get that?" I asked mom.

"I'm sorry sweetie but you promised two books only, you've also seen how books are expensive."Mom alleged.

Dammit, this book is the key to me learning the Demon language and finally being able to understand Aether.

"Please mom, It's the last thing I ask for," I said trying to lure mom into accepting.

"Fine, but it'll cost," mom said.

"What do I have to do?" I asked.

"You have to help me in the Lilac farm."

"Okay, I will," I said, all excited.

Yes, everything's coming together.

"How much for the book?" Mom asked Jareth.

"The book is 5 gold coins," Jareth answered with a straight face.

"WHAT!" Mum said, shocked by the price.

"C'mon it's the only one available, of course it'd be that expensive," Jareth stated.

"Don't worry honey, I'll pay for it," Michael said before proceeding to pay Jareth 5 gold coins.

{1 GOLD COIN=1000 COPPER COINS}

"Damn, the last two books at the library were half a gold coin each.

Back on earth this book would be $100(IN DOLLARS).

At least Michael paid for it," I said to myself.

"That is such an absurd price for a dusty old book," mom said.

"Let's go honey, I've already paid for it," Michael told mom before we proceeded to leave.

As the sun set casting its golden light over the horizon, I couldn't help but feel excited about.

///// NEXT CHAPTER: REFINEMENT /////

Edited by: JJ