A Smith

The world of Gaia is populated by various gods, some of whom, known as the Felt Gods, still occasionally make their presence known through divination. While some interpret even the falling of a leaf as a sign, others adhere to stricter standards.

Four thousand years ago, Linawa, a god of Creation, observed the discrimination humans faced from other races. A Golden Rule among the gods forbade direct intervention in the lives of Gaia's creatures. While gods could create Champions to embody their ideals or establish special places for favored races, direct intervention, such as introducing innovations that could upset the balance of power, would result in their erasure from the Heavens. Despite the risks, Linawa, driven by compassion for humanity's near-extinction, secretly introduced several innovations to improve their lives. This drew the ire of other gods.

Linawa defended his actions, arguing that he was not disturbing the balance but creating it, emphasizing humanity's precarious position. Other gods, however, maintained that the strongest survive, attributing humanity's vulnerability to inherent weaknesses. Linawa's pleas were ultimately unsuccessful, and he was sentenced to be punished – stripped of his divine powers and memories, becoming mortal.

Knowing his fate, Linawa, with the help of a sympathetic god, took his Pilander, a winged hammer, and struck the Metal Tree of Life in his domain. This act unleashed a shower of sparks imbued with mana, which spread across Gaia in an event known as the Lighting. These sparks became the source of a new branch of magic called Sangka, and its users, unlike mana-wielding magicians, were known as smiths.

Before his erasure, Linawa appeared before humans, leaving them with the message: "to survive, create." Though Linawa vanished, the power of the sparks persisted, fueling the belief that he would one day return. The method for being recognized by the sparks remains unknown, but it is generally believed that passionate individuals in their work are chosen.

Near a campfire, Alab witnessed Arthur's extraordinary ability. Arthur, clenching his fists, summoned flickering lights from the campfire and manifested a bow, which he then used to create a large hole in a nearby tree. Arthur explained that this power, the ability to manipulate Sparks, could be inherited through a Will approved by the Remnant, a type of spirit. He revealed his desire to pass this power to Alab upon his death, with the condition that Alab join his family as a retainer.

Arthur's reluctance to use his power stemmed from a fear of violence and a desire to avoid the battlefield. He believed his power would only lead to a life of conflict. He also expressed concern about the Witnesses of Linawa, a church known for persecuting those who deviate from their beliefs. Alab, despite his limited magical abilities, tried to reassure Arthur, suggesting that Sangka, primarily associated with creation, could be used to create a path to peace.

Their conversation was interrupted by Caesar, who, after a brief exchange, returned to his tent. Alab eventually agreed to Arthur's request, accepting the Will and the associated power. Afterward, both retired to their tents. Arthur pondered whether Caesar had seen the Sparks, or if Lucas was the only one besides himself who possessed this ability. Alab, on the other hand, grappled with the moral implications of joining a war and his desire to explore the world. He felt trapped, unable to leave until the war concluded.

Alab fell asleep and awoke in Mozza, where he found Merlin waiting for him. Without a word, Alab rushed out the door, only to fall through the opening.