Present day, the year 6103, Grantan, Hunter

Nearly four generations since the war had ended, the clan’s powers had not resurfaced. Hunter was beginning to think that he needed to get away and experience the world.

In the Thaedim War, it had initially just been warriors and magic users that joined the war, but soon all coastal countries on Nüland had been drawn in. Only Raninale, deep in the south, had escaped. Warriors and magic users from across the continent had flocked to the coast and established the four clans: Veronn, Wanyd, Strannae, and Frithe to fight the demons. Eventually, magic users and regular humans fought side-by-side with the support of Djania. The Djanians had kept the demons at bay for generations before humans entered the war.

About a week after Gina’s departure, Hunter approached his parents.

“I’m thinking about taking an extended trip, kinda like the one you took at my age,” he said, nodding towards his mom, “I was thinking to start in Redall and then maybe do my final training in Thaedim.”

“What about Raninale? There’s lots to see there.” Hunter’s dad suggested.

Hunter shrugged, “Maybe next time dad. I think I want to make this a warrior trip.”

“Suit yourself” his dad replied. His dad’s easy-going nature was completely at odds with his talent as a goldsmith. When he was in the Veronn clan forges enhancing their swords, his focus and intensity appeared. The same focus and intensity that could be seen in Hunter as he practised his sword fighting. He turned to his mom.

“If this is something that you need to do, I can’t stop you. But a word of caution: just because you are still on the human continent doesn’t mean there aren’t any threats. You will need to be just as guarded in Redall as you will on Thaedim.”

Hunter was surprised. His mom was tough. She could still spar with him, and despite his greater strength, he was often beaten by her strategic approach and experience. The fact that she saw equal threats in both places gave him pause, but not for long.

Hunter began his planning; his small savings from a few part-time jobs added up to about a month that he could comfortably travel for and, if he budgeted correctly, maybe two months.

When he was packing, an envelope appeared on the pile of clothes he’d set out. He said a silent thank you to his parents for this extra boost to his financial situation. Without a second thought, he shoved it in his pack and continued his preparations to leave.