Months passed, and I finally took my first steps. It was liberating, you know? Independence felt like a whole new world opening up to me. I could finally wander around at my own pace. But I came to regret that feeling, when I tumbled out of the first floor window while trying to catch a glimpse of my father doing his usual training routine.

I had a knack for falling I guess!

The fall was no joke. It made a loud bang. My parents rushed over, expecting the worst, only to find me oddly uninjured, without little to no scratches.

"Oh my god, honey! Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Ada exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

"His blessing already manifested?" Gavin’s voice held a mixture of wonder and pride.

"I've always believed he was special!"

"Have you ever heard of a one-year-old awakening his blessings before, Ada?" 

"No, but doesn’t this mean our baby boy is just unique?" 

"Well, didn't I say he's going to become a warrior like his dad? Well, the day came. Come on, Lu, training starts toda..."  Just as he was about to finish talking, Ada smacked the back of his head so hard he started stuttering.

"He's still one year old! At least wait until he's three," she scolded.

Yeah, like that would make a difference. But seriously, am I like a hot shot?

As months passed, I spent my days watching Gavin train, studying his movements, and trying to emulate them. And at night, long after my parents had slept, I'd sneak out of my own bed and venture into a room I stumbled upon recently. It was filled with books, though sadly I hadn't learned to read yet. But that didn't demotivate me. Those nights became dedicated to absorbing whatever knowledge I could from those books. I was the best archaeologist and historian of my time. Learning a new language from a few dusty tomes? Piece of cake.

Eventually, I cracked the code of the language. But during that quest, one particular book caught my eye. It spoke of a great war that brought havoc upon the world centuries ago. But it wasn't about the war itself; rather the after effect of it.  The world once lived in peace, with kingdoms united and people supportive of each other. They shared currency, traded with each other and established the pillars of balance. But the war bred agony and suffering, breeding hatred between the Arcanists, who felt superior with their magic, and us madanians, who stuck to our pride. 

Things got so bad that the Kingdom of Mandania established laws banning magic within its borders and banishing any who used it.  

Trading still exists to this day, but just from an economical point of view.

Some madanians chose to leave the kingdom, others supported their leaders' cause.

One thing for sure though, Arcanists were not allowed to step foot here.