Arthur by Elina Haloian

We can turn lead into gold.

According to legend, once upon a time there lived a boy whose name was Arthur.  The bravest of the brave and the most fearless of the fearless, from a young age, Arthur stood out among his friends, always being incredibly precise and thoughtful. His intelligence was so impressive that people were taken aback every time they realised how old he is. Parents, when his father was still alive, often wondered why Arthur never ask them to buy new toys or indulged in video games like his peers. However, Arthur always declined these offerings with polite refusal. On his 16th birthday, the only thing he asked of his mom was Sun Tzu's book, The Art of War. While Arthur's choice surprised her, his mother couldn't help but was extremely proud for their son. She knew that in heaven, Artur's father also felt an overwhelming sense of pride for his son.

One fateful day, the peaceful town of Navi, where Arthur and his family lived, fell under attack by wicked orcs. These monstrous beings wreaked great havoc. Their anger was driven by nothing else but a deeply rooted hatred for all that was beautiful. The people of Navi were running in fear in every direction, rescuing their children, loved ones, and animals. Houses were abandoned as families fled in sheer panic. Arthur's own family left everything they had as well. They barely managed to escape their own home when they spotted a horde of orcs rapidly closing in. "Over here!" Arthur exclaimed, guiding his mum and little brother toward a humble hut, constructed of sticks, tucked away in the backyard. "Arthur, they'll find us there! We can't risk it. Think of your brother," his mom protested. "Trust me," Arthur calmly said. He rushed over to a little shelter constructed of Christmas tree branches and revealed a secret entrance to a tunnel. "This will take us to the riverbank. There's a boat over there" Recognizing the determination in his eyes, mother agreed to do it. "Mom, you climb up first and help Hayk. I'll follow right behind." And so she did. Yet, as soon as they ascended into the tunnel, they heard the entrance was shut. "Arthur? Arthur, are you there?"

But Arthur wasn't there He knew that his purpose was to defend his land and his home. "The moment when I fight for you has come, dad" The orcs drew nearer, dangerously close. Arthur fought masterfully: in his hands was an invincible saber, which he got as the last gift from his father. With each swing, he heroically struck down one orc after another, sensing his father's presence with him. Within minutes, the orcs were defeated by Arthur himself. People returned home, cheering him.

Suddenly, the boy suddenly felt something strange: one of the orcs managed to touch Arthur's hand and curse the boy. A sharp wave of insanity swept over him. Everyone sobbed, helpless in their ignorance of how to help their hero. Everything they did was all in vain. The boy felt that death was near, but he was not afraid of it. He closed his eyes when he suddenly saw the image of his father. A strong man stood with a sword and looked directly at his son. "Fight, Arthur. Fight till the end. For your mother and brother, they need you. You were born to turn lead into gold. You are strong enough and courageous. Remember, I am with you, Arthur. Always" People shuddered: as soon as Arthur closed his eyes, he flew up above the ground. No one understood what was happening, everyone froze in motion.

That was all they saw. But Arthur saw his dad.

In an instant, a radiant flash pierced the sky, bathing the entire city in its luminous glow. Each detail of the houses destroyed by the orcs was meticulously repaired, the trees turned green again, and the flowers bloomed with newfound vitality. Overwhelmed with joy and relief, Arthur's mother and brother were reunited, tears streaming down their faces. Unscathed and whole, Arthur stood amidst the marvel of this transformed city. The city rejoiced, proclaiming him a true hero.