The once clear sky was now shrouded by dark clouds, soon after, droplets of rain began to fall, striking the parched dust beneath.
As everyone else had retreated to the sanctuary of their homes, a dark-haired girl hugged her knees within a cardboard box she covered with plastic.
Her left eye was obscured by her fringe, yet everyone knew she was a beautiful little girl.
This child had neither a home nor parents; she was an ordinary girl who found herself in a world without luck, a world that was cruel to her solitude.
Hunger and cold pervaded her entire being.
When the rain ceased, she started scavenging through trash, then returned to the precious box that she could call home.
Even a piece of bread would suffice to fill her stomach, which had been empty since yesterday, as she contemplated her fate, someone suddenly called out to her from outside.
"Come out, how long will you stay in this depressing place?"
The newcomer had shoulder-length blond hair and a smaller frame than the girl with dark hair, but it was clear she possessed more courage than most.
"What do you want from me?"
"I've noticed you cowering here all the time. Become my friend, and let's change this cruel world together."
"Why would you choose me?"
"Don't you see? We're the only ones left here... everyone has gone."
"Eh?"
The blond girl let out a soft sigh.
"The dragon of destruction has ravaged our town; in other words, there's nothing left for its people to rebuild, so they've decided to leave... by the way, what's your name?"
"Heliet Ladeosfa."
"What kind of name is that? Difficult to pronounce... My name is Vivia Legal, but you can just call me Vivia."
Vivia, with her blond hair and tomboy personality, contrasted with Heliet's black hair and gentle disposition, yet despite their differences, they decided to become friends.
Vivia took Heliet by the hand and led her to a place called the library, inside there were countless books left unattended and covered in dust.
Barely touching the covers, dust clouds sprang into the air.
"Look at this... isn't it cool, we can learn everything we need in this world right here, from magic techniques, alchemy, to various general knowledge, you'll love it."
Heliet tilted her head.
"I can't read."
"Don't worry, I'll teach you to read until you're an expert in everything."
From then on, they spent time in the library. For sustenance, they sought fish in the river or fruit in the forest.
Vivia stood on a rock by the river.
"Listen, Heliet, one day I'll become a great knight and the world's greatest dragon slayer, even the dragon of destruction I will defeat with my own hands," declared Vivia, holding a wooden sword.
Meanwhile, Heliet sat leaning against a tree, peeking at her from behind the book she was reading.
"If you want to become a knight, you should start as an adventurer."
"Why should I do that?" asked Vivia.
"Experience is the best teacher, that way you'll grow stronger more quickly."
"Really? Then I'll start as an adventurer, until then, we can surely get out of here."
"We certainly will."
Days later, quite unexpectedly, a female wizard visited the ruined town. She wore a pointed hat and a matching wizard's cloak, and in her hand, she held a staff with a curve at its end.
She walked among the dilapidated homes and found Heliet and Vivia practicing magic on the outskirts of town.
"Who's there?" asked Heliet, turning around.
"Intrigued, am I? My name is Meliana, are you two training in magic?"
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