The sun rises over the village, casting a soft golden glow through the window of Starmon's room. Birds chirp outside, but inside, there is only silence.
Starmon slowly opens his eyes, staring at the ceiling, his face still carrying the exhaustion of yesterday. He rubs his eyes and sits up, taking a deep breath. He gets out of bed, washes his face and hands at the small basin near the window, then heads toward the dining area.
At the dining table, Alice and Steve are already seated, waiting for him. Their faces are tired, their eyes still puffy from the previous night. Starmon quietly sits down in his usual chair.
Their mother, moving silently, serves him a plate of food. But as he reaches for his spoon, his gaze falls upon the empty chair beside him.
His Uncle Stephen's seat.
A deep pain pierces his heart as memories flood his mind—Stephen's laughter, his warmth, his stories. It all felt like just yesterday. And now, he was gone.
Tears begin to well up in Starmon's eyes. He grips his hands into fists.
Starmon: (whispering) "I don't want to eat… I'm not hungry."
He abruptly stands up, his chair scraping against the floor, and walks toward his room.
Steve looks at him, wanting to call out, but he can't find the strength. Alice, sitting beside him, lowers her head as silent tears roll down her cheeks.
The house is filled with grief once again.
Just as Starmon reaches his door, a loud knock echoes through the house.
Knock. Knock.
Everyone flinches.
Alice and Steve exchange nervous glances. Their minds race with a single terrifying thought:
"Did they come back? Did Starmon's reaction to Stephen's death anger them?"
Steve slowly stands up.
Alice: (whispering) "What should we do? What if they've returned?"
Steve clenches his fists but puts on a brave face.
Steve:"Don't worry. I won't let them hurt you."
The tension in the air is suffocating. He grips the door handle, his palms sweaty. With a deep breath, he slowly pulls the door open.
A blinding white light from outside floods the house, forcing them to shield their eyes.
As the light fades and their vision clears, they see—
Villagers.
Standing at the doorstep, a group of villagers, men and women, their faces filled with something unfamiliar—relief.
Steve: (confused) "What's going on? Why are you all here so early?"
Before anyone could respond, Sofia suddenly lunges forward and hugs Starmon tightly.
Sofia: (excitedly) "Starmon! We are free!"
Starmon is momentarily stunned by her sudden embrace. He gently pushes her back and looks at her with wide eyes.
Starmon:"What? Free? What do you mean?"
Sofia steps back, her eyes shining with joy.
Sofia:"You won't believe it… but Zarek is dead!"
Starmon's eyes widen. His breath catches in his throat.
Steve: (in shock) "What?... Really?"
A villager steps forward, nodding.
Villager:"Yes, it's true! Zarek is dead! We're finally free!"
Steve's legs almost give out beneath him. His eyes glisten with emotion.
Villager:"Your brother… has been avenged."
The words echo in Starmon's mind.
Sofia:"Everyone is at the Village Square. They're deciding what to do with his body."
Starmon's heart pounds. Without a second thought, he bolts out the door, running as fast as he can.
Sofia:"Wait! Starmon!"
But he doesn't stop.
The screen fades to black.
The village square is packed with villagers, murmuring amongst themselves. The tension in the air is thick.
Starmon arrives, pushing through the crowd. His breath is heavy, his heart pounding. As he reaches the front, his eyes lock onto the lifeless, headless body of Zarek sprawled on the ground.
For a moment, he just stares.
Then, a slow smile creeps onto his face.
Mark, standing nearby, spots him and steps forward.
Mark: (grinning) "Looks like our hero is here. No need to be sad now."
He places a firm hand on Starmon's shoulder.
From within the crowd, a man raises his voice.
Villager:"What should we do with them?"
The crowd falls silent, their eyes shifting toward Zarek and the other fallen curse-users.
The silence is broken by Starmon's voice, firm and unwavering.
Starmon:"Burn them."
The villagers exchange shocked glances.
Mark: (hesitant) "I know you're angry about your uncle, but—"
Starmon: (cutting him off) "They are curse-users. We can't bury them, and we can't leave them in the forest. We don't know who might find them and resurrect them. Can you take that risk?"
A murmur spreads through the crowd. They want to agree, but fear holds them back.
Villager:"But what if Malakar finds out?"
Starmon:"Malakar will find out. Maybe he already knows. So what? Will you live in fear forever? When he does, he will send his army… or come himself. But I don't fear him. Because the Hero is here. And I believe in him."
A hushed stillness follows.
Then, an elderly man steps forward.
Elder Nolan:"This boy is right. We should burn them."
A man beside him looks shocked.
Villager:"Elder, you too?"
The old man nods.
With newfound resolve, the villagers gather the bodies and set them ablaze. The flames rise, consuming the remnants of Zarek and his men. The air is thick with smoke and finality.
As the fire crackles, the crowd begins to murmur again.
Villager:"Zarek is dead… and our old chief was killed. Who will lead us now?"
A thought sparks in Starmon's mind. Without hesitation, he steps forward.
Starmon:"I suggest we make Mark our new leader."
A wave of surprise ripples through the crowd.
Elder Nolan:"Hmm… and why do you think so?"
Mark leans toward Starmon, whispering.
Mark: (whispering) "Bro, what are you doing? I can't do this!"
Starmon: (calmly) "Don't worry. Let me handle this."
Starmon turns to the crowd, speaking with confidence.
Starmon: "People of Aetherium! Mark is the only son of our former chief, Drac. Chief Drac was brave, honorable, kind, and the strongest warrior of Aetherium. And believe me, Mark is just like him.
No… he's even stronger than any of us.
He is already our team leader. He knows how to manage people, how to fight, and how to lead. He has everything a leader needs. So, what do you all think?"
The crowd stirs, considering his words.
Ryan, the village doctor and Sofia's father, steps forward.
Ryan:"I have one question. If we are attacked, what will you do?"
Mark steps up. His voice is steady, but filled with emotion.
Mark: "I know I'm not like my father. I can't be him. But this is my home. If anyone threatens my people… I will fight until my last breath. Until I can't even move a finger."
A moment of silence…
Then, Ryan nods.
Ryan:"I, Ryan, Healer of Aetherium, accept Mark, son of Drac, as our new leader."
A voice calls out from the crowd.
Jacob, a café owner:"I, Jacob, accept Mark as our leader!"
One by one, the villagers begin to speak up.
Villagers:"We accept Mark!"
Elder Nolan raises his hand.
Elder Nolan:"I, Nolan, Elder of Aetherium, accept Mark as our leader."
A cheer erupts from the crowd.
Jacob:"On this occasion… let's celebrate!"
The village roars in joy, laughter and relief filling the air.
Starmon watches as Mark stands tall, his face filled with determination.
Starmon: (smiling, showing thumbs up) "Good luck, bro."
Mark smiles back, but his eyes burn with newfound resolve.
The village of Aetherium is alive with joy and celebration. People dance, laugh, and share food, their spirits lifted after years of oppression.
In the midst of the festivities, Starmon and Mark stand side by side, watching the villagers rejoice.
Starmon:"It's been ten years…"
Mark:"Yeah… ten years. But we're finally free!"
A brief silence lingers before Mark turns to Starmon.
Mark:"But… who is this Hero?"
Starmon:"I don't know."
Mark: (raising an eyebrow) "You don't even know who he is, yet you believe in him?"
Starmon:"Yes. Because no one else would risk their life against Zarek or Malakar for us… but he did. That's why I believe in him."
Mark crosses his arms, thinking.
Mark:"Hmm… but what if he only did it for revenge?"
Starmon: (smirking) "Even if that's true… we have you."
Mark scoffs, shaking his head.
Mark:"Why do you always depend on others? You should make yourself stronger so people can rely on you."
Starmon:"I am strong! That's why you rely on me."
Mark chuckles.
Mark:"Oh really? Don't make me laugh."
Starmon grins.
Starmon:"Wanna duel?"
Mark smirks, his warrior's pride lighting up his eyes.
Mark:"A warrior never fears a fight… I accept your duel."
The village square is now a makeshift battlefield. The villagers gather around, watching with eager anticipation.
Starmon and Mark stand in the center, holding wooden swords.
Starmon raises his voice, addressing the crowd.
Starmon:"People of Aetherium! I told you Mark is strong… but now I'm gonna beat him really bad. Please don't mind!"
The crowd laughs, including Elisa and Sofia.
Elisa:"You? Beat Mark? That's a good one!"
Starmon: (mockingly) "Oh, so you don't believe me? Alright, I'll show you!"
The duel begins.
Starmon charges first, swinging his sword at Mark. But Mark sidesteps effortlessly and strikes Starmon's back with the flat end of his sword.
Starmon stumbles forward.
He quickly turns and counters, but Mark blocks it, then forcefully pushes against his sword, sending Starmon's weapon flying into the air.
Before Starmon can react, Mark grabs him by the collar, lifts him slightly, and slams him onto the ground.
Mark points his wooden sword at Starmon's face.
Mark:"Game over."
The crowd erupts in cheers.
Jacob (café owner):"That's our leader!"
The villagers roar in celebration, chanting Mark's name.
Starmon opens his eyes, looking up at Mark with a smile.
Mark extends his hand.
Mark:"Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?"
Starmon takes his hand, standing up.
Just then, Elisa and Sofia approach.
Elisa: (teasing) "Starmon, what was that? You embarrassed yourself!"
Starmon: (grinning) "I wanted to show the people just how strong their leader is."
Sofia: (sighing) "Idiot! You should care about yourself too."
She places her hands near his wounds, casting a gentle healing spell. A soft glow wraps around Starmon, easing his pain.
Mark: (serious) "You're strong, Starmon… but you need to focus on your enemy. Don't rush in blindly."
Starmon smirks.
Starmon:"I'll keep that in mind… Chief."
Mark groans.
Mark:"Stop, bro! Not you too!"
The villagers burst into laughter, their spirits high.
The moon hung high in the dark sky as four friends walked home together, chatting casually. The village was finally free, and the air was lighter than ever before.
Suddenly, Sofia turned to Starmon with an idea.
Sofia:"We're free now, so why not go somewhere for fun?"
Starmon:"Hmm… nice idea. How about the forest? We might even find some clues about the Hero. What do you guys think?"
Mark: (shrugging) "I'm fine with that, if you don't mind."
Starmon: (grinning) "Great! Then it's settled—we're going to the forest tomorrow morning!"
Sofia sighed, placing a hand over her face.
Sofia: (muttering to herself) "Stupid…"
The camera pans to the starry sky, and the night passes.
As the sun rose, the group ventured into the forest, weaving through towering trees. Birds chirped, and the sound of rustling leaves filled the air.
However, Sofia lagged behind the group, looking noticeably upset.
Starmon leaned toward Mark, whispering.
Starmon:"What's up with her? She was the one who suggested this, but now she looks mad."
Mark:"No idea. She was fine last night."
Elisa:"She was normal until we got home. Something must have happened after that."
Sofia heard their whispers and turned her head away, crossing her arms.
Sofia: (thinking to herself) "It's because of you, stupid Starmon! I only asked you. Why did you invite them?"
Meanwhile, Starmon, Mark, and Elisa exchanged glances.
Starmon: (whispering) "Guys, look at her. She's avoiding eye contact now. Maybe she's mad at us."
Elisa:"What do we do?"
Mark:"Maybe we should apologize."
The three suddenly stopped walking, turning toward Sofia.
Starmon bowed his head.
Starmon:"Sofia! I apologize… though I don't know what I did. Please forgive me!"
Before Sofia could react, Mark and Elisa smacked Starmon on the back of the head.
Mark & Elisa:"Idiot! That's not how you apologize!"
They turned to Sofia.
Mark:"If we did anything to upset you, we're really sorry."
Sofia hesitated before shaking her head.
Sofia:"No, no. Don't apologize. I'm not mad at you guys… I was just… thinking about something."
Starmon:"Really? You scared us! You should've said something sooner."
Sofia:"Is that so? Then I'm going home now. You guys enjoy!"
She turned on her heels.
Starmon: (panicking) "Wait! Wait! Sorry! I was joking!"
Elisa cleared her throat, bringing the focus back.
Elisa:"Alright, now that we're in the forest, where do we start looking?"
Sofia, regaining her composure, came up with a plan.
Sofia:"I have an idea. Elisa and Mark, you two head right. Starmon and I will go left. We'll meet back here in two hours."
Elisa:"Are you sure? Shouldn't we stick together?"
Starmon:"Actually, splitting up might help us find something faster."
Elisa opened her mouth to protest, but before she could, Mark grabbed her wrist and pulled her away.
Mark: (grinning) "Got it. We're heading right!"
Elisa sighed but followed.
Meanwhile, Starmon and Sofia turned toward the left path, disappearing into the trees.
As Starmon and Sofia walked through the forest, the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds filled the air. Suddenly, Sofia stopped.
Sofia:"Starmon, wait! I want to tell you something."
Starmon paused and turned toward her.
Starmon:"What is it? Did you find something about the Hero?"
Sofia frowned, crossing her arms.
Sofia:"Not everything is about the Hero! Why do you always talk about him? There are other things that matter too!"
Starmon: (softly) "I just… I just want to find him. I need to thank him… for avenging my uncle."
Sofia's expression softened.
Sofia:"Sorry… I didn't mean to be rude."
Starmon:"Don't worry about it. So, what were you going to say?"
Sofia hesitated.
Sofia:"Forget it. It's nothing."
Starmon: (grinning) "Come on, tell me! Don't hide it. I won't be able to sleep if you don't!"
Sofia: (turning away) "It's not really important..."
Starmon gave her an exaggerated puppy-eyed look.
Sofia: (sighing) "Okay… I wanted to tell you… I… I—"
Scene: Mark & Elisa Spying
The camera shifts to the side, revealing Mark and Elisa hiding in the bushes nearby.
Elisa: (whispering) "So that's why you agreed to go right."
Mark: (smirking) "Yeah… She's confessing."
Just as Sofia was about to finish her sentence, a shout echoed through the trees.
"Leader! Where are you?!"
Sofia jumped in surprise when both Mark and Elisa quickly emerged from their hiding spot.
A villager ran toward them, panting.
Mark:"What happened?!"
The villager gasped for breath before blurting out—
Villager:"Chief, hurry! There's trouble in the village!"
Without hesitation, the group sprinted back toward the village.
When they arrived, the entire village was gathered, their faces filled with sorrow and fear. Women cried, and men clenched their fists in frustration.
Mark pushed through the crowd.
Mark:"What's going on?"
The village elder stepped forward, his voice heavy with grief.
Elder:"This morning, while you were in the forest… soldiers from Lirion Faelthorn arrived. They demanded to know where the Hero—'YT'—was."
A flashback played in Mark's mind, depicting the soldiers clad in dark armor, their commander sneering.
Lirion's Soldier:"Send your hero to Lord Lirion's palace… or you will never see your children again."
The flashback ended.
Mark's hands curled into fists. His eyes burned with anger.
Mark:"Where did they go?"
Villager:"Lirion is in Moonveil… a place overflowing with magic."
Elisa looked at Mark, her expression tense.
Elisa:"What do we do now?"
Mark: (resolutely) "We go there right now. We're rescuing them."
The villager nodded.
Villager:"I'll prepare horses for you."
Starmon, who had been silent, finally spoke.
Starmon:"Why the rush? The Hero will save them. We don't have to worry!"
Mark turned sharply, his expression serious.
Mark:"No. We can't rely on the Hero. This is our fight, and we will handle it ourselves."
Sofia:"How can we rely on someone we haven't even seen yet?"
Mark stepped forward, his voice strong.
Mark:"Everyone, prepare yourselves… It's time to fight!"
As the villagers rushed to gather supplies, Starmon watched them, deep in thought.
Starmon (thinking):"The others don't believe… but I do. Hero, please… save our people."
The scene fades into the grand throne room of Moonveil's castle. The towering pillars and dark banners of Lirion Faelthorn's insignia loom over a group of frightened children, all huddled together.
Among them, a 16-year-old boy named Dex stepped forward, his fists clenched.
Dex:"Why did you bring us here?! We told you—we don't know anything about the Hero!"
A soft yet menacing voice echoed through the vast chamber.
"Welcome to my world, kids."
The camera shifts toward the throne, revealing a man draped in black and crimson robes, lounging on his seat with a smirk. His sharp Red eyes gleamed with wicked amusement.
It was Lirion Faelthorn—General of Malakar.
Dex's eyes burned with defiance.
Dex:"Why did you take us?!"
Lirion chuckled, resting his chin on his hand.
Lirion:"Take you? Oh no, dear boy, I didn't 'buy' you. Look at me—I'm sitting right here."
Dex gritted his teeth.
Dex:"Are you messing with us?! Let us go, or you'll regret it—"
Lirion: (mockingly) "Regret? Oh? And who will make me regret it? The Hero? That's exactly why I'm asking…" (leans forward) "Where is YT?"
Dex spat on the floor, undeterred.
Dex:"I'm not talking about the Hero. Our leader will come for us soon, and when he does, he'll turn you into pulp!"
Lirion's eyes gleamed with amusement.
Lirion:"Aetherians, hmm? This sounds… entertaining."
Dex stepped forward, challenging him.
Dex:"If you think it's funny, then untie me! I'll show you—"
But before he could finish, a Dark cursed arrow pierced through his right eye.
His body stiffened. Blood trickled down his cheek as his lifeless form collapsed onto the cold marble floor.
The camera zoomed out, revealing Lirion holding a bow. The weapon vanished in a wisp of black mist as he lowered his arm.
A moment of heavy silence filled the room.
Lirion tilted his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips.
Lirion:"Now then… where were we?"
His laughter echoed through the chamber—low, sinister, and chilling.
Lirion: (laughing) "Hehehe… Hahaha!"
His eyes darkened as he addressed his guards.
Lirion:"Lock the rest of them away. Let's see how long before they tell us who YT really is."
The terrified children were dragged away, their cries fading as the massive iron doors slammed shut.
Lirion leaned back on his throne, eyes filled with anticipation.
Lirion: (smirking) "Aetherians and YT… This is going to be fun."