The Kingdom of Elaria had enjoyed years of peace, but peace never lasted forever.

As dawn painted the sky in shades of gold, a royal messenger hurried through the castle corridors before stopping in front of a pair of massive wooden doors.

"Sir Kael," he called, knocking firmly. "His Majesty requests your presence immediately."

The door opened moments later.

Standing before the messenger was the kingdom's strongest knight.

Sir Kael was known throughout Elaria for his unwavering loyalty and unmatched swordsmanship. Clad in polished silver armor with a navy-blue cloak draped over his shoulders, he carried himself with quiet confidence. He wasn't one for unnecessary words, but whenever the kingdom needed him, he never refused.

"The king is waiting," the messenger said.

Kael simply nodded.

"I'll be there shortly."

---

The royal throne room was unusually tense.

King Aldren sat upon his throne while several generals stood around a large map spread across a table.

As Kael entered, everyone turned toward him.

"You summoned me, Your Majesty."

The king gave a relieved smile.

"Sir Kael, we've received reports from our scouts. A large group of magical beasts has gathered near the northern border. If they continue south, they'll reach our villages within days."

One of the generals pointed at the map.

"They're stronger than ordinary monsters. We cannot allow them to reach the kingdom."

The king looked directly at Kael.

"I wish for you to lead the expedition."

Without hesitation, Kael knelt.

"I accept the mission."

"I knew you would."

The king smiled.

"Take whichever soldiers you need. I also suggest visiting the Royal Mage Tower. You'll need enchanted equipment, and I'd like two battle mages to accompany your forces. Their barriers and healing magic will greatly increase your chances of success."

Kael stood.

"I'll leave immediately."

---

The Royal Mage Tower stood proudly in the center of the capital, its white walls reaching high above the city.

Magic circles floated around the tower, glowing softly as apprentices hurried through its halls carrying books, scrolls, and potion bottles.

Kael entered through the enormous wooden doors.

Almost instantly, an elderly mage approached him with a warm smile.

"Sir Kael! We heard about your mission."

The old man wore elegant blue robes embroidered with golden stars.

"It is always an honor to assist the kingdom's finest knight. I am Senior Mage Orion. Please, tell me what you require."

"I'll need enchanted healing potions, barrier crystals, several mana stones for the battle mages... and two experienced mages to accompany my expedition."

"Of course."

Orion nodded.

"I've already prepared everything."

As they walked deeper into the tower, a loud crash echoed from one of the nearby rooms.

"...Oops!"

Another loud bang followed.

Blue smoke drifted into the hallway.

Kael stopped walking.

"...What was that?"

Orion let out a long sigh.

"Our newest mage."

They rounded the corner to find a young man frantically picking books up from the floor.

His golden hair was slightly messy, his blue robes looked far too new, and his wand was somehow stuck upside down inside a flower pot.

The young mage finally noticed them.

His eyes widened.

"Oh!"

He quickly pulled the wand free.

"Good morning!"

Kael looked at Orion.

"...Who is he?"

Orion rubbed his forehead.

"His name is Eli."

"He graduated from the Royal Academy of Magic yesterday."

"And today is..."

Eli raised one finger with an awkward smile.

"My first day."

Kael remained silent.

Orion continued.

"He's talented."

A pause.

"...Just a little clumsy."

"A little?" another mage muttered under his breath.

Eli laughed nervously.

"I can explain every single accident."

Before Orion could stop him, Eli lifted his wand.

"I've almost mastered this spell! Watch!"

Orion's eyes widened.

"Eli, wai—"

Too late.

Eli swung his wand confidently.

Unfortunately...

He stepped on a loose scroll.

His foot slipped.

"W-Whoa!"

The wand flew from his hand, spun through the air, and released a brilliant beam of pink magic.

It shot straight toward Kael.

Without even thinking, Kael leaned slightly to one side.

The spell missed him completely.

It flew through the open window instead.

Silence.

Everyone rushed toward the window.

Outside, Kael's magnificent black warhorse stood patiently beside the entrance.

A flash of pink light surrounded it.

When the glow disappeared...

The horse was no longer black.

It was the brightest, most ridiculously pink horse anyone had ever seen.

The courtyard fell silent.

One guard covered his mouth.

Another looked away.

A stable boy bit his lip.

The horse happily neighed, completely unaware that anything had changed.

Eli stared for several seconds.

Then...

A tiny snort escaped him.

"Pfft..."

He slapped a hand over his mouth.

"I'm... I'm sorry..."

Another snort.

"I can't..."

The senior mages lowered their heads, their shoulders shaking as they desperately tried not to laugh.

One apprentice gave up completely and ran into another room.

Kael slowly looked from the horse...

...to Eli.

"...Fix it."

Eli immediately stopped laughing.

His face turned pale.

"I..."

He slowly hid behind Orion.

"Senior..."

"Could you... maybe fix it?"

Orion sighed so deeply it sounded practiced.

"I expected as much."

He stepped toward the window, raised his staff, and calmly cast a spell.

Golden light surrounded the horse.

A moment later, the bright pink color melted away, revealing its original black coat.

The courtyard collectively sighed in relief.

Orion turned toward Eli.

"You."

"Back to your room."

"No experimenting outside your workshop."

"No casting spells in hallways."

"And absolutely no showing off on your first day."

Eli lowered his head.

"...Yes, Senior."

He quietly picked up his books before disappearing down the hallway, muttering to himself.

"...Worst first day ever."

Kael watched him leave for a brief moment before turning back to Orion.

"The supplies."

"Right."

Orion handed him a leather satchel filled with enchanted potions, barrier crystals, mana stones, and several magical scrolls.

"As for the battle mages, I've selected two of our finest."

Two experienced mages stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"We'll accompany your expedition, Sir Kael."

Kael nodded.

"Good."

He fastened the satchel to his saddle before mounting his horse.

The soldiers gathered behind him.

The two mages took their places among the ranks.

As the castle gates slowly opened, Kael looked toward the northern mountains.

"The kingdom is counting on us."

With that, the expedition marched out of the capital, disappearing into the distance.

Far above, from a small tower window, Eli watched them leave.

"...He's scary."

He let out a quiet sigh before glancing at the spellbook tucked under his arm.

"I seriously need more practice."

Neither of them knew that this brief, ridiculous encounter was only the beginning of a much greater adventure.

The northern border was unlike the peaceful lands surrounding the Kingdom of Elaria.

Dark clouds hung over the mountains as countless magical beasts gathered beneath the rocky cliffs. Their growls echoed across the valley, shaking the ground beneath the soldiers' feet.

Sir Kael stood at the front of the royal army, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Behind him stood two battle mages from the Royal Mage Tower, along with hundreds of soldiers ready for battle.

One of the mages stepped forward.

"Sir Kael, our barriers are prepared."

The other nodded.

"We'll heal the wounded. You focus on leading the attack."

Kael drew his sword.

"Advance!"

The valley erupted into chaos.

Beasts charged from every direction, their claws crashing against the shimmering barriers raised by the mages. Soldiers fought bravely while healing spells flashed across the battlefield.

Kael moved like a storm.

With every swing of his sword, another beast fell.

No matter how fiercely they attacked, none could break through his defense.

Soon, only the largest beast remained.

It roared loud enough to shake the mountains before lunging toward Kael.

Kael leaped into the air.

With one powerful strike, his sword cut through the beast's magic.

The creature let out one final cry before collapsing to the ground.

Silence filled the battlefield.

"We've won!"

Cheers erupted from the soldiers.

The battle was over.

As the army treated the wounded, several knights searched the beasts' territory to ensure nothing dangerous remained.

"Sir Kael!" one young knight shouted.

"I found something!"

He carefully carried an old stone relic covered in strange carvings.

"It was buried beneath the beasts' nest."

Kael examined it.

"It doesn't look like anything special."

He reached out and took the relic.

The moment his fingers touched its surface...

The ancient carvings began glowing.

A deep crimson light burst from the relic.

Dark markings spread across Kael's arm like creeping vines.

His breathing became heavy.

His sword slipped from his hand.

"...Sir Kael?"

He dropped to one knee.

Everything around him became blurry.

His strength disappeared as though it had been pulled from his body.

The relic slipped from his hand and fell onto the ground, its glow fading as quickly as it had appeared.

The two battle mages rushed toward him.

"Healing magic!"

Golden light surrounded Kael.

Nothing happened.

Another mage tried a purification spell.

Still nothing.

The senior battle mage frowned.

"...Stop."

The others looked at him.

"This isn't an injury."

He gently examined the black markings.

"...It's an ancient curse."

"Healing magic cannot remove it."

The soldiers exchanged worried glances.

"What do we do now?"

The senior mage stood.

"The mission is complete."

"We return to the capital immediately."

No one argued.

The relic was carefully sealed inside an enchanted chest while Kael was helped onto his horse.

Though he remained awake, he looked noticeably weaker than before.

---

By the time they reached the capital, word of their victory had already spread.

People lined the streets with flowers and banners.

"Our heroes have returned!"

"Long live Sir Kael!"

The celebration quickly faded.

The crowd fell silent as they noticed Kael struggling to remain seated on his horse.

The king hurried down the palace steps.

"What happened?"

The senior battle mage bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty... Sir Kael has been cursed."

He explained everything that had happened.

The king's expression darkened.

"Take him to the Royal Mage Tower immediately."

---

As Kael was escorted through the city, he looked toward the tower in the distance.

He let out a quiet sigh.

"...I hope that troublesome young mage isn't there."

---

Inside the Royal Mage Tower...

"...This time it'll definitely work."

Eli stood in the middle of his workshop, confidently pointing his wand toward a small crystal.

"Just a tiny spell..."

He flicked his wand.

Instead of the crystal glowing...

A burst of blue fire shot upward.

The nearby curtain instantly caught fire.

"...Uh-oh."

Apprentices scrambled to grab buckets of water.

Before anyone could panic further, Senior Mage Orion entered the room.

With a simple wave of his staff, the flames disappeared.

He slowly turned toward Eli.

"Eli."

"...Yes, Senior?"

"My office."

"...Right now."

Before Eli could apologize...

The tower doors burst open.

"Senior Orion!"

A royal guard rushed inside.

"Sir Kael has returned! He's been cursed!"

Orion's expression immediately became serious.

"Take me to him."

---

Kael was laid on a bed inside one of the tower's examination rooms.

Orion carefully inspected the black markings spreading across his arm.

He remained silent for several moments.

Finally, he stepped back.

"This curse..."

"I've only read about it in ancient records."

The room became silent.

"Can you remove it?" the king asked.

Orion slowly shook his head.

"No."

A heavy silence filled the room.

"There is only one place that may hold the knowledge to break this curse."

"The Hidden Village of Ancient Mages."

Several people exchanged confused looks.

"I've never heard of such a place."

"Because very few have."

Orion folded his arms.

"It has remained hidden from the outside world for centuries."

"No map shows its location."

"No traveler has ever found it."

"And even if we wished to search for it..."

"We wouldn't know where to begin."

Silence.

Then...

"...Actually..."

Everyone turned toward the doorway.

Eli stood there, raising his hand awkwardly.

"I know where it is."

Orion blinked.

"...You do?"

Eli scratched the back of his head.

"...Because that's where I was born."

The room fell completely silent.

Kael slowly looked at the same clumsy young mage who had turned his horse pink only days ago.

"...You?"

Eli smiled sheepishly.

"I guess..."

"Our first meeting wasn't our last after all."

Outside the tower, the evening breeze gently rustled the trees.

Neither Kael nor Eli realized that this unexpected reunion was about to lead them on a journey that would change both of their lives forever.

The examination room remained silent.

Every pair of eyes was fixed on Eli.

Senior Mage Orion was the first to speak.

"You... were born in the Hidden Village?"

Eli nodded.

"Yes, Senior."

Orion stared at him in disbelief.

"And you've never mentioned this before?"

"...No one ever asked."

Eli lowered his eyes for a moment before speaking.

"Its real name is Asterwyn."

The room fell silent.

No one had ever known the Hidden Village's true name. In ancient books and legends, it had always been referred to simply as the Hidden Village.

Eli continued,

"When I enrolled at the Royal Academy, I only wrote that I came from a remote mountain village."

"The elders taught us never to reveal our homeland to outsiders unless it became absolutely necessary."

"I... didn't know people outside believed Asterwyn was only a legend."

"I knew there were many great mages living there, but to me, it was simply home."

A few of the royal guards looked at each other in disbelief.

One of the generals finally broke the silence.

"If what you say is true... then can you lead us there?"

Eli's cheerful expression slowly faded.

"I can."

"But entering Asterwyn isn't that simple."

Everyone listened carefully.

"Asterwyn is protected by ancient magic. People who don't know the path will only walk in circles forever. Even maps change before your eyes."

"Only those who were raised there are taught how to find the entrance."

"And only two people may enter."

The room grew quiet.

"Two?" Orion asked.

Eli nodded.

"One guide."

"One traveler."

"Those are Asterwyn's oldest laws."

"If anyone else tries to follow us, the forest will simply reject them and lead them back to where they started."

One of the generals immediately objected.

"Absolutely not!"

"You're a new mage! You haven't even worked here for a week."

"How can we entrust Sir Kael's life to you?"

Eli lowered his head.

"...That's a fair point."

"But I'm still the only one who knows the way."

The room fell silent once again.

One of the generals turned toward Orion.

"What do you think?"

The senior mage looked at Eli for a long moment.

"He may have only joined the Royal Mage Tower yesterday..."

"But don't mistake that for a lack of ability."

"I personally oversaw part of his examination at the Royal Academy."

"His magical aptitude is among the highest I've seen in decades."

"He graduated years earlier than expected because there was nothing left for the Academy to teach him."

"He earned his place here."

The room remained silent.

Orion smiled faintly before adding,

"His magic has never disappointed me."

He looked directly at Eli.

"...Only his clumsiness has."

Several people couldn't help but smile.

Even Kael remembered the unfortunate incident involving his horse.

Eli sighed dramatically.

"I said I was sorry."

"I still feel bad about the horse."

"...Good," Kael replied.

A few quiet laughs echoed through the room, easing the tense atmosphere.

The general gave a slow nod.

"Very well."

"I'll inform His Majesty."

"If His Majesty approves..."

"You and Sir Kael will leave immediately."

---

Less than an hour later, the king's approval arrived.

There were no celebrations.

No ceremonies.

Only a single royal order.

Escort Sir Kael safely to Asterwyn and return with a way to break the curse.

---

The meeting ended soon afterward.

Servants carefully carried the cursed relic away, sealing it inside an enchanted chest before locking it deep within the royal vault beneath countless magical barriers.

For just a brief moment...

A faint crimson light flickered across its surface.

Then it disappeared.

No one noticed.

---

Outside the examination room, Eli leaned against the wall and let out a long sigh.

"...I can't believe this."

His first week at the Royal Mage Tower...

And he was already being sent on a kingdom-saving expedition.

"I haven't even unpacked all my books..."

"You certainly work fast."

Eli jumped.

"...Sir Kael!"

The knight stood nearby, arms folded.

For a few awkward seconds...

Neither of them spoke.

Finally...

Eli rubbed the back of his neck.

"So..."

"...How's your horse?"

Kael stared at him.

"...It's black."

"Oh."

"...Good."

Another awkward silence.

Eli smiled nervously.

"I guess that's... progress?"

Kael sighed.

"I hope your sense of direction is better than your spell casting."

Eli folded his arms.

"It is."

"I've never gotten lost on the roads to Asterwyn."

Kael studied him for a moment before giving a small nod.

"...Good."

---

Early the next morning...

The palace courtyard was filled with activity.

Supplies were loaded onto two sturdy horses.

Fresh travel cloaks had been prepared.

Several soldiers gathered to see them off.

Orion handed Eli a leather satchel.

"Inside are healing potions, emergency scrolls, mana crystals, and a few books."

Eli smiled.

"You packed books?"

"I know you."

Orion sighed.

"If I didn't, you'd complain the entire journey."

Eli laughed sheepishly.

"Thank you, Senior."

Orion's expression softened before becoming serious.

"Eli."

"Yes, Senior?"

"For the first time since you arrived here..."

"I'm placing someone else's life in your hands."

Eli's smile disappeared.

"I won't let you down."

Orion nodded once before turning to Kael.

"The curse is stable for now."

"But don't waste time."

Kael nodded.

"We won't."

Soon after, the palace gates slowly opened.

People had gathered outside to see the kingdom's greatest knight depart once again.

Many called out to Kael.

"Come back safely, Sir Kael!"

"Our hero will return!"

Others looked curiously at the unfamiliar young mage riding beside him.

"Who's that?"

"I've never seen him before."

Eli gave an awkward little wave to a group of children.

They happily waved back.

As the two riders passed beyond the capital's walls, the voices behind them slowly faded.

The long road stretched toward distant forests and mountains.

After several minutes of silence, Kael finally spoke.

"How long until we reach Asterwyn?"

Eli looked toward the horizon.

"If the weather stays kind and nothing delays us..."

"It'll still take several weeks."

Kael nodded once.

"Then we'd better not waste a single day."

Without another word, the knight and the young mage rode onward.

Behind them, the Kingdom of Elaria slowly disappeared into the distance.

Ahead of them lay a long road, filled with places yet unseen, people yet unmet, and secrets that had slept for centuries.

Their journey had only just begun.