Legend of Oasis : A tale of magic and mystery

Chapter 1: Oasis

Seven years had passed since the incident that changed the course of Oasis's life.

In Verdantia, a kingdom renowned for its lush greenery, dense forests, sparkling rivers, and towering mountains, the verdant beauty of nature thrived.

The people of Verdantia were deeply connected to the land, with druids and elementalists harnessing the power of earth and plants to protect their homeland.

In the town of Mossy Hollow, located south of the capital city Sylvaneth, life carried on amidst the tranquility of nature.

Mossy Hollow was a quaint settlement nestled in the embrace of the verdant forest, its cobblestone streets winding through clusters of wooden cottages adorned with vibrant floral gardens.

On a sunny day just after the last harvest, the market square of Mossy Hollow bustled with activity.

Merchants displayed their wares under colorful awnings, the air filled with the fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread and blooming flowers.

Villagers gathered to barter and trade, their laughter mingling with the cheerful chatter of vendors.

Amidst the bustling marketplace, seven-year-old Oasis stood observing everything with keen interest. Despite his young age, Oasis possessed a maturity that belied his years.

With his brown eyes filled with curiosity, he wandered through the marketplace, whistling a cheerful tune.

Dressed in a simple white vest, shorts, and a pair of sandals, Oasis wore a pendant around his neck, its enchanting glow catching the sunlight.

As he strolled leisurely, his gaze swept over the familiar sights and sounds of Mossy Hollow. He knew every corner of the marketplace, having grown up amidst its bustling activity.

Oasis had formed a close bond with many of the merchants, who regarded him fondly as a familiar presence in their midst.

His friendly demeanor and helpful nature endeared him to the villagers, and he was often seen assisting the vendors or running errands with a cheerful smile.

As Oasis made his way through the marketplace, he exchanged friendly greetings with the merchants, his easygoing manner reflecting the warmth of Mossy Hollow's community.

Despite the passage of time, the essence of Mossy Hollow remained unchanged – a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of friendship, laughter, and the timeless beauty of nature.

And amidst it all, young Oasis stood, a beacon of light and joy in the heart of his beloved hometown.

As he strolled without a care in the world, Oasis found himself lost in thought.

"Why don’t I have parents like other kids my age in Mossy Hollow? Mikael can even do his chores with his wind magic, but I can't even light a candle. What a mess! I wish I had parents to teach me. I also want to learn magic," he mused, speaking aloud to himself with a slightly sad expression.

"But at least I've taught myself a little bit of swordplay. I saw it from Uncle Gesper, the Senior Guard of Mossy Hollow. I've been practicing with a stick alone in secret."

"I make sure Sister doesn't notice since she doesn’t like violence. But I am Oasis! I won't give up. One day, I will be strong and I can protect Mossy Hollow and Sister from dangers," he affirmed with determination, a hint of laughter in his voice as he passed by the ballet inn.

"Shit," he muttered under his breath as he suddenly remembered his reading class with Sister scheduled for noon.

"I have to hurry before she gets angry," he thought, picking up his pace.

Just as he turned a corner, he accidentally collided with a girl who appeared to be of the same age as him but dressed in attire that indicated she was from a higher class.

Two guards accompanied her, and Oasis realized they were not from around Mossy Hollow, as he knew everyone in town.

For a moment, Oasis was captivated by the girl's beauty, gazing at her with a mixture of awe and curiosity, like a hungry puppy given food.

"Get out of the way, commoner!" one of the guards barked, kicking Oasis aside.

"These streets are filled with trash and stray cats. Let's get moving, Princess," he declared with a haughty tone.

The princess smiled in amusement at the interaction. Oasis had rarely encountered royalty and nobles in Mossy Hollow, as it was just a small town in the kingdom.

Most of its residents were commoners leading simple lives, a fact that Oasis had come to accept after Sister had enlightened him about the harsh realities of the world.

As the guards escorted the princess away, Oasis overheard their conversation.

"Did you feel the aura coming from that child? Who is that kid?" one guard asked in bewilderment. The other guard dismissed it, attributing it to a drunken hallucination.

But secretly, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something extraordinary about Oasis, especially the expensive-looking pendant he wore.

Meanwhile, Sister was preparing for their reading lesson when Oasis burst into the room, breathless and disheveled.

"What's the rush, Oasis? I know it's you," she remarked with a smile.

Concerned, she noticed a bruise on his face. "Oh my, what happened to your face, my dear Oasis?" she inquired, her voice filled with worry.

"Nothing, Sister, I just fell," Oasis replied sheepishly, trying to hide the injury. "Let me fix you up, and then we can start your lesson," Sister said, ushering him to sit down.

During their lesson, Oasis couldn't help but ask about the mysterious box he had always carried with him.

"What is this box, Sister?" he inquired, holding it up. Sister examined it closely, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"We also don't know, Oasis. When you came here, you had that box and your pendant. Although most magic storage boxes can be opened by applying a bit of mana, this one is different. I can't open it," she admitted honestly.

With a sense of curiosity gnawing at him, Oasis retired to bed that night, pondering over the mysteries surrounding his past while gazing at the thumb-sized magic storage box.

Despite his tender age, Oasis possessed a wisdom that surpassed his peers, and he found himself grappling with questions that were beyond his years.