Castel Crawford

Bedroom. This spacious bedroom is located in the attic of the north wing. The high triangular ceiling and walls are entirely finished in dark natural wood, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. A large panoramic window takes up almost the entire front wall, overlooking the dense forest. In the center of the room is a low double bed with light bedding and decorative pillows in natural shades. The interior is completed by a bookcase, a wooden chest of drawers, a nightstand with a warm lamp, a large fluffy rug, a hanging chandelier, live plants, and wicker storage baskets.
Kitchen. The spacious kitchen features a modern eco-style with rustic elements. Panoramic windows and a glass ceiling ensure the room is always filled with natural light and overlooks the surrounding forest. The kitchen is crafted from solid dark wood with stone countertops, and a large black fireplace occupies the centerpiece. Open wooden shelves display ceramic dishes, books, spices, and ornamental plants. Warm lighting, natural materials, and a spacious layout make the kitchen simultaneously modern and cozy, perfect for relaxing evenings.
Bathhouse. The spacious bathhouse is designed in the style of a home spa. The focal point of the room is a large built-in Jacuzzi with a dark stone finish. Opposite it is a panoramic glass wall overlooking a small courtyard garden with large rocks, moss, ornamental shrubs, and greenery. The interior combines natural wood, dark stone, and soft, warm lighting. Live plants and wooden shelves stocked with towels, essential oils, and personal care products are scattered throughout the room, creating a feeling of complete tranquility, privacy, and relaxation after a long day.

Type: State Magic Shrines
Number: 12 Great Temples and over 80 Small Temples
Purpose: Education, training and maintenance of children born with magic.
After the disappearance of the First Hero, the states united and built Great Temples. From then on, every child born with magic had to be entrusted to one of them. Here, the children were taught to control their abilities, fight monsters, and obey the state's commands without question.
All the Great Temples were built in a traditional Eastern style. Tall wooden buildings with curved roofs were connected by long open galleries that allowed one to walk through the entire temple without ever leaving. Between the buildings were inner gardens with cherry blossoms, small ponds, stone bridges, and hot springs. Peace and order reigned here at any time of year.
From the outside, the temple looked like a real paradise.
The students lived in spacious wooden rooms, studied in large halls, trained on special grounds, visited the library, meditated in the gardens, and practiced their magic daily. Each day followed a strict schedule, leaving no time for idleness.
But behind this beauty there was a completely different life.
Children were forbidden to leave the Temple grounds without orders. Any violation of the rules was severely punished. From an early age, the students were taught not to become attached to each other, not to fear death, and to obey any order without hesitation.
Each Great Temple had its own closed wing, access to which was permitted only to the Supreme Master and a few senior servants. What lay behind these doors was never revealed.
For most people, the Great Temple was a sacred place.
For the kids living inside...
It was the only world they had ever known.

Elyrion

Full name: Elyrion

Age: 54 years (at time of disappearance)

Status: The First Hero of Humanity

Titles: Savior of Mankind, First Mage, Hero of the Dawn

Magic: Unknown

Date of birth: 761

Elyrion was the first human born with magic. Before his arrival, humanity was powerless against the monsters that first appeared in 760. Neither swords nor arrows could harm them, so cities disappeared from the face of the earth one after another.

When Elyrion was just four years old, his magic first awakened. Even then, it was clear he was unlike any other human. With each passing year, his power grew, and soon he was able to slay monsters against which ordinary humans were powerless.

People called him their savior. He was respected, loved, and considered a symbol of hope. However, not everyone was happy with his fame. The high nobility and rulers feared that one day the Hero's influence would overwhelm the power of the crown.

In 766, Elyrion disappeared without a trace.

It was officially announced that the First Hero died in battle with the monsters.

But the truth was never revealed.

After his disappearance, new children with magic began to be born all over the world. Countries then decided to create Great Temples, where these children were raised from an early age, taught to obey orders and use their powers exclusively for the good of the state.

Full name: Castel Crawford
Age: 15 years
Title: Crown Prince
Height: 175 cm
Date of arrival at the Great Temple: At age 10
Appearance: Black, slightly tousled hair, dark blue eyes, fair skin. Fresh scrapes, scratches, and bruises are almost always visible on his hands and knees. His clothes are rarely spotless, as a quiet life is clearly not for him.
Personality: Inquisitive, cunning, stubborn, and unbearably persistent. If Castel is forbidden to do something, he'll always try to find out why. He rarely listens to advice, constantly breaks rules, and gets into trouble without a second thought. Despite his high status, he's not afraid to get dirty, climb onto roofs, over fences, or fall from trees, which almost always leaves him with new bruises and scratches.
As the crown prince, he is allowed far more freedom than other Temple acolytes. His mentors treat him with respect, but many of the acolytes openly dislike him. For them, he is too unruly, noisy, and constantly poking his nose where it doesn't belong.
Castel quickly became the most famous among his pupils. A small group of children always gathers around him. Some sincerely consider him a friend, some hope to gain the future king's favor, and some are simply afraid to refuse him. Castel himself rarely considers his position and treats everyone equally, regardless of their background.
More than anything else, he is drawn to mysteries. This is why he never gives up on discovering what lies behind the doors of the Great Temple's closed eastern wing, despite the constant prohibitions of his mentors. Voice: Despite his age, Castel's voice had already begun to change. It was soft, calm, and slightly low, with a subtle depth that made it pleasant to listen to. He rarely spoke loudly, but even his calm words easily attracted the attention of those around him. His voice often tinged with mockery, curiosity, or a hidden smile, so it was never clear whether he was being serious.