This story takes place seven years before the events of today. A seven-year-old Adrian lay in bed, weak and feverish. His mother gently touched his forehead, checking his temperature.


    "It''s just a cold, but why is it this bad?" she murmured, her face etched with worry and fear.


    It was a difficult time for Adrian and his mother—they couldn’t afford medicine. With no other options, she dropped to her knees and prayed to the Guardian Spirit of Hvitt Fenrir, desperation lacing her voice.


    "Please, help my son! I beg you! You saved him once before, please do it again!"


    Her prayer did not go unanswered. Within a day, Adrian’s health miraculously improved. Once he had fully recovered, his mother sat him down and told him the legend of Fenrir.


    The story was well known, especially in the country of Hvitt. Long ago, when the first settlers arrived on the island, they encountered a fierce wolf. It watched them in silence, showing no hostility, yet when wild beasts threatened the settlers, it protected them. Why the wolf did this remained a mystery. Some believed it was merely saving them for later; others were convinced it was a guardian spirit. Out of reverence, the people devoted themselves to the beast and named it the Guardian Spirit of Hvitt Fenrir.


    Adrian’s mother reminded him that, no matter the situation, Fenrir would always be there to help him.


    And she was right.


    Bernard stood at the ship’s railing, watching Adrian sink beneath the waves. He had been monitoring him, but now, seeing his motionless body descending, he sighed and shook his head.


    "I guess he''s dead," he muttered, disappointed.


    But then—two bright lights flared from the ocean’s depths. Bernard narrowed his eyes, wondering what they could be. Suddenly, Adrian shot up from the water, gasping for air. Though he was breathing heavily, he showed no signs of exhaustion.


    Bernard smirked. "Well done, kid. Just three and a half hours left to go. You can do it."


    ''I almost died, and he''s still forcing me to swim?'' Adrian thought. But strangely, he no longer felt fatigued. Instead, his body was brimming with energy. ''Could it be Fenrir’s protection?''


    With renewed determination, Adrian swam after the ship, pushing himself for the remainder of the time. Once he climbed aboard, Bernard tossed him a towel and gestured for him to sit.


    "Now that you’re back, let me explain why I threw you overboard," Bernard said.


    Adrian dried his hair as he listened. "Yeah, I’d like to know that."


    "Have you ever heard of something called the Breath of Life?"


    Adrian frowned. "Breath of Life? No, what is it?"


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    "It’s an ancient breathing technique that slows blood loss from injuries, enhances resistance to poisons, and improves concentration during combat," Bernard explained.


    Adrian blinked. "And that’s why you threw me into the ocean?"


    Bernard chuckled before nodding. "Building stamina is essential for mastering the Breath of Life. With this technique, you’ll last longer in fights and use your Trinket more efficiently."


    Adrian considered his words. He knew his weaknesses—even after just one fight. He had never monitored his breathing, which meant he never realized how quickly he was burning through his energy. But if he learned the Breath of Life, he could regulate his stamina and extend his combat abilities.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, Bernard stretched and yawned. "Get some rest. We’ll continue tomorrow."


    "Got it."


    Bernard left, but Adrian remained on deck. Having spent so much time struggling in the sea, he hadn’t been able to appreciate its beauty. Now, he had the chance. He gazed at the ocean, mesmerized by the way the stars reflected on its surface, creating a shimmering, endless expanse.


    Emily stepped onto the deck, searching for Adrian. She found him leaning against the railing, staring into the distance with an unusual smile on his face.


    "Are you busy?" she asked.


    Adrian blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Huh? Oh, it’s you… No, not really."


    Emily moved to stand beside him, following his gaze toward the ocean. "Before I got here, you were smiling. Why?"


    "The ocean… It’s beautiful," Adrian murmured. "In Hvitt, it snows all the time, and the water freezes over. I never get to see it like this."


    Hearing his words made Emily smile as well. In that moment, she realized—Adrian was still just a child, experiencing the world for the first time.


    "So, after you and August find Valhalla, what will you do next?" she asked.


    Adrian ran a hand through his hair, resting a finger against his chin. "I don’t know. We’ll see when we get there."


    Emily chuckled. "You really are simple-minded, aren’t you?"


    "I guess I am," Adrian said, laughing softly.


    They stood in comfortable silence after that, stealing occasional glances at one another.


    Adrian swallowed. ''I''ve never been alone with a girl before. What do I do?''


    Before he could say anything, Emily’s expression shifted as she noticed something.


    "Your clothes… They’re still wet," she said, her face clouded with concern.


    "Huh? I—I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to—"


    "What are you talking about?" she interrupted. "You’ll catch a cold. Take them off before you get sick."


    "Oh… That’s what you meant," Adrian muttered, his face flushing.


    She led him to her room, where she rummaged through her belongings and handed him a set of spare clothes. Taking his wet ones, she stepped outside to hang them up to dry. As she did, she examined the tattered sweater Adrian had given her. It was more than just soaked—it was torn and missing a sleeve.


    Inside, Adrian finished changing and stepped toward the door. "Thanks for the clothes. I’ll be going now."


    Emily nodded. "Okay."


    As Adrian left for his own room, Emily remained behind, holding his worn-out sweater in her hands.


    The next three days were grueling. Bernard put Adrian through a series of physically exhausting exercises, pushing his body to its limits. By the end of it, Adrian was noticeably stronger, faster, and more resilient.


    To test his progress, Bernard fired arrows at him again. This time, Adrian blocked both with his bare hands. A surge of confidence filled him—but it was short-lived.


    Two more arrows struck him in the back.


    "Expect the unexpected in battle," Bernard said with a smirk.


    ''Damn this guy,'' Adrian thought bitterly.


    Bernard crossed his arms. "Still, you’ve improved significantly." He reached into his pocket and tossed something to Adrian. "Here. You can have this back."


    Adrian caught it and recognized it instantly—his Trinket. He frowned, wondering when Bernard had taken it, but decided not to ask.


    "That’s it for today," Bernard said. "We’ll continue tomorrow."


    On the third day, during the fourth night, everyone aboard the ship drifted into a deep sleep.


    Unbeknownst to them, the ship had strayed toward a strange island—an island that concealed a weapon of immense power, unknown even to the World Federation.