Chronicles of Galadria

What happens when a man's dream comes true?  Will he stop moving forward, content to simply live in that dream? Or on the contrary, will he use that dream as a spring of courage and inspiration, that propels him towards other dreams, perhaps even greater still? These are the questions Glaide, an unobtrusive and pensive adolescent of 17, asks himself.  His sole reason to live is the hope of one day experiencing his dream: going to the Other World, a world of mystery, epic battles, and adventure. For that reason, when a ghastly monster materializes before his eye -- lashing out at his friends, Gwenn and Emily -- he doesn't hesitate for a moment before throwing himself -- carried away with joy and excitement at the idea that his prayers had finally been heard -- into the melee, with his constant companion, Jeremy, at his side. An old man, a stranger, discloses to the group that the time has come for them to travel to Galadria, another world, where magic and monsters rule. The two girls are maggs, altruistic white magicians, vital to Galadria, whose survival is ensured by protectors, roles that fall to the two boys.  But as soon as the adolescents discover this new world, their guide loses his life, leaving them alone and distraught. The four friends quickly discover that, under the names Maggs and Protectors, they are welcomed with anticipation by some, and feared by others. They are welcomed and protected, then tracked and hunted, and finally they come to suspect that the relentlessness of enemies they don't know trying to kill Glaide hides something else entirely. The adventure they experience in their quest for answers will lead them to discover this incredible land, its occupants, and its cities, but also the evils oppressing it, and their role in all of it.

Glaide and his companions -- just recently arrived on Galadria, thanks to the guardian -- find themselves caught up in the turmoil of this new world.  Even Glaide, who is excited by the adventure, and who constantly marvels at everything around them, finds it difficult to be optimistic when faced with the situation they find themselves in, and the choices that that situation forces him to make:  Baras is actively hunting him and has already razed an entire village from the surface of the Known Lands in the process.  Even the capital, Shinozuka, which appeared to offer a few moments of peace, doesn't seem safe and secure. Glaide quickly comes to the logical conclusion: if he wants to protect his friends and give himself a chance to take on the role of the Destroyer -- a name others readily give him, though they are unable to explain anything about it -- then the young man will have to seek out the remaining master of Iretane, all on his own. He sets out on a journey -- one with no clear destination -- where he will cross paths with the numerous inhabitants of this world: legendary creatures, representatives of other races, friends, and enemies.  He quickly comes to understand that searching for someone in the vast immensity of the Known Lands-- especially when one doesn't know where or how to find them -- isn't a very good idea.  He finds himself surrounded by solitude, doubt, and fear, all while hoping against hope that he will somehow find a clue to guide him, even as he tries to be as inconspicuous as possible. Now alone in his travels, searching for a hermit in a world he knows little about, Glaide can count on nothing but his joy at finally being where he always wanted to be to keep him moving forward.  Meanwhile, the encounters he is about to face will slowly begin to change the way he perceives Galadria…

After having wandered aimlessly for a time, and having some encounters with potentially far-reaching consequences, finding the man he sought for so long, and spending several months learning from him, Glaide has finally learned how to wield a sword, and his knowledge has grown.  However, practice makes perfect, and the young man still has much to learn about Galadria, if he means to take on the role that he's been given. It's for these reasons that Kezthrem decides to lead him on a journey towards the border of the Known Lands, towards a land forgotten by all. And so begins a new journey with a mysterious destination.  Alongside the theoretical and academic knowledge the young man hopes to discover when he reaches his goal, he will also learn some more personal life lessons, as he and his master encounter different people who've experienced the torments of their world.  Indeed, as the months pass, Glaide begins to see Galadria in a more realistic light, instead of as a dream become reality, and in the light of this newly acquired lucidity, the encounters he's about to have will give him a new perspective on the importance and impact his quest to be the Destroyer will have. While Glaide continues to savor every moment of his life in the Other World, he also begins to understand how vital of a lesson it is for him to see through the eyes of the people of Galadria and comprehend the magnitude of his task, in order to carry out more notable and purposeful actions.

With his training finished, Glaide leaves to seek out his friends. Along the way, he intentionally lends his aid to a number of people, especially a young stranger who he accompanies back to her homeland. Through his actions, he begins to make his own way in the world, even as he finds himself putting his quest on hold. Happy to be on Galadria, and finally conscious of the realities surrounding him, he goes on a journey marked by its tranquility.