Long ago, there was a kingdom ravaged by war. Desperate for a hero to end the war, the king sent a knight to the a village known for being the birthplace of many heroes. The hero became a legend whose story was passed down for generations. This is the story of how that hero was born.
Deep within the mountains, hidden behind a waterfall, was a small village. In the village was a small boy with silver hair named Alata. One day, the village chief foretold of a prophecy about Alata becoming the best hero the world will ever know. Hearing this, Alata wanted to become a hero as soon as possible.
Alata went to the village chief to ask how he could become a hero. The village chief explained to him that if he wanted to become a hero, he would have to complete various tests to determine if he was qualified to be a hero. The chief explained that the tests were known as trials.
The chief took Alata to the first trial. The first trial was in a forest of black trees named the Forest of Tragedy. There was a large wall and gate blocking the forest. In front of the gate, stood a hooded figure. The figure pulled back its hood and revealed that it was an owl. The owl simply said,” This is a trial of knowledge. You will enter the forest and solve the riddles within that explain how to safely pass through the forest. Although, if you fail, only a tragic death awaits.”
Alata was terrified, but he entered the forest. As he entered, the gates closed behind him. He found the riddle on the ground in front of him. The riddle read, “ To find what you are searching for, stop searching for it.” Alata thought about what the riddle could mean. Several hours later, Alata had finally understood the riddle. He started to wander around in the forest with his eyes closed. Eventually, Alata had emerged at the end of the forest. The owl stood in front of Alata and said, “ You pass!”
The village chief took Alata to his second trial. There was a gate at the second trial as well. In front of the gate, stood a large bear. The bear explained that the trial will test his strength. Alata entered the gates and saw a long path through the mountain. The bear said, “ The journey to the end of the path will be dangerous. It will also take a long time to finish the trial. Usually, it takes 5 years to finish the trial.”
The bear disappeared and Alata began walking down the path. Alata braved storms, fought savage beasts, and had fallen ill during the trial. 5 years had passed. Finally, Alata could see the end of the path. Alata smiled and ran down the path to the end. The bear was waving at Alata and admired his tenacity. Alata had grown up while he took the trial.
The bear took Alata to the last trial. At the last trial, Alata saw the owl. Alata was curious about the last trial. He entered the gate to complete the last trial. As the gate closed, Alata saw a garden with a pool of water in the center. Floating above the water, was a dragon. The dragon asked Alata, “ Why are heroes born?” Alata reflected on his journey. He thought about the trials he had endured and answered, “ Heroes are born to protect what they love.” The dragon smiled and bestowed armor upon Alata.
Alata returned to his village. There was a feast held to celebrate Alata becoming a hero. The village chief walked to Alata and said,” Eat! Drink! Be happy!”
This is the story of how a hero was born.
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