Elric of Zinoria: A Farmer Beyond Stars
Once upon a time in the land of Nedura, there lived a humble farmer named Elric. Elric was different from the rest of the dwellers of Nedura; he was not born of the soil but from beyond the stars. He was a Zinorian, a member of an otherworldly race possessing extraordinary powers, but he had fled his home planet to escape the constant battles and power struggles that plagued it.
Elric was an old soul who wished for nothing more than to live a peaceful life, and he found that peace on the fertile patches of Nedura, cultivating crops with his bare hands. However, his heavenly abilities were not completely dormant. They were used subconsciously to nurture the seeds he sowed, resulting in the finest and most bountiful harvest in the whole realm.
One day, a group of harvesters from the neighbouring kingdom of Volitas ventured into Nedura and noticed the lush and abundant fields that Elric nurtured. Intrigued and dazzled by these sights, they reported back to their aged king, who ordered Elric's immediate summoning.
Elric was brought to the Volitas court. He stood in the grand hall, facing the king who sat upon a golden throne, surrounded by his advisors. However, in the face of affluence and power, the humble Zinorian stayed calm and composed.
The king, in his booming voice, asked Elric his secret behind such a miraculous harvest. Elric replied truthfully, that it was only hard work and dedication that led to his bounty. But the king, influenced by his power-hungry courtiers, concluded that Elric was hiding his secret due to greed. Infuriated, he threatened to seize Elric’s land and livelihood if he didn't reveal the truth.
Elric, although composed, felt a pinch of anxiety. He can’t reveal his true identity as doing so would risk wrath from both realms - his old and new homes. As a last resort, he decided to show a glimpse of his abilities, hoping it would satisfy the king and save his peaceful life. Using his powers, he held up a barren seed in his hand and made it sprout instantly.
The court gasped, staring in awestruck silence as the miniature plant unfurled its leaves. However, rather than being satisfied, this display of power stirred the king's curiosity and greed further. The king ordered Elric to show him the depth of his powers.
Elric was cornered and his peaceful life was at stake, and in a moment of defiance, he decided to show his true form. The once humble farmer exploded into a being of pure light, shaking the throne room with celestial energy. His aura was mesmerising; his eyes shone like dying stars, his body radiating energy that made the grandest of chandeliers look dull.
The room was filled with silence as the king and his courtiers cowered in fear. Elric's voice echoed through the hall, announcing, 'I am Elric of Zinoria, guardian of life and growth. My powers come not from your soils but from the cosmic energy of my home. I have chosen peace, and it is my request that you do not disrupt it.'
Shaken by the celestial display, the king apologised for his demands. Elric, noble and forgiving as he was, nodded gracefully and vanished before their eyes, leaving a trail of starlight behind. He returned to his peaceful life on Nedura, his secret protected, respected and safe from greed. The king and his court learned a valuable lesson that day; not all secrets are rooted in greed but in the need for peace and harmony.