Rebirth in Aetheria: The Rise Of The Underdogs
Leaving the Forest

The next day, before we left the forest, I woke up early to practice. After making sure no one noticed me, I got out of the tent and looked for a quiet place.

I held my sword tightly, recalling the sensation of the fight yesterday. The Aether aura flowing within my body felt different this time around. I tried to gather strength and focus my mind on sensing the Aether energy that was around me.

I stared at a boulder with focus, preparing to attack the boulder while channeling the Aether into my sword. However, for some reason, I could not channel any element to my sword. Only Aether energy gathered at the tip of the sword.

In an instant, I moved forward quickly, my sword etched white streaks in the air. However, as soon as the sword touched the stone, my Aether energy suddenly disappeared, and the stone did not scratch anything.

I was confused and disappointed by the failure. Aurelia who noticed me from earlier spoke, "It seems like you haven't really mastered elemental control, Arthur. It takes more time and practice."

I breathed in frustration. “But, why can't I issue an attack like yesterday?”

Aurelia assured me, "You can still practice and improve your skills, all you have to do is keep moving forward."

I pondered for a moment, then smiled at Aurelia. “Thank you, Aurelia.”

Time passed, and I was getting late in training. When the sun began to shine in the forest, Avalon suddenly came to me who was practicing.

Avalon walked up to me. “Arthur, there's something I want to say.”

“Ah, are you awake? Of course tell me what you want to say.” I said with a smile.

“Can I be as strong as you?” Ask Avalon in a serious tone.

“Of course, everyone can be strong. But what distinguishes the strong and the stronger is the reason for being strong. And my reason for being strong is so that I don't lose what's precious in my life” said as I prepared to strike back at the stone.

But my attack was different from earlier, I was trying to strengthen my sword with the Aether as well as the fire element which was the element that I could currently control completely. In an instant, I moved forward quickly, my sword etched burning red streaks in the air. However, as soon as the sword touched the stone, the stone was split in half and then shattered.”

I walked towards Avalon. “All you have to do is find a reason why you want to be strong.”

Avalon began to ponder and then she realized the reason she wanted to be strong was to protect Ariel, the woman who became the precious person in her life. Her tears trickled slowly, revealing the sincerity of her feelings.

"I want to protect Miss Ariel from the danger that happened like yesterday" he muttered in a trembling voice. "He was a precious person in my life."

I nodded my head, feeling the vibrations of emotion within him. "That's a strong reason, Avalon. Be the strong man Ariel is proud of."

I walked away from Avalon and went first to where the other children were waiting. Arriving there Siesta immediately greeted me gently. I smiled kindly with him after the rest we started to continue our journey to get out of this forest.

The forest we were in was the Gloomwood Forest a forest filled with beasts and mysteries. High and lush trees adorn every corner of this forest, creating a magical atmosphere.

In the middle of the forest exactly where we rested at this time there is the Zephyr River, a river that divides the forest into two parts. This river has clear and sparkling water, giving life to various living things in it. We walked along the banks of the Zephyr River, feeling a refreshing breeze. From a distance, there was the sound of water ripples that made the atmosphere even calmer. Sunlight that penetrates between the leaves of trees, cast beautiful shadows on the surface of the river water.

I walked behind Ariel who looked happy, seen talking familiarly to Avalon who was walking by her side. Siesta hopped around cheerfully around them, while the quiet-tending Kallen, kept up with them.

We exchanged stories and laughter along the way, in the middle of the journey, Ariel suddenly stopped and pointed towards the river. "Look, there's a rare water flower in there!"

We approached and saw a group of beautiful white water flowers floating on the surface of the river. The flowers looked so fragile, yet remained graceful amidst the ripples of water. I was fascinated by its beauty.

"Miss Ariel, this water flower only grows in places that are very pure and natural," said Avalon with admiration. "This river is really special."

Miss Ariel nodded in agreement. "Yes, and to everyone who sees it, he said this flower brings hope and blessings."

We all paused for a moment, contemplating and appreciating the beauty of the water flower. What a beautiful and unforgettable moment.

Our journey across the Zephyr River continued, and we came closer and closer to the exit of the Gloomwood Forest. On the way, we met some forest creatures, but no one dared to attack us. They seemed to run away when they saw us walking towards them.

As the sun rose in the western horizon, we finally came out of the Gloomwood Forest. In front of us lay a vast landscape that divided two kingdoms that had different races, namely the city of Etherealis and the forest of Eraliant. Looks like we're going to split up here, Ariel, Avalon and Kallen are going to the city of Ethereum, actually I want to go with them to the city because my parents must be there. But before I met my parents I had to drive Siesta home first.

Ariel smiled and also she was sad for having to part with the both of us. “Thank you Arthur, for saving and helping us out of this forest. And hopefully we can meet again.”

I smile. “Iya I'm also glad to know you guys.”

Avalon came to me. “Arthur when we meet again I will be strong and will defeat you.” Speak with confidence.

“Of course I will wait for you, that too if you can beat me.” I mocked Avalon before I left. Kallen said nothing but he just smiled and maybe the meaning of his smile was a thank you.

On the other hand, the journey with Siesta towards the Eraliant Forest is never boring. She always happily considered herself as entertainment along the way. Every time we stopped, he would play around with the shadows and try to make me laugh with his cute mannerisms.

"Siesta, that's enough" I said gently as she tried to tease the woodland bird.

But Siesta, in his cheer, replied, "No, no, Arthur! It's delightful! Look, the bird is pissed!"

Siesta has always been a nosy and spoiled friend. He likes to play around with shadows, chase butterflies, and often steal my attention with his funny actions. Although sometimes his behavior can upset me, I can't deny that his presence makes this journey more colorful.

As we rested near our river, he cheerfully splashed water at me, making my clothes drenched. “Siesta! Stop it!” chirp, trying to hold back the laughter.

He laughed happily, “Sorry, Arthur! But the water is so tempting!”

As we walked through the lush forest, Siesta often hid behind trees and suddenly appeared in front of me with a plain face, trying to scare me. Even though I already knew the trick, I still pretended to be surprised to please her.

“Hiiih! Who's back there?” pekikku was acting scared.

“Hahaha, I managed to make Arthur surprised” Siesta said while laughing loudly.

When night falls, Siesta always seduces me to sleep with him in the tent. She would persuade me with her innocent face and her adorable potpourri. Although I sometimes feel a bit annoyed with her efficacious attitude, yet no one can resist the adorable presence of Siesta.

“Arthur, do you know the legend about Elvoria, the goddess of the forest dancing among the bright flowers?” he was lying in the tent.

“Of course, Siesta. But the legend is just a fairy tale, ” answered me who was sitting trying to keep Siesta.

But he's no less spirited, “But what if he really exists? I want to dance with her among the bright flowers!”

When the two of us were in the middle of a quiet forest, I felt like I had a little sister who always comforted me. He added colors to my life that sometimes feel monotonous.

“I believe you, Arthur! You can definitely control the elements perfectly!” he said reassured me while I was training with the sword Excalibur.

“How do you know that I'm practicing controlling my powers.” I asked Siesta.

Siesta closed his eyes. “I always see you wake up early, and also I sometimes accidentally see you are practicing with Aurelia.” Then asleep.

Two days passed, and we finally reached the Eraliant Forest. The bright sunlight shone on the lush trees around us. “It looks like we've arrived.” I said, standing beside Siesta.

Siesta jumped to the ground and ran towards the Eraliant forest gate. “Arthur, let's go in.” Vigorously.

When Siesta turned to look at me, I instantly eliminated my presence and hid behind the trees. Siesta seemed to be looking around, but the forest guard soldiers politely saluted him and called him the princess, then escorted him into the forest with great honor.

"Do you not want to say goodbye to Siesta?" aurelia asked who was above my head.

"I don't want to get more involved in anything right now" I said, looking at Siesta's departure. "What I have to do is see my family."

After leaving the Eraliant Forest, my journey continued towards the city of Ethereum. The road I face is full of memories. I remember how I came to this world, how I was once a loser who cursed my own life, and now I am reborn.

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