Khada Jin had displayed an extraordinary artistic talent from a young age.
His paintings of cattle and sheep were more lifelike than any other child's. His singing could make birds stop and listen. Most admired of all was his skill at sculpture.
In his hands, an ordinary piece of wood could come to life, and even the hardest stone could be carved into delicate shapes exactly as he imagined them.
It was no exaggeration to say that Jin was the most popular person in the whole village. In those dark times, his artistic talent brought everyone their only joy.
Before long, Jin's reputation spread to a nearby town. A Master Sculptor there took a liking to him and accepted him as an apprentice.
Jin was delighted, for he wanted to become a master artist himself, and this was undoubtedly the fastest way.
Before he came of age, Jin often returned to the village to visit his neighbors, bringing his works and delicacies he'd bought in town.
After he came of age, he returned less and less often. He'd fallen in love with a girl, and would rather spend what little free time he had with her.
The girl was his fellow apprentice and also loved sculpture. Their shared passion made their relationship all the more genuine.
The Master Sculptor was fond of both his apprentices. They were orphans, and he was willing to be a parent to them.
At last, they reached the age to start a family. The Master Sculptor used his savings to buy them a new house, and every decoration inside was a masterpiece he'd painstakingly crafted, working day and night.
Jin often thought that the Gods had given him a difficult childhood so that he could enjoy a beautiful life later on—just as he was now.