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I was raised in a happy home in Buya. For many years, my parents had no children, until one day they found me by the riverside beyond the fortress walls. I was abandoned among small stones, crying out with surprising strength for someone so tiny. They said I was small but strong, and named me Kkomadol - "little stone" in Korean. My father was a traveling merchant, and I journeyed with him through the lands of Koguryo, making memories in the wilderness and learning about the laws of nature. My mother, though ill, was a loving and compassionate soul. She always spoke of the sanctity of life and taught me the importance of living in harmony with others. Then, everything changed. One day, corrupt officials who coveted my father's wealth falsely accused him of treason. My parents, fearing for my life, begged me to flee into the wilderness without looking back. I remember reaching the southern hill of the village just as the government soldiers arrived at our home. My parents proclaimed their innocence, but were arrested nonetheless. In the chaos, my mother collapsed from the shock due to her illness. My father, rushing to retrieve her medicine, was mistaken for a threat and struck down by a soldier's spear. My mother passed soon after. I ran south from Buya, my face soaked in tears. It was then I vowed to change this world soaked in corruption and greed. In the wilderness, I lived among great rogues and served under them, training hard for many years. Eventually, I walked the path of Baekho - becoming a righteous rogue who stole from the corrupt and gave to the people. Following my mother's teachings, I refused to take lives unnecessarily, instead using small stones in combat. People came to know me as the vigilante Kkomadol, the Little Stone. One day, I entered a grand competition in Kugnae, known as the Carnage of Riches. Many of the corrupt elite attended, mocking and belittling anyone beneath their station. I stayed quiet to keep my identity hidden. Then the great doors of the arena opened, and the hostess entered. She didn't look particularly large or strong, but the aura that radiated from her presence silenced the entire crowd. Even the arrogant officials were rendered speechless by her mere words. I was struck by her quiet strength and grace. After searching for her identity, I learned she was a Ranger - a former Emissary. Inspired, I studied the Ranger Code and found in it the same truths and values my parents had taught me. Now, I prepare to set out on a new journey. I don't know what lies ahead, but my heart is filled with both worry and excitement. | |