[Age 0: You were born in Kwotela, a free city-state in the continent's heart. Your parents named you Dernothus. Its fortunate location had made it a thriving trade hub.]
[Age 1: Your parents were Kwotela nobles. Your grandfather had once been a general who led the city-state against several waves of exotic beasts.]
[Age 2: For generations, your family had run a trade route. They bought precious furs and gems from the Northern Border Kingdom and sold them to the Julia Kingdom in the south, then carried grain and handicrafts back north. Gems that ordinary people considered priceless were commonplace in your home.]
[Age 3: Your father finally returned from the Northern Border Kingdom with his caravan and met you for the first time. You were his first child, and he adored you.]
[Age 4: The Archon began expanding the city-state. Your family donated a great deal of money to help, and your standard of living fell sharply. Your father had to set out for the Julia Kingdom with the caravan again.]
[Age 5: You underwent your family's Blood Trial, its coming-of-age rite. Your grandfather personally hunted an exotic tiger and drained its blood to make the medicinal bath you would soak in. Your mother was terribly nervous during the trial. Later, she told you that many children had died in it.]
[Age 6: A younger boy in the family went mad during the Blood Trial, and your grandfather killed him. His parents used to tease you and joke around with both of you. For months afterward, you never saw them smile.]
[Age 7: Your father returned from the Julia Kingdom. You asked him why children had to undergo the Blood Trial. He said it was the family's duty: only those strong enough could protect their loved ones and the