CHAPTER 16 Elen backstorie

The first day passed. Ivan’s body ached from training, his muscles screaming, but his mind refused to rest. All he could see was Elen—her smile, her warmth, the life they had shared. Three days… he couldn’t wait that long.

Before the second day dawned, he found himself standing at the entrance to the trial’s inner sanctum, where Darian waited. His guides, Kael and Liora, appeared behind him, concern etched across their faces.

“I… I can’t wait any longer,” Ivan said, voice tight with urgency. “Please… let me start the trial now. I need to be strong. I need to survive”

Darian’s gray eyes glinted with amusement and exasperation. “You never listen, do you? That is exactly why people like you die first.”

“I won’t die that easily,” Ivan shot back, eyes blazing. “I don’t care how dangerous it is. I’ll endure anything—fight anything—for her. If I don’t survive, I’m not worthy of being by her side!”

Kael shook his head with a grin. “I warned you, kid. You really don’t know patience, huh?”

Liora’s voice was softer, almost pleading. “Ivan… you must prepare. Strength alone isn’t enough.”

Darian leaned forward, studying him with piercing intensity. “Fine. If you insist on rushing, I will tell you something about Elen—and why those who seek her are so dangerous.”

Ivan stiffened, heart pounding. “Tell me.”

Darian’s voice dropped, heavy with history. “The three people you met from the Upper World—the ones who guided you—they are from the kingdom of Ridmann. Eleonora… the girl you call Elen… she is the princess. The man you met with her is her brother, the prince. Ten years ago, Eleonora awakened a power she should never have possessed—an ancient power capable of bringing ruin to the worlds. A priest demanded she be killed to prevent catastrophe, but her parents refused. They tried to protect her, locking her away without telling her why. She was too young to understand.

“One night, a high-rank demon appeared in the castle, seeking to steal her power. Her father and the knights fought to protect her, and though they defeated the demon, it used a teleportation spell before dying. Eleonora vanished. No one knew where she went… until she appeared in your life, Ivan.”

Tears welled in Ivan’s eyes. “So… she suffered so much… and her path… it was never easy.” His voice grew firm, unwavering. “It’s not just her power… she’s faced danger again and again. I… I will be stronger than anyone else. I will protect her.”

Darian’s stern face softened. A faint smile touched his lips. “That is the spirit, Ivan. Use it wisely. The trial will test every part of you—body, mind, and heart. If you survive, you will be ready for what lies ahead.”

Ivan left the inner sanctum, a new fire burning in his chest. The second day was about patience—something he had never mastered—but as he trained, his mind wandered to memories of Elen.

One cloudy afternoon, months after his master had mysteriously disappeared, Ivan had wandered deep into the forest, searching for herbs. The rustle of leaves was the only sound… until he noticed a small figure under a large tree.

A girl, about his age, with long dark hair and delicate features. Her eyes… cold, distant, yet something in them made his heart skip a beat. For the first time, he felt something unfamiliar—something like love.

“Who… are you?” he asked gently.

She didn’t answer, only stared.

Ivan took an apple from his bag and held it out. “Here… take it, if you’re hungry.”

After a pause, she took a bite. Ivan smiled softly. “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk. My name is Ivan.”

Dark clouds gathered overhead. “I think it’s going to rain. Let’s take shelter in that cave.” Inside, he built a small fire and gave her his scarf to keep warm. When he stepped out to hunt, she huddled near the fire, brushing the soft fabric with her hands.

An hour later, Ivan returned with a rabbit, cooked it over the fire, and they ate together in silence. For the first time, she spoke, her voice trembling:

“Eleonora…”

Ivan froze. “El… El—Elen. That’s a good name.” She nodded, letting him call her that.

The next morning, he held her hand gently. “Come with me. We’ll go to the next village. You’ll be safe there.”

And so they began their journey together, a simple life but one filled with warmth and quiet trust.

Now, in the trial, Ivan clenched his fists, eyes blazing with determination. He would endure, he would grow stronger, and he would face whatever came next—not just for himself, but for Elen.