CHAPTER 0 - THE RED SUNSET
The land at that time was covered by blood more than usual. The pungent smell of decaying flesh and strong odor of iron surrounds the air.
"Kiddos, it's getting late! Pick-up the pace, will you?!" Oldman Barik rushes the group.
"Oh! It's glistening!" one of the boys said.
"Give that to me!" the bigger kid demanded.
"No! I found it. That's mine!" the one who picked up the shiny thing insisted.
These people are looters of the battlefield. And so am I.
People call us crows. Because we are basically scavengers that feeds on corpse remains, or to be more exact, on their wealth.
We steal every piece of metals and shiny stone these warriors carrying as they drop dead over the battlefield.
This is the only thing we know to survive on this harsh world that has no place for mercy to orphans like us...
After completing today's quota, we are allowed to keep the other loots which must be non-metal or type of shiny crystal.
I took a fluffy red coat with white fur soaked with blood that I looted from the dead body of a noble boy probably around the same age as mine. I felt bad that he died so young, so I chose to bury him properly at the nearby mountain. If I leave it be, he will only serve as food for crows and vultures coming.
After two years, I'm already fifteen. Considered already as an adult, I'm able to land a job as ship loader at the harbor city of Augrun.
"We need another one! You'll be paid double!" offered by the right-hand of the notorious Xabann ship. They we're famous sailor on Thallian bay that sort to piracy.
Unlike the other coward workers, I volunteered immediately.
"You! What's your name?" he asked.
"My name is Grey, master!" I answered vigorously.
"Nice attitude, lad! What are you waiting for, board on the ship!"
"Yes!" I replied and rushed to get on the ship.
Maybe that was unfortunate or strike of luck, but my fate turned greatly... Or should be called crazy after that...
"May I present to you, the long-lost son of the Third Lord, the heir and the next master of Anbiel, Lord Cressos of the Anbiels!" the introduction was followed by everyone clapping and cheering as I walk into the castle hall.
As I walk, everyone warmly welcomed me. Right on that moment, the door behind me suddenly banged!
"Report to the Lord! The southern barbarians finally crossed the border and will reach the city soon!"
I'm done with this fiasco! "Gather all the troops! We will have barbarian's ball soup for the dinner tonight!!!"