Walking alone, with the moon and stars in the sky accompanying me. A sound echoes clearly from the thicket of the forest. But now, I hear nothing except the sound of my own footsteps.
Although people in this world cannot use magic, magic still exists here. Magical beasts dwell deep within the forest. They contain MANA, the source of all magic. Magical items are made from them. These items are used by people according to their needs. However, every magical item is expensive. Only the rich can afford to use them. People from middle-class or poor families cannot, simply because they can't afford to buy such items. Agriculture is the main source of income in nearly all the states, which is why the middle class and poor vastly outnumber the rich.
Most of the rich people in the states are merchants. They trade both domestically and internationally. They use magical items to travel long distances and protect themselves from danger. But magical beasts are not found only in forests—many also dwell in the deep sea.
I have been walking for a long time. I'm tired now, so I climb a tree to sleep. I can't sleep on the ground—if I do, I might be attacked by wild animals. So I fall asleep on a sturdy branch. It doesn't take long. I've never walked so far, with so many thoughts running through my head. After finding a strong branch, I drift off quickly.
In the morning, I wake to the sound of birds. The sun has not yet risen fully, but the sky is starting to brighten. I have no idea what time it is—I don't even know how long I slept. I climb down from the tree and continue walking, searching for water to wash my hands and face.
As I walk, I arrive at a ravine-like area, bordered by hills. More trees fill the lower part of the valley. I begin to search for a way down. While walking along the edge, I notice the surroundings gradually becoming brighter.
Then I look up—and see the sun rising. Since the ravine is higher than the rest of the forest, I get a breathtaking view of the sunrise. I've never seen nature look this beautiful. This morning light seems to give me strength again. It feels as though it's telling me to lift my head and learn to live once more. You are the author of your own destiny. Only time has brought you this far.
Inspired by this moment, I continue my journey with renewed energy. Eventually, I find a path that leads down into the forest. As I walk, the sun climbs higher, and hunger sets in. I begin searching for fruit-bearing trees. Even a little fruit will be enough to fill an empty stomach.
I can't cook—I've never learned how. Back at the palace, food was always delivered to my room. But when I used to read books about cooking, it made me feel better. In the adventure books I loved, I learned how people cooked to survive, how they adapted in the wild. I enjoyed reading those stories. Maybe now it's time to apply that knowledge.
I'm walking with new confidence in myself.
I may be suffering now, but one day, this pain will be gone. I will rewrite my destiny. I will begin a new chapter of life.