The first rays of dawn stretched across the mountains surrounding the Vera Tribe, bathing the valley in a warm golden light.
Long before the sun fully rose, the entire tribe was already awake.
Smoke curled from countless chimneys.
The aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread drifted through the streets.
Colorful banners decorated every home, while children ran through the village carrying flowers and ribbons.
Today was different.
Today...
The entire tribe celebrated the fifth birthday of their young master.
Within the chief's residence, Rajiv slowly opened his eyes.
For a moment, he stared blankly at the wooden ceiling.
Then he remembered.
"My birthday!"
He jumped off the bed so quickly that he nearly tripped over his blanket.
The door suddenly burst open.
"Happy Birthday!"
Ananya rushed inside before wrapping her little brother in a tight hug.
Rajiv laughed.
"Sister! I can't breathe!"
She immediately let go before pinching his cheeks.
"Five years old already."
"You're growing too fast."
Rajiv proudly puffed out his chest.
"I'm already a big boy."
Ananya raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"So you'll stop stealing sweets from the kitchen?"
Rajiv's confident expression immediately disappeared.
"I..."
"...only borrow them."
She burst into laughter.
A few moments later, Devika entered carrying a tray of warm food.
Seeing the two siblings arguing, she simply smiled.
"Come."
"The whole tribe is waiting."
Rajiv eagerly nodded.
Outside, the chief's courtyard had transformed overnight.
Tables filled with gifts stretched across one side of the courtyard.
Flowers decorated every pillar.
Even the guards standing at attention wore small smiles today.
The moment Rajiv stepped outside...
Cheers erupted.
"Happy Birthday, Young Master!"
Rajiv froze in surprise.
Then he bowed politely.
"Thank you, everyone."
Several warriors exchanged approving glances.
Even at five years old...
The chief's son never acted arrogantly.
Vicky approached carrying a large wooden box.
"So."
"Our Young Master has finally become five."
Rajiv grinned.
"Does that mean I get more gifts?"
Vicky pretended to think.
"Hmm..."
"I was planning to keep yours."
Rajiv's eyes widened.
"What?"
Vicky laughed before placing the box into Rajiv's hands.
"Open it."
Rajiv quickly removed the lid.
Inside rested a beautifully crafted wooden sword.
Unlike the toy swords he already owned...
This one had been carved with incredible care.
Its handle fit perfectly inside his small hand.
Rajiv carefully picked it up.
"It's beautiful..."
Vicky smiled.
"I carved it myself."
Rajiv looked up in surprise.
"You did?"
Vicky nodded.
"It isn't a real weapon."
"But one day..."
"You'll carry a real one."
Rajiv hugged the sword tightly.
"I'll treasure it forever."
Vicky simply smiled.
Soon afterward...
The elders began stepping forward one after another.
The first elder presented Rajiv with a small jade pendant.
"It won't make you stronger."
"But your grandmother once said jade reminds people to stay calm."
Rajiv accepted it respectfully.
"Thank you, Elder."
The old man chuckled.
"What polite manners."
Another elder stepped forward carrying a beautifully bound book.
"This contains the history of our tribe."
Rajiv's eyes immediately lit up.
"A book!"
Everyone laughed.
Only Rajiv could become more excited over a book than an expensive treasure.
Another elder presented a small wooden carving of the World Tree.
"This represents growth."
"Never stop growing."
Rajiv bowed deeply.
"I won't."
Soon...
A mountain of gifts surrounded the young boy.
Wooden toys.
Beautiful clothes.
Small treasures.
Books.
Training equipment.
Even handmade ornaments crafted by ordinary villagers.
Each gift carried far more meaning than its value.
Because each had been prepared with love.
Watching from nearby...
Varinder quietly smiled.
Devika leaned beside him.
"Our son is loved."
Varinder nodded.
"He earned it."
She looked at him.
"He's only five."
Varinder's smile widened.
"Respect is earned regardless of age."
Just then...
The crowd slowly parted.
An old man approached carrying a neatly wrapped package beneath one arm.
His movements were as calm as ever.
His smile remained gentle.
Yet...
If someone looked carefully...
There was exhaustion hidden behind his eyes.
"Elder Thalorian."
Rajiv immediately ran forward.
"Elder!"
The old man forced another smile.
"Happy Birthday, Young Master."
He gently handed over the package.
Rajiv eagerly opened it.
Inside rested several beautifully illustrated books.
His eyes sparkled.
"Beast Encyclopedia?"
Thalorian nodded.
"I remembered you enjoy reading."
Rajiv hugged the books against his chest.
"I love them!"
For a brief moment...
The old elder genuinely smiled.
Seeing the child's innocent happiness eased the pain inside his heart...
If only for a moment.
Varinder stepped forward.
"You've spoiled him."
Thalorian laughed softly.
"Books are never a bad gift."
Varinder nodded.
"That..."
"I cannot argue with."
The two old friends shared a quiet smile.
Neither of them knew...
It would be the last birthday they would celebrate together.
As the morning passed...
More villagers came forward.
A blacksmith gifted Rajiv a tiny iron dagger—not sharp enough to hurt anyone, but forged exactly like a real warrior's blade.
A hunter presented him with a beautifully carved animal whistle.
Several children offered handmade drawings.
One little girl shyly handed Rajiv a woven bracelet.
"I made it..."
Rajiv immediately put it on.
"I'll wear it every day."
The little girl beamed with happiness.
Watching from nearby, many adults couldn't help smiling.
The future of Vera truly seemed bright.
Finally...
Only one gift remained.
Varinder stepped toward his son.
The entire courtyard grew quiet.
Even Rajiv looked curious.
His father rarely made grand gestures.
Varinder held a small wooden chest.
Unlike the others...
It wasn't decorated.
It looked completely ordinary.
Rajiv accepted it carefully.
"Can I open it?"
Varinder nodded.
Slowly...
Rajiv lifted the lid.
Inside rested a single white egg.
It was no larger than both of his hands together.
Unlike ordinary beast eggs...
Its surface was covered with mysterious silver patterns that shimmered faintly beneath the sunlight.
Rajiv stared silently.
"It's beautiful..."
Varinder crouched beside him.
"This..."
"...is the greatest treasure I can give you."
Rajiv looked up.
"What kind of beast is inside?"
Varinder smiled.
"I don't know."
Rajiv blinked.
"You don't?"
Varinder shook his head.
"It was entrusted to me many years ago."
"I was told..."
"...that it would only hatch for its true owner."
Rajiv gently touched the smooth shell.
"It feels warm."
Varinder nodded.
"From today onward..."
"It belongs to you."
Rajiv carefully lifted the egg into his arms.
"I'll protect it."
Varinder placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"No matter what happens..."
"Never abandon it."
Rajiv nodded seriously.
"I promise."
For reasons he couldn't explain...
Varinder's heart suddenly tightened.
He smiled once more and ruffled Rajiv's hair.
"Good."
The celebration continued.
Music echoed throughout Vera.
Children laughed.
Warriors drank.
The villagers celebrated as one family.
Standing at the edge of the crowd...
Thalorian watched everything silently.
His eyes rested upon Rajiv...
Holding the mysterious white egg as though it were the greatest treasure in the world.
A faint smile appeared on the old elder's face.
"...Chief."
He whispered so quietly that no one could hear.
"You chose the right child."
Then...
The smile slowly disappeared.
His gaze drifted toward the distant western mountains.
Beyond them...
He knew what waited.
For just one more day...
He wished time would stop.