---
EMBER HEART: THE RISE OF THE FLAMEBOUND (Prologue)
Every ten years, a grand festival was celebrated during the first bloom of spring. It was an exciting day when people of different cultures gathered in harmony. But for every child turning fifteen, it marked something far greater—the day their Fire Bond would awaken.
In the bustling streets of the Kingdom of Parcilona, tucked between larger shops, was a humble blacksmith workshop. Here, young Kayle Veyron worked under his master, Samuel—a tall, powerfully built old man, bald but sporting a long, snow-white beard. His deep, commanding voice and piercing eyes were like a lion sizing its prey, yet beneath his stern exterior lived a kind soul who loved crafting blades, especially daggers and swords.
Near the display stand where swords of all shapes and sizes gleamed, Kayle stood with one of them, swinging it with serious concentration.
> "The great Fire Knight Kayle has defeated the mighty dragon!"
He raised the sword above his head, imagining himself standing triumphantly on a cliff.
His fantasy was cut short.
> "Stop slacking around! Don't you have to go for your awakening?"
Samuel's commanding voice snapped him back to reality.
> "Yes, Master!" Kayle shouted, nearly jumping in surprise.
Samuel gave a soft smile and nodded.
Eager to prove himself, Kayle hurried to the storeroom, which stood to the right of the entrance. He carefully took out an iron bar and inserted it into the roaring furnace. Waiting for it to glow red-hot, he wiped sweat from his brow. Once ready, he pulled it out and placed it on the anvil. As the molten metal hissed, droplets of sweat fell onto it and evaporated instantly.
Gripping the hammer tightly, Kayle began forging.
Strike after strike, hour after hour, until finally, the glowing shape resembled a sword. He completed the process by quenching the blade in oil. When it emerged, perfectly crafted and gleaming, Samuel inspected it and nodded approvingly.
> "This is the best you've ever made," he said with rare praise.
Kayle's eyes widened in joy. It was the first time his master had openly appreciated his work.
> "Thank you, Master!" Kayle bowed deeply, trying to hide his tears of happiness.
Samuel grunted softly.
> "Fine, fine. Now go check the chest in the storeroom. There's something for you."
Kayle's heart pounded with curiosity. He rushed into the storeroom and, minutes later, returned—now wearing high-quality leather armor, a steel helmet, and a beautiful long sword sheathed in a leather scabbard.
Samuel raised his head with a proud expression.
> "You look quite astonishing. I crafted it specially for your awakening ceremony. What do you think?"
Overcome with emotion, Kayle hugged him tightly.
> "Thank you, Master… You are like my—"
He couldn't finish the sentence through his tears.
Samuel patted his back gently.
> "Stop crying, you're a big boy now."
Kayle wiped his eyes and smiled.
> "Goodbye, Master."
And with that, he left.
By the time Kayle reached the ceremonial grounds, the event had already begun.
> "Phew! I made it just in time," he sighed.
The festival square was alive with noise and excitement. At the center stood a tall tower made of Mana Crystal. A robed man stood before it, speaking with a voice that echoed across the crowd.
> "The Awakening Ceremony begins now! The rules are simple: each candidate gets only one chance. Touch the crystal and wait. If it glows green, you have low mana. Yellow means moderate mana. Blue denotes high mana. Breaking the rules will bring punishment from the Church."
A bell rang, marking the start.
One by one, fifteen-year-olds approached the crystal. Some received green, a few yellow, and rarely, a blue glow. One boy touched it and the announcer called out:
> "David has been selected for the Flame Knights!"
As night fell, Kayle's turn finally arrived. He stepped forward, legs trembling.
> "My turn… Oh God, please..." he whispered.
He touched the crystal. A few seconds passed. Nothing.
> "What… what's happening?" he stammered, fear creeping into his voice.
Suddenly, a mysterious voice echoed in his mind—divine, ancient.
> "They once chained me… Now, you will be my sword, Kayle Veyron."
The crystal didn't glow green. Or yellow. Or blue.
It shone bright white—so blinding that it turned night into day.
The tower cracked—then shattered into thousands of radiant pieces.
The crowd gasped.
> "Who is he?"
"Is he an angel?"
A priest in white robes stepped forward, awe in his voice.
> "Sir… you must come with us."
> "Did I do something wrong?" Kayle asked.
> "No. But your mana is immeasurable. The King has sent his messenger. Please, follow me."
Still dazed, Kayle was taken to a royal carriage. As the horses trotted forward, his thoughts raced.
> "What is happening? And… who was that voice?"
Half an hour later, they arrived at the palace. Soldiers approached. The moment Kayle stepped out, a general handcuffed him.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Kayle shouted.
"Silence! On your knees!"
But before he could obey, a black flame erupted around him. The cuffs melted instantly. A shockwave burst forth, sending soldiers flying in all directions.
> "I will save you… in return, help me," whispered the mysterious voice again.
More guards could be heard approaching. Kayle didn't wait. He dashed into the deep forest, heart heavy and confused.
"What… what just happened to my dream?" he whispered as he ran.
Soon he reached a cliff. The soldiers were close behind.
"Jump, Kayle! They're coming," said the voice.
"Do I even have a choice?"
With a deep breath, he leapt.
He closed his eyes.
But… he didn't fall.
He was flying.
> "Wha—whoa! I'm literally flying!" Kayle shouted, half-laughing, half-crying.
"What is even happening to me…"
And thus began the rise of the Flamebound.
---