Prologue

The sun shone bright, and a warm breeze blew all about the Maple world. In Ellinia, the city of trees, light filtered through the leaves, casting the city in a faint green glow. For the moment, the world was at peace.

But one house in particular felt none of this light and warmth. For in this house, the only light and warmth came from a single crystal ball. Hines, in his treetop abode, stared deeply into it, blocking out all other distractions. Floating in midair, with mystical seals hovering about his body, he was a sight to see.

In a flash, Hines's wizened eyes opened wide. He saw something. Something terrible, requiring his immediate attention. The seals vanished as he drifted to the floor. He began to work.

At the same time, the city of the plains, Henesys, was at peace. In her home, Helena, the city's champion and savior, the mentor to thousands of other archers, nocked her bow, aiming carefully. She released her hand from the bowstring, sending an arrow whizzing through the air.

Thwip. Ting.

"Perfect shot... almost," she said to herself, picking up the bent meso coin on the floor. A large dent was visible, a few degrees from the coin's center. "I need more practice." She nocked another arrow.

A brilliant light suddenly filled the room. The form of an old wizard materialized in front of Helena. In her surprise, she lost her grip on the string, sending the arrow flying. "Hines! Look out!"

The arrow flew straight through him, impacting the wall behind him. Fortunately, he was unharmed. His form shimmered for a split second. "This is why I never see you in person," Hines said, a small smirk crossing his face.

"Thank the gods for that, I suppose." Helena put away her weapons. "What brings you here to see me?" Hines's face quickly became serious. Without a single word, Helena understood. Her face fell. "It's far too soon!"

"Regardless, it is time."

"But my successor is only a child! He has not even attained the second job yet!" Helena pleaded with him.

"It is out of our hands, Helena," Hines sighed. "I cannot change what I see in my crystal. We must act quickly if we are to save the world."

"The others... Dark Lord and Sitting Bull... they know as well?" Helena resigned to saying, defeated.

"I informed them as soon as I knew." Hines reached into a pouch on his belt, pulling out a small maple leaf charm. It had a crimson glint in the sunlight. "Give this to him. The champions will stand united by this symbol."

"I guess there is no turning back," Helena said, eyes watering. "I will go look for him."

"No need, my dear. He's at your door." Hines replied. With another flash, he was gone. Knock, knock. Helena turned towards the noise.

"Hello, Helena? Are you home? It's me, Resda! I think I'm ready to get that second job!"