Boonie Bears: Another World Fantasy

“Long ago, in an era of expansion filled with both opportunities and challenges, our great race swept across the land like a surging torrent, leaving behind countless footprints, both deep and shallow, on this vast and boundless continent.”

"At that time, the iron cavalry of the Deer Clan swept across the land, leaving all who went in disarray. With astonishing speed and unwavering courage, they swept across the entire continent like a whirlwind. Every charge demonstrated unparalleled strength and wisdom; every fierce battle forged a magnificent epic chapter. These brave and fearless warriors not only conquered the land with their iron hooves, but also paved the way to prosperity with their indomitable spirit."

On a vast, boundless plain, an unprecedentedly large and imposing army stood ready. The soldiers, clad in impenetrable heavy armor, stood as imposing as a Great Wall of steel. Their gazes were resolute, their expressions solemn, firmly protecting the city-state behind them. Naya, standing at the very front of the ranks, watched intently as this scene unfolded before her—a historical panorama of her people, one she had never witnessed before, slowly revealed itself.

At this moment, time seemed to flow backward a thousand years, returning to that era of swords and spears, of constant warfare. Naya witnessed firsthand how the Deer Clan persevered through hardships and dangers, how they fought bravely against the enemy amidst bloodshed. She felt their indomitable determination and unwavering faith, and she understood the reasons why this people were able to rise and prosper.

“Wherever we go, we undertake large-scale construction, building magnificent temples. These temples are not only a place of spiritual sustenance for us, but also an important tool for spreading our faith and assimilating local tribes. We firmly believe that the culture we believe in has unparalleled charm and power, which can make the local tribes submit willingly.”

"However, this is only part of the surrender plan..." Just then, Na Yuan suddenly swung his right arm, and a dazzling golden light streaked across the sky. Accompanied by a series of booming sounds, this golden light crashed to the ground like a falling star. In an instant, a tremendous shockwave swept in, its power beyond imagination!

Faced with this terrifying force, everything around seemed so fragile. Nearby villages were instantly razed to the ground, houses collapsed, and dust filled the air; towering mountains could not withstand the pressure and collapsed one after another, huge rocks tumbling down, creating a raging torrent; dense forests were burned to ashes in the blink of an eye, leaving only a desolate and bleak landscape.

"What is this?!" Naya stared wide-eyed at the scene before her, her face filled with disbelief—innocent people, hand in hand, holding children, were running desperately, but they could not escape the pursuit of that terrifying shockwave. In an instant, these vibrant lives were reduced to ashes in the shockwave, leaving only a pile of broken bones on the ground.

“This is the golden deer antler.” Na Yuan, standing to the side, spoke in a calm voice, as if she had already seen through the huge conspiracy hidden behind the ancient legends.

“As you can see, Naya, the Golden Antler is not the sacred object that the Deer Clan has always believed to be. In fact, it comes from beyond the heavens and contains a terrifying power capable of destroying all things in the world.” Nayuan’s eyes were deep and solemn as he told Naya this long-buried secret.

"Royal families use this power to reshape the environment we need and launch aggressive wars to annex other tribes."

The sky changed color, and the golden antlers erupted with intense energy, piercing the clouds. Barren land became fertile, and glaciers melted into rivers...

The siege catapults relentlessly hurled flaming boulders. These boulders, like burning meteors, streaked across the dark red sky with dazzling flashes. Each impact brought a deafening explosion, and the city's buildings crumbled under this terrifying force.

The shockwave from the explosion swept through the entire metropolis, and the relentless flames of war left no survivors. Cavalrymen charged towards the city walls like wolves, mercilessly slaughtering the rebel forces within. Bloodshed and carnage intertwined.

Naya gazed upon the cruel scene before her, her heart filled with sorrow. This hidden history was so tragic; the once kind and noble deer tribe in her heart no longer seemed so perfect. In some ways, they didn't seem any more noble than humans. They, too, participated in wars and committed countless atrocities.

The deer tribe also has its own hegemony.

“Then, that far-reaching civil war suddenly erupted when everyone was completely unprepared.” Naya keenly caught the hint of melancholy in her mother’s words. “A group of treacherous individuals—ten Templar Knights who had fused with a portion of the Golden Deer Antlers’ power—launched a bloody coup against the Deer Clan’s royal family under the planning and instigation of their leader, Mus. They attempted to seize power in this way, hoping to save the crumbling empire. Mus believed that only by doing so could the Deer Clan be saved, preventing this once-glorious race from declining and perishing. However, he failed to realize the catastrophic consequences this coup would bring to the entire Deer Clan…”

“Your sister, Naling, was also one of the ten Templar Knights. However, just before the civil war was about to break out, she stole the Golden Antlers behind Mus’s back.”

"The situation was completely unexpected, and your father and I faced immense pressure and difficult choices. We were well aware of the brutality of this civil war and understood the significance of the Golden Antlers to the Muslims. Therefore, after careful consideration, we decided to safely send you, at the tender age of seven, and the Golden Antlers to a completely secluded place. It would serve as your temporary sanctuary, ensuring you stayed away from the front lines and avoided being drawn into this bloody conflict until the war ended or a solution was found."

A fantastical forest unfolded before her. Naya suddenly realized how she had gotten there. Time flies, and more than twenty years had passed since then.

When her biological father was mentioned, Naya's thoughts drifted slightly, but she quickly brought her attention back to what Nayuan was telling her. At the same time, her mother silently led Naya through a long corridor, guiding her toward an unknown path of destiny.

“In the past, every child of the Deer Clan was raised as a single warrior, and while it was true that the original bloodline should be preserved, your father and I envisioned something more revolutionary.”

Na Yuan slowly turned around, his gaze fixed on Na Ya.

The mother said softly, “We firmly believe that the Deer Clan has lost something invaluable.” She paused, then continued slowly, “For example, a person who truly possesses boundless love in their heart, a person who can genuinely embody the outstanding qualities of this people.” At that moment, the mother gazed at her daughter with pride, her brown eyes radiating endless warmth and wisdom.

“Naya, my daughter, you are the embodiment of this belief. You were born like the first rays of dawn breaking through the darkness in the darkest hour of the Deer Clan’s disintegration. You were not bound by those outdated and corrupt rules, and that is why we took such a great risk to save you.”

There were just too many things to accept and understand. Naya was completely bewildered and had no idea how to face all of this that had suddenly come her way.

"Could it be that I am not just an ordinary deer clansman?" she wondered. "Could it be... that I have become some kind of unique symbol or emblem? Perhaps... even one that cannot be replaced by anyone else? But... am I the only one with such a role?"

Naya fell into deep thought, following her mother back to the long corridor. The armor belonging to the Templar Mavia still hung in the wall, exuding a chilling aura. Its exquisite patterns and ornate decorations testified to its owner's noble status. Yet now it hung silently, seemingly telling tales of a vanished era. They represented the unique fashion of a lost people.

“What about the others? Where did they go after the civil war?” Naya asked. “What about Dad and my sister?”

“I’m sorry, Naya, the situation was critical at the time. Your sister went to stop Mus on her own to buy time... We were forced to separate. Your grandfather took you away.” Her sad and considerate tone reminded Naya of Sharp, who had also been troubled by his future and complicated identity.

“So I am all alone,” Naya murmured to herself. However, Nayuan, who was beside her, gently shook his head.

"No, child, you are not alone. You have now become one of them, just as you are a descendant of the Deer Clan. You are fully capable of integrating and showcasing the outstanding qualities of both peoples. This is not only the beautiful vision that your father and I risked our lives to protect, but also our eternal conviction."

Nayuan continued, “The people here are different from us, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. They will never follow in our footsteps and repeat the mistakes we made. If you can guide them forward, Naya, if you can ignite the flame of hope for them, then they will surely stay away from the old path we have taken.”

At this moment, the mother pointed to the exquisite inverted triangle relief on the armor, then slowly lifted her robe to reveal the same inverted triangle pattern on her uniform.

"This is the profound meaning behind this symbol. And this is the precious treasure you can bestow upon them." Na Yuan's gaze was filled with determination and expectation.

"Hope and strength".

......

Goodbye, dear Mom.

As the moment of parting arrived, Nayuan's expression, filled with longing and reluctance, was deeply etched into Naya's heart. In her memory, her mother was always so gentle, kind, and understanding, her face radiating a smile as bright as the sun. If only her mother could have witnessed every step of her journey…

Emerging from the temple, Naya felt as if she had been reborn, becoming a completely different person. The dark gold armor she wore shimmered with a faint yet captivating light under the bright moonlight. This armor had once belonged to Mavia, the war goddess who had brought countless glories to the Deer Clan, but now it fit Naya perfectly. The prominent family crest on her chest was adorned with a vibrant, deep red, giving it an exceptionally solemn and dignified appearance. A gust of cold wind swept by, lifting the black cloak at her shoulders. Although it was the first time Naya had worn this light and agile armor, she felt incredibly comfortable and at ease.

She gently untied the hairband that bound her hair, and her flowing hair cascaded down like a waterfall, smooth and silky. Then, she combed her hair along her hairline and skillfully braided it into exquisite slicked-back dreadlocks. Each braid was tightly and orderly, a carefully crafted work of art.

Her original youthful innocence has been replaced by a subtle mature charm. At this moment, she is like a blooming dahlia, beautiful and delicate yet dignified and elegant.

With the mystery of her origins revealed, the heavy weight in her heart finally lifted. She understood that there was no longer any need to hide her true self, so she decided to reveal her most authentic self without reservation. Her beautiful and refined face, without makeup, was still captivating; her bright and deep eyes shone like brilliant stars in the night sky.

She has been completely transformed and has become a brand new version of herself.

Facing the howling winds sweeping from the mountaintop, Naya strolled leisurely alone atop White Bear Mountain—beside the White Bear Divine Pool. The terrain here was high and precipitous, rarely visited by humans, and the surroundings were serene and peaceful. The solemn and imposing stone pillars stood like guardians on the frozen lake, seemingly silently protecting this mysterious place, adding an awe-inspiring divine aura to it.

"Why am I the only one who is different?" This long-standing question kept echoing in Naya's mind. At this moment, the cool moonlight poured down, casting her lonely figure against the snow-capped mountains, making her appear even more desolate.

She slowly raised her head, gazing up at the endless, deep darkness of the night sky, her gaze piercing through layers of mist. Just then, Na Yuan's voice rang in her ears.

"The energy contained in the Golden Deer Antler flows continuously through your blood. It not only comprehensively strengthens the vitality and resilience of every tiny cell in your body, but also makes your muscles as hard as steel; it endows your skin with invulnerability; and it greatly enhances the sensitivity and perception of your various senses..." Na Yuan's words continuously inspired her. "The Fantasy Forest's unique geographical environment creates stable and pleasant climate conditions. Compared to the outside world, the air here is fresh and pure, almost untouched by any pollution. The abundant oxygen molecules it contains are a precious gift from nature, nourishing all living things there. Under such a uniquely blessed environment, your strength has already exceeded my expectations, daughter."

Naya took a deep breath and encouraged herself.

“I can do it,” she thought. “Mom said I can do it.”

The dazzling golden energy danced and twirled around her like a lively sprite. Naya closed her eyes tightly, focusing intently on reliving the precious experience of using this power to attempt a short flight through the sky.

In that instant, the previously calm and still air around her seemed to be stirred by an invisible giant hand, beginning to churn and surge violently, converging towards her at an astonishing speed. At the same time, the hard and thick ice beneath her feet trembled slightly as if it could not bear the weight.

"You must let the world know who you really are. Be brave and love those who deserve your love, daughter!" At that moment, everyone was filled with hope, expecting this descendant of the deer clan to shine brightly like the rising sun.

"Spread your wings and fly high, Naya!" Her grandfather's powerful voice echoed around her. "It's time!"

Without hesitation, Naya resolutely raced towards the vast sky. Her body was enveloped in a dazzling golden light, like a shining star streaking across the night. As she leaped into the air, ice and rocks shattered with the force of her jump.

The wolves howled in terror, and the birds scattered in all directions. The whole world was filled with awe and reverence for this rising star.

Like a nimble eagle, she climbed ever higher into the sky. As she ascended, thick clouds gradually enveloped Naya's vision, but these did nothing to hinder her progress. Just as she struggled to break through the barrier of mist, a dazzling light suddenly appeared—bright yellow sunlight!

At that moment, the brilliant sunlight poured down on her like a tide. She couldn't help but open her arms and embrace the blazing sun, looking down at the magnificent planet beneath her feet.

"Sharp, I'm back."