The Beginning

In the middle of the forest, where leaves rustled in the wind and sunlight filtered through the canopy, a young man woke up. His breath came in ragged gasps, his mind a blank slate except for his own name and fleeting memories of flashing lights. Panic gripped him as he scrambled to his feet, stumbling through the underbrush in search of water.

At the edge of a clearing, he found a river, its waters shimmering in the sunlight. Heart racing, he leaned over and saw his reflection—a face much younger, with hair the color of ash. Confusion clouded his mind. He looks like a 14-year-old teen.

Lost and disoriented, the young man's mind raced with questions. Where was he? How did he get here? Who am I?

The young man, now recalling his name as Jam and nothing more, struggled to piece together his fragmented memories. His confusion deepened as he grappled with the realization that he didn't recognize his own face, his hair is gray, with unfamiliar clothing, a tunic clothing.

As he pondered his situation, the memory of flashing lights before awakening offered no clear answers. Despite the uncertainty gnawing at him, Jam knew he had to gather himself. With resolve, he pushed aside his fear and exhaustion, standing up to explore the unfamiliar forest.

In the distance, he spotted a figure seated beneath a tree, engrossed in a book. The person had blonde hair and golden eyes, looking to be about 14 years old. Hope surged within him at the sight of another person, a potential source of answers in this situation. Jam hesitated briefly, then approached cautiously, heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

Before Jam could speak, the stranger looked up and asked, "Who are you and where did you come from?"

Jam hesitated, then replied, "My name is Jam, but I don't know where I'm from. I've lost all my memories. I just woke up over there in the middle of the forest."

The stranger looked puzzled. "That's strange. The closest village to this forest is mine, and the others are miles away. Oh, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Alex. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Alex," Jam replied. "I just want to ask, where exactly am I?"

"You really don't remember anything, do you?" Alex said, scratching his head. "We're in Oakenshade Forest. As you can see, there are a lot of trees here. This specific giant tree is my favorite spot to relax after work."

"What kind of work do you do?" Jam asked.

"I gather wood for the village. I'm good at cutting down trees. This forest has plenty of them, so it's my job to manage that," Alex explained.

"I see. Good luck with that. Could you help me with something?" Jam asked.

"Sure, Jam. What do you need?" Alex responded.

"Is there any inn where I could stay in your village? I'm really lost and don't know where to go," Jam said.

"We don't have any inns here because we never have travelers," Alex said. "How about this: after I finish my work, you can stay at my house. My grandparents would be happy to have a visitor, and I can explain your situation to them. Is that okay?"

"Thank you very much! I don't know what to say," Jam replied gratefully.

Alex laughed. "It's fine. We're happy to help. Do you really not remember anything?"

"I really don't remember anything," Jam said.

"I didn't mean to pressure you. Just take your time," Alex said. "Oh, I need to continue my work."

"Where's your axe?" Jam asked.

"I don't need one. Look at this," Alex said. Magic particles began to form in his hands, creating the shape of an axe.

Jam watched in amazement. "It's not an axe, but it looks like one and it's so bright. Could it be...?"

"We have magic here," Alex explained. "Everyone has magic based on elemental affinities. Mine is light, one of the rarest elements, but all I can do is make an axe."

Jam looked at the magic in amazement, speechless as he wondered if he could do it too.

Alex interrupted Jam's thoughts. "Hey, Jam, don't stress. Magic is normal here. Though I don't sense any mana in you. Well, time for me to work. Wait here, and I'll be back soon."

"Okay, Alex. Take care," Jam replied.

Jam sat down under the tree, his mind racing with questions. "Why am I really here? Could I do the same magic even though I have no mana as Alex said?" His thoughts spiraled, and he started to panic. Taking deep breaths, he managed to calm himself and decided to take a nap.

Two hours later, he was gently shaken awake. "Hey Jam, sorry to wake you up. I'm done with my work," Alex said with a smile, carrying a hefty load of wood on his back.

Jam rubbed his eyes and sat up, realizing, "I was hoping my memories would come back by taking a nap. Guess it doesn't work that way."

"I can help you carry those logs," Jam offered.

"Here you go, thanks for the help," Alex replied, handing Jam some wood. "Alright, let's go to my village, Rosewood Village."

As they walked, Jam was surprised by the beauty of the scenery. The birds were chirping, the wind sang gently, and the majestic mountains loomed in the distance. He felt like he could die peacefully at any moment, enveloped by the serene landscape. The trees were tall and sturdy, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze, creating a soothing melody that added to the tranquility of the forest.

As they headed north, Alex asked, "How are you feeling, Jam? Still lightheaded?"

"A little bit," Jam replied. "It's hard. I have so many unanswered questions. I really don't know..."

Alex, puzzled by Jam's situation, said, "It's strange. It's impossible you just woke up in the middle of the forest with no memories. We don't even know you in our village, and it's the closest one to the forest. Hopefully, you'll find answers in time."

"He's so optimistic," Jam thought. "I hope so," he replied.

"We're here, Rosewood Village. Let's drop off the wood first," Alex said. They deposited the wood in the woodshed. "Alright, let's go to my grandparents' house."

As they walked through the village, Jam noticed how lively it was. Kids were playing outside, laughing and chasing each other through the cobblestone streets. Some were playing tag, while others kicked a ball made of tightly wound cloth. The sound of their laughter filled the air, adding to the village's vibrant atmosphere. Villagers greeted each other warmly, exchanging friendly banter as they went about their daily tasks. The village seemed so full of life and community, making Jam feel a bit more at ease.

As they entered the house, an old woman greeted them warmly. "Welcome home, Alex! Are you hungry?"

"I brought a friend, Grandmother. His name is Jam," Alex said.

"Good afternoon, Grandmother...?" Jam hesitated, unsure what to call her.

The old woman laughed. "You can call me Grandmother too. My name is Jessa Miller. Nice to meet you, Jam."

"Nice to meet you too, Grandmother," Jam greeted.

Alex explained Jam's situation, and Grandmother Jessa said, "Poor child, you can stay here as long as you need until you get your memories back. Now, let's eat."

"By the way, where's Grandfather?" Alex asked.

"He must be out fishing," Jessa replied. Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang. "I caught a big fish!" a man shouted proudly, laughing.

"Don't scare us like that! We have a guest here," Jessa scolded gently.

Jam panicked, feeling frightened. "Oh, I didn't see you there, kid. Sorry if I scared you. I'm just excited to cook this big fish I caught," the old man said.

"It's okay..." Jam replied nervously.

"Don't be scared. He's always like that when he's excited," Alex whispered to Jam.

"Alright, there will be a feast later. I'll cook this big fish," the old man laughed.

"Sorry about my husband, Jam. We can eat later after he cooks the salmon he caught," Jessa said with a smile.

"I can't wait for you boys to taste my delicious fish meal!" the old man exclaimed proudly, laughing.

"Dinner is ready, boys!" the old man announced a few moments later.

During the meal, Jam was amazed at how delicious the salmon tasted. "This is really good!" he exclaimed.

The old man laughed heartily. "Of course! I'm the best cook in this village!"

"Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Alric Miller. You can call me Grandfather," he added with a chuckle.

"Thank you for the dinner, Grandmother and Grandfather," Jam said shyly.

"I heard about your situation. It's unfortunate that you've lost your memories. It's dangerous out there; there are many demons that could tear you apart," Alric said, startling Jam.

"Demons exist?!" Jam exclaimed, shocked.

"Oh, Alex didn't tell you?" Alric looked puzzled. "Well, he has a lot on his plate right now. I didn't want to stress him out more, especially since he doesn't even know who he is," Alex interjected.

"Don't worry, Jam. Relax here at our house. Treat this place as your home. You're always welcome here," Jessa reassured him kindly.

"I'm very grateful for everything," Jam replied sincerely.

"Now, let's continue eating!" Alric declared, his laughter echoing through the room.

After dinner and helping with chores, it was time to go to bed.

"Jam, my dear, Alex will show you to your room. There's a spare one upstairs. Make yourself comfortable," Jessa said warmly.

"Thank you for everything, and sir, thank you for the dinner," Jam said gratefully.

"Hey, call me Grandfather! I'm old!" Alric laughed heartily.

"Okay, Grandfather! Goodnight, everyone," Jam said as he followed Alex upstairs.

As they walked up, Alex smiled. "See? I told you they would welcome you like family."

"Thanks for everything, Alex. In exchange, I can help cut down trees," Jam offered.

"Are you sure you're up to it?" Alex asked.

"Yes, but I'll need a real axe," Jam replied.

Alex chuckled. "Alright, wake up early tomorrow. We'll start early. I have an idea. The person who collects the most wood by the end of the month wins and the loser has to treat the winner."

"Challenge accepted!" Jam declared proudly.

Three months later, in the woodshed...

"Cut me some slack, Alex! You keep winning, and I've got no savings left!" Jam exclaimed in frustration.

"You accepted the challenge, Jam. You have to face the consequences," Alex smirked.

"Fine!" Jam handed over the rest of his savings.

"It feels like you're cheating with your magic while I have none," Jam grumbled.

"It's been three months, and I still don't sense any mana in you. It's unusual," Alex noted.

"Does everyone really have magic?" Jam asked curiously.

Suddenly, a young girl interrupted them. "How's your head, Jam? Have you regained your memories?" she asked. Her name was Senna, and she was the same age as Jam and Alex, working as a nun at the local church. She had been treating Jam since learning about his situation because her elemental affinity was light magic, making her a healer who could treat injuries and wounds but not cure diseases.

"Are you worried about Jam?" Alex teased Senna with a smirk on his face, causing her to blush.

"N-No!, I'm not! It's my duty as a healer to treat people, and I want my magic to awaken so I can be like my sister!" Senna retorted defensively.

"Okay, okay, no need to get so worked up," Alex chuckled.

"I'm fine, Senna. Don't worry about me, though my memories haven't returned. Thank you," Jam reassured her with a smile.

"Just come to me if you need anything, okay? I'll be around," Senna said before leaving.

"Oh she's blushing, alright, let's head home, Jam," Alex suggested.

"Okay!" Jam agreed.

As they approached the house, they noticed the door was open. Alex cautiously peeked inside while Jam started cleaning the front yard. Inside, Alex saw a chilling scene, blood covered the floor, and a tall, dark figure in old, ragged armor and a cloak stood over Alric and Jessa, slowly stabbing them.

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