The Forsaken Legacy

The bustling market sprawled out before Kai and Lia, a tapestry of vibrant colors, lively voices, and alluring aromas. Stalls lined the cobblestone paths, each filled with an assortment of goods that made the city feel almost magical. There were tapestries embroidered with intricate patterns, bundles of rare herbs hanging like small bouquets, and tables adorned with gleaming crystals that seemed to shimmer in the morning light. Kai and Lia moved from stall to stall, marveling at the vast array of wares.

Lia was the first to notice something odd. “Kai, look around—there are so many people here,” she whispered, her eyes wide with curiosity. Indeed, the market was crowded with youths their age, some a bit older, some younger, dressed in tunics and robes that marked them as travelers, merchants, or perhaps aspiring cultivators.

“Why do you think they’re here?” Kai asked, glancing around at the faces full of excitement and ambition.

"Could it be something to do with the academy?" Lia mused. "I heard a merchant saying that young people come from far and wide to try to enter the academy."

They shared a look, both wondering what it might be like to join them, to see a world beyond Elaris. Just then, Aurelia motioned for them to follow her toward a towering building with an intricate, gilded design on the door. Above the door, a sign read, “Havenbrook Alchemist Association.”

The interior of the Alchemist Association was like stepping into another world. The air was thick with the scents of exotic herbs and strange brews. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of powders, dried roots, and vibrant flowers. The counter was adorned with stacks of small, colorful pills in glass cases, each marked with a symbol Kai didn’t recognize.

Just as they entered, a young attendant appeared, bowing respectfully before speaking, “Master Aurelia, it’s a pleasure to see you.” The title took Kai and Lia by surprise, and they exchanged bewildered glances. Since when had Aurelia been called “Master?”

Unbothered by their curiosity, Aurelia handed over a small pouch filled with several delicate vials. “I’ve brought a batch of middle-grade, rank one pills. Please have them assessed,” she said calmly, the attendant nodding and taking the pouch with utmost care.

When the attendant left, Kai couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer. “Master Aurelia?” he whispered, half in awe, half in disbelief. “Why did they call you that?”

Aurelia chuckled softly. “I suppose there are some things you’ll learn about me along the way. Titles are sometimes just tools, but here, they help me to sell our herbs and medicines without much hassle.”

Kai’s eyes lingered on the counter, curiosity building. “What kind of pills are these? And what does ‘middle-grade’ mean?”

Seeing their eagerness, Aurelia began to explain. “Medicines and pills are classified in stages based on their potency and purpose. Rank one herbs and pills are intended for cultivators at the Awakening Essence Stage. Those stages are broken down further—early, middle, and peak."

Kai’s mind raced as he tried to follow along. “So, what are these pills for?”

“Well,” Aurelia continued, “early-stage, grade one pills are used for initial connection with one’s essence, to help begin the process of cultivation. Middle-stage, like those we brought today, are for what’s called Essence Calibration, which strengthens and stabilizes one’s essence. Then, there’s peak-grade, which is used for essence bonding, preparing a cultivator for the next stage.”

Lia’s eyes widened as she took it all in, glancing at the shelves of pills and medicines with newfound awe. “So each pill has its purpose, helping people progress through their cultivation journey,” she murmured, almost to herself.

“That’s exactly right,” Aurelia said with a gentle smile. “The path of cultivation is both rigorous and rewarding, and each stage has its own challenges.”

Just then, Eldrin reappeared in the doorway, giving Aurelia a small nod. “I’ll take my leave for a bit. There’s something I need to attend to,” he announced.

“Of course,” Aurelia replied, her gaze thoughtful as she watched him leave.

---

Meanwhile, Eldrin made his way toward the grand structure at the heart of Havenbrook—the Havenbrook Academy. This was no ordinary building; its walls gleamed as though crafted from marble mixed with a hint of silver, the towering spires reaching up to the sky. The academy gates, a pair of intricate, black iron doors, were lined with carvings of mythical beasts in graceful flight. A crowd had gathered around the entrance, marveling at the sight of the academy as though it was a sacred place.

Eldrin took in the crowd as he approached, noticing parents pointing and talking to their children about the honor and prestige of entering Havenbrook Academy. He overheard bits and pieces of conversation about the upcoming recruitment, set to happen in just three months—a rare opportunity that only came around every three years, and only for youths fourteen and younger. “Perfect timing,” Eldrin thought, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “Perhaps the kids are ready for this next step.”

Yet despite his imposing frame and weathered face, no one seemed to notice him as he walked through the academy’s front gates. Even the guards, who looked alert as hawks, didn’t react. It was as though he were invisible, a shadow passing through their ranks. Eldrin walked deeper into the academy grounds, moving past towering statues of past warriors and scholars who had left their mark on Havenbrook. The place was silent, aside from the occasional murmur of students or the chirping of birds in the academy gardens.

Finally, Eldrin arrived at a hidden pond tucked behind a cluster of flowering trees, its surface undisturbed and reflecting the sky like a mirror. Near the water’s edge sat an elderly man in plain robes, fishing rod in hand, his posture serene and still.

The old man, without looking up, spoke in a soft voice, “And to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Eldrin?”

Eldrin scoffed, crossing his arms. “Don’t think too much of it. I’ve decided to send Kai to the academy for the next recruitment, and I want to make sure someone keeps an eye on him.”

At this, the old man finally turned, surprise flickering in his gaze. “So, you’re finally willing to let him out of hiding. I thought you’d keep him locked away forever.”

Eldrin’s expression remained stony, his jaw set. “The boy deserves a chance to live his own life, to make his own choices. But that doesn’t mean he’ll be left unguarded.”

The old man held Eldrin’s gaze for a moment, then smiled softly. “You’ve always cared for him, more than you’d ever admit.”

Eldrin said nothing, simply disappearing from his spot, as though he were a wisp of smoke caught in the wind. The old man sat there for a moment longer, his gaze lingering on the empty space where Eldrin had stood. Then, with a faint smile and a glimmer of unreadable emotions in his eyes, he turned back to his fishing, casting his line into the pond as if nothing had happened.

Back at the market, Kai and Lia were unaware of the plans being set in motion, of the quiet promise Eldrin had just made to watch over them, even as they stepped into a larger world filled with unknown challenges and wonders.