“Mister Johan Elesqrade, please.” The orphanage manager says with a bowed head, gesturing for the man in elegant clothes to enter the building.

  The orphanage manager was quite excited. His days were usually spent looking after kids with snot on their face, getting by on the measly sum that the kingdom offers him to keep this place running. These kids are brought here from all sorts of places. When they’re young, they know nothing, then when they get a little older, they begin to learn that they have nothing, and not many of them grow up smart or lucky enough to escape the bottom of society. Many of them choose to go down the rebellious path. The way they’re raised breeds a deep hunger within them. Wealth or power; it’s a demon’s desire that’s rooted deep within them. Many of them are too impatient and stupid to seek these things out in a proper manner, so they reach out for whatever's closest to them, and go about the way of thieves and gangsters. It’s simple and effective, and most importantly, there’s a chance to achieve the wealth and power that they crave.

  This is what the orphanage manager has observed in the years he’s spent working in this place. He had an even deeper understanding than most as he also grew up in this orphanage. In his opinion, it was a farm to breed the next generation of bottom feeders.

  But to the orphanage manager’s surprise, it turns out that this place was not entirely hopeless, and that even if seeds are planted in cow shit, it wouldn’t stop the talented for reaching for the sun and becoming towering oak trees.

  This small orphanage turned out to have produced such a seed; Derek Sommerhope.

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  A wandering ascetic had spotted Derek from a distance, and in his opinion, he was like a bright burning flame, shining in the darkness. He was quite surprised and was able to calculate that young Derek was born with a great destiny, and that he would become one of the many players on the world stage.

  The wandering ascetic was quite amused by his discovery but did not seek the child out. The child’s destiny was his own and didn’t have to involve him; in fact it may even bring him trouble. But he did mention this child to a few of his friends. It has to be known that among this ascetic’s friends were some of the most powerful people in the kingdom. Thus, it did not take long for people to come seeking out young Derek.

  It just so happens that Johan Elesqrade, the leader of the kingdom’s Sunstrider Legion, was the first to come.

  He entered the orphanage and observed the unassuming children dressed in clothes that have been handed down for generations. There was nothing special about many of these children, but one child looked at him with bright eyes and a fearless expression. Johan smiles. “Derek Sommerhope.” He says, causing the child to step forward.

  “Yes?” The bright-eyed kid says.

  Johan Elesqrade stretches out his hand. “Come with me. This is hardly the place for someone with your potential.” He says.

  These short words were like music to Derek’s ears and he didn’t hesitate to reach for the man’s hand.

  Johan led young Derek to exit the orphanage, only pausing to speak some words to the orphanage manager. “Someone will be by soon t9 handle the donation.” He says.

  The orphanage manager’s face brightens. “Yes, yes. Thank you sir Johan. The orphanage will never forget your graciousness.” He says happily.

  Watching this scene was a young boy with dark eyes, and a hunger burning in his soul. His name is Paul Silver, and this story’s about him.