Echoing Chronicles Vol 1.

Chapter 1: Childhood

Four hundred years ago, Earth as we knew it changed forever when the Convergence appeared. This cataclysmic event merged our world with a fantastical realm filled with creatures and races from fairy tales. Goblins, dragons, elves, and everything in between flooded into our reality, bringing with them magic and chaos. The resulting war and destruction saw humanity struggling to retain control, ultimately losing its position as the dominant race.

In this new world, magic exists alongside modern technology, creating a unique fusion of the old and new. New Haven, a beacon of coexistence and unity among diverse races, now faces a new problem. Anarchistic elements threaten to disrupt the fragile peace that has been painstakingly built.

The morning sun peeked through the window of a quaint, ivy-covered house in New Haven's nicer district, casting a warm glow over the room. The walls of the house were adorned with family photos and vibrant paintings, each telling a story of joy and love. The air was filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread.

Ethan, a lively five-year-old with unruly dark hair and bright, inquisitive eyes, was already awake and bouncing on his bed. His room was a delightful mess of toys, books, and little trinkets he had collected from his adventures in the garden.

"Mom! I'm hungry!" Ethan called out, his voice echoing down the hallway as he leaped off his bed and ran downstairs, his tiny feet pattering on the wooden floor.

Seraphina, Ethan's mother, was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. She was a tall, graceful woman with striking silver hair and eyes that sparkled with a mix of mischief and kindness. Her presence filled the room with warmth and love. She turned and smiled as Ethan burst into the kitchen.

"Good morning, my little fox," she greeted him, using the affectionate nickname she had given him. "Breakfast is almost ready."

Ethan clambered onto a chair at the kitchen table, his eyes wide with excitement. "Can we go to the park today? Please?" he asked, his voice filled with hopeful anticipation.

Seraphina's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course, Ethan. But first, you have to finish your breakfast."

Ethan's eyes lit up as he watched his mother set a plate of warm pancakes in front of him. He eagerly grabbed his fork and started eating, savoring each bite.

As he ate, his father, Thalor, entered the room. Thalor was a tall, imposing figure with a stern face that softened when he looked at his family. His presence commanded respect, but his love for Seraphina and Ethan was evident in his every action. He worked for Apex Corp, a position that required both strength and caution.

Thalor greeted Ethan with a warm smile, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Good morning, Ethan. Are you ready for another adventure today?"

Ethan nodded vigorously, his mouth full of pancake. "Yes, Dad! I can't wait!"

Thalor then moved towards Seraphina, wrapping his arms around her from behind and kissing her cheek. "Good morning, love," he murmured, letting out a sigh of relief. The tension in his body eased as he felt the warmth and safety of home.

Seraphina leaned into his embrace, a soft smile on her lips. "Good morning, Thalor. Rough night?"

"There was a northern quelling last night," Thalor replied, his voice low and cautious. "We may need to find elsewhere to live."

Seraphina's expression remained serene, but her eyes darkened. "I feared as much. We need to be careful."

Thalor nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his curved elven blade. "We can't afford to let our guard down. Not even for a moment."