Chapter 2: Seeking Solace in Festival Preparations
It has been half a decade since that unfortunate incident, and the truth of what transpired still eludes me. However, one thing remains certain - this world I find myself in is unlike any I have known before.
This realm exists within the embrace of a magnificent tree known as "The Shimmering Silver Leaf Tree," which holds within it four distinct realms. The first realm is Asguard, the dwelling place of gods. The second realm is Goliatheia, also known as "the forgetting realm" or "the realm of the giants." It earned this name because it vanished mysteriously a century ago, leaving behind unanswered questions.
The third realm, which I call home, is The Verdant Realm, otherwise known as Earth. It consists of two vast continents. The first is Valhalla, about which I possess little knowledge, as it lies far from our own continent. The second is Arktosia, and within it lies the kingdom of Zorania, where I reside in the countryside near the Aurorium kingdom.
The final realm is Termentia, an infernal abyss where demons dwell. Presently, I am filled with anger because in my previous life, the longing for death consumed me. Yet, when it seemed my wish had been granted, fate bestowed upon me another chance to suffer. However, as the days pass, a peculiar warmth emanates from within this church, despite its bustling nature with numerous children. The kindness they display soothes my troubled soul.
In due course, I learned from the clergywoman that they discovered me at the doorstep of the church. My origins and true name remained unknown, prompting them to christen me "Aurelian." Surprisingly, this fact did not upset me; instead, I found it somewhat amusing that history repeated itself. Such is the irony of fate.
Unlike the world I once knew, the people here genuinely worship the gods. Each year, they joyously celebrate the Feast of the Gods, a grand festival that lasts from dusk till dawn. And now, that very festival is upon us.
Youna beamed with joy and excitement as she exclaimed, "Good morning, everyone! Are you aware that the Feast of the Gods is tomorrow?"
Dimo responded, "Of course, we all know."
Youna pondered, "Do you think they would allow us to partake in the festivities and have a drink with them?"
Dimo raised his voice, exclaiming, "What!! No way! Do you really believe that ten-year-old kids can handle alcohol?"
Youna retorted, "Why are you yelling at me? I think if we ask them politely, they might consider it."
Their disagreement quickly escalated into a quarrel, prompting Youna to turn to me and inquire, "What do you think, Aurelian?"
I replied, "Well, if you approach a bartender with a determined attitude, they might give in."
Youna noticed my lack of enthusiasm and questioned, "Aurelian, I've noticed that you don't seem particularly thrilled about the festival. Do you hate the festival?"
I confessed, "it's not that i hate it, It's just, I don't want to celebrate something that's going to make us poorer"
Youna sighed, expressing her disappointment, "Yes, you're right."
Youna continued, her voice filled with sadness, "I wish I were a noble too. Then we wouldn't be burdened by poverty, and we wouldn't have to work anymore."
Dimo interjected mockingly, "Oh, really? If you're dreaming of becoming a noble, then I must aspire to be the king."
Youna exclaimed, "What?!"
Their argument reignited, and they resumed their squabble.
"Why do nobles have so much wealth while we struggle?" Youna wondered aloud.
"Because nobles are the most influential figures in the kingdom. They possess a great deal of mana," I explained.
"Mana? What's that?" she asked innocently, drawing ridicule from Dimo.
"Don't tell me you don't know what mana is! You truly are the epitome of ignorance," Dimo mocked.
I intervened, clarifying, "Mana is an inherent energy present in all humans. It awakens at the age of 15, enabling individuals to cast magical spells."
Youna seemed puzzled as she responded, "Magic spells? But I've never witnessed anyone performing them before."
"That's because the people in our village possess only a small amount of mana. Only nobles and a few individuals in the middle class can truly harness magic," I revealed.
Dimo voiced his frustration, saying, "And because of this, we are persecuted and scorned. We are seen as useless in times of war, stripped of our humanity."
Sensing the tension, Youna suggested an idea to lighten the mood. "Why don't we help the adults prepare for the festival?"
"I will decline. I need to sell the wood I gathered before dawn," I insisted.
Youna reminded me, "It has been three years since you last cut wood. Sister has told you countless times that you don't have to do it anymore."
"I know, but I don't want to feel abandoned again," I confessed.
"But it will take you six days to reach the city. You'll miss the festival," she protested.
"I don't care," I responded resolutely.
After six days of arduous travel, I finally arrived in the city. Seeking out Mr. Gray in the store, I approached him and asked, "Excuse me, are you there Mr. Gray?"
"Oh, it's you, kid. What brings you here?" he greeted me.
"I'm here to sell the wood," I replied.
"In this late hour? You've missed the festival once again. At this rate, the gods will curse you," he warned.
"I'm already cursed," I replied, the weight of my words evident.
"Why must you be so gloomy? You have a pleasant face, but your demeanor is dark. You traveled all the way from your village, carrying wood twice your size on your back, traversing dangerous forests. Who are you, kid?" he exclaimed with frustration.
"That's precisely why I need you to pay me so I can leave before it's too late," I stated urgently.
"You're deflecting the question again," he remarked.
"Thank you. Stay safe on your journey back," he said, seemingly resigned.
"Thank you," I replied, departing with a heavy heart.
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