In the country of Dreamithrio, there was a young man who grew up in poverty. His parents were not fortunate enough to finish their studies and had no wealth to speak of. His parents worked as a farmer and a seamstress. He was Lebriel, a young man with big dreams. From a young age, he promised himself that one day, he would lift his parents out of poverty.

He had golden-colored hair, a beard, and even hair on his chest. Since farming and horse care were his father's main livelihood, he grew accustomed to that work. His parents were treated like servants, so they only earned a meager amount. The horses they cared for were racing horses, and the owner was very strict when it came to their care.

From a young age, Lebriel was fascinated with watching races and training sessions. So whenever he had a chance, he would join his father in caring for the horses. There were times when his father would train him in horsemanship, which became a way for him to grow close to the horses. Sometimes, the horses would only obey him, as if he was the only master they recognized.

When he became a young man, the ranch owner saw how good he was at taming horses and made him his assistant. From then on, he got closer to his dream.

"I heard there was a horse that went wild at your ranch, and some of your workers had a hard time catching it, but it's a good thing your assistant, Lebriel, was there," said the ranch owner's friend.

"That kind of person is amazing; you should give him a reward. That kind of ability to tame an animal isn't simple," said another.

"You're getting too carried away with that guy. If you think about it, what he did wasn't special. He grew up on the ranch, so of course the horses know him. That's all there is to it."

"By the way, how is your son? Isn't he competing in the race this coming Sunday?"

"Yes, and I'll be counting on your support. You probably know how many times he's won in competitions," said the owner, Heshun.

"How did you raise Aritheo? A young man who is great at horsemanship," said the friend.

"His skill is well-known throughout our country; even other countries admire and fear his prowess."

"Don't you have any idea about my life before? I was the one who always won in competitions... You know that!"

"Of course, how could we forget the name Heshun, which made its mark on the country of Dreamithrio in our youth."

"Your son really inherited it from you; that can't be denied."

"Let's change the subject. Someone told me that the map mentioned in the letter can be found not far from Mount Dersum. According to the man's story, the map is hidden inside a cave. Isn't that Dreamithrio's lost treasure? If we find that thing, we will surely become the richest in the country of Dreamithrio."

"Have you found the old man who is said to be a fortune-teller?" said Heshun. "If we find him, he will be our key to a more detailed journey. But I heard that he's also in hiding for personal reasons. And if you really found an informant, why don't we try to search that cave?"

"That's incredible. We don't have enough men yet to join the search. As far as I know, you're the only one, Heshun, who can contribute men."

"That mountain is too dangerous, so we should prepare an adequate number of people," said the other one, Rhendor.

"Not now. Remember, my son still has a game. And more than that, we have many business rivals. If I leave, it's not impossible that I'll lose profit."

"There's really no end to the competitions between the two of you, your son and you—it's as if you live for competition!"

"That's where I was raised, and that's where my son will live and succeed," Heshun said.

"News is spreading in the town about an attack by bandits, and I heard that the materials used for the attack came from Dreamithrio," said Genmon.

"There will be an inspection and a request for records about those who buy the same explosives. And it seems to me that some of the listed ones are similar to what you're selling," Rhendor added.

"I can't provide any records. You probably know that a businessman earns more through secret means. Some of my customers pay a high price for a secret exchange," Heshun replied.

"We don't care if those things happen. What's important to us is to earn, that's the life of a businessman," Genmonth laughed.

"Would you believe that the Cypriox, known for being decent, holy, and very gentle—has no fangs in eradicating people with foolish guts?" Heshun said.

"They believe in holiness and a good life, while the truth is they are surrounded by temptations," Genmonth replied.

"Haven't you heard that the sect of the organization believed to be the Shadow of the Crux is widespread?"

"The Cypriox have twisted minds, so there's a shadow that reveals the true light," Rhendor added.

"I heard it has many followers now, well-known angels who were cast out by their own country," Heshun said.

"Yes, but I heard that the Elanthro have a strong connection to the shadows because most of its members are from Elanthro."

"Isn't this a big slap in the face for what some Elanthro did when they betrayed the Cypriox, or their turning away?"

"And what's worse, even here in Dreamithrio, there are also followers of the shadow. But because this isn't a country that is a religious center, they aren't too pressured and stifled in their spread."

"But even King Klopheous, the current king of Dreamithrio, can't do anything about their proliferation," Rhendor added.

"Even I won't interfere. The shadow is the enemy of the Cypriox, so it's their obligation to condemn what's right," Heshun said indifferently.

"And since you mentioned King Klopheous, I have news for you," Genmonth said.

"There will be an alliance with Moonatoria to prove a combined force of economy and power; there will be wider trade, routes, and business flow."

"Moonatoria has the biggest hold on economy and science. Why do they need a connection to the country of Dreamithrio?" Heshun said.

"I found out that someone challenged Moonatoria... And guess which country it is!" Rhendor said.

"Yes, and that's also the reason why they and Dreamithrio plan to join forces. If you think about it, it just strengthens the strong," Genmonth replied.

"I don't think there will be a war in Moonatoria. Times are different now compared to our ancestors," Heshun added.

"That's where you're wrong. The more a country develops, the higher the number of enemies and competitors. If they don't get along—it will end in war," Genmonth said indifferently.

"Then, who is the one you're referring to who challenged Moonatoria? I think whoever did that must be crazy!"

"Are you still going to wonder which brave country would challenge Moonatoria?" Rhendor replied. "The Thallerion."

"Of course, since Xerxez defeated King Harthur's father... he has great confidence," Heshun immediately replied. "And besides, even if Moonatoria is a powerful and influential country, it's nothing compared to the four countries allied with the Thallerion."

"In your opinion, which country will win?" Genmonth said.

"If the alliance between Moonatoria and Dreamithrio is approved, it's not impossible that our country will support theirs, but there's still a bit of doubt because the said war is approaching," Rhendor replied. "So if they just rely on their own power, it's clear that they will have a hard time defeating the Thallerion."

"When we were young, I heard about the continuous conflict between the two countries. Is it still the same now?" Heshun said.

"Because the Thallerion is known as Orion, their lives revolve around war. Look at Dreamithrio, because it's known for the legend of Pegasus, which became a strong, unshakeable wall, and whoever relies on it will not be moved by their enemies," Genmonth said.

Lebriel arrived while they were talking, along with Heshun's son, Aritheo. Lebriel was merely a servant to Heshun's son, so wherever Aritheo went, he was there too. He used to be Heshun's assistant, but Heshun now preferred that Lebriel serve Aritheo. He was the one who tied up the horses.

When they arrived, Aritheo immediately got off his black horse and approached the three men who were looking at them. Meanwhile, Lebriel gallantly took the horse and tied it to a tree not far from where Heshun was. It was a private place owned by Heshun, and it was also where Aritheo practiced horsemanship.

"You're here early, father?" Aritheo said first. "And good morning to my father's friends."

"How is your companion? Isn't he a burden to you?" Heshun said.

"Not at all, father. He's a good assistant. And I'm no longer having a hard time with the horses that are difficult to ride."

"In that case, that man is truly amazing," said Genmonth, which made the father and son look at him.

"That's a simple task. Anyone can do that," Heshun said.

"Father is right. There's nothing special about that," Aritheo added. "Are you going to watch my practice today?"

"Your father told us your competition is coming up soon. I'm sure you'll win," Rhendor grinned.

"I've never lost a game, so you can expect me to win the upcoming competition," Aritheo said with arrogance.

"Yes, we believe in your skill. We're also impressed with your father," Rhendor added. Genmonth just kept quiet.

"But I heard there's a problem with your horse now. Won't that affect your game this coming race?" Genmonth said.

"I don't need to worry about my horses. You know why... because they live to serve me!"

"Isn't that dangerous if you force your horse to join your competition, even though you know it's sick?"

"Are you lecturing me? Me, who is an expert in this field, and you're the one lecturing me?" He smirked with annoyance. "I have nothing to worry about because I know what I'm doing."

"The horse is ready," Lebriel arrived.

"Alright, I'm leaving. If you want to watch my practice—the ranch is open." He walked away, holding the equipment he needed for his practice.

"What's wrong with you, Genmonth? You don't need to lecture Aritheo because he knows what's right or wrong. Would he be good at this if he didn't know that?" Rhendor said.

"I'm just lecturing him because it looks like he's abusing his horses."

"Are you really doubting my son's skill, Genmonth?" Heshun replied. "Even in my time, my horses would run and run for the race, even if their legs broke."

"No, I'm just thinking about his safety! Aritheo is my godson, so you should understand that," Genmonth explained. "Can I borrow your son's assistant for a moment?"

"The assistant? Why are you paying attention to that person? He's just a lowly servant," Heshun added.

"May I?" he said without much more talking.

"Okay, it's up to you... But you have to ask Aritheo first, he might not agree."

Genmonth went to Aritheo and spoke to him gently. Even though Aritheo was a bit stubborn, he eventually agreed.

"Alright, but all the time he spends with you will be deducted from his salary. Is that clear, Lebriel?"

"Don't worry about that, Lebriel."

"Whatever... What do you have to gain from someone like him?!" Aritheo said, belittling Lebriel.

"Let's go, Lebriel."

Genmonth took Lebriel to his land; it was vast and also had horses. The workers there were having a hard time taming the horses.

"This is the remaining memory of my late son. There are only a few horses left here."

"I'm sorry to hear what happened."

"There was a cheating incident that caused my son's accident. From then on, his life became miserable, and because he couldn't accept what happened to him, he took his own life here on this land. I want to get revenge on the person who did that to my son... but I can't do anything... because—" he became quiet.

"I'm so sorry for what your son went through."

"I know you like horsemanship, right?"