That night, the village was plunged into silence after its inhabitants had retired. In Eldric's wooden house, a small fireplace danced on the old walls. The scent of firewood and damp earth filled the room. Eldric, with his wrinkled face that held many stories, sat in his favorite worn chair. In his hand, a small wooden box with intricate carvings. The carving depicted a phoenix, a symbol of hope and resurrection. The firelight illuminated the box, making the carving seem alive. Eldric sighed deeply, his eyes fixed on Blaze, the handsome young man in front of him. The atmosphere was quiet, only the sound of crackling wood in the fireplace could be heard. Eldric placed the box on the small table beside him, his rough fingers stretched out, caressing the phoenix carving. He was silent for a moment, recalling the meaningful memories of the past. Then, in a calm and gentle voice, he said:
"Blaze," said Eldric, looking at the young man in front of him, "there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time. And I think this is the time."
Blaze sat in front of Eldric, curiosity radiating from his eyes. The warm atmosphere of the fireplace made Eldric's face appear softer. "What is it, Uncle?" asked Blaze, his voice soft, attentive. Eldric nodded slowly, his wrinkled fingers carefully opening the wooden box. The sound of wood rubbing against wood was loud in the silent room. Inside, there was a small silver pendant, shaped like a perfect circle. Fine carvings adorned its surface; the name 'Kai' was clearly engraved on the front. On the other side, a mysterious symbol resembling a sun obscured by a shadow, its intricate pattern caught the eye. Blaze observed the details of the carving, trying to understand the hidden meaning behind it. Eldric lifted the pendant, showing it to Blaze under the dim light of the fireplace. The pendant reflected the dim light from the fireplace, giving it an unusual impression.
With a gentle movement of his hand, Eldric handed the silver pendant with the inscription "Kai" to Blaze. "This pendant belongs to you," he said, his voice a soft whisper. "I found you adrift in the river years ago with this silver pendant with you." Blaze looked at the pendant, his trembling fingers touching the engraved name. The name was strange, yet felt so close, like a faint memory buried in his memory. "Kai Yanvei..." he murmured softly, his voice echoing in the silent room. Eldric observed Blaze, his eyes misty as he recalled the past. "Because you were still a baby, I didn't know your origins. We always called you Kai Yanvei when you were little, that was your real name," Eldric explained. Blaze nodded faintly, the memory of his teacher calling him Kai Yanvei when he was little came back to him. "Master Kael, who took care of you afterwards, chose to call you Blaze. That name eventually stuck with you," Eldric continued, his voice full of understanding. "But, I believe this pendant has great significance. Maybe it will be a clue to finding your origins."
Blaze held the pendant tightly, turning serious. In his heart, he felt a new urge to find the truth about his past. However, he didn't say anything to Eldric, just smiled faintly to reassure the old man.
The morning sun shone on the village, penetrating the gaps in the leaves of Blaze's bedroom window. A white dove, its feathers gleaming, perched on the windowsill. At its feet, a small roll of paper tied neatly with a dark brown thread. Carefully, Blaze unrolled it. A short, but firm message was written on it: "Gather at the Shadow Blade headquarters. There is an important announcement. Don't be late." Blaze felt his heart pounding. This was no ordinary call. He put the message in his shirt pocket, his heart pounding. After packing a few of his belongings, Blaze hurried to the yard. Eldric, with his axe gleaming in the morning sunlight, was chopping wood for the fireplace. Wood chips flew, dancing in the air. Blaze approached, looking at Eldric's calm face. "Uncle, I have to go," said Blaze, with a faint smile. "The academy where I study is about to start its activities again. But before I leave, I want to give you something."
From behind his shirt, Blaze pulled out a small, worn leather pouch. The pouch felt heavy in his hand. He gave it to Eldric with a warm smile. Eldric received it carefully, his rough fingers touching the soft leather surface. Carefully, Eldric untied the pouch. The morning sunlight reflected from the pile of gold coins inside, gleaming enchantingly. Two hundred gold coins, a very large amount for the inhabitants of the small village. It should be noted that a single gold coin was worth a thousand silver coins, and a silver coin was equivalent to a thousand bronze coins. Eldric was startled, his eyes widened in disbelief. "Blaze, this is too much! I can't accept it," he said, his voice trembling with surprise. Blaze patted Eldric's shoulder gently, trying to calm him down. "Uncle, this isn't just for you," Blaze explained. "Use this money to help the villagers. Build a new, deeper well, repair leaky roofs, or buy new equipment for their rice paddies. Also buy food for those who are struggling. I know you will use it wisely."
Eldric's tears flowed freely, moistening his wrinkled cheeks. He hugged Blaze tightly, holding back the surge of mixed emotions in his heart. "You are truly an extraordinary child, Blaze... or should I call you Kai Yanvei?" Eldric whispered, his voice choked. Blaze smiled slightly, gently patting Eldric's back. "Blaze still feels more appropriate for now," he replied. "Kai Yanvei... let that be the name of the future." After saying goodbye to Eldric and a few villagers who happened to meet on the road, Blaze walked towards the village gate. The morning air felt cool on his skin. He put on his long black robe again, covering his identity. The silver pendant that Eldric gave him hung hidden under his shirt, close to his heart. His steps were steady, heading towards the winding path leading to the capital. In the distance, the shadow of Aetheria city appeared faintly. His blue-gray eyes looked towards the road leading to the capital of the Aetheria Kingdom, a bustling city full of intrigue.
The gate of Aetheria city was wide open, welcoming Blaze with the hustle and bustle of big city life. The sounds of merchants offering their wares, the shouts of children playing, and the clatter of horses' hooves blended together, forming a lively symphony of life. Majestic buildings made of white stone and marble stood firmly along the cobblestone road, showing the wealth and power of the Aetheria kingdom. The smell of spices from the East, the aroma of freshly baked bread from ovens, and the fragrance of expensive flowers filled the air. The royal guards, in gleaming armor and swords drawn at their waists, patrolled with regular steps, maintaining the security of the city. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Blaze walked calmly, his steps sure and measured. His black robe and the mask covering part of his face made him look like an ordinary citizen, not attracting unnecessary attention. He passed through the crowded market, avoiding the touch and pressure of the crowd. His eyes observed every corner of the city, looking for clues leading to the secret district known only to members of the Shadow Blade. After passing through several narrow alleys and winding roads, he found a hidden entrance behind an old wall overgrown with vines. Blaze entered the secret district, he was curious what made all the Shadow Blade assassin members gather at their headquarters."