Gray (1)

Dawn broke over the village of Caerwain, casting a pale light through the thick fog that clung to the cobblestone streets. A fourteen-year-old boy with black hair shot through with gray moved cautiously along the narrow paths. He had a strong build, an attractive face, and charming black eyes—like the main character of a story.

He had three swords strapped to his back: a standard longsword, a heavy claymore, and a katana with a striking crimson-wrapped hilt. As he walked, he searched for a shop to resupply, but the atmosphere of the village felt off, charged with a tension that drew his attention.

"Someone, please help!"

Just as he rounded a corner, he heard raised voices coming from the village square. Intrigued, he approached the large crowd gathered there.

"My grandson hasn't returned since yesterday!" An elderly woman's voice trembled, her eyes wide with fear. The villagers around her wore expressions of dread, sharing in her worry.

Another man, his brow furrowed in concern, added, "My son's missing too. He went out to play and hasn't come back. What's happening in our village?"

"Where are the knights of the Round Table?" a voice called out, laced with anger. "They haven't sent a single one to help us!"

The boy expression darkened. A familiar bitterness toward Camelot and its so-called protectors surged within him. They were quick to boast of their noble duty, but when it truly mattered, they were nowhere to be found. He turned away, fists clenched, wanting to escape the reminder of their failures.

"Of course they won't. Why would they care about a lowly village?" someone suggested, their voice barely above a whisper. A chill ran through the crowd at the mention of such a fact, fear and uncertainty mixing in the air.

Six children had vanished in the past few days, all under the age of fourteen. As Gray listened to the frantic conversations, he realized he could not ignore this. The knights may have abandoned them, but he couldn't stand by while innocent children were lost.

After gathering what information he could, he learned that there were traces of Chaos energy, indicating that a Chaos beast was behind the kidnappings. Their possible location would be Lazrous Forest.

Lazrous Forest—a place notorious for its dangers—was about three hours away from the village, divided by mountains and river. He decided then and there to search in the forest. He had heard tales of the forest: a labyrinth of twisted trees and hidden perils. If something sinister was at work, he had to act.

As the sun sank lower in the sky, he prepared for his journey, setting off toward the forest under the cover of night. The chill of the evening air nipped at his skin, and the light of the moon barely penetrated the thick branches overhead. Each step took him deeper into the shadows, where the only sounds were the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

Hours passed, and the forest seemed to close in around him, darkness wrapping tighter like a shroud. He moved cautiously, instincts on high alert. Just as he began to doubt his decision, a sound pierced the stillness—a loud thud, like something heavy hitting the ground. His instincts kicked in, and he swiftly made his way toward the source of the noise.

Pushing through the dense underbrush, he arrived just in time to see a boy sprawled on the forest floor, his back against the damp earth. The boy appeared disoriented, his white hair shining against the dark land. As he approached, he noticed that the boy seemed to be blind—his eyes covered with a blindfold. His aura was unremarkable, except for its snow-like color.

He raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice firm but not unkind.

The boy tilted his head slightly, as if trying to catch the sound of Gray's voice. "Eden Snow," he replied, a hint of confusion in his tone. Eden lay upside down, looking almost carefree despite his predicament.

He studied him for a moment, taking in the odd sight.

Eden Snow? What an unusual name. There wasn't anyone by that name in Caerwain, and judging from his age, he didn't even match the description. How had this blind boy ended up in the forest? Something about him was definitely extraordinary.

The questions flickered through Gray's mind, and a sense of unease settled over him.

"And who might you be?" Eden asked.

"Gray... that's all you should know," he said simply, the name tumbling from his lips as if he were ashamed to share his last name. "I'm looking for missing children."

Eden's expression fell, sadness flickering across his features as he processed Gray's words. "You're looking for the missing children?" he asked, his voice tinged with sorrow. The thought that the children might already be dead haunted him for a moment, but he pushed it aside. "You're brave to venture into this wilderness for them."

Gray shrugged, glancing around the forest as if the trees might offer an explanation. "Maybe it's not bravery but foolishness," he admitted, surprising even himself with his honesty.

Eden nodded, a hint of understanding in his gaze. But as Gray's words settled in, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of admiration and suspicion. "But what's a blind boy like you doing out here?" he asked, arching an eyebrow. "How can you be so carefree? I could be holding a sword to your throat right now."

A strange smile crossed Eden's lips. "It's weird, but I trust you for some unknown reason," he said, the lightness of his tone belying the gravity of their situation.

Gray felt a knot of curiosity and confusion form in his stomach. "Trust? Just like that?"

Eden nodded, gesturing for Gray to follow him. "Come. It's getting late, and I know a place you might find intriguing. Also, since you're taller than me, please pick up those fruits from tree." He led the way, his confidence guiding him through the thick underbrush.

After a few minutes of navigating the forest, they emerged into a clearing that opened up to a magical lake. The water shimmered under the moonlight, reflecting a haunting beauty. In the center of the lake, a glimmering ice sphere floated, pulsing with a faint, ethereal light.

"What is that?" Gray whispered, captivated by the sight.

Eden stepped closer to the water's edge, his eyes fixed on the sphere. "That's where the Kelpie evolves," he said, a mix of awe and reverence in his voice. "He's my contracted mount. But right now, he's evolving."

Gray's heart raced at the sight, curiosity battling with a sense of foreboding. "Are you saying there's a creature in there?"

Eden nodded, still gazing at the ice sphere. "Yes, I recently bonded with him."

"Tell me what you're hiding, and I'm sure you know something about the children as well. Tell me before I move my blade," Gray said, holding a blade behind his neck.