In a far-off land, nestled deep within the rolling hills and dense forests, lay the kingdom of Arathia. The kingdom was ruled by a just and wise king named Cedric, who had brought peace and prosperity to his people for many years. But as the years went by, the king grew old and weary, and his people began to worry about who would succeed him when he was gone. It was in this time of uncertainty that a prophecy began to spread throughout the kingdom. It was said that a hero would arise from among the people, one who would possess the power to defeat the darkness that threatened to consume the land. The hero would be marked by a special birthmark, a symbol of their destiny. Many scoffed at the idea of a hero, believing it to be nothing more than a tale told to give people hope. But others, particularly the young and restless, saw it as an opportunity to prove themselves, to show that they were capable of great things. Among those who believed in the prophecy was a young orphan boy named Darian. He had grown up on the streets of the capital city, stealing and scrounging to survive. But despite his tough exterior, Darian had a heart of gold and a fierce determination to make something of himself.