The morning sun spilled over Mistgrove, casting golden light across the dewdrops clinging to the village leaves.
"Arin! Have you woken up yet? Come have breakfast, dear!" Lyra's voice called from the kitchen.
"Coming, Mom!" Arin yelled back, skidding across the wooden floor barefoot as he rushed in, hair tousled and eyes still heavy with sleep.
Lyra smiled at the sight. "You woke up on time today! I thought after sneaking into the library last night, you'd be too tired to move this morning."
Arin plopped into his seat, yawning. "I'm still sleepy, Mama… but I can't wait to learn something new from Elder Marn today!"
"Well then, did you find anything interesting yesterday? Maybe something your father left behind?"
Arin's eyes sparkled at the memory. "I didn't find his notes yet, but I found books about herbs, the founders of Mistgrove, and a lot of other stuff. There's so much to read. I think… I think I'll keep looking and learn a little each day."
Lyra poured him a cup of berry tea and handed over a warm plate. "Why don't you ask Kael to come with you? You two seem to be getting close lately."
Arin grinned. "That's a great idea, Mama!"
---
Later, on the forested path to Mistgrove School, Arin caught up with Kael and the others.
"Hey, Arin!" Kael called. "You look like you're about to set the school on fire with that grin. What's got you so hyped this morning?"
"I wanted to ask you something," Arin said, bouncing on his heels. "Wanna come to the village library with me later today?"
Kael squinted. "A library? All books and no action? Hmm… not my usual idea of fun, but I've got nothing else to do. I'll come—for your sake."
Arin leaned in dramatically. "What's not interesting about a library? Do you even know who founded our village? What do you think their affinities were? Light? Earth? Maybe even space?!"
Kael scratched his head. "The founders? I dunno. Never thought about it."
"I'll tell you after school," Arin said, grinning.
"Such mystery…" Kael groaned. "Fine, I'll wait."
---
By midday, the class sat cross-legged beneath the arched wooden beams of Mistgrove School as Elder Marn entered, robes billowing like morning fog.
"Children," Marn began, "today's lesson will be on magical beasts."
Mirelle raised her hand. "Elder Marn, what are soul shards?"
Marn chuckled. "Patience, Mirelle. First, let's talk about the difference between magical beasts and regular animals. All living creatures in our world have the potential to awaken a soul mark. But not all do."
The class leaned in.
"Most animals remain as they are—ordinary. But when an animal awakens its soul mark and grows strong enough, it can cross a threshold and become what we call a magical beast."
"Whoa," said one of the boys. "Can they use spells like us?"
Marn nodded. "Yes—and in some ways, even better. Animals are more attuned to nature. It makes their growth purer, though slower."
Kael frowned. "That's cheating!"
Marn smiled. "That's balance, child. We humans learn by teaching and sharing. Beasts have no such luxury. With intelligence comes hardship. That is nature's way."
The class fell silent, thoughtful.
"Tomorrow," Marn continued, "we will study beast cores—the hearts of magical beasts, and what they can be used for."
---
As school ended, the children spilled into the village paths, chattering excitedly about what they had learned. Arin and Kael walked side by side, kicking stones as they made their way home.
"So, when are we going to this mysterious library?" Kael asked.
"After dinner," Arin said. "Meet me at the Elder Stone."
---
That evening, over dinner, Lyra raised an eyebrow. "You're going to the library again?"
"Yes," Arin said, spooning stew into his mouth. "I'm taking Kael with me this time."
Lyra's eyes twinkled. "That's wonderful. A curious mind learns best with company."
---
Later that night, under the pale glow of fireflies, Arin met Kael near the moss-covered Elder Stone.
"You took your time," Kael said, arms crossed. "So, spill. Who were the Mistgrove founders?"
Arin grinned. "Their names were Elyra and Branneth. Their affinities were Light and Earth."
Kael's eyes widened. "Wait—that's us! I've got Earth. You've got Light!"
"Exactly," Arin said, eyes shining. "Now you see why the library's not so boring?"
Kael laughed. "Alright, alright. Let's see what else you've got."
---
Inside the library, rows of ancient shelves waited like silent sentinels. The boys moved through them, pulling out titles with childlike wonder.
They found books on awakening, soul marks, cultivation stages—all things Elder Marn had touched on.
Then Arin pulled out a worn tome with a faded title: "Aerthalein: The Living Continent."
They flipped through it eagerly.
"Look," Arin pointed, "it's divided into five regions."
---
Aerthalein: A Land of Power and Balance
1. North – The Fractfrost Reach (Lunareth Kingdom)
Frozen lakes and pine forests beneath aurora-lit skies
Notable Places:
Moonlight Monastery (temple of star diviners)
Lake Hallowed Ice (mana-frozen beasts sealed in crystal)
2. Central – The Heartlands (Caelgard Kingdom)
Verdant plains, river valleys, bustling cities
Notable Places:
Solmere (capital with Grand Academy & Tower of Archives)
Whisper Vale (cursed valley that echoes forbidden spells)
3. South – Emberdepth Range (Pyravelle Kingdom)
Volcanoes, ash deserts, lava forges
Notable Places:
Crimson Arena (ritual combat grounds)
Blazespine Forge (legendary fire-forged weapons)
4. West – The Greenfold Expanse
Rainforests and untamed wilderness
Not ruled by any kingdom; home to beasts, warbands, ruins
5. East – The Silent Shores
Details unclear—only fragments found
Marked as 'undocumented' in the book
At the bottom of the last page was a scribbled note:
"Borrowed by Darian Vale – South Academy. Not returned."
"Darian Vale?" Kael muttered. "Think he forgot to return it?"
Arin chuckled. "Or maybe… he left it here on purpose."
---
Before they knew it, the moon had reached its peak. The library's silence deepened.
"Time flies in here," Kael said, yawning. "Let's come again tomorrow. I want to know more about these Three Pillar Kingdoms."
"Deal," Arin smiled.
They stepped outside, night air cool on their faces.
"Goodnight, Arin."
"Goodnight, Kael."