Chapter 1: Chapter 1. The Beginning of the Story

When I first regained consciousness, I found myself in a void of absolute ignorance, a place where I knew nothing of my surroundings.

In that place, I could form thoughts, yet I lacked the physical agency to act upon them.

Slowly, and for a very long time, I pondered within that void.

Where is this place, and who on earth am I?

As I repeated these questions countless times, I saw a brilliant light for the first time, and instinctively, I moved toward it.

***

Among the various city-states of ancient Greece, such as Athens, Sparta, and Thebes, there existed a land called Eirene.

The founding king had established the kingdom through masterful strategy and had long enjoyed the divine protection of Athena, one of the twelve gods. For generations, a single sword had been passed down through the royal bloodline.

Because no one outside the royal family could even lift the blade, the sword served as both a symbol of royal authority—ensuring a stable and peaceful reign—and a weapon of peerless power.

However, this peace was short-lived. Through the whims and amusements of the gods, a great famine struck the land, a calamity that plagued not only Eirene but most of the surrounding regions.

To the gods, it was but a fleeting moment, but to the mortals on earth, that brief instant was a catastrophe.

The ensuing wars decimated the royal family, leaving the current king and his wife as the last remaining heirs of the bloodline.

Then, one day, the queen became pregnant, a blessing that was greeted with immense joy by the king and his ministers.

With the royal house flickering like a dying flame, the king hoped this child would lead the kingdom back to the right path. In anticipation, he named the unborn child 'Astellon'.

And then came the long-awaited day.

Waaah—!!

“It is a prince!”

Astellon made his first appearance in the world.

The king and queen were momentarily breathless, captivated by the distinct features and beautiful face of their firstborn—the boy who would one day lead the nation. The king lifted his son high in the air, a broad smile gracing his face.

***

Time flowed on, and Astellon, the heir to the throne, grew into a healthy eight-year-old boy. Despite his youth, his striking beauty drew the gaze of all who saw him, making him a famous figure among the retainers of the royal palace.

While his appearance was exceptional, the more astonishing truth was his talent. Even at eight, Astellon could wield the sword, spear, and bow with effortless mastery. Furthermore, he possessed an insatiable love for books, consuming more than half the volumes in the royal library to build his knowledge.

To an outsider, he seemed like any other child his age, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore. Yet, beneath that surface lay a fierce hunger for wisdom and a level of martial skill far beyond his years.

Observing his growth, the king reached an agreement with the queen to send Astellon to Chiron. He called his son to his side and asked if he wished to study under the great teacher.

Astellon answered immediately, eager to learn. The king, who had met Chiron by chance in the past, reached out to request the centaur's tutelage, and Chiron accepted.

Once the decision was finalized, Astellon began packing his things. Watching him, the queen could not hide her worry for her young son.

“I’ll be fine, Mother. Besides... I’m actually very excited. I can't believe I'll be receiving instruction from Chiron himself!”

Astellon replied with a bright smile. Unable to overcome her son's stubborn determination, the queen eventually saw him off as he set out toward the wider world.

“Listen well, Astellon.”

The king, standing beside the queen, spoke in a measured tone.

“There are already those gathered there who are hailed as geniuses. But do not let them intimidate you.”

His gaze locked onto his son's.

“For you shall become one of them as well.”

A brief silence fell between them.

“Go, and learn everything your heart desires.”

With those final words, the king sent Astellon on his journey to Chiron.