Young Dawn

The young boy's jubilant embrace clung to Mixciu, tears of relief flowing freely as he finally tasted the sweetness of safety. Discrimination had been the unwelcome companion of his entire existence, a bitter reality overshadowed by an ever-present fear of death. The world's dangers had unveiled the ugly truth about those who deemed different beings as inherently inferior.

Mixciu, in response, enfolded the young boy in a profound hug. Soon, Rian and his siblings joined the embrace, followed by other children from the cavern. Time seemed suspended as they stood together, motionless, savoring the moment.

As the hushed minutes drifted by, conversation gently emerged. The young boy confessed to a memory lapse regarding his name, retaining only his surname—an uncertainty lingering in his mind.

Mixciu, taken aback, found herself surprised that a struggling youngling possessed a family name. Typically, such titles were reserved for those blessed by gods, enveloped in care and prosperity. The revelation of "Kasei" intrigued her, for it was not a surname she was familiar with.

In a world where surnames were rare, known only to those blessed by the gods, Mixciu couldn't dismiss the significance. Noble titles, derived from the names of gods, marked the descendants of those deities. The rarity of surnames among the cavern's children was a peculiarity in the world of Bascias.

Despite her initial skepticism, Mixciu brushed off the anomaly, attributing it to a potential mispronunciation. In her experience, certain names were deemed nonexistent. She, as a prophet, possessed the ability to glimpse into unknown legends, yet Kasei's surname eluded her divine insights.

Kasei, amidst the camaraderie with the other children, drew attention to his eyes—distinct from theirs. Rien, curious and enamored, patiently awaited an explanation. Kasei, uncertain how to respond, revealed his affiliation with a wolf species.

The revelation left Rien and the others in awe. Amidst a multitude of races, Kasei's unique eyes marked a first—a distinctiveness that garnered flattery and gratitude. As the compliments flowed, Kasei graciously acknowledged them.

Inquisitive, Mixciu gently probed Kasei about any fragmentary memories of his family. Kasei, however, could only recall the unforgiving streets, his memory overshadowed by a physique that hinted at a predator and adorned with needless toughness, scars, and bruises.

The children, both captivated and appalled, shared in the collective realization that Kasei's experience surpassed even their own hardships. The cavern, initially a sanctuary for those treated differently, unexpectedly housed a soul marked by deeper scars. Mixciu, stirred by empathy, extended her compassion to Kasei, recognizing the brutality he faced from the world at the tender age of ten.

But she couldn't resist her curiosity and questioned Kasei about the origin of his fiery powers. Kasei, however, claimed ignorance, revealing that an old man had appeared in his life to impart this extraordinary gift.

This mentor guided young Kasei through the essentials of survival, shielding him from countless dangers and making his life markedly more bearable. Intrigued, the group pondered the identity of this benevolent old soul, but hunger intervened, diverting their attention. Briefly interrupting their introductions, they shared a meal.

Following their repast, Kasei roamed the cavern, engaging in play with the other children. Yet, despite the newfound camaraderie, uncertainty lingered in his eyes. Sensing his inner turmoil, Mixciu called Kasei over for a private moment, to which he willingly obliged.

Mixciu, with a maternal concern, advised Kasei to conceal his family name and adopt a fictitious one. Perplexed, he questioned the necessity. Mixciu, with a solemn gaze, elucidated that it was for his safety. Though mysteries clouded his understanding, Kasei complied. Amidst the myriad questions swirling in his mind, he contemplated the enigma of Bascias, the creation of the cavern, and the sustenance of its hundreds of inhabitants without venturing outside.

Rien and another perceptive child, Varax, noticed Kasei's contemplative state. Inquisitive, they probed him about the cause of his pensiveness. Responding with a laugh, Kasei poured forth a torrent of questions that danced in his mind.

Amidst the laughter, the other child introduced himself as Varax. Both he and Rien assumed responsibility for Kasei's well-being. Eagerly, Kasei proposed a tour, and the duo gladly assented.

Varax initiated the tour by elucidating that the children in the cavern were refugees, orphans, rejects, and outcasts. Rien, adopting a maternal tone, introduced herself as Mixciu, Kasei's mother, and the adoptive mother to the others. The diversity of races among the children, marked by appearance, strength, and intellect, had led them to be discarded and discriminated against.

Mixciu acknowledged the pettiness of jealousy fueling such discrimination. Rien, reassuringly, affirmed that Mixciu was a mother to them all, loved even by the elves. Kasei found solace in knowing the woman who rescued him was trustworthy.

As Varax and Rien concluded their introduction, the trio found themselves in front of a colossal room adorned with beds and sparkling lights—a mesmerizing sight. Varax explained that it served as the living quarters for all the children, who, despite lacking individual luxuries, harbored little concern.

Observing a luminous figure nearby, Kasei inquired about their identity. Rien identified the radiant being as Reaper—an Elkronic, a humanoid embodiment of energy. Strangely, Reaper was encased in armor from head to toe, an unusual sight that piqued Kasei's curiosity.

Before Varax could react, Kasei approached Reaper with enthusiasm. A brief conversation ensued, during which Kasei, in his characteristic persistence, delved into personal questions. Attempting to unveil Reaper's gender became a fixation for Kasei, a quest he vowed to pursue until the sun set. Varax, though troubled, allowed the interaction to play out, witnessing a rare occurrence of annoyance from Reaper.

After relentless prodding, Reaper relented and revealed the sought-after information. However, with a grave warning, Reaper extracted a promise from Kasei—a vow of eternal secrecy, under the threat of enduring perpetual pain until death. Terrified yet resolute, Kasei accepted the conditions, and Reaper whispered the secret.

Laughter and farewells followed, and Reaper, rather than abstaining, decided to join in the ongoing tour. The next destination led them to a sprawling forest, bordered by expansive farmlands showcasing various goods.

Varax directed them into the forest, where the trio ventured into the apple-blossom-filled depths. However, Varax cautioned them about the potential to get lost, emphasizing the rarity of anyone knowing the way. Kasei and Reaper heeded the advice, leaving markers to navigate their path.

Varax, somewhat astonished by Reaper's lack of knowledge, realized that the library-bound Reaper might not be well-versed in such forest navigation. Despite their efforts, distractions overcame them, leading to a realization—they were lost. Varax directed them to find the center of the forest to locate Shoma, leaving the trio in a state of bewilderment.

Shoma, a monk who had disappeared into the forest upon arriving, was known for aiding those lost within its depths. Mixciu had developed a habit of calling for him during her fruit-picking excursions, and he unfailingly appeared.

As the tour unfolded, the cavern's mysteries deepened, prompting Kasei to ponder the enigmatic world around him.

Kasei, intrigued by the stories surrounding Shoma, asked Varax for more details. Varax explained that Mixciu, with her abilities, had apparently prevented Shoma's clan's extinction, prompting him to leave his clan willingly to assist Mixciu. This heightened Kasei's curiosity, especially about Shoma.

Varax warned Kasei to stay close, emphasizing the risk of getting even more lost. Reaper, however, claimed that it was Reaper who led them astray in the first place. Varax, annoyed, let it slide due to Kasei's presence.

Varax revealed that Mixciu often called for Shoma when navigating the forest. Varax, having spent much time with Rien and Mixciu, knew the story well. Mixciu was always impressed by Shoma's knowledge of the forest, and Shoma attributed his skills to his clan's teachings—sensing anything and everything. Kasei, intrigued, inquired about Reaper's age, learning that Reaper was 11, making Kasei the youngest.

As they reached the end of the forest, Varax called for Shoma, who appeared behind them, revealing he had been following them for entertainment. This irked Varax, especially when Shoma confessed to enjoying seeing them lost. Arguments ensued, and Kasei, seeking refuge, entered Shoma's house only to discover it filled with journalistic writings and ecstatic drawings about Mixciu.

Varax and Reaper, after a good laugh, decided to drag Shoma outside, with Varax intent on making him work until he fainted from exhaustion. Shoma, desperate to avoid the embarrassment, pointed the group in the right direction. As a consequence of Shoma's absence, the forest was declared off-limits, a warning communicated to Mixciu.

The group moved on to their next destination—the library, Reaper's favorite place since entering the cavern four years ago. Kasei, awestruck by the library's size, thought it contained all the knowledge in the world. However, Reaper informed him of a larger library outside, housing all the world's knowledge. The library in the cavern focused on species, their origins, legends, and books about devils and gods.

Amazed by the revelation of a grander library, Kasei expressed his anticipation of visiting it with Reaper. After exploring, Reaper shared the most beautiful books ever created with Kasei, who eagerly read them. Kasei extended an invitation to Varax and Shoma to join them in reading, but Varax chuckled, confessing he didn't know how to read. Shoma, still recovering from embarrassment, hesitated to join in. The group continued their exploration, unfolding more mysteries within the cavern.

The next stop on their tour was the kitchen, which appeared rather small compared to the other cavern facilities. Kasei inquired about the kitchen's operation, and Varax explained that Mixciu and a select few specially trained cooks prepared meals for the entire cavern. These cooks were highly respected for their dedication, often working long hours.

Kasei was curious about the duration of their work, and Varax revealed that they worked a minimum of 15 hours a day, three times a day for each meal. Upon entering the kitchen, they were met with a bustling atmosphere resembling a warzone. The older individuals in the kitchen took their responsibility of cooking seriously, as they felt it was their duty to care for the younger ones, their way of repaying Mixciu.

The scene was nothing short of bizarre, with Shoma tying himself up and asking Varax to keep dragging him. Kasei was utterly amazed, considering it one of the greatest things he had ever witnessed. As they watched, they noticed a boy around Varax's age displaying impressive cooking skills. While not on par with the experienced cooks, his coordination and knife skills were notably impressive.

The adults were pleased to see at least one young individual who could carry on the tradition of cooking. Varax called the boy over, and he introduced himself as Kazuto. Kasei seized the opportunity to ask Kazuto numerous questions about cooking, displaying an insatiable curiosity that even Shoma couldn't resist.

Kazuto took pride in his work and answered all of Kasei's questions. When asked about his motivation for cooking, Kazuto revealed that he cooked to see his mother smile. The group appreciated his heartfelt answer, and Varax extended an invitation for Kazuto to join them, which he hesitantly accepted.

After welcoming Kazuto, the tour continued with a visit to the shower area. Kasei was excited about the prospect of a shower. Varax explained that the showers were divided into male and female sections. Reaper decided to skip the showers and head directly to the training grounds.

Kasei, eager to clean himself, entered the shower area with the group. Surprisingly, they found it empty and enjoyed their time there. Shoma, initially reluctant, joined in when Kasei asked about who was the most powerful among them. Their competitive spirit emerged as they splashed water around, with the last one to give up declared the winner. Laughter and the sound of splashes filled the shower area until they were eventually kicked out.

Afterward, they were in high spirits, and Shoma seemed less disheartened. Their next destination was the training grounds. Kasei questioned the need for a training area in the cavern, and Varax explained that Mixciu wanted the children to become strong and capable of defending themselves. Kasei hurriedly dressed, eager to explore the training grounds with the group.

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