6. The Valley of Agates

After a day and a half of relentless walking, Marina finally succumbed to exhaustion at the entrance of the tunnel.

Only to awaken in a place far removed from its confines. As she opened her eyes, she found herself lying on a bed that, while not as luxurious as her own, still offered a soft comfort, or maybe she was just too tired.

Stretching her arms and throwing off the sheets, Marina took in her surroundings.

A small fireplace crackled in the right corner, its warmth casting a cozy glow.

Next to it, the wall ended abruptly, revealing a staircase that ascended to unknown heights.

Across from her, a wooden window adorned with small squares of glass allowed sunlight to filter in, while a wooden door stood nearby.

To the left, a wooden table and a pair of chairs completed the quaint setting.

Stepping out of bed, Marina made her way toward the door, only to have it swing open before she could reach it. Standing before her was a man with a striking mix of gray and black hair, his beard trimmed to a moderate length. With a smile, he greeted Marina and gestured for her to follow him outside.

What she beheld was a scene unlike any other she had witnessed - a lush and beautiful and very big village, with charming wooden houses adorned with lush vines and leaves that seemed vibrant and fresh, there wasn't a single rotten or dry leaf.

It was a sight to behold, there were rock-solid walls in a round shape around this city or village or whatever you would call it, no one

even knew this place ever existed, Marina was still lost in the beauty of this place when the sweet little giggles of the children caught

her attention toward them, they were playing together, some on the swings, and a few more with their powers.

"Have I ever seen such happiness in my kingdom?” She thought but unfortunately, she realized, she never got enough chance to visit the village or the residences within her city.

In fact, no one really knew what was outside Elementia, yet here it was, while she was still lost in the beauty of this place when she heard the man beside her speak up “Welcome to the Valley of Agate, your Highness!”He smiled.

He took her for a walk to show her around, to give her a tour of this beautiful valley.

It was a secret and enchanting village, hidden away from the rest of the world.

An oasis of joy, filled with beauty and magic.

The village spreads a heavenly atmosphere, with wooden cottages snuggled amidst vibrant gardens bursting with blooming flowers.

The air was filled with sweet fragrances and the soft melodies of birds enchanted the residents throughout the day.

When the sunlight dances through the leaves, casting a warm and golden glow on every corner of the village.

Within this haven of happiness, people around here live in perfect harmony, no matter what element they possess, even those who don't possess any power at all, are treated like equals.

Some have the ability to control the elements that were never discovered within the boundaries of Elementia, some of them could freeze the water, some had the power to generate cold flames, some could create dust storms and some could create various crystallized elements.

While the others possess the incredible gift of healing, mending wounds and ailments with just a touch.

Every day in this hidden paradise delivers with laughter and kindness.

The villagers, united by compassion and goodwill, support one another in their unique abilities and ambitions.

They celebrate life through colorful festivals, where the air is painted with joy and the sky illuminates at night by fireflies.

They cherish each day with festivals and games, and they take part in activities like art, music, and storytelling, nurturing their

creative spirits and spreading inspiration.

The village thrives on harmony, with the people living in perfect sync with nature and each other.

Beyond the village, vast landscapes allow adventurers to explore and discover the wonders that lie just beyond the borders.

Giant mountains contain a great quantity of Agates, not just that, there's an awe-inspiring waterfall that falls on the top of the Agates protecting them from the ones with evil intentions, and mystical caves await those who dare to venture further, the only dark aspect of this hidden sanctuary even that is protected by the waterfall.

For merchants, it feels almost impossible not to miss this place, every day they make new memories of its breathtaking beauty, of the warmth of its people, and the knowledge that pure joy and magic are indeed possible in this world alongside each other.

Then her eyes fell on the same man who rescued her, he had a bow, but without an arrow, he was pulling his hand as if he was holding an arrow, and whenever he was pulling his hand back a bolt of metal was appearing, and he was shooting at the fruits on the higher branches, and they were falling down.

The children were surrounding him, leaping and giggling with delight.

Marina was taken surprised by this sight. She turned to the man guiding her and inquired, "What is his name?"

"He doesn't really have a name," the man replied with a shrug. "But they refer to him as the Light Slayer!"

"What?" Marina glanced back at him, puzzled.

"He was bred to serve the Queen and sold off right after birth. He was given to a man and woman who never bothered to name him.

Their main purpose was to nourish and train him, molding him into the formidable figure he is today!" he explained.

Marina felt sorry for him and a little bit of sympathy, realizing they shared a common experience of familial mistreatment, being used by their families' comfort and luxuries.

"Why do I sense familiarity in your presence?" she questioned, turning back to the man again.

"It's because you have!" he confirmed, stepping forward and crossing his arms.

Marina gazed at him for a moment, then her eyes widened.