Stardale Valley: The Dream Farm

Leo's phone suddenly rang, shattering the silence of the room and cutting short his brief moment of relaxation.

He sighed in frustration, ignoring the ringing for a few seconds before finally reaching down to pick up the phone from the floor.

Closing his eyes for a moment, exhaustion weighing on him, he muttered:

"Why is it always like this? Do I always have to wake up to the sound of my phone?"

The screen lit up, displaying an unknown number. He raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Staring at the unfamiliar digits, he mumbled:

"Who could this be?"

Before he could finish his thought, a loud voice burst through the speaker, filled with a mix of excitement and frustration.

Caller (voice brimming with irritation and urgency):

"Leo, where the hell are you? I've been at the airport for over an hour! I expected to see you here, but clearly, I was wrong!"

Leo felt the weight of the words press against his chest as he struggled to process what was happening.

Leo (confused, trying to make sense of the situation):

"Who is this? And why are you calling me at this hour?"

The caller let out a short, almost incredulous laugh before replying in a voice laced with disappointment:

Caller:

"Are you kidding me right now? It's me, Rianel! We agreed you'd pick me up from the airport, remember? Or is that too much to ask?"

Leo ran a hand through his hair, tension creeping into his voice as he tried to smooth things over. A flush of guilt rose to his face.

Leo (awkward, trying to sound casual):

"Rianel... Damn. I completely forgot. How are you? You just landed today?"

Rianel (his voice tinged with frustration, but underlying hurt is evident):

"How am I? I'm stranded at the airport, alone. I was counting on you, Leo. This isn't the first time you've done this."

Leo looked away, his gaze drifting to the endless stream of traffic outside his window.

Leo (sighing, trying to sound reassuring):

"I'm really sorry… I'm in a taxi right now. Traffic's insane, you know how this city is. But I'll be there soon. I promise."

A brief silence stretched between them before Rianel spoke again, his voice quiet but cutting.

Rianel:

"You're lying, aren't you? You're still at home."

Leo let out a nervous chuckle, attempting to dodge the confrontation.

"Hah… I'm on my way, I swear. Just give me a little more time."

Rianel didn't respond. The silence on the other end of the line was heavy, stretching for a few agonizing seconds before he hung up without another word.

Leo stared at the screen, his mind refusing to process what had just happened. Letting out a slow breath, he felt a tight knot of regret forming in his chest.

He let the phone slip onto his lap, muttering to himself as if trying to justify his actions:

"I could've handled that better... When will I ever learn?"

Shaking off his hesitation, he grabbed his bag from the table, quickly checked for his keys and wallet, then rushed out the door, shutting it behind him with urgency.

Dashing down the sidewalk, he raised his hand to hail a taxi. A car pulled up, and he wasted no time getting in.

Taxi Driver (calmly):

"Where to, sir?"

Leo (catching his breath):

"The airport, please."

As the car merged into the relentless city traffic, Leo leaned his head against the window, lost in thought.

"How could I forget about him? Damn it, he's going to be furious with me… He's always been more than just a friend. He was like a little brother, even though I'm only a year older than him. The first time we met was at Starflare Academy… I never imagined that kid would become the most important person in my life."

Starflare Academy.

A prestigious institution where young men and women aspired to become great hunters and mages. A grand building adorned with statues of legendary sorcerers at its entrances, training grounds brimming with magical energy, and halls filled with eager students embarking on their journeys.

It was the first day of the school year. The classrooms buzzed with excited chatter.

Leo sat alone in the corner, absentmindedly sketching random patterns in his notebook. He looked uneasy, as if he didn't quite belong there.

Suddenly, a cheerful voice interrupted his quiet moment.

Rianel (confident, approaching with light steps):

"Hey! Is this seat taken?"

Leo lifted his head slowly, studying the boy standing before him. He was slightly younger, carrying an old backpack covered in doodles and worn-out patches. His appearance was simple, yet his eyes sparkled with a quiet confidence.

Without a word, Leo gave a slight nod, gesturing that he could sit.

Rianel wasted no time settling in, placing his bag beside him. His gaze fell on the open notebook, and his eyes lit up with curiosity.

Rianel (grinning as he looked at the sketches):

"Whoa! Did you draw these? They look amazing!"

Leo quickly shut the notebook, trying to hide his embarrassment.

Leo, in a hushed voice:

"It's nothing important... just scribbles."

Rianel smiled, unfazed by Leo's caution, and extended his hand with a sudden movement.

"Anyway, my name is Rianel. And you?"

Leo hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand.

"I'm... Leo."

Rianel grinned widely, patting Leo on the shoulder.

"Nice to meet you, Leo! So, what do you think? Should we be friends?"

Leo froze in place, staring at Ryaniel as if the idea was completely foreign to him.

Leo, raising an eyebrow in disbelief:

"Friends? Just like that?"

Rianel burst into laughter, pointing at himself with his thumb.

"Why not? I'm a guy who makes decisions quickly! You know, the moment I first saw this school, I decided I was going to be the best here... even though I barely know how to control magic."

Leo chuckled softly, realizing—maybe for the first time—that this encounter might not be as unpleasant as he had imagined.

Rianel had always been like that—full of energy and enthusiasm. I remember the day he decided to try his first magic spell in our training class. He said he would cast a simple illumination spell… but ended up blowing up half the classroom.

Leo let out a small laugh as the memory resurfaced.

"Everyone's faces were priceless. Even the teacher didn't know how to react. And there he was, sitting among the debris, laughing and saying, 'At least it was a successful experiment!'"

And then there were the fights we got into with the other kids. Rianel never backed down from anything. I still remember the time a group of boys tried to bully us. He stood in front of them, fearless, and said, 'If you want to get to Leo, you'll have to go through me first!'

Of course, it ended in a huge brawl that almost got us expelled.

Rianel... he was always more than just a friend. He was like a younger brother—maybe even more than that. No matter what happens today, I won't let him feel like I've forgotten him.

As the days passed, Rianel and Leo became inseparable. They would sit on the school rooftop after classes, talking about their dreams and aspirations.

Rianel, gazing at the cloudy sky:

"When I graduate, I want to explore the world! Europe, America… even the Arctic if I can. I want to see everything and get rich. What about you?"

Leo, his voice hesitant as he tried to hide his doubt:

"I've always dreamed of becoming a powerful and famous hunter… but, you know, my magic abilities are barely worth mentioning."

Rianel suddenly jumped up, full of excitement.

"That's nonsense! Leo, one day, you're going to be the greatest mage in the world! I know it."

Leo couldn't help but smile.

"Thanks for believing in me, Ryaniel."

Rianel, laughing:

"Don't expect anything less from me, idiot. Now, what do you say we go find ourselves a new adventure?"

The taxi driver's voice pulled Leo out of his memories.

"We've arrived, sir."

Leo blinked, as if waking up from a long dream. He glanced out the window at the airport building, then murmured:

"Ah… right. Thank you."

He pulled out his wallet and paid the fare. As he stepped out of the car, he paused for a few seconds, staring at the airport entrance. Taking a deep breath, he whispered to himself:

"Rianel… I hope you're not too mad at me. I shouldn't have forgotten."

Walking quickly through the bustling airport hallway, his eyes scanned the names on the signs and advertisements around him, but his mind was fixated on one thought:

"Where could he be now?"

A mix of worry and nostalgia filled his chest. It had been a long time since they last saw each other.

Suddenly, his wandering thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice—confident, warm, and unmistakable—calling from behind him.

"Leo, is that you?"

He turned sharply, his eyes locking onto Rianel's face.

There he was, wearing that same wide grin he always had. The same energy, the same liveliness. But in his eyes… there was something different.

Something that looked a lot like disappointment.

Leo, with a faint smile and relaxed features:

"Rianel... how have you been, brother?"

Rianel's expression suddenly shifted to a mock seriousness as he raised an eyebrow with a feigned sternness:

"I've been waiting for you for ages! What took you so long?"

Leo felt a slight pang of guilt but tried to maintain his composure. Wiping his forehead as if expressing exhaustion, he said:

"I'm sorry, brother. A lot has been going on these past few days, and I'm completely drained."

Then, to himself, he thought, This is a reasonable excuse. Maybe he'll buy it.

Rianel studied Leo's face for a moment before letting out a short sigh, followed by a forgiving smile:

"Looks like work has taken its toll on you."

Leo nodded, his gaze drifting away briefly.

"Yeah, exactly. The daily grind... meetings, long hours, endless paperwork... it feels like I'm stuck in a never-ending loop."

Rianel chuckled lightly and patted Leo's shoulder with the firm camaraderie of an old friend:

"Don't worry, man. Just take it easy and let things flow. Come on, let's grab something to eat. I know you well... a good cup of coffee will bring you back to life."

Leo smiled, feeling a rare sense of relief for the first time in days, and nodded.

"Alright. I know a great café nearby. It used to be my go-to place whenever I needed to escape for a bit."

The two entered a small, cozy café, its walls lined with bookshelves and warm lights dangling from the ceiling. They chose a table by the window, where the movement of cars and pedestrians outside gave the place a quiet yet lively charm.

Leo sat first, followed by Rianel, who eagerly scanned the menu.

With a playful tone, Rianel said:

"Alright, let me guess. Your usual coffee is..." (he paused for effect, then pointed at Leo with a mischievous grin) "A latte with milk?"

Leo chuckled softly for the first time in a while.

"Oh, of course. And you... you're still obsessed with hot chocolate, aren't you?"

Rianel, grinning with pride:

"Hot chocolate is life, my friend! I simply can't resist it."

When the waiter brought their drinks, the conversation had already shifted into an easy exchange of stories and memories. Rianel animatedly recounted his latest adventures, describing every detail as if painting a vivid picture.

With a broad smile, Rianel said:

"Do you remember our first day at school? You were sitting alone, sketching in that old notebook of yours."

Leo, smiling hesitantly:

"Yeah... I thought you were just another troublemaker looking for mischief when you walked up to me."

Both of them burst into laughter before Leo's expression turned more reflective.

"But I was wrong... You were more than just a friend. You were like the little brother I never knew I needed."

There was a brief silence before he added, his voice softer:

"Rianel, I know I don't say this often, but I really appreciate having you in my life. You always make things easier."

Rianel looked slightly embarrassed but masked it with a grin.

"Oh, stop! If you start getting sentimental, I'm leaving!"

They both laughed heartily, the warmth and comfort between them settling back into place.

Leo stirred his coffee slowly, a curious look in his eyes as he asked:

"So, how were your travels?"

Rianel raised an eyebrow with a sly expression, as if his answer would surprise Leo.

"They were incredible, man. I visited the Kingdom of Oria, the Veron Empire, and the state of Taradin. Believe me, every city has its own charm, but Oria? That place was absolutely enchanting."

Leo took a slow sip of his coffee, then set his cup down, eyeing Rianel with a knowing smirk.

"Enchanted, huh? Are we talking about the city... or something else?"

Rianel chuckled, leaning back in his chair, his hands gesturing dramatically.

"Oh, the ladies of Oria! So graceful, so polite. But... honestly? Life there gets a little boring without you around to stir up some trouble."

Leo, raising an eyebrow with a teasing tone:

"Sounds like you had way too much fun. Maybe more than you should have?"

Rianel grinned, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table.

"I had fun, yes. But not in the way you're thinking, man. I even started a few small projects over there, so it wasn't all just leisure. That being said..." (he paused for a moment, then looked directly at Leo with a more sincere smile) "I missed you. It's been too long since we last met."

Leo felt the warmth behind those words but tried to downplay it with a small smile.

"I missed you too. The times we spent together... they're irreplaceable. But..."

He paused, casting a sly, scrutinizing glance at Rianel before raising an eyebrow.

"So, did you bring some of those magazines about the girls from Oria Kingdom you were talking about?"

Rianel gave him a knowing look before bursting into laughter, shaking his head.

"Hah, of course, you rascal. I knew you'd ask about that."

Leaning slightly under the table, Rianel pulled out a small bag and placed it lightly on the table, glancing around as if afraid someone might see. He slowly unzipped the bag and gestured toward its contents with a wide grin.

"Take a look at these 'goods,' my friend. I think you'll find them quite... interesting."

Leo, trying hard to maintain a serious expression, couldn't stop himself from smirking as he examined the bag's contents. He picked up one of the magazines and asked in a hushed tone, struggling to suppress his laughter.

"This? Looks like a special edition. Were you planning to smuggle it in somehow?"

Rianel chuckled, leaning in closer and lowering his voice as if discussing a priceless treasure.

"Oh, that's not all. Wait until you see the 'main course'."

He pulled out another magazine and placed it in front of Leo, raising his eyebrows with pride. Leo's eyes widened slightly before he let out a short hum, flipping through the pages quickly.

"This... is interesting. I think you've outdone yourself this time."

The two exchanged mischievous glances, their laughter stifled, as if reliving their teenage years filled with reckless adventures. It was a fleeting moment, yet it carried the warmth of nostalgia and camaraderie.

Rianel quickly tucked the magazines back into the bag.

"Don't let the waiter see these. He might think we're up to something shady!"

Leo, grinning as he tried to hold back his laughter.

"Nah, I don't think the waiter cares as long as we're not causing trouble. But really, man, you're such a damn pervert."

He shook his head playfully before adding,

"And still, as always, obsessed with girls."

Rianel raised his eyebrows, feigning innocence.

"Ahem, I wouldn't say that's an accurate description. I merely… appreciate beauty and diverse cultures."

Leo leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a smirk.

"Oh, sure, 'appreciating beauty.' That's a classy way to describe your hobbies."

Rianel shot him a sideways grin.

"And you, Leo, the perfect man who only thinks about work? Don't make me start talking about your past escapades."

They laughed together for a moment before Leo suddenly lowered his voice, his expression turning more serious.

"Alright, let me ask you something, Ryanel. Have you ever thought about starting a family?"

Rianel raised an eyebrow in surprise, leaning forward slightly on the table.

"Wow, where did that serious topic suddenly come from?"

Leo chuckled briefly, taking a sip from his cup.

"I don't know. Maybe this place makes you reflect, or maybe I've just started thinking about what the future really means."

Rianel gave a faint smile, as if recalling a distant memory.

"Honestly? Yeah, of course. I've always imagined myself in a place where I could build a family. But now… I have so many things taking up my time and focus. It's not as simple as I once thought."

Leo nodded in understanding.

"I guess that's the case for all of us—trying to balance work and personal life. But… is there someone in your life right now? Someone you'd want to share that dream with?"

Rianel glanced briefly at the café window before replying in a quiet voice.

"Maybe… but it's not clear yet. Sometimes, I feel like time is my biggest enemy. What about you? Do you see yourself settling down someday?"

Leo's smile faded slightly as he stared into his cup, lost in thought.

"Of course, I want that. But finding the right person? That part seems more complicated than I expected. Work has taken up so much of my time, but I guess… when the right time comes, I'll be ready."

Rianel tilted his head slightly, smiling.

"You know, Leo? Maybe we're trying to plan too much. Maybe it's better to just let things happen naturally."

Leo let out a quiet chuckle.

"Maybe you're right. But still, sometimes I wonder... can we really stop planning at this stage of our lives?"

A brief silence settled between them as they both stared into their cups, as if searching for hidden answers. Then, suddenly, Rianel broke the tension with an unexpected laugh.

"Alright, let's not let these deep conversations ruin the mood. How about another cup of coffee? On you this time!"

Leo chuckled, shaking his head.

"Ah, of course. You always find a way to make me pay. But fine, I'll cover it—so long as you've got more thrilling stories to tell me."

Rianel and Leo sat in the corner of the café, chatting while the noise from a nearby table grew louder. Rianel glanced toward the source of the commotion, furrowing his brows slightly before smirking.

"Looks like the Black Storm Guild is celebrating today. I heard they cleared some dungeons with remarkable efficiency. I suppose they're showing off their new leader."

Leo tilted his head toward the crowded table, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Their leader? What about her?"

Rianel leaned forward, resting his arm on the table, and lowered his voice as if sharing a secret.

"Word is, she possesses extraordinary magical abilities. Some even claim she surpasses mages like Alexander—maybe even rivals him."

For a moment, Leo stared at the cup of coffee before him, as if the name had stirred an old memory. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet, laced with a hint of melancholy.

"Alexander? Yes, of course, I've heard of him. They say he's one of the most powerful mages in the country—perhaps even the world. There are unbelievable stories about his achievements, but…"

(He hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully.)

"He wasn't always perfect."

Rianel raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"What do you mean by 'wasn't always perfect'? Do you know something we don't?"

Leo offered a faint smile before meeting his friend's gaze.

"Maybe… I've heard stories from sources others don't talk about. His power wasn't just raw talent—it came from difficult choices, sometimes even painful sacrifices. And I wonder… is power ever worth the price we pay for it?"

Rianel considered the thought, nodding slowly.

"Perhaps. Power tempts everyone, but the cost is always steep. Still… do you think someone like us could ever stand against someone like Alexander?"

Leo let out a light laugh, sitting up straighter.

"Stand against him? Maybe—if we had the right motivation. But I think it's best to avoid getting entangled with mages like Alexander. Sometimes, I feel like life itself is enough of an adventure without magic."

Rianel leaned back in his chair, offering a calm smile.

"So, how's your magic training going? Any progress?"

Leo took a sip of his tea, then sighed.

"Disastrous. Every time I try to form a spell, the magic slips away like it's running from me. And after each attempt, I'm completely drained—like my body can't even handle the mana inside it."

Rianel straightened, gripping the edge of the table as if trying to transfer some encouragement to his friend.

"Don't be too hard on yourself. Training isn't easy, but it's necessary. Remember, even the greats started somewhere. Who knows? You might find yourself facing Alexander one day!"

Leo burst into laughter, shaking his head.

"Facing Alexander? That sounds like a distant dream."

(He paused for a moment before hesitantly adding,)

"But… something strange happened last night."

Rianel, his curiosity piqued, tilted his head slightly and crossed his arms.

"Strange? What happened? Was it something dangerous?"

Leo set his cup down and spoke in a quieter tone, as if he was still trying to process it himself.

"No, not dangerous. But… unique. For the first time in my life, I managed to cast a spell."

Rianel's eyes widened in genuine astonishment.

"What? Seriously? How did it happen?"

Leo took a deep breath before recounting the events.

"I was on the third-floor balcony, trying to rescue a cat that got stuck on the ledge. I wasn't thinking—I just moved to save it. But… I lost my balance and almost fell."

(He stopped briefly, his voice growing more intense.)

"And in that moment, I heard a strange voice. I couldn't tell where it came from—maybe from inside me, or maybe from the sky itself."

Rianel leaned in, now fully engrossed in the story.

"A voice? What did it say?"

Leo spoke cautiously, as if reconstructing the memory piece by piece.

"It said I was 'the chosen one' and that I needed to focus. And then… it was as if the words were etched into my mind. I didn't know them before, but somehow, they felt familiar. Suddenly, a dark energy surrounded me, wrapping around my body. Before I even realized it, I had used a spell—to save both the cat and myself."

Rianel rubbed his chin, his expression filled with deep thought.

"That's… incredibly mysterious. Do you remember anything else? Any small details that might help us understand what really happened?"

Leo shook his head.

"I remember the words. It was a simple spell, but it carried an indescribable power. After using it, I could barely breathe. It felt like my soul had been completely drained. I tried to do it again later, but… I blacked out."

Rianel raised his eyebrows, leaning forward as if trying to process what he had just heard.

"That sounds completely out of the ordinary. Do you think that voice could be connected to something bigger? Maybe a sign of your true potential?"

Leo smirked, a hint of sarcasm in his expression, as he stood up from his seat.

"Maybe. But I'm not sure I even want to find out. This all feels more like a burden than a gift."

(He glanced toward the door, his tone carrying a hint of exhaustion.)

"Let's just forget about it for now. Let's head home. I'm tired, and I'm guessing you are too."

Rianel, now standing beside him, patted his shoulder gently.

"Sometimes, answers only come when we stop looking for them. Maybe what you need right now is rest."

They left the café together. As they walked, Leo gazed up at the sky, his thoughts drifting far away, while Rianel kept the conversation light, trying to maintain a comfortable atmosphere between them.