The village was bathed in the gentle, golden glow of the morning sun, radiating a sense of peace and tranquility. The joyful sounds of children playing with makeshift swords filled the air, while mothers engaged in lively exchanges over fragrant spices, and wise elders exchanged stories and observations under the shade of ancient acacia trees.
It was a world too serene to perceive the impending upheaval it had unknowingly set in motion.
Stellan and Ren made their way toward the training grounds, the sound of their footsteps echoing on the gravel path.
Stellan offered a simple, silent acknowledgement.
They sprinted forward.
Ren possessed remarkable speed, outpacing others his age with legs that moved with innate grace and a breathing rhythm that suggested he was born to run.
But as they reached the halfway point, Stellan gradually reduced his pace.
It wasn't due to weariness.
An unknown force seemed to be exerting its influence.
His gaze shifted toward the edge of the forest, where the shadowy trees appeared to sway not with the wind, but with a sense of intent, as if their leaves were softly calling his name.
A subtle yet profound vibration resonated beneath the surface of reality.
Ren came to an abrupt stop, displaying a mixture of irritation and fascination.
"Stellan? "
The world around them seemed to grow darker.
A small stone rose from the ground near Stellan's foot, floating weightlessly and silently.
Then another followed.
Ren gasped.
The stones quivered, circling Stellan like miniature moons orbiting a central point without question.
The light around them distorted, not with brightness, but with a warped quality, as if space itself was bending.
Stellan stared at his hands, feeling a strange mix of bewilderment and tranquility.
It was as if a part of him had always anticipated this moment.
The earth beneath him began to crack, not violently, but with a sense of reverence.
It was as if the very ground was bowing in respect.
Ren stood watching, his voice choked by silence.
Initially, he felt awe.
Then fear crept in.
Followed by a darker emotion – quiet and sharp.
The beginning of a question:
Why him specifically?
A barely audible hum resonated through the atmosphere, a frequency beyond human perception, yet Ren could hear it.
It was a signal from beyond the heavens.
Beyond the realm of creation.
From the place where destinies were shaped and reshaped.
Stellan blinked his eyes.
The stones fell to the ground.
The light returned to normal.
The world resumed its natural rhythm.
"Stellan…" Ren whispered, his voice barely audible. "What was that? "
"I… I'm not sure. "
His tone lacked excitement.
He spoke as if he had always known this day would eventually arrive.
Ren forced a smile – a practiced and fragile gesture.
"That was… unbelievable. "
But his hands were clenched into tight fists.
His heartbeat quickened.
A feeling stirred within him – ambition, raw and insatiable.
If fate had chosen Stellan…
Then Ren would seize his own place among the stars.
Even if it meant dismantling destiny itself.
As the boys continued their journey, a Raven perched above them, observing with luminous eyes that held ancient, primordial knowledge.
It whispered into the breeze:
"Two will ascend. One will surpass all.
The first to reach the creator… will not stand by His side. "
The black hole stirred far above all worlds, sensing its future kings begin to diverge.
Childhood was drawing to a close.
Greatness had begun its ascent.