Two days was all it took for Elwyn to regain consciousness, and upon waking, the little boy had completely forgotten what he had done after his writing lesson with Deity Ogme.

  Fortunately for him, the Deity, who had remained in the vilge until then, told him what had happened.

  Of course, he did not remind him that a part of his memory was locked away along with the Domain to which he belongs. However, he did expin that he had used his powers, without going into further detail.

  — I’m sorry, Elwyn, but you are not ready yet. You possess a power that, at the present moment, is far too great for you. And as proof, look at the state you’re in after just one use, not to mention the worry you caused Volden and Ophélia when you fell unconscious for two days.

  These words, ringing with truth, allowed the little boy to truly understand and accept the Deity’s warning, and so, Elwyn did not press further for details.

  Of course, Ogme had requested that midwife Martha and Livia keep silent about what had happened that day in order to spare the little boy any further trouble.

  Once Elwyn was able to move again, he finally met his newborn little sister, Le?na.

  Le?na was a baby who appeared a bit undernourished, yet that did not diminish her energy or good health. Her chubby face was marked by two rge blue eyes, much like Volden’s, and dark ashy hair, identical to Ophélia’s.

  Strangely, the arrival of this little being in the family did not provoke a strong reaction from Elwyn.

  The only feeling he experienced was a certain curiosity toward this tiny form of human life.

  Nonetheless, the little boy was gd that this entire ordeal was finally coming to a happy end.

  _________________________

  Days, months, and seasons continued to pass peacefully, and Elwyn reached the age of five.

  Five years is when many things begin to change in a child’s life, for in ten years he will be considered an adult.

  Thus, it is time to slowly begin preparing him for that.

  To that end, during the training session the day after his birthday, Elwyn received from Volden a proper short sword forged by the vilge’s dwarf smiths, to mark the occasion.

  — For now, this weapon is still far too heavy for you. However, it is your responsibility to learn how to use it when you become an adult.

  — Why? For what reason?

  — Because the world is not safe and a monster can appear in the vilge at any moment. You must at least learn to defend yourself, as well as those who matter most to you, so you won’t regret it ter.

  Elwyn drew the weapon from its leather sheath and set his eyes upon the well-crafted bde.

  The bluish gleam reflected by this shimmering sword was tinged with a note of mencholy.

  — Father-Volden, I think that… I really don’t feel like learning how to kill…

  That unconscious desire in the young boy not to want to kill was not trivial. Indeed, since he belongs to the Domain of Life, taking a life without cause was unthinkable to him. Moreover, killing without a valid reason according to the precepts of his Domain is punishable by death by the Entities of that Domain.

  But he did not yet know that, or rather, not for the time being.

  Volden then knelt and pced his hand on the young boy’s shoulder.

  — Elwyn, I’m not asking you to learn to fight so as to kill, but to fight in order to live. If you choose not to kill, that is your decision, and I respect it. But you must know that in a real situation, it is very difficult to put that into practice.

  The young boy looked up and met Volden’s eyes directly.

  — Then, how can I do that?

  — Well, you simply must keep training again and again until you can master your strength and measure it in every blow, so that you can neutralize your opponent.

  — I see… In that case, wouldn’t it mean I should learn to use my fists instead of the sword?

  — Ah, really? And if so, how do you pn to face someone who is armed? Hmm? Will you block their attacks with your arms? Or perhaps use your head to deflect them?

  Elwyn shook his head firmly.

  — That would be a bad idea…

  — A very bad idea indeed. Listen carefully, Elwyn. A sword is just a tool made to help you face danger. You can use it to protect your own life, but you can also use it to save someone else’s—or to take a life. You can decide to wield it openly, or keep it sheathed so as not to cut. It is up to you how you choose to use your tool in each situation. Do you understand?

  The young boy then pondered these words.

  — I understand… Well… I think I do.

  Volden withdrew his hand from the boy’s shoulder and pced it on his cheek.

  — Thank you, my boy. You know, I’m not asking you to do this to burden you, but simply to help you. And… always remember that one day…

  Volden sighed softly.

  — …Ophélia and I will no longer be here for you… nor for Le?na… So you must learn to manage on your own… to face any situation. Do this for us. Do this so that we have no regrets when that moment comes.

  — Alright, I will. For you and for Mother-Ophelia.

  Volden then embraced Elwyn.

  — Thank you, Elwyn, you are a good boy. You know… Ophélia and I love you very much, even though you are not our own child?

  — I know, Father-Volden, I know…

  That response from the young boy was partly colored by the fact that it came from an idea residing only in his head and not in his heart…

  Later, Elwyn was allowed to join Volden on his patrols, during his training sessions with the vilge guards, and on hunting trips.

  Ophélia, for her part, offered him the chance to improve his reading and writing with Uvina, the halfling who ran the vilge library.

  Uvina was in her thirties and stood less than one meter tall. She had light gray eyes, short pointed ears, and her beige hair was long enough to be styled with a bck scarf. She was usually dressed in a dark purple dress whose sleeves were embroidered with white threads.

  Moreover, during their first meeting, Elwyn did not, in any way, mention or mock her small stature.

  After all, halflings, as a race not exceeding one meter in height, are often the subject of teasing by the Tall Ones.

  At the same time, it was not uncommon for a human to make a dismissive and condescending remark toward someone from a race deemed inferior.

  Of course, the excuse used to justify this is that the human race served as the basis for the creation of all other humanoid life forms in Ilnolia, by the Great Creator.

  Which is true, but well…

  They are not perfect, however…

  Thus, the young boy’s ck of any such remark demonstrated his open-mindedness, which greatly pleased Uvina and made her very eager to teach him many things.

  In the cumutive tales of problems over time, it is noted that now Elwyn has reached an age where a new problem reted to his Entity origins begins to appear.

  An extrapnar problem.

  Indeed, his vision problems between worlds had calmed considerably over time, but now a new issue makes him travel randomly between Ilnolia and the Ethereal Pne.

  Fortunately for him, Deity Ogme had already informed Ophélia and Volden of this delicate moment so that they could manage the problem effectively together. Or rather, just Ophélia, because only magic allows for the creation of extrapnar portals to retrieve the young boy when he becomes trapped in that vast, empty world.

  However, there was a certain advantage for the young boy in traveling between the Pnes, even randomly: he could finally catch the Entities he had always seen. And once he managed to grasp them, they would be absorbed into his body and disappear forever.

  In the end, despite this new problem piling on top of the old, Elwyn greatly benefited from this newfound freedom, and his days became very full.

  In the morning, he trains with Volden in sword combat, hand-to-hand fighting, or with a short bow, as well as on his physical condition and endurance.

  During part of the afternoon, he continues his reading and writing lessons with Uvina, who is very kind but strict about work. Still, she allows him access to her library’s works whenever he wishes.

  And for the rest of the day, he rests and takes care of his little sister until the evening, when he helps Ophélia with the meal.

  _________________________

  One fine day, during Elwyn’s lesson in Uvina’s modest library, the young boy received a package from her.

  — I have just received this book for you, my little Elwyn. It comes from Agnos. More precisely, from the Great Library of Agnos.

  The young boy, who was about fifteen centimeters taller than her, gently took the package she handed him.

  — Thank you.

  Uvina held on tightly as Elwyn took the package.

  — You know, my little Elwyn, not everyone can receive a book from that pce.

  — Oh really?

  — Yes, indeed; there is only one copy of each book in that library, and the only way to get one is for Deity Ogme to make a copy himself. So, tell me, how did you manage to obtain one, even though you aren’t even a student at that prestigious academy?

  The young boy was puzzled by this unexpected question, and by the ensuing interrogation.

  — Well… Deity Ogme is a friend of my current parents, so…

  The librarian interrupted him.

  — Your current parents? Do you change parents often? she teased.

  — No, no, that’s not what I mean. I was adopted by Mother-Ophélia and Father-Volden, and just before that, my real parents entrusted me to Deity Ogme so he could find me a family to take me in… that’s all.

  Uvina then became pensive.

  — I see, I see… But… wait a minute, does that mean your biological parents knew Deity Ogme well enough to entrust him with such a request?

  The young boy replied hesitantly.

  — Indeed, they were… friends. Well… I suppose.

  For several long seconds, the librarian studied Elwyn’s face to verify his words.

  — Hmm… I believe you. But that still doesn’t answer my question. How did you obtain a copy from the Great Library?

  Elwyn then became thoughtful.

  — For me to answer your question… wouldn’t it be best if I opened the book to see its subject?

  — Not a bad idea… Go ahead, open it.

  Once Uvina released him, Elwyn unpacked the book and revealed its title.

  — ‘Know and Master the Basics of Your Entity Powers.’

  At that evocative title, the librarian raised an eyebrow and took the book from him to flip through its pages.

  — Ah! It’s a training book for half-Entities.

  The young boy then peered at the book’s contents, gncing over Uvina’s shoulder.

  — I see… So, Deity Ogme thinks it’s time for me to learn how to use my powers.

  — What?! You’re a half-Entity? the librarian asked, feigning surprise and shock at this revetion.

  — Uh… yes, indeed. That’s why I received this book. Deity Ogme surely wants to ensure I don’t cause trouble with my powers, replied the young boy, not realizing that the librarian was teasing him.

  This answer made Uvina pensive.

  — Hmm… That makes sense. If one of your parents was an Entity, that would expin his connection with Deity Ogme. But regarding your powers, the book is titled ‘The Basics of Your Entity Powers.’

  — And? asked Elwyn, not seeing where she was going with this.

  — And what? You aren’t aware?

  — Aware of what?

  Uvina began to ugh softly.

  — You are a half-Entity, and you don’t even know that you possess powers beyond your Domain.

  Elwyn was surprised by this revetion.

  — Ah… At the same time, I don’t even know my own Domain, and Deity Ogme refuses to let me know for now.

  At this frank response, the librarian grew serious again.

  — Oh… I’m sorry. I did not know.

  — It’s alright.

  — In that case, you must know that Entities and half-Entities possess common powers in addition to the powers derived from their respective Domains.

  — I see. And do you know what these famous common powers are?

  Uvina thought for a few seconds before showing him the four sign with her fingers.

  — I only know four: ethereal vision, ether control, extrapnar dispcement, and bodily reinforcement.

  Elwyn felt relieved upon hearing that.

  — Ah! I believe I already know two of them.

  — Oh really?

  The young boy nodded.

  — Sometimes, my vision of the world changes and I see another, a lifeless, barren world completely covered by a light purple mist. And more recently, I have been involuntarily sent to that world, only to return ter without knowing how.

  — Indeed, those are two abilities you possess. However, judging by how you describe them, you do not control them at all.

  — That’s exactly the case… And it is quite problematic for me and for Mother-Ophelia, who must create a portal every time I vanish for too long…

  Uvina sensed disappointment in his voice and moved closer to gently stroke the young boy’s head.

  — It must not be easy every day.

  — It is… but I’ve gotten used to it.

  The librarian continued to caress Elwyn’s head for a few more seconds before withdrawing her hand and handing him his book again with a smile.

  — That’s true… But now, you have the means to handle it without too much fear.

  The young boy then looked at the book, then back at Uvina, who still smiled, and finally took the book in his hands.

  — You’re right. And to succeed, I will have to work even harder.

  Uvina sighed softly.

  — Pfff… In my opinion, you are already doing too much.

  — I know, but… I still have a lot to learn.

  With an amused smirk, Uvina took her disciple by the arm and led him to his lesson for the day.

  _________________________

  “Know and Master the Basics of Your Entity Powers.”

  This book, written and given by Deity Ogme to Elwyn, is meant to inform its reader about the common abilities possessed by half-Entities and how they function.

  By reading it, the young boy discovered that he could control the surrounding ether, as if it were a kind of malleable, sandy substance that can take any desired shape. He also discovered that he could manage his well-known vision problems as well as his spontaneous extrapnar journeys.

  But for that, he must learn to control his internal ether flow, which, like the bloodstream, permeates every cell of his body.

  Once that is mastered, he must then learn to intensify the flow, then reduce it, and finally direct it precisely to any part of his body. In this way, he can use bodily reinforcement, an ability that allows him to enhance his physical performance.

  Of course, he can also control the flow to his eyes and thus adjust his two current little issues. According to the book, the eyes of half-Entities are portals that allow them to travel between the two worlds, either to glimpse what is happening in one world, or to see both worlds superimposed.

  However, this training is not as easy as the book suggests, which is perfectly normal.

  Indeed, Entities and half-Entities use their powers and control their internal magical flow instinctively, just as living beings breathe without thinking.

  Unfortunately for Elwyn, since Deity Ogme had sealed off the part of his memory containing his innate knowledge and Entity instincts, he must relearn everything from scratch, with great effort and willpower.

  But despite this inconvenience, the young boy worked hard every day, for he no longer wished to be a cause of worry for his adoptive parents.

  At the same time, since the arrival of little Le?na, the house had become much noisier and livelier than before. Because of that, Volden and Ophélia no longer knew where to look, and they soon realized how lucky they were with Elwyn, who had been a very calm and wise baby.

  Furthermore, speaking of the young boy, they discovered he had a hidden ability that allowed him to always calm little Le?na down. To do this, he only had to take her in his arms and rest his head against her chest. This very useful ability prevented several nervous breakdowns when the little girl refused to settle or sleep.