Seven Story Publishing

Prologue: The Endless Staircase

Elior drifted in a void, suspended between dimensions. The sensation was neither falling nor floating but an unnerving stillness that made his very existence feel fragile, as though a single breath could shatter him into fragments.

The darkness around him wasn’t empty. It pulsed, alive with an eerie hum that resonated in his bones. He tried to speak, but his voice was swallowed by the vast silence.

A presence emerged—a figure cloaked in shadow, towering and incomprehensible. Its words didn’t echo through the air but directly into his mind.

“You are chosen,” it said, the voice ancient and absolute.

“Chosen?” Elior’s voice quivered. He wanted to run, to scream, but his body refused to move. “Chosen for what? What is this place?”

“You have ascended to the Staircase of Realms,” the figure intoned. “The multiverse is now your domain, but every step you take comes at a price.”

Elior’s memories flooded back—his death, the pain, the cold. He clutched at the void, panic rising in his chest. “I didn’t ask for this! Send me back!”

“There is no going back.” The figure’s voice softened, almost mournful. “You must walk the path laid before you. Survive, or be consumed by it.”

And with that, the void shattered.

Chapter 2: Survival

The first thing Elior saw as he opened his eyes was a clear blue sky and the branches of trees; he was in a forest. As he looked around he noticed strange wisps in the bushes, creatures flying in the sky and that’s when he noticed; there were two moons. That’s when it hit all at once. He realised his predicament with a calm that surprised even himself- he was in another world.

—

He had so many questions in his head- who was that cloaked figure, how did he arrive at tthis world and why. But he repressed thosed questions to the back of his mind. For now, he needed to survive.

As he spent some time wandering the forest, it seemed that it was even stranger than it first let on. He could hear whispers, see strange spirits and the wildlife was totally messed up. There were for trees growing alongside coconut trees and god knows what else. As the rainbow colored sun had reached the apex in the sky Elior realised that he needed to forage for food first; then find shelter. “Good thing I learned this in camp” he thought.ittle did he know that it was much more difficult than he initially thought and that the days that would follow would be nothing short of hell.

—

Elior’s first attempt to eat a plant he found nearly ended in disaster. The berries had looked harmless, their red skin gleaming like tiny jewels. But moments after swallowing them, his throat burned, and nausea roiled in his stomach.

He spent the next hour vomiting by a stream, clutching his aching stomach. “Stupid,” he muttered between heaves. “So stupid. I should’ve known better.”

“Maybe I should try something else,” he thought. Elior crouched low in the underbrush, his breath fogging in the cool air. The creature before him was small—barely the size of a rabbit—but its sleek, scaly skin glimmered with a faint blue hue. It gnawed at a clump of moss, unaware of his presence. Elior’s hands trembled around the jagged rock he had sharpened into a makeshift weapon.

He swallowed hard. I don’t want to do this. But if I don’t… His stomach growled, a painful reminder that he hadn’t eaten in days.

The first strike missed. The creature darted away with a startled screech, and Elior cursed under his breath. He chased after it, adrenaline surging, until his legs gave out and he collapsed into the dirt.

“This is pointless,” he muttered, throwing the rock aside. Tears welled in his eyes. What am I doing? I can’t even kill something this small. I’ll starve before I figure this out.”

But as he lay there, staring at the canopy of jagged, otherworldly trees above him, a memory surfaced. His foster mother’s voice, soft but firm: “Sometimes, Elior, all you can do is try again. Even if it feels impossible.”

He forced himself up, retrieved the rock, and went back to the clearing.

—

That night, he sat in a shallow cave, trying to light a fire. His hands ached from rubbing sticks together, and the cold seeped into his bones.

“Why is this so hard?” he whispered. His voice echoed in the empty cave. This isn’t like camping. This is survival. Real survival. I’m not cut out for this.

Later, as he lay on the cold ground, weak and trembling, despair crept in again. Why was I even brought here? To die like this? What’s the point?

But as the night stretched on, his thoughts shifted. If I don’t try, I’ll die for sure. I don’t know why I’m here, but I can’t give up yet. Not like this.

—

Days passed. Ever since the strange cloaked figure had dropped him in this strange world two weeks ago, he had been struggling to survive. It’s words still reverberated in his head but he couldn’t make sense of it. And then there was the matter of his death. It all felt so surreal. However he had no time to be mulling over it. He spent his days grasping at straws, doing anything he could to survive. But exhaustion had quickly taken over the boy who was born and raised in the city. He could feel that he was slowly approaching his breaking point. But he had still not found any trace of civilisation; if there even was one.

The sky outside turned darker, the stars unfamiliar and cold. Just as Elior’s frustration boiled over, a spark flickered. He froze, holding his breath. Slowly, carefully, he fed the spark with dried leaves until a tiny flame danced in the darkness.

For the first time in days, warmth touched his skin. He stared at the fire, tears streaming down his face.

“I did it,” he whispered, clutching his knees to his chest. “I actually did it.”

But the victory was hollow. His stomach still twisted with hunger, and the loneliness felt sharper than ever.

—

Chapter 3: A Light in the Dark

Elior staggered through the forest, his body weak and his mind clouded with exhaustion. His vision blurred, and every step felt heavier than the last.

Maybe it’s okay to give up, he thought. I tried, didn’t I? I tried so hard. He had already spent a month in this god forsaken place. That was worth something to brag about in the afterlife wasn’t it?

He stumbled, falling to his knees. The world tilted, the shadows of the forest closing in around him.

That was when he heard it—a shrill, bone-chilling screech. His heart lurched as shapes emerged from the darkness. Creatures, their eyes glowing like embers, their bodies sinewy and unnaturally fast.

Elior scrambled backward, panic surging through him. “No, no, no—”

The first creature lunged, claws extended. Elior raised his arms in a feeble attempt to shield himself, but the impact never came.

A flash of light sliced through the air, and the creature fell with a guttural cry. Standing above him was a figure cloaked in shadows, a bow drawn and ready.

“Stay down,” the figure ordered, her voice sharp and commanding.

Elior obeyed, too stunned to speak. One by one, the creatures fell under a hail of precise, deadly arrows. When the last one collapsed, silence descended.

The figure turned to him, lowering her bow. In the faint light, he could see her clearly—a young woman with a hardened expression and piercing eyes.

“Who are you?” she demanded.

“I…” Elior’s voice cracked. “I don’t know anymore.”

The woman frowned, scanning him with a critical eye. “You’re not from here, are you? What are you doing in this part of the forest?”

“I’m just trying to survive,” he admitted. “Barely.”

She sighed, slinging her bow over her shoulder. “You’re lucky I found you. You wouldn’t have lasted another hour.”

“Thank you,” he said weakly.

“Don’t thank me yet,” she replied, her tone cold. “I don’t trust strangers. Especially ones who don’t belong.”

—-

Kaela led the way through the dense forest, her bow held at the ready. Elior trailed behind, stumbling over roots and rocks, his legs barely able to carry him. Every now and then, she glanced over her shoulder, her expression unreadable.

“Try to keep up,” she said curtly, not bothering to slow down.

Elior bit back a retort. He was too tired to argue, and besides, she was right—he wouldn’t survive alone. But her tone stung nonetheless.

After what felt like hours, they reached a small clearing. Kaela stopped and turned to face him. “We’ll rest here for now. Don’t wander off.”

Elior collapsed onto the ground, his entire body aching. The moment his head hit the earth, he wanted to drift into sleep, but hunger gnawed at his insides. He sat up and looked at her.

“Do you have any food?” he asked hesitantly.

Kaela raised an eyebrow. “You really are helpless, aren’t you?” She pulled a small pouch from her belt and tossed it to him. Inside were dried strips of meat and a handful of nuts.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice thick with gratitude.

“Don’t thank me,” she replied. “If you’re going to follow me around, you’ll need to start pulling your weight. I’m not here to babysit you.”

Elior nodded, chewing slowly. The food was coarse and tough, but it was the best thing he’d tasted in days.

—

As the night deepened, Kaela sat by the fire, sharpening her arrows. Elior watched her in silence for a while before mustering the courage to speak.

“Why did you save me?” he asked.

She didn’t look up. “Because you were about to die.”

“But you didn’t have to. You could’ve just walked away.”

Kaela paused, her hands stilling for a moment. Then she resumed her work. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “Maybe I didn’t want your blood on my hands. Or maybe I just felt like it.”

Elior frowned. Her answer was vague, but there was something in her tone—something she wasn’t saying.

“What about you?” she asked suddenly, her eyes meeting his. “What’s your story? Why are you here?”

Elior hesitated. “I don’t know,” he said honestly. “One moment I was… home, and the next I was here. Everything I knew, everything I loved—it’s all gone.”

Kaela’s gaze softened, but only for a moment. “You’re a Wanderer, aren’t you?”

The question hung in the air like a blade poised to strike. Elior felt a lump form in his throat. “Yes,” he said quietly.

Kaela’s expression hardened. “I knew it. I should’ve guessed sooner.” She stood abruptly, her movements sharp and angry.

“What’s wrong?” Elior asked, confused by her sudden shift.

“Wanderers,” she spat. “You come here, thinking you can do whatever you want. You have no idea what this place is like—what it costs to survive here.”

“That’s not fair,” Elior protested. “I didn’t ask to be here! I don’t even know how this happened.”

Kaela’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe not. But that doesn’t change what you are. Wanderers think they’re above the rules, above the rest of us. You don’t know the first thing about hardship.”

Her words cut deep. Elior opened his mouth to respond but found he had nothing to say. She was wrong—he had suffered. But how could he explain that to someone who had lived here her whole life?

“Please,” he said finally. “I don’t know this world. I don’t know how to survive here. I need your help.”

Kaela stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed and sat back down. “Fine. But don’t think this means I trust you. And don’t slow me down.”

Elior nodded, relief flooding through him. “I won’t.”

“Good,” she said, turning back to her arrows. “Because if you do, I won’t save you again.”

—-

The next morning, Kaela woke Elior with a sharp kick to his side. “Get up. We’re moving.”

Elior groaned, rubbing his ribs. “Do you always wake people up like that?”

“Only when they’re lazy,” she replied, her tone flat.

As they walked through the forest, Kaela began pointing out plants and landmarks, explaining their uses. “That one’s poisonous,” she said, gesturing to a cluster of bright red flowers. “Eat it, and you’ll be dead in minutes.”

Elior nodded, committing her words to memory. Despite her harshness, he could see she knew what she was doing.

By midday, they reached a river. Kaela handed him a makeshift spear. “Time to catch lunch.”

Elior stared at the spear, then at the water. “I’ve never fished before.”

“Figure it out,” she said. “If you’re going to survive here, you need to learn.”

It took hours, but eventually, Elior managed to spear a small fish. He held it up triumphantly, grinning despite the cold water dripping from his clothes.

“Not bad,” Kaela said grudgingly. “For a beginner.”

Elior laughed, the sound surprising even himself. It was the first time he’d felt a glimmer of hope since arriving in this world.

Chapter 4: The Weight of Survival

Elior stood on the edge of the river, his reflection trembling on the rippling water. His hands shook as he held the spear Kaela had handed him earlier.

“You’re overthinking it,” Kaela called out from behind him. She was perched on a rock, her bow resting casually across her knees. “Just aim and thrust. It’s not that hard.”

Elior frowned, tightening his grip. His stomach growled, a sharp reminder of how desperately he needed to succeed. He squinted at the water, watching the shadowy forms of fish dart beneath the surface.

“Come on,” Kaela urged, her voice laced with impatience. “If you don’t catch something soon, we’ll both starve.”

Elior took a deep breath and plunged the spear into the water. He missed. Again.

“Damn it,” he muttered, pulling the spear back. His shoulders sagged.

Kaela rolled her eyes. “You’re thinking too much. Stop hesitating.”

Elior turned to her, frustration etched on his face. “It’s easy for you to say! You’ve been doing this your whole life. I’ve never even held a spear before.”

Kaela raised an eyebrow. “Do you want me to do it for you?”

“No,” he said quickly, his pride flaring. “I can do it.”

She smirked. “Then stop whining and focus.”

He returned his attention to the water, his jaw set. This time, he didn’t overthink. He let instinct guide him. When he saw the flicker of a fish, he thrust the spear down with all his strength.

When he lifted the spear, a small fish wriggled at the end of it.

“I did it,” he breathed, hardly believing it himself.

Kaela clapped slowly, her sarcasm evident. “Congratulations, you’ve officially not starved to death—for today.”

Elior ignored her and waded back to the shore, holding the fish like it was a trophy.

—

That night, as the fish roasted over a small fire, Elior leaned back against a tree and sighed. “You know,” he said, “if you’d told me a week ago that I’d be living off speared fish in a forest, I’d have laughed in your face.”

Kaela glanced at him, her expression unreadable. “And where did you think you’d be?”

He hesitated. “Home, I guess. With my family. Or what I called a family.”

Kaela tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

Elior poked at the fire with a stick, watching the embers dance. “I grew up in an orphanage. Never knew my real parents. But the people there—they were my family. We looked out for each other. I thought we’d always be together.”

Kaela was silent for a moment. “And now you’re here.”

“Yeah.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “Now I’m here. Alone. Struggling to survive. Sometimes… sometimes I wonder if this is punishment.”

“For what?”

He shrugged, his gaze distant. “For being happy. For having a good life when so many others didn’t.

Maybe the gods looked at me and thought, ‘He doesn’t deserve this.’”

Kaela snorted. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” He turned to her, his eyes shadowed. “What if this is their way of evening the scales? Taking away everything I had because I didn’t earn it?”

Kaela’s expression softened, but only slightly. “Listen to me, Elior. The gods don’t care about fairness. If they did, this world wouldn’t be the way it is.”

Her words hit him like a blow. He stared at her, searching for a hint of comfort, but found none.

“You’re here now,” she continued, her tone firm. “You can’t change that. The only thing you can do is survive. And if you can’t do that, then maybe you don’t deserve to.”

Her bluntness stung, but it also ignited something within him—a spark of determination.

“You’re right,” he said quietly. “I need to survive. No matter what it takes.”

—

The next few days were a blur of exhaustion and trial. Kaela put him through his paces, teaching him the basics of hunting, gathering, and staying hidden from the more dangerous creatures of the forest.

“Always keep an eye on your surroundings,” she said as they crept through the underbrush. “This world is unforgiving. Let your guard down for even a second, and it’ll kill you.”

Elior nodded, clutching the makeshift bow she’d crafted for him. He felt clumsy and slow compared to her, but he was improving—little by little.

Their first hunt together was a disaster. Elior missed every shot, and Kaela had to step in to finish the job.

“You’re useless with a bow,” she muttered, dragging the carcass of a small deer back to their camp.

“I’m trying,” he snapped, frustration boiling over.

“Try harder,” she shot back. “Survival isn’t about trying—it’s about doing.”

Her words stayed with him, pushing him to practice relentlessly. Each night, after Kaela had gone to sleep, he stayed up, firing arrows at makeshift targets until his arms ached.

—

One evening, as they sat by the fire, Kaela noticed the calluses forming on his hands. “You’ve been practicing,” she said.

Elior nodded. “I have to get better. I can’t keep relying on you.”

A hint of a smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Maybe you’re not completely hopeless after all.”

He chuckled. “Thanks, I think.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, the crackling of the fire filling the space between them. For the first time since they’d met, Elior felt a sense of camaraderie—a fragile, tentative bond.

Kaela broke the silence. “Why do you keep going? After everything you’ve been through, why not give up?”

Elior stared into the flames. “Because I have to believe there’s a reason for all of this. That it’s not just random cruelty. And because… I don’t want to die. Not yet.”

Kaela nodded slowly, her gaze distant. “Good. Because if you die, I’m not dragging your corpse anywhere.”

He laughed, the sound surprising them both.

—

Elior sat on a fallen log, staring at the rough edges of the arrowhead he’d just carved. His hands were raw and calloused, a stark contrast to the soft, clean ones he remembered having back home. The thought of home made his chest ache—a pang so sharp he had to put down the arrow to steady himself.

Kaela glanced at him from where she was skinning their latest catch. “You’ve been quiet.”

Elior didn’t look up. “Just thinking.”

“Dangerous habit,” she replied dryly, but her tone lacked its usual bite.

He sighed, leaning back against the log and gazing up at the canopy of leaves above. “Do you ever think about what’s beyond this place? About leaving?”

Kaela paused, her knife stilling mid-cut. “Leaving?”

“Yeah.” His voice grew softer. “I don’t belong here. I wasn’t supposed to end up in this… whatever this is. I had a life. People I cared about. I want to go back.”

Kaela resumed her work, her movements precise and deliberate. “Wanderers don’t go back, Elior, for good reason. And as much I hate wanderers, I agree with them on this point”

Her words felt like a slap. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. “I didn’t choose to be a Wanderer. I didn’t choose any of this.”

Kaela’s expression didn’t change, but her voice softened. “None of us choose what happens to us. All we can do is live, survive.”

Elior stood abruptly, his frustration bubbling over. “Survive? Is that all there is? Just scraping by, day after day, waiting for something worse to happen?”

Kaela met his gaze, her eyes hard. “Yes. And if you can’t accept that, you’re going to die.”

Her bluntness left him momentarily speechless. He turned away, his shoulders tense.

—

Chapter 5 : A Glimmer of Hope

The next day, as they traversed a dense forest, Kaela suddenly stopped and held up a hand. Elior froze, his heart pounding.

“What is it?” he whispered.

Kaela didn’t answer. She pointed to a cluster of bushes ahead, where the faint outline of a massive creature loomed. It had the body of a wolf, but its eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and its fangs dripped with something viscous and black.

“A wraithbeast,” Kaela murmured, her voice barely audible. “Stay behind me.”

Elior’s throat went dry. He gripped the bow Kaela had given him, but his hands trembled. “What do we do?”

“We don’t fight it unless we have to,” she said, notching an arrow to her bow. “Move slowly. Don’t make any sudden—”

A branch snapped beneath Elior’s foot.

The creature’s head whipped toward them, its glowing eyes locking onto Elior’s. It let out a guttural growl, its body tensing as it prepared to pounce.

“Run!” Kaela shouted, loosing an arrow.

Elior didn’t need to be told twice. He bolted, the sound of the beast crashing through the underbrush behind him. Kaela’s arrows whizzed past him, each one slowing the creature but not stopping it.

His lungs burned as he sprinted, the terrain uneven and treacherous. He stumbled over a root and fell hard, the bow flying from his grip. He scrambled to his feet, but the beast was already upon him.

Kaela appeared out of nowhere, slashing at the beast with a dagger. It howled in pain, swiping at her with a massive paw. She dodged, but the force of the swipe sent her sprawling.

Elior grabbed a nearby branch and swung it at the creature with all his strength. It shattered on impact, but the distraction gave Kaela enough time to fire another arrow into its side.

“Elior, move!” she yelled, dragging him to his feet.

Together, they ran until they reached a narrow ravine. Kaela leaped across with ease, but Elior hesitated, the gap seeming impossibly wide.

“Jump!” she shouted, her hand outstretched.

The beast was closing in. Elior took a deep breath and jumped, barely grabbing her hand. She hauled him up just as the creature lunged, falling short and tumbling into the ravine below.

They collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.

“That,” Kaela said between breaths, “was stupid.”

Elior laughed weakly, the sound tinged with hysteria. “You think?”

She glared at him, but there was a flicker of something else in her expression—relief.

—

Later that night, as they sat by the fire, Elior broke the silence. “What wes that thing anyway?”. Kaela replied “That was a wraithbeast. They come from space time rifts called voids. And that wasn’t the last we’d see of them either. If you want to live in this world, you’ll facemore of them then you can count. So learn to fight them. I’ll also teach you””. Silence ensued.

“Thanks. For saving me”, said Elior breaking the silence.

Kaela shrugged, poking at the flames with a stick. “Don’t mention it.”

He studied her, the firelight casting shadows on her face. “Why do you do it? You could have left me to die. You don’t owe me anything.”

She didn’t answer immediately. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet. “Because if I didn’t, I’d have to live with it. And that… that’s not something I’m willing to do.”

Elior nodded, understanding more than he let on. He looked up at the stars, a sense of calm washing over him.

For the first time since arriving in this strange world, he felt a glimmer of hope. It was faint and fragile, but it was there.

“I’ll survive,” he said softly, more to himself than to her. “And one day, I’ll find a way back home.”

Kaela glanced at him, her expression unreadable. “Good. Because if you die, I’m not wasting another arrow on you.”

He smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. “Fair enough.”

Chapter 6: The Lost Ruins

Kaela and Elior trudged through the dense forest, the morning mist clinging to their skin like a second layer. The silence between them was punctuated only by the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of strange creatures. Their supplies were running low after their encounter with the wraithbeast, and they were searching for a water source when Elior noticed something glinting in the distance.

“What’s that?” he asked, pointing toward a faint shimmer through the trees.

Kaela narrowed her eyes, her body tensing. “Could be a water source. Or a trap.”

Despite her caution, they moved closer, the trees thinning out to reveal an ancient, crumbling ruin overgrown with vines and moss. Towering arches framed the entrance, their carvings faded by time. The shimmering light came from symbols etched into the stone, glowing faintly with a pale blue hue.

“This place wasn’t here yesterday,” Kaela muttered, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Elior frowned. “Is that… normal?”

“No.” She stepped forward, her bow ready. “Stay close.”

As they entered, the air grew heavy, and an unsettling stillness enveloped them. The ruins seemed to stretch infinitely, corridors looping back on themselves in ways that defied logic. The walls whispered faintly, fragments of unintelligible voices.

“This isn’t just a ruin,” Kaela said, her tone grim. “This is something else.”

—

Hours passed as they tried to navigate the labyrinthine structure. Hunger and exhaustion gnawed at them, but the real danger came when the ground beneath Elior suddenly gave way.

He let out a startled cry, grabbing onto the ledge as Kaela rushed to pull him up. “Stop being such a magnet for disasters,” she grumbled, her tone betraying her worry.

Before they could recover, a voice echoed through the chamber. “Well, well, what do we have here?”

Both turned to see a man leaning against a crumbling pillar. He was gaunt, his clothes torn, and his eyes hollow with fatigue. His left arm was bandaged tightly, and his sword lay shattered at his feet.

“Who are you?” Kaela demanded, her bow trained on him.

The man raised his hands in mock surrender. “Name’s Aelric. Relax, I’m not here to kill you. If I could, I wouldn’t still be stuck in this godforsaken place.”

Kaela didn’t lower her weapon. “How long have you been here?”

Aelric smirked bitterly. “Long enough to lose my relics and my faith in humanity. Other Wanderers set me up and left me for dead. And now, this ruin has turned into a Distortion. Lucky me, huh?”

—

Elior stepped forward cautiously. “What’s a Distortion?”

Aelric gave him a pitying look. “You really are new at this, aren’t you?” He sighed. “A Distortion is like a void, but far worse. When space and time collapse in on themselves, it creates a pocket of chaos. Think of it as a black hole for reality. Once you’re inside, there’s no way out unless you destroy the core—the origin of the Distortion. And that’s only possible with a relic.”

“What’s a relic? , asked Elior.

Aelric sighed, “Oh god you’re really a novice huh? A relic is a fragment left behind by the creators of the multiverse, our ancestors the Architects. “

Kaela frowned. “You said your relics were destroyed?”

Aelric nodded grimly. “Destroyed by the very people who trapped me here. Without them, I’m as good as dead.”

—

As if on cue, a low growl reverberated through the air. Aelric’s expression darkened. “And then there’s the Wraithbeasts.”

“Wraithbeasts? Here?” Elior echoed.

Kaela shrugged, ” Shouldn’t really come as a surprise, considering its like the evolved form of a void. I had heard about distortions, but to think I would be caught up in one after all this time. You wanderers really are a pain in the neck.”

The trio moved cautiously through the ruins, the walls seeming to shift around them. The faint glow of the symbols now pulsed ominously, casting eerie shadows.

Suddenly, a chilling howl echoed through the chamber, and a creature emerged from the shadows. It was massive, its form flickering as if it couldn’t fully exist in this reality. Its eyes burned with a violet hue, and tendrils of darkness writhed around its body like smoke.

“Wraithbeast,” Aelric said grimly, drawing a crude dagger.

Kaela fired an arrow, but it passed through the creature, hitting the wall behind it. “It’s intangible!” she shouted.

“Not entirely,” Aelric replied, lunging forward and slicing at the beast’s core. The creature shrieked, its form destabilizing before it dissolved into nothingness.

“They’re attracted to the Distortion’s instability,” Aelric explained. “And they don’t stop coming.”

—

Kaela turned to Aelric. “If we can’t destroy the Distortion without a relic, what’s the point of fighting?”

“The point,” Aelric said, his voice sharp, “is staying alive long enough to figure something out. There’s a reason this place became a Distortion. If we can find the core, we might be able to improvise.”

Elior clenched his fists, frustration bubbling inside him. “Improvise? That’s your plan?”

Aelric shrugged. “Got a better one, kid?’

Elior fell silent, his mind racing. He glanced at Kaela, who gave him a small nod. They didn’t have any other choice.

—

Over the next few hours, the trio fought their way through waves of Wraithbeasts, each encounter pushing them closer to their limits. The ruins grew more treacherous, with collapsing floors and shifting walls.

Elior found himself stepping into a leadership role despite his inexperience, his determination to survive driving him forward. His monologues shifted—no longer focused solely on despair but on the burning desire to see his family again and escape this twisted world.

As they ventured deeper, they discovered a chamber bathed in an unnatural light. At its center was a pulsating mass of energy—the core of the Distortion.

Kaela and Aelric exchanged glances. “This is it,” Kaela said. “But without a relic…”

Elior stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the core. “We’ll find a way.”

Chapter 7: Building Bonds in the Abyss

The ruins became their prison and their sanctuary. After discovering the pulsating core, which Aelric dubbed the “Origin,” the trio settled into a grim routine. Every day, they ventured into the labyrinthine halls to fight off Wraithbeasts, search for resources, and map out the twisted structure.

“We need to understand this place,” Aelric had said early on. “Distortions don’t play by the rules of reality, but even chaos has patterns. If we’re lucky—really lucky—we might stumble on a relic. It’s the only way out of here.”

Elior had clung to that slim hope. The thought of finding a relic and escaping this nightmare was the thread that kept him going.

—

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Each morning began with the same ritual: Aelric would sit by the Origin, sharpening his makeshift blade, while Kaela prepared their scant rations and Elior poured over their growing map of the ruins.

The map was crude, scrawled on scraps of cloth they’d scavenged, but it was their lifeline. The ruins’ shifting corridors made it imperfect, but over time, they learned to recognize certain “anchors”—rooms or objects that remained stable.

Conversations flowed more easily as the days passed. Aelric, despite his rough exterior, often lightened the mood with dry humor.

“Who knew my punishment for being betrayed would be babysitting?” he’d say, grinning as he ruffled Elior’s hair.

Elior would roll his eyes. “If we’re your punishment, what does that make you? A karmic lesson?”

Kaela, who rarely smiled, surprised them one evening by chuckling. “More like a warning.”

The battles against the Wraithbeasts grew routine but no less dangerous. Kaela’s arrows found their marks with deadly precision, her movements like a dance of survival. Aelric fought with a ferocity that belied his injuries, using his crude dagger to devastating effect.

Elior, still inexperienced, often found himself shielded by the other two. But he was learning—each fight honed his instincts and reflexes.

—

During one of their rare moments of rest, Kaela sat by the fire they’d managed to kindle. She glanced at Aelric, who was mending his bandages.

“You’re too competent for someone who’s been stuck here for months,” she said, her tone suspicious but not hostile.

Aelric raised an eyebrow. “Compliment or accusation?”

“Observation,” she replied. “You fight like someone who’s survived worse than this.”

Aelric’s grin faded, replaced by a somber expression. “Let’s just say I’ve learned that survival isn’t about strength—it’s about not giving up.”

Elior, sitting nearby, spoke up. “Then why did you help us? You could’ve just stayed hidden and waited for us to die or leave.”

Aelric looked at him, his eyes glinting with something unreadable. “Because sometimes, kid, you don’t survive alone. And you remind me of someone I used to know.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning.

—

On what seemed like an ordinary day, the three ventured deeper into unexplored parts of the ruins. The air was colder here, the walls covered in jagged black crystals that radiated unease.

“This place feels wrong,” Kaela muttered, her hand tightening on her bow.

They didn’t have to wait long to find out why. A pack of Wraithbeasts materialized around them, their forms flickering and shifting. These were larger and more aggressive than any they’d faced before.

The battle was chaos. Kaela’s arrows flew, and Aelric’s dagger struck true, but the Wraithbeasts kept coming. Elior, armed with a broken spear, fought to keep up, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

“We’re getting surrounded!” Kaela shouted, her voice tinged with panic.

Elior turned to see a beast lunging for him. He froze, his body betraying him in the face of terror. Time seemed to slow as the creature’s claws gleamed in the faint light.

And then, Aelric was there.

The older Wanderer threw himself between Elior and the beast, taking the full force of the attack. He cried out in pain as the claws tore into his side, blood spilling onto the floor.

“Aelric!” Elior screamed, his voice cracking.

Kaela’s eyes widened, but she didn’t falter. Her arrows flew with renewed fury, driving the beasts back just enough to give them breathing room. She grabbed Elior’s arm. “We need to move, now!”

“But Aelric—”

“I said move!” Kaela’s voice was sharp, but her expression betrayed her fear.

Elior hesitated, his heart pounding. Aelric, bloodied but still standing, turned to him with a weak smile.

“Don’t stop,” Aelric said, his voice strained. “You’ve got a lot more to live for, kid. Don’t waste it.”

Kaela pulled Elior away as the Wraithbeasts closed in, their guttural growls echoing through the chamber. Aelric raised his dagger, his stance defiant despite his injuries.

“Go!” he shouted, his voice echoing like a final command.

Elior’s legs moved on autopilot as Kaela dragged him down a corridor, tears streaming down his face. The sound of Aelric’s struggle faded behind them, leaving a deafening silence.

Not yet. He protected me—us. He’s been our guide, our friend, and maybe the only reason we’ve survived this long. I won’t let him die like this!”

Kaela crossed her arms, her voice icy. “You’re being naive. You can’t save everyone you meet. If you run back in there, you’re going to get yourself killed, and then what? Who will save your precious Aelric then?”

Elior’s jaw tightened. “I’d rather die trying than live knowing I abandoned someone who trusted me. If you want to leave, fine. I’ll go alone.”

Kaela stepped closer, her tone rising with frustration. “You’re such a softie. Always thinking with your heart, not your head. You don’t even know if he’s still alive!”

“Then I’ll find out!” Elior snapped. He turned, his steps resolute as he marched back the way they’d come.

Kaela let out a sharp breath, pinching the bridge of her nose. “You’re going to get yourself killed, you idiot…” She muttered something under her breath before grabbing her gear. “Fine, but I’m not letting you die out of sheer stupidity. At least let me prepare first.”

—

Elior and Kaela returned to the chamber cautiously, Kaela taking the lead with her bow drawn. The air reeked of blood and the acrid stench of the Wraithbeasts.

“There,” Kaela whispered, pointing to the crumpled figure in the distance.

Aelric was slumped against the jagged wall, his breathing shallow, blood pooling around him. His eyes fluttered weakly, barely registering their presence.

Kaela frowned. “How is he even alive?”

The Wraithbeasts prowled around him, circling like predators savoring their victory. Kaela notched an arrow and whispered to Elior, “When I fire, grab him and run. Don’t stop for anything. Got it?”

Elior nodded, his heart pounding in his chest.

Kaela loosed her arrow, the shaft striking one of the beasts square in its glowing eye. It let out a deafening screech, causing the others to momentarily scatter.

“Now, Elior!”

Without hesitation, Elior sprinted toward Aelric. The older Wanderer’s eyes flickered open, his lips curling into a faint, pained smile.

“Kid… you’re a fool,” Aelric rasped.

“Shut up and hold on,” Elior muttered, pulling Aelric’s arm over his shoulder. His knees buckled under the weight, but he pushed forward, dragging Aelric toward Kaela.

Kaela fired another volley of arrows, buying them precious seconds. “Hurry up!” she shouted, her voice tinged with urgency.

As they reached her, the three of them bolted toward the Origin, the snarls of the Wraithbeasts growing louder behind them.

—

They reached the Origin, its pulsing glow casting eerie shadows on their faces. Aelric collapsed against the ground, his body trembling as he struggled to breathe.

Kaela knelt beside him, her face grim. “He’s not going to make it.”

Elior’s chest tightened. “No, he has to. We—”

“Listen to me,” Aelric interrupted, his voice weak but firm. He grabbed Elior’s wrist, his grip surprisingly strong. “There’s… one way I can live on. I can become your relic.”

Elior froze, confusion and horror washing over him. “What? What are you even saying. How can a a living person become a relic? No, you can’t—”

“I’m already dying,” Aelric said, his voice steady despite the pain. “But my soul still has strength. If you accept me, I can serve as your relic. You’ll gain my strength, my skills… my memories.”

Kaela’s eyes widened. “That’s insane. I have never heard of a wanderer choosing to be someone else’s relic. Can Elior even pull it off? “

Aelric chuckled, a hollow sound. “ I guess I’ll just have to trust him.”

Elior’s throat tightened. “I don’t know if I can… I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t lose me,” Aelric said, his gaze softening. “I’ll still be here. Just… not like this. Besides with the way things are going, I will die anyway. The distortion won’t last much longer either. You need a relic to destroy the origin don’t you. This is the best chance we’ve got.”

Kaela placed a hand on Elior’s shoulder. “We don’t have time to argue. Make a choice.”

Elior closed his eyes, his heart heavy with the weight of the decision. Finally, he nodded. “What do I have to do?”

Aelric smiled faintly. “Once I die you have to give me a new name. One that binds my soul to yours.”

He smiled warmly at Elior and Kaela as he drew his last breath.

Elior took a deep breath, surprised that he instinctively knew the words, his voice trembling as he spoke.

“The journey of the man known as Aelric Kaelen Morvalis hath forever come to a close,” Elior declared, his voice echoing with solemn authority. “Yet thy essence shall endure, reborn in purpose. Thou shalt henceforth live on under a new name and form, bound to serve thy master—I, Elior Reid.

I name thee… Ashenveil, the Unyielding.”

The room flared with divine brilliance, its light engulfing them, sealing the ancient rite with power and resolve.

—

Aelric’s body began to dissolve into glowing motes of light, swirling around Elior. His memories surged through Elior’s mind—his past, his struggles, his betrayal. The pain, the loss, the unyielding determination.

Elior gasped, tears streaming down his face as he felt Aelric’s emotions intertwine with his own. “I’ll carry your strength,” he whispered. “I’ll honor your sacrifice.”

The light coalesced into a gleaming blade, its surface etched with intricate patterns that seemed to shift and shimmer. The blade pulsed with a familiar warmth, as if Aelric’s spirit was still there, guiding him.

Kaela helped Elior to his feet. “We need to destroy the Origin now. It’s our only way out.”

With a nod, Elior raised Ashenveil and struck the Origin. The blade resonated with a hum of power, and the chamber began to collapse.

The ruins crumbled around them as they ran, the ground shaking violently. Wraithbeasts howled in the distance, their cries drowned out by the deafening roar of destruction.

The trio barely made it out as the distortion collapsed behind them, leaving only silence in its wake.

Elior sank to his knees, clutching the blade tightly. “Thank you, Aelric,” he whispered.

Kaela stood beside him, her expression unreadable. “You’re an idiot,” she said softly. “But… you did good.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, Elior allowed himself a small, bittersweet smile.

Chapter 8: The Weight of a Relic

The trio sat around a small, flickering campfire, the eerie silence of the wilderness a sharp contrast to the chaos they had just escaped. Ashenveil rested beside Elior in his sword form, the blade gleaming faintly in the dim light. Kaela was unusually quiet, her sharp gaze fixed on the fire as she worked on sharpening her arrows.

Elior’s hands shook slightly as he ran his fingers along Ashenveil’s hilt. The memories he had absorbed during the ritual still lingered, vivid and raw. He took a deep breath and broke the silence.

“Kaela,” he began, his voice low, “there’s something you need to know about Aelric… Ashenveil.”

Kaela glanced up, her brows furrowed. “What is it?”

Elior hesitated, his grip tightening on the sword. “He wasn’t just a skilled Wanderer. He was one of the Seats of the Council.”

Kaela froze, her knife slipping from her hand and clattering to the ground. “The Council? As in the Council? The group that oversees everything about Wanderers? That Council?”

Elior nodded. “Yeah. He was one of them. One of the best.”

Kaela leaned back, her expression one of disbelief. “I mean, I knew he was powerful, but that powerful? Why would someone like him…”

Her voice trailed off as realization dawned. “Is that why he was in that distortion? Was he… betrayed?”

Elior nodded again, his voice growing heavier with emotion. “He was backstabbed by the people he trusted. His subordinates. They ambushed him, destroyed his relics, and left him for dead. That’s how he ended up trapped there.”

Kaela’s face darkened, her fists clenching. “That’s… horrible. After all he’s done for Wanderers, to be treated like that? What kind of monsters…”

Elior’s voice wavered as he continued. “He was so proud. He could’ve tried to find a way out, but without his relics, he had no chance. He was stuck in that distortion for days, maybe longer. When he chose to become my relic… that wasn’t just a sacrifice. It was his way of placing all his trust in me. Wanderers almost never do that—it’s… it’s their pride.”

Kaela looked at him, her expression softer now. “And he gave all that up for you?”

“Yes,” Elior whispered. “And now… I have to live up to that trust. He can’t refuse me, Kaela. Whatever I ask of him, he’ll have to obey, no matter what. That’s the bond of a relic. But I promise I’ll never misuse it. He trusted me, and I don’t want to let him down. That’s why Kaela I want you to correct me if I ever stray down the wrong path.”

The campfire crackled softly, filling the silence between them. Kaela finally spoke, her voice quiet. “You’re not the same person you were when I first met you, Elior. You’ve… grown.”

Elior smiled faintly. “I don’t know about that. But I do know one thing—I can’t keep stumbling through this world blind. I need to get stronger, smarter. I need to understand what it means to be a Wanderer.”

Kaela raised an eyebrow. “And how do you plan to do that?”

Elior met her gaze, determination burning in his eyes. “We’re going to the City of Wanderers.”

Kaela’s face fell. “You’re kidding, right? That place is crawling with Wanderers. The kind who’d stab you in the back for their own ends. You wouldn’t last a day.”

“Then I’ll learn to last,” Elior said firmly. “I have you to guide me, don’t I?”

Kaela groaned, rubbing her temples. “Why do I even bother arguing with you? Fine, but don’t blame me if we get into trouble. And don’t expect me to play nice with anyone.”

Elior chuckled, a spark of hope rekindling in his chest. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Chapter 9: The Journey to Astraea

The journey to the City of Wanderers—Astraea—was long and fraught with challenges. They traveled through dense forests, jagged mountain passes, and desolate wastelands, each step bringing them closer to their destination.

During their travels, Elior and Kaela’s bond grew stronger. They trained together, honing their skills and learning to trust each other in battle. Kaela taught Elior the basics of tracking, foraging, and reading the land, while Elior practiced wielding Ashenveil, learning to communicate with his relic and unlock its potential.

At night, they shared stories around the campfire. Kaela spoke of her time surviving in the World of Beginnings, her voice tinged with bitterness and pride. Elior, in turn, shared memories of his foster family and his dreams of returning to them someday.

“You really think you’ll find a way back to your world?” Kaela asked one evening, her tone skeptical but not unkind.

“I have to,” Elior said, staring into the flames. “They’re my family.”

Kaela’s expression softened. “You’re stubborn, I’ll give you that. But maybe… maybe that’s what makes you different from the others.”

Elior smiled, the warmth of her words chasing away the lingering shadows of doubt.

—

After weeks of travel, they finally stood before Astraea. The city loomed like a fortress, its towering walls shimmering with runic inscriptions. The streets beyond the gates buzzed with activity—Wanderers from countless worlds, each carrying weapons, relics, and stories of their own.

Kaela crossed her arms, her expression wary. “Well, we’re here. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about this place.”

Elior tightened his grip on Ashenveil, his resolve unshaken. “Let’s find out what this world has to teach us.”

Together, they stepped through the gates, unaware of the challenges and revelations that awaited them within the heart of the Wanderers’ domain.

—

The gates of Astraea groaned as they swung open, revealing a bustling metropolis unlike anything Elior had ever imagined. The city pulsed with life, filled with Wanderers from countless dimensions. Towering spires pierced the sky, adorned with glowing runes that shimmered faintly in the twilight. The streets teemed with traders hawking rare relics, blacksmiths crafting weapons imbued with power, and mercenaries swapping stories of perilous worlds they had conquered.

Kaela walked a step ahead, her eyes scanning the crowd with caution. Elior trailed behind, his grip on Ashenveil tight, as if the relic could ward off the overwhelming sensation of being an outsider.

“Stick close,” Kaela muttered, her voice tense. “This place might look like a city, but it’s a battlefield in disguise. Everyone here’s a predator, and they’ll smell blood if you’re not careful.”

Elior nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. Astraea was intimidating, but he was determined not to show weakness.

—

Kaela led him to a vast hall near the center of the city. The building was ancient, with its walls etched in glyphs that hummed faintly. Inside, Wanderers lounged in groups, the air thick with laughter, tension, and the occasional clash of egos.

“This is the Crucible,” Kaela said, her voice flat. “Where Wanderers gather to trade, boast, and size each other up.”

Elior felt dozens of eyes turn toward them as they entered. Whispers spread like wildfire, accompanied by mocking laughter.

“Who’s the runt?” one Wanderer called out, his voice dripping with scorn.

“Must’ve picked up a stray,” another chuckled. “What’s he holding? A shiny toothpick?”

Elior clenched his fists, but Kaela’s glare silenced his retort. She strode forward with confidence, but the jeers didn’t stop.

Then, a voice cut through the noise like a knife.

“Well, if it isn’t the princess of the Velkyn,” a man drawled, leaning against a pillar. His armor gleamed, and his smirk was razor-sharp.

Kaela froze, her posture stiffening.

The man continued, his tone mockingly sweet. “Didn’t think I’d see you here, Your Highness. Still running away from your legacy? Or maybe you’re just babysitting now.”

Laughter erupted around them. Elior turned to Kaela, confused, but her expression stopped him. She wasn’t angry—she was hurt.

“What’s he talking about?” Elior asked quietly, but Kaela didn’t answer.

The man’s smirk widened. “Oh, you haven’t told him? Guess you don’t want your new friend to know how you let your entire world burn while you ran away like a coward. The Defective Princess of Velkyn, heralded by some, pitied by most.”

Kaela’s hand twitched toward her bow, but she stopped herself. Without a word, she turned and walked out of the Crucible.

Elior stared after her, then turned back to the man, anger bubbling in his chest. “Don’t talk about her like that.”

The man laughed. “And what are you going to do about it, runt? Swing that stick of yours? Face it—you’re out of your league.”

Elior gritted his teeth but said nothing. Instead, he left the Crucible, his concern for Kaela outweighing his anger.

—

Elior searched the streets of Astraea, but Kaela was nowhere to be found. Hours passed, and his frustration grew. He replayed the man’s words in his mind, each one cutting deeper.

Eventually, he found himself in a quiet alleyway, the noise of the city muffled. He slumped against a wall, Ashenveil resting beside him.

“She’s hurt,” Elior muttered. “I just… don’t know how to help her.”

Ashenveil’s voice echoed in his mind, calm and steady. “Sometimes, people need space to process their pain. But don’t lose sight of her. She’s stronger than she lets on, but even the strong need someone to lean on.”

Elior nodded, his resolve hardening. “I won’t let her face this alone.”

—

Elior continued searching, determined not to give up. He knew Kaela was strong, but he also knew the weight of loneliness and guilt.

As he wandered, he vowed to confront Kaela with kindness and understanding, to show her that she didn’t have to bear her burdens alone.

But in the back of his mind, a sense of unease lingered. The city was dangerous, and shadows seemed to stretch longer than they should.

Something was coming, and Elior could feel it in his bones.

Chapter 10: The Distortion Beckons

The Crucible was abuzz with energy as Wanderers gathered in droves. Elior stood on the periphery, watching the council take their places on the raised dais at the center. The room was a cacophony of speculation and murmurs, the air thick with anticipation.

“Why’s the council here?” someone whispered.

“Must be something big. They don’t convene like this for minor threats.”

Elior shifted uneasily. Kaela was still missing, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. He leaned against a pillar, Ashenveil hanging at his side in its sword form. The relic pulsed faintly, as though sensing his unease.

At last, the leader of the council stepped forward. She was a striking figure—tall, with silvery hair cascading down her back and eyes like molten gold. Her presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent.

“Wanderers,” she began, her voice resonating through the chamber. “I am Seraphis, Arbiter of the Council of Astraea.”

The title carried weight, and the crowd stilled further.

—

Seraphis surveyed the room, her gaze sharp and assessing. “A Distortion has opened on the outskirts of the city—a Distortion unlike any we have encountered before. Its size is unprecedented, and its influence threatens to engulf Astraea itself if left unchecked.”

The murmur of voices rose again, this time tinged with fear. Distortions were no laughing matter. Even the smallest of them could trap and kill entire teams of Wanderers.

Seraphis raised a hand, and the room quieted once more. “The council will lead the effort to close this Distortion. However, the scale of the threat demands more than just our strength. We call upon any capable Wanderers and their entourages to join us. Those who survive and contribute will be rewarded handsomely.”

Elior felt his chest tighten. The council’s confidence in recruiting volunteers underscored how dire the situation was. But he knew he wasn’t ready—not yet.

“I should sit this one out,” he muttered to himself. “I barely survived my last encounter with a Distortion. I’m not strong enough.

—

As the meeting dispersed, Wanderers began forming groups, discussing strategies, and preparing for the mission. Elior lingered near the edge of the room, feeling more out of place than ever.

“What’s wrong?” Ashenveil’s voice echoed in his mind. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Elior sighed. “I don’t belong here. Look at them—they’re all so… experienced. I’d only get in the way.”

Ashenveil chuckled softly. “You underestimate yourself, kid. You’ve faced death more times than most of them and lived to tell the tale. That counts for something.”

Before Elior could respond, he felt a sharp tug in his chest—a sensation that was neither physical nor emotional but something else entirely. He clutched his shirt, his breathing uneven.

“What’s happening to me?” he whispered.

Ashenveil’s tone turned serious. “This… this isn’t normal. It’s like the Distortion is… calling you.”

Elior’s heart raced. “Calling me? What does that mean?”

“I don’t know,” Ashenveil admitted. “But it’s not random. That Distortion has something to do with you.”

—

Elior’s mind raced as he stumbled out of the Crucible. The city’s streets felt suffocating, the noise and bustle overwhelming. He found a quiet alley and sank to the ground, his head in his hands.

“Why me?” he muttered. “Why do I always end up in situations I can’t handle?”

But as despair threatened to take hold, he remembered the promise he had made to himself and to Ashenveil—to live up to the trust placed in him, to prove that he was more than just the weakest Wanderer.

Taking a deep breath, he stood. “If this Distortion has something to do with me, then I need to find out what. I can’t keep running from things I don’t understand.”

—

Elior spent the rest of the day preparing, though the weight of Kaela’s absence gnawed at him. She had been his guide, his mentor, and—though he wouldn’t admit it aloud—his friend. Without her, he felt unmoored.

He searched the city, asking for her whereabouts, but no one had seen her. Frustration and worry bubbled beneath the surface, but he pushed them down.

“She’ll come back,” he told himself. “She always does.”

—

The streets of Astraea seemed quieter than usual as Elior wandered aimlessly, his mind racing with questions. Kaela’s absence weighed heavily on him. Despite their arguments, she had been his anchor in this unfamiliar world. The thought of losing her gnawed at his resolve, yet he had no clue where to even begin searching.

As he turned a corner into a deserted alley, a figure appeared before him. Elior froze. The person had an androgynous look, with a delicate frame cloaked in flowing garments of midnight blue. Their face was covered by a mask, but their piercing, otherworldly eyes shone with an eerie light.

“Lost, are we?” the stranger said, their voice melodic yet unsettling.

Elior instinctively gripped Ashenveil’s hilt. “Who are you? What do you want?”

The figure chuckled softly. “So guarded. And here I thought you’d be happy to meet someone who might have answers.”

Elior frowned. “Answers? About what?”

The stranger stepped closer, their movements fluid, almost unnaturally so. “About the one you seek. Kaela, is it?”

Elior’s breath hitched. “You know where she is?”

The figure tilted their head, as though amused. “To find her, follow your heart. You already know where she’s gone.”

Elior stared at the stranger, his mind reeling. He knew exactly what they meant—Kaela was in the Distortion.

“But why?” he demanded. “Why would she be there? And why are you telling me this?”

The stranger smiled faintly, their expression unreadable. “Because it is your path, dear Elior. You cannot run from it. And as for why I’m helping you…” They paused, their gaze softening. “You will learn all in due time.”

The cryptic response only frustrated Elior further. “Who are you? What’s your connection to me?”

The stranger took another step forward, their voice dropping to a whisper. “Just wait a little longer, my dear El. We will be together very soon.”

Elior blinked, and in that moment, the stranger vanished as though they had never been there. He stood alone in the alley, his heart pounding and his mind swirling with questions.

“Follow my heart,” he muttered, his gaze drifting toward the outskirts of the city. The pull he had felt earlier, the strange connection to the Distortion—it all made sense now. Kaela was there, and he had no choice but to follow.

Ashenveil’s voice broke through his thoughts. “You’re really going to do this, aren’t you?”

Elior nodded, his grip tightening on the relic. “I have to. Kaela needs me. I won’t let her face this alone.”

“Then let’s not waste any more time,” Ashenveil said, a hint of approval in his tone.

With renewed determination, Elior turned and began making his way toward the edge of the city, where the Distortion loomed like a dark promise of what was to come.

Chapter 11: Cast Into the Fray

The Crucible was alive with tension. Dozens of wanderers gathered, their voices rising in a cacophony of plans, boasts, and grim determination. Elior stood at the edge of the assembly, feeling like an intruder in a place he didn’t belong.

“Who let the rookie in?” a sneering voice called, drawing a ripple of laughter from the crowd.

Elior turned to see a tall, muscular man with sharp features and a smirk that didn’t reach his cold eyes. The others joined in, snickering and whispering.

“Must’ve wandered in by mistake,” someone else added.

“Hey, kid,” the tall man continued, leaning down so his face was uncomfortably close. “This isn’t playtime. Why don’t you go back to sharpening sticks or whatever it is you’re good at?”

Elior clenched his fists but said nothing. His heart thudded painfully against his ribs, the weight of their disdain heavier than any physical blow.

Before he could respond, the leader of the council—Aridia, an imposing woman with blonde hair and eyes like molten gold—stepped forward. “Enough,” she said, her voice cutting through the noise like a blade. “We don’t have time for childish games. If he’s here, he’s part of the mission.”

The crowd fell silent, though Elior could still feel their scornful gazes boring into him.

“Stick close to your group,” Aridia said, addressing the assembly as a whole. “The Distortion is no place for lone wolves. Work together, or you won’t survive.”

—

The team Elior was assigned to made no effort to hide their irritation. They walked ahead of him, muttering insults just loud enough for him to hear.

“Why’d they even let him come?”

“Dead weight, that’s all he is.”

Elior bit back a retort, focusing instead on the path ahead. The landscape around the Distortion was warped, with twisted trees and jagged rocks jutting out at unnatural angles. The air was thick with a suffocating energy that made his skin crawl.

Ashenveil’s voice echoed in his mind, calm and steady. “Ignore them, Elior. You don’t need their approval to prove your worth.”

“I know,” Elior muttered under his breath. “But it’s hard.”

Veil’s tone softened. “Then focus on what matters. You’re not here for them.”

A sudden roar shattered his thoughts. A pack of wraithbeasts emerged from the shadows, their glowing red eyes fixated on the group.

“Formation!” the team leader barked, but the others hesitated, their bravado replaced with fear.

Elior drew Veil, the relic humming with energy in his hands. “I’ve got your back,” he said, stepping forward.

“Stay out of the way!” one of them snapped. “We don’t need you screwing this up!”

The battle was chaos. Elior tried to keep up, but the team deliberately left him behind, their movements erratic and uncoordinated. He found himself surrounded, the wraithbeasts circling like vultures.

“Veil, now!” he shouted, swinging the blade in a wide arc. The relic pulsed, releasing a shockwave of energy that sent the creatures scattering.

But when the dust settled, Elior realized he was alone. The team had abandoned him, either intentionally or in the chaos of the fight.

“Well, that’s just great,” he muttered.

“On the bright side,” Veil said, his voice tinged with dry amusement, “you’re free to do what you really came here for.”

Elior nodded, his resolve hardening. “Let’s find Kaela.”

—

Navigating the Distortion was like walking through a nightmare. The terrain shifted with every step, making it impossible to get his bearings. Shadows moved in the corners of his vision, and the air was filled with a low, ominous hum.

Elior pressed on, Veil’s presence a comforting weight in his hand.

“You’re getting better with that sword,” Veil remarked after Elior dispatched another wraithbeast.

“Thanks,” Elior said, panting. “Though I’d prefer not to fight every five minutes.”

“Consider it training. You’ll thank me later.”

Despite the danger, Elior couldn’t help but marvel at the relic’s power. Veil was more than a weapon; he was a partner, guiding Elior’s movements and offering advice when needed.

As they walked, Elior’s thoughts drifted to Kaela. He couldn’t shake the image of her facing this place alone. “Why would she be here, Veil?” he asked quietly.

” Well we can ask the person herself when we find her,” Veil replied.

Elior sighed. “Let’s keep moving.”

“That’s the spirit,” Veil said.

With each step, Elior felt his confidence growing. He was still terrified, still unsure of what lay ahead, but he knew one thing for certain: he wouldn’t stop until he found Kaela.

The Catalyst Event

Kaela floated in a void of half-formed memories and whispers of her past. Her body felt heavy, weighed down by the relentless energy of the origin that coursed through her. It was like a second heartbeat, alien and overwhelming, pulsing with the echoes of her dead world.

She clenched her fists, her breath coming in shallow gasps. I can’t let this consume me.

The shadowy figures surrounded her like wraiths, their voices a blend of contempt and cold amusement.

“She’s resisting again,” one muttered, its tone almost bored.

“Let her,” another replied. “The more she fights, the faster the origin will bond. It feeds on her defiance.”

Kaela snarled, her anger flaring as she pushed against the restraints of energy holding her in place. The distortion around her pulsed in response, sending out a shockwave that rippled through the surrounding terrain. Somewhere in the distance, she thought she sensed a flicker of familiarity, like a faint echo of Elior.

“Elior…” she whispered. She didn’t know if he could hear her, but she hoped. She needed him to hear her.

—

Elior trudged through the warped remains of the dead world, the air thick with an unnatural stillness. He could feel the distortion pressing down on him, a malevolent force that seemed to whisper doubts and fears into his mind.

“This place is wrong,” Veil said, his voice low. His spectral form floated beside Elior, his expression tense. “This is more than just a distortion—it’s tied to a dead world. I can feel it in the air, in the ground. It’s… alive, in a way.”

Elior stopped, his gaze falling on a crumbled statue half-buried in the ashen ground. The face was weathered and cracked, but there was a faint familiarity to it that sent a chill down his spine. He remembered her talking about it.

“Kaela’s world,” he murmured.

Veil nodded. “I’d bet my existence on it. “

A sudden tremor shook the ground beneath them, and Elior stumbled, catching himself against the statue. The air crackled with energy, and for a fleeting moment, he thought he heard her voice.

“Kaela…”

He stood straight, determination hardening his features. “She’s alive. I know it. Let’s move.”

—

Aridia knelt, her hand pressed against the fractured ground as she focused on the faint vibrations beneath her fingertips. The distortion’s energy was erratic, its pulses irregular and unnatural.

“This isn’t just a standard tear,” she said, rising to her feet. “There’s something… alive at the center of this.”

Drelan, standing beside her, frowned. “Alive? You mean the distortion is sentient?”

“No.” She shook her head, her expression grim. “I mean there’s a living entity tied to it. It’s connected to a dead world in a way I’ve never seen before.”

Her team exchanged uneasy glances, but no one voiced their doubts. They trusted her judgment implicitly, even if it led them into unknown dangers.

Another tremor rippled through the ground, this one stronger than the last. The terrain shifted, the air growing heavier with each passing moment.

“We need to move,” Aridia said. “If we don’t reach the center soon, this distortion could destabilize further. Whatever’s causing this, we have to stop it.”

As they advanced, the distortion’s energy grew more oppressive, and Aridia couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.

—

Kaela’s struggles against her captors sent out bursts of energy, each one more intense than the last. These shockwaves rippled outward, causing the terrain to shift unpredictably.

For Elior, it meant sudden drops in the ground and wraithbeasts materializing out of the shadows, their twisted forms relentless in their pursuit. He fought through them with a single-minded determination, his connection to Kaela driving him forward.

For Aridia, it was a gauntlet of collapsing pathways and energy surges that tested her team’s resolve. The closer they got to the distortion’s center, the more they realized the magnitude of what they were facing.

Though they didn’t know it yet, their paths were beginning to converge, drawn together by the gravity of Kaela’s plight and the distortion’s insidious pull.

Chapter 12: The First Convergence

Elior tightened his grip on Veil, his breath ragged as another wraithbeast lunged at him, its skeletal maw gaping wide. Veil’s blade arced in a clean slash, the beast dissolving into ash mid-air.

“Getting a bit too crowded for comfort,” Veil muttered, his voice sharp in Elior’s mind.

Elior wiped his brow, surveying the terrain. The distortion’s energy was thick now, warping the air around him. In the distance, a faint, shimmering light marked his destination.

“Kaela’s there,” Elior said under his breath, his resolve hardening.

Before he could take another step, a piercing whistle cut through the distorted air. Elior barely had time to react as a spear of energy shot toward him. He rolled aside, the blast tearing through the ground where he’d been standing.

“Who’s there?” he called out, raising Veil defensively.

From the shifting haze, a figure emerged—a woman clad in sleek, silver-black armor that seemed to pulse with energy. Her eyes burned with an intensity that made Elior’s skin crawl.

“Step away from the distortion, boy,” Aridia said coldly, her spear of energy reforming in her hand. “You don’t belong here.”

—

Aridia studied the young man standing before her, his stance defensive but determined. He couldn’t have been more than a rookie Wanderer, judging by the way he gripped his weapon.

“You’re interfering with a purge operation,” she continued, her voice steady but firm. “Leave now, or you’ll regret it.”

“I can’t,” Elior replied, his tone resolute. “Someone I care about is at the center of this distortion. I’m not leaving without her.”

Aridia’s eyes narrowed. “You’re either brave or foolish. Do you even understand the magnitude of what’s happening here?”

“I understand enough,” Elior shot back. “And I’m not walking away.”

Behind her, Drelan stepped forward, his towering figure casting a long shadow. His voice was calm but carried an edge.

“Lady Aridia,” he said, his gaze fixed on Elior, “he doesn’t look like a threat. Perhaps we should hear him out.”

Aridia glanced at Drelan, her jaw tightening. She trusted his judgment, but the distortion’s instability left no room for risk.

—

Veil’s Intervention

Before she could reply, Veil’s spectral form shimmered into view beside Elior. His ethereal presence drew gasps from Aridia’s entourage.

“A council member?” Drelan muttered, his brow furrowing.

“Former council member,” Veil corrected, his tone smooth. He turned to Aridia, inclining his head slightly. “Lady Aridia of the purge division. Your reputation precedes you.”

“And yours,” Aridia replied, her tone sharp. “A traitor to the council, if I recall correctly.”

“An outdated narrative,” Veil said with a wry smile. “But I’m not here to debate history. My charge here,” he gestured to Elior, “has a personal stake in this distortion. I vouch for his intentions.”

“Intentions don’t mean much if he’s in over his head,” Aridia countered.

“I can handle myself,” Elior interjected, stepping forward. “And if you’re heading for the distortion’s core, we’re going the same way. Whether you like it or not.”

—

The tension hung thick in the air as Aridia weighed her options. She didn’t like the idea of bringing an untested Wanderer into a mission this critical, but the determination in his eyes reminded her of someone—herself, long ago.

“Fine,” she said finally, lowering her spear. “But don’t expect me to hold your hand. If you slow us down or compromise the mission, I’ll leave you behind.”

“I wasn’t planning on holding anyone back,” Elior replied, his voice steady.

Drelan approached, his imposing figure towering over Elior. “A bold claim,” he said, his tone measured. “We’ll see if you can back it up.”

As the group moved forward, the distortion’s energy grew stronger, the terrain shifting beneath their feet. The uneasy alliance between Elior and Aridia crackled with tension, but for now, they had a shared goal.

—

The group paused as another tremor shook the ground, this one more violent than the last. In the distance, wraithbeasts began to materialize, their twisted forms writhing with malevolent energy.

“More of them,” Aridia muttered, her grip on her spear tightening.

Elior stepped forward, Taron’s blade gleaming in his hand. “Then let’s deal with them.”

Aridia watched him for a moment, her expression unreadable.

“Don’t get yourself killed, rookie,” she said, a hint of grudging respect in her tone.

“Don’t worry about me,” Elior replied, a faint smirk on his lips. “I’ve got this.”

As the wraithbeasts closed in, the uneasy alliance was put to the test, the distortion looming ever closer.

Chapter 13:The Second Convergence

Kaela’s thoughts swam in the maelstrom of energy, her identity flickering like a candle in a storm. The fusion with the origin was devouring her piece by piece, and the shadowy captors only hastened the process.

She could feel her dead world calling to her, its pain intertwined with hers. Memories she thought long buried began to resurface: the laughter of her village, the warmth of the sun over endless green fields, the cries of people as wraithbeasts consumed everything she once loved.

“No… not again,” she whispered, her hands trembling.

The captors worked with ruthless efficiency.

“The distortion will stabilize soon,” one rasped.

“She resists,” another growled, their shadowed form looming. “Increase the pressure.”

Kaela felt the surge of power, and for a moment, her body screamed with agony.

And then…

A spark.

Familiar. Warm. Steady.

“Elior…”

His name fell from her lips like a prayer, a fragment of hope piercing through the storm.

Elior, please… find me. I can’t hold on… much longer.

Her voice rippled outward, raw and desperate, a single thread weaving through the chaos.

—

The voice hit Elior like a tidal wave, cutting through the distortion’s madness. Kaela’s plea carried a depth of desperation that made his heart clench.

“She’s here,” Elior said, his voice hoarse with urgency.

Aridia, walking ahead with her spear drawn, stopped and turned, her brow furrowing. “You keep saying that, but there’s no proof. That voice could be a distortion trick.”

“It’s her,” Elior said fiercely, his eyes blazing. “I know it’s her.”

Aridia opened her mouth to argue, but the raw emotion in his voice made her pause. Instead, she glanced at Drelan, who shrugged casually.

“I say we follow him,” Drelan said. “At least it’s more entertaining than wandering around getting attacked by monsters.”

“This isn’t about entertainment,” Aridia snapped.

“It’s about trust,” Elior interjected, stepping forward. “And if you don’t trust me, fine. But I’m going to find her—with or without your help.”

Aridia’s jaw tightened, her knuckles whitening on her spear. “You’re reckless.”

“I’m human,” Elior shot back, his tone softer but no less resolute. “And she’s my friend. I won’t let her go.”

For a moment, there was silence, the tension palpable. Then, with a sigh, Aridia gestured for him to lead.

“Fine,” she muttered. “But if this goes sideways, it’s on you.”

—

Within the core of the distortion, the captors worked faster, their movements frantic but precise.

“She’s linked too strongly to the Wanderer,” one figure hissed.

“Then sever it,” another commanded, their hand weaving through the energy.

Kaela cried out, her vision blurring as the connection to Elior was forcibly strained. Yet she held on, pouring everything she had into keeping that thread alive.

—

As the group ventured deeper into the distortion, the terrain grew increasingly unstable. Veil hovered near Elior, his voice calm but concerned.

“Her energy signature is fluctuating,” Veil said. “If we don’t reach her soon…”

“She’ll be fine,” Elior said firmly, though his grip on Taron tightened.

Suddenly, the ground quaked violently. A massive rift split open before them, and from its depths emerged a colossal wraithbeast, its body writhing with fragments of Kaela’s dead world—shattered buildings, fragments of trees, and echoes of screams.

“Stand back!” Aridia shouted, her spear glowing with light.

“No!” Elior yelled, stepping forward.

A shockwave burst from the wraithbeast, throwing them all off balance. In the chaos, Kaela’s voice pierced through again, stronger this time.

Elior! Don’t let them… take me! Please!

Her words were choked with fear, and Elior felt his chest tighten painfully. He could almost see her, flickering in and out of existence, her hand outstretched toward him.

“I’m coming!” he shouted, his voice cracking.

“She’s fighting back,” Veil murmured, a hint of admiration in his tone.

“Then we fight too,” Elior said, stepping forward.

—

The wraithbeast roared, its fragmented form shifting unnaturally. Pieces of Kaela’s world swirled around it like a storm, its presence a mockery of life.

“This thing… it’s her memories,” Elior realized, his eyes widening.

“That’s not possible,” Aridia said sharply.

“It’s using her!” Elior snapped. “Don’t you see? She’s the core, but she’s still fighting!”

Aridia hesitated, her gaze narrowing as she studied the creature.

“Fine,” she said, lifting her spear. “But if it kills us, I’m blaming you.”

Elior smirked faintly, though his heart was pounding.

—

As the fight raged, Kaela’s presence grew stronger. Her faint projection appeared again, hovering just above the battlefield.

“Elior,” she said, her voice trembling. “You have to let me go.”

“No!” he shouted, his desperation boiling over. “I’m not losing you, Kaela. Not again.”

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “If you save me… the distortion might collapse. The multiverse…”

“I don’t care!” Elior’s voice cracked, raw with emotion. “You’re my friend, Kaela. I’ll find a way to save both!”

Kaela’s projection faltered, her lips trembling. “You always were stubborn.”

“Then believe in me,” Elior said, stepping closer to her image. “Let me fight for you.”

Kaela’s tears finally fell, and her projection faded just as the wraithbeast let out a deafening roar.

—

The battle reached its peak, and Elior, Aridia, and Drelan charged together, their combined strength aimed at breaking through the distortion.

“Let’s end this!” Elior yelled, his voice echoing through the chaos.

Chapter 14: The Final Convergence: The Binding of Souls

Kaela felt her essence slipping away, merging irreversibly with the core. The origin’s energy consumed her, threading through her soul like vines constricting her identity. Every heartbeat brought her closer to oblivion, her body flickering as if caught between dimensions.

Through the chaos, a voice pierced the fog—a voice she’d grown to trust more than her own.

“Kaela!”

Elior.

—

As the group reached the chamber of the origin they saw Kaela- almost merged with the origin. Elior gritted his teeth as he reached for Kaela, who was trapped within the glowing tendrils of the core. Her face was pale, her eyes half-closed, and her body looked as though it might dissolve at any moment.

“We’re running out of time!” he shouted, desperation cracking his voice.

“Stop!” Aridia barked, stepping in front of him. Her golden armor shimmered in the eerie light, but her voice carried a rare hesitation. “If you pull her out now, you’ll tear her apart—and likely destroy us all in the process.”

Elior clenched his fists. “I can’t just leave her! There has to be a way!”

—

“There… might be,” Veil said, her voice trembling slightly.

Elior spun toward her. “What do you mean?”

Veil hesitated, her gaze shifting to Kaela. “A soul-binding ritual. You could forge a link with her soul—pull her free without disturbing the core.”

“A soul bond?” Aridia’s voice sharpened. “Do you even understand what you’re suggesting? That’s not just some trivial spell!”

“It’s the only way!” Veil snapped back.

“What is it?” Elior demanded, his eyes darting between them. “What does it mean?”

Aridia sighed heavily, her expression clouded with reluctant understanding. “A soul bond is… absolute. It means sharing your lifespans, emotions, and even your pain. If either of you doubts—if there’s even a moment of hesitation—both of your souls could shatter. It’s vastly different from forming a contract with a relic. It’s irreversible, Elior. You can’t undo it.”

“And if it fails,” Veil added, her voice grim, “you’ll both die. There’s no margin for error.”

Elior’s gaze never wavered. “If it means saving Kaela, I’ll do it.”

Aridia frowned, her jaw tightening. “You’re a fool. But… I’ve seen this work before. I’ll help you.”

—

Aridia stepped forward, her face shadowed by memories she didn’t want to revisit. “Drelan and I once performed the soul bond. It’s not something I ever wanted to do, but circumstances…” She trailed off, shaking her head. “If you’re going to do this, you’ll need someone with experience. Just don’t make me regret this.”

Elior nodded, determination burning in his eyes. “Thank you.”

Veil stepped to Elior’s side. “We don’t have much time. Follow my lead, and Aridia will guide you through the critical points. This ritual is called the Concordium Vitae. It’s a convergence of life forces, binding two souls into a singular, shared existence.”

Aridia’s voice softened as she added, “It’s not about strength, Elior. It’s about trust—complete, unwavering trust. Do you trust her that much?”

Elior’s answer was immediate. “With my life.”

Elior knelt beside Kaela, his voice soft but urgent. “Kaela, I need you to trust me. There’s a way to save you, but… it’s not without risk.”

Kaela’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze searching his. “Risk… doesn’t matter. If it’s you, Elior… I’ll take that chance.”

Elior’s throat tightened. “Then hold on. We’ll do this together.”

—

Veil and Aridia began chanting softly, their words weaving a tapestry of ancient power.

“Focus on her soul,” Veil instructed. “See her essence—not her body, not her voice—just the part of her that is uniquely Kaela.”

Aridia placed a hand on Elior’s shoulder, her voice firm yet steady. “Don’t let fear cloud your mind. Let her in completely. If you waver, even for a second, you’ll lose her—and yourself.”

Elior took a deep breath and extended his hand toward Kaela. A faint, golden light began to emanate from his palm, reaching toward her.

Kaela’s own essence responded, a shimmering thread of silvery light weaving its way toward Elior. As the two threads connected, the world around them seemed to slow, the air growing thick with an almost tangible energy.

—

Elior felt Kaela’s presence flood into him—her fears, her pain, her determination. He could see her memories as if they were his own: the harsh survivalist life she had lived, the moments of quiet hope, and the deep-seated loneliness she had never shown.

Kaela felt Elior’s unwavering resolve and the raw vulnerability he rarely let anyone see. In that moment, there were no barriers, no secrets—just the unfiltered truth of who they were.

“Kaela,” Elior whispered, his voice cracking, “you’re not alone. Not anymore.”

Kaela smiled faintly, tears glistening in her eyes. “And neither are you.”

The threads of light fused into a brilliant blaze, enveloping them both. For a single, infinite moment, their souls became one.

—

As the light faded, Kaela collapsed into Elior’s arms, her body trembling but whole.

Aridia exhaled deeply, her relief tempered by exhaustion. “You did it… you idiot.”

Elior managed a weak smile. “Told you I’d save her.”

Veil knelt beside them, her expression a mix of awe and concern. “The bond worked, but you’ve both changed. You’ll need time to adjust to this… connection.”

Elior nodded, holding Kaela close. “As long as she’s alive, I’ll take whatever comes.”

—

Three shadowy figures emerged from the fading distortion, their forms flickering with barely-contained frustration.

“Well, that was unexpected,” one muttered.

“No matter,” another said, their voice cold. “This plan may have failed, but we have plenty of resources. And all the time in the world.”

Aridia stepped forward, her spear raised. “Who are you? What do you want?”

The third figure chuckled. “All we do is the will of our master. You’ll know in time… but there’s no need to rush.”

—-

As Aridia prepared to strike, a new presence filled the room—a small figure in an ornate mask.

Time froze.

Elior looked around, his heart racing. He was the only one who could move.

“What… what’s happening?” he asked, his voice echoing in the stillness.

The figure tilted their head, their tone playful. “Relax, Elior. Don’t be so uptight. I’m not here to hurt you.”

“You again! Who are you?” Elior demanded. “What do you want?”

The figure ignored his question, instead gesturing vaguely. “Before I answer your question, what do you think of the dimensional staircase?”

“What does that have to do with anything?” Elior asked, flustered.

The figure chuckled. “Oh, you’re not ready to understand yet. But don’t worry. Travel through the worlds, climb the staircase, and when the time is right, I’ll tell you everything. And then… we’ll be together again. Isn’t that what you wished for too?”

Elior froze, confusion and unease swirling in his mind. “What are you talking about? How do you know me?”

The figure smiled beneath their mask. “All in good time, Elior. Until we meet again.”

With that, they vanished, and time resumed.

—

The shadowy figures were gone, leaving Aridia and Kaela bewildered.

“Where did they go?” Aridia demanded, scanning the room.

Kaela shook her head. “I… I don’t know.”

Elior remained silent, his mind racing. The masked figure’s words echoed in his thoughts, filling him with questions he couldn’t yet answer.

As the group prepared to leave, Elior cast one last look at Kaela. The warmth of their bond still lingered, a reminder of what they had just endured—and what lay ahead.

We’ll be together again. Isn’t that what you wished for as well?

His fists clenched. Whatever lay ahead, he would find the truth—no matter the cost.

Chapter 15: The Aftermath

Elior and Kaela felt their energy completely drained after destroying the Origin. Back in the World of Beginnings, the two requested rest, their bodies and minds unfamiliar with the strain of the Concordium Vitae. Aridia, understanding their need, offered them sanctuary in her residence.

“I’ll handle the council,” Aridia said firmly. “Rest. You’ll need it.”

As Elior and Kaela retreated to their respective rooms, Aridia turned her gaze skyward. She knew what was coming—a grueling council meeting full of questions, suspicions, and, undoubtedly, accusations.

—

The Council Chamber loomed tall and imposing, its arched ceilings casting long shadows over the marble floors. Aridia stood before the Arbiter, Seraphis, whose silver-gray eyes bore into her like twin daggers.

“Begin,” Seraphis ordered, his voice calm but authoritative.

Before she could speak, Aridia’s thoughts drifted back to earlier, when Veil had approached her with a request for answers.

—

Aridia leaned against the wall, her expression guarded as Veil spoke. His usual lighthearted demeanor was gone, replaced by something grim.

“You wanted answers, and I’ll give them,” Veil said quietly, his voice heavy with emotion. “But you won’t like what you hear.”

“I’m listening,” Aridia replied, her tone sharper than intended.

Veil exhaled deeply. “I was on a purge mission to seal a distortion. My team was supposed to have my back—trusted Wanderers. But… I was betrayed. They destroyed my relics, stripped me of my strength, and threw me into the distortion.” His fists clenched, trembling slightly. “They left me there. For a month, I was nothing but food for the wraithbeasts.”

Before anyone could say more, Drelan interjected,”But they shouldn’t have been able to restrain you, a distinguished member of the council”.

Veil admitted,” Normally yes, but they had a strange item in their possession one that could seal a relic’s power and render them useless. I was powerless against so many of them with my relics’ powers sealed.

I had to watch as they destroyed my relics one after the other..helpless as they threw me in the distortion.”

Aridia’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Unbelievable. To think they had the gall to commit such atrocities against a council member. And? How are we supposed to believe your words.”

Veil jokingly said, ” Well, for one I’m already dead.”

Drelan agrees with Veil- ” His words have merit. And he truly has no reason to lie to us. I had been sensing unusual movement behind the scenes for a while and considering that this doesn’t really come as a surprise. What’s certain is this betrayal definitely wasn’t random.

Veil agreed, “True ; this kind of coordination—it had to come from someone high up. Someone with influence.”

“Someone in the council,” Drelan interjected, his voice cold. “No Wanderer would have the audacity to act alone in such a manner.”

Aridia was still shocked from these revelations. Her stomach churned, but she nodded. “And then you met Elior and Kaela?”

“Yes,” Veil said, his tone softening. “They found me when I had almost nothing left. Elior didn’t hesitate to help me, even when I had nothing to offer in return. He’s…” Veil hesitated, then continued, “different.”

Before Aridia could press further, Veil added, “There’s more. Something happened during the battle with the distortion.”

He recounted Elior’s strange encounter with the masked figure, describing how time froze and only Elior could interact with them. “I could hear their conversation through the bond,” Veil explained, “but I couldn’t see who they were. It’s… unsettling. Whoever they are, they know more about Elior than they should.”

Aridia crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I trust you,” Veil said bluntly. “And because I can’t trust anyone else in that council. We need to investigate this—quietly. Will you help us?”

Aridia exchanged a glance with Drelan, who nodded subtly. “We’ll help,” she said finally. “But no one can know.”

The memory faded as Seraphis’s voice brought her back to the present.

—

Aridia began her report. Her voice was steady, each word calculated.

“The distortion was connected to a dead world,” she explained, causing murmurs to ripple through the council. “That world… was Kaela’s, the world where the velkyns lived.”

The room erupted into chaos. Council members shouted questions and accusations, their voices overlapping.

“How is that possible?” one demanded.

“Was she part of this plan?” another accused.

“Enough!” Seraphis’s voice cut through the noise, restoring order. “Aridia, continue.”

Aridia opened her mouth, but Drelan spoke first. “We verified Kaela’s innocence ourselves,” he said, his tone icy. “She was a victim of the Origin, not its ally.”

A sneering voice rang out. “And why should we trust the words of a mere Anima? How dare mere Anima even speak to us as equals. You are fortunate to even be in our presence. Know your place.”

Aridia’s gaze snapped to the speaker—a council member named Malrik, known for his arrogance and disdain for Animae. Her voice dropped to a chilling tone. “Are you accusing me of collusion, Malrik?”

Malrik faltered, his confidence wavering. “N-no, of course not—”

“Then hold your tongue. Drelan represents me; his words are my words,” Aridia snapped, her eyes blazing.

The room fell silent, the tension palpable.

A soft, playful voice broke the quiet. “My, my, such drama,” said Iria, the smallest yet most imposing presence in the room. Despite her childlike frame, Iria’s aura commanded absolute respect.

She smiled, her tone light. “Isn’t there a more curious aspect here? Young Elior. A fledgling Wanderer, not even a year into his awakening, capable of forging a soul bond. Doesn’t that warrant… intrigue?”

Aridia’s heart skipped a beat. Does she know?

But Iria merely shrugged, her expression unreadable. “Just an observation,” she said, her tone dismissive.

Seraphis’s voice brought the meeting back to focus. “Enough speculation. The shadowy figures have escaped, and we lack leads. For now, we will observe and prepare.”

“And Elior and Kaela?” someone asked.

Seraphis’s gaze was unreadable. “Leave them to me. I will investigate personally.”

The meeting adjourned, but Aridia’s mind was far from at ease. The council was more divided than ever, and the secrets she carried felt heavier than ever.

Who can we truly trust in a place like this?

—

Aridia stood on the balcony of the Council Tower, her fingers gripping the edge as her gaze swept over the sprawling World of Beginnings. The sky here was an eternal twilight, its hues of gold and indigo casting a dreamlike glow over the crystalline city. Yet her thoughts were far from serene.

“I take it you’re not here for the view,” Aridia said without turning.

A light chuckle, lilting and almost musical, broke the silence behind her. “Always so sharp, little Ari. You haven’t changed.”

Aridia closed her eyes briefly, exhaling. “Lady Iria. What brings you here?”

Iria stepped forward, her petite figure wrapped in a flowing mantle that seemed woven from threads of starlight. Despite her small frame and youthful appearance, there was an unmistakable air of authority about her. She leaned against the balcony rail, her silver hair catching the light.

“Must there be a reason, Ari? Can’t I simply visit an old acquaintance?” Iria’s tone was teasing, but her eyes gleamed with quiet calculation.

Aridia stiffened. “If you’re here because of the council meeting—”

“Oh, relax, dear,” Iria interrupted with a wave of her hand. “I have no intention of grilling you like those stiff-necked fools inside. I’m merely… curious.” She tilted her head, her gaze sharp as a blade. “The boy. Elior. There’s something you’re not saying.”

Aridia’s lips pressed into a thin line, her silence a confirmation of Iria’s suspicion.

“Ah,” Iria said softly, her voice almost playful. “Secrets already? You must think him very important to keep them so tightly guarded.”

“He’s harmless,” Aridia said at last, her tone measured but firm. “Innocent. Whatever you think, he’s not a threat.”

Iria laughed, a sound so carefree it was almost mocking. “Ari, Ari. Do you think I’m here to accuse you? No, no, child. I wouldn’t dream of prying if you’re not ready to share.” She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “After all, it’s so much more entertaining to watch you youngsters stumble about trying to figure things out. If I intervened, well—” she shrugged gracefully, “—where’s the fun in that?”

Aridia’s cheeks colored faintly at the condescension in Iria’s words. “With respect, Lady Iria, this is hardly a game.”

“Everything is a game, my dear,” Iria said with a sly smile. “You just don’t see it yet.”

At that moment, a soft rustle announced Drelan’s presence as he stepped onto the balcony. His posture was formal, his emerald armor gleaming even in the dim light. He inclined his head deeply toward Iria.

“Lady Iria,” Drelan said respectfully. “It is an honor to be in your presence. Your reputation precedes you, as always.”

Iria turned to him, her smile softening. “Ah, Drelan. Always so polite. It’s refreshing to see some manners still exist among you youngsters. Tell me, how do you tolerate Ari’s constant stubbornness?”

Drelan chuckled lightly, though he kept his tone deferential. “Stubbornness can often be a strength, my lady. Lady Aridia’s resolve is one of her greatest virtues.”

“Oh, you’re far too kind, Drelan,” Iria said, waving him off with an almost maternal fondness. “But don’t let her wear you down too much. She’s always been a handful, hasn’t she?”

Aridia crossed her arms, clearly irritated. “I’m standing right here, you know.”

“Of course you are, darling,” Iria said with a smirk, “but you’ve never minded a little criticism from your elders. Isn’t that right?”

Aridia opened her mouth to retort but thought better of it, settling instead for a sharp glare.

Iria straightened, her expression turning more serious. “All jesting aside, Ari, tread carefully. Whatever it is you’re hiding—” she paused, her silver eyes piercing, “—be sure you’re ready for the consequences when the truth comes to light.”

Aridia held her gaze, unyielding. “I always am.”

For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken tension. Then Iria’s face broke into a radiant smile, her playful demeanor returning as if the moment had never happened.

“Well, I should leave you two to your plotting,” she said lightly, stepping back. “Do take care, little Ari. And Drelan,” she added with a nod, “keep an eye on her, won’t you?”

“Always, my lady,” Drelan replied with a bow.

With that, Iria turned and disappeared into the tower, her presence lingering like the echo of a melody.

Aridia let out a slow breath, her shoulders relaxing.

“She suspects something,” Drelan said quietly.

“Of course she does,” Aridia muttered. “But for now, she’s content to watch.” She turned to him, her expression grim. “We need to stay ahead of her, Drelan. If Iria starts digging…”

“We’ll handle it,” Drelan said firmly. “Together.”

Aridia nodded, her resolve hardening. Whatever lay ahead, she would not falter.

Chapter 16: A Quiet Resolve

Elior blinked awake, his body sore yet oddly rejuvenated. He turned his head and saw Kaela stirring in the adjacent bed. The soft light filtering through the curtains hinted at a calmness he hadn’t felt in days.

Before he could speak, the door creaked open, revealing Veil, Drelan, and Aridia. Veil’s expression was neutral, but there was a subtle warmth in his golden eyes. Drelan stood tall, his emerald armor polished, while Aridia, still regal despite her evident exhaustion, spoke first.

“Good, you’re awake,” she said briskly. “Get dressed and meet us in the dining room. None of us have had a proper meal in days, and we’ll need our strength for what’s to come.”

Kaela groaned, rubbing her temples. “You couldn’t let us sleep a little longer?”

“Not if you want to eat,” Aridia replied with a faint smirk. “And trust me, you’ll want to eat.”

Elior exchanged a glance with Kaela. There was an unspoken agreement as they both began to prepare themselves for whatever awaited.

—

The dining room was an elegant space, its long table laden with an impressive spread of food. The aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced stews filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension that had dominated their lives recently.

Elior and Kaela sat down hesitantly, glancing at the others. Veil leaned back in his chair, looking more relaxed than usual. Drelan stood to the side, ever the sentinel, while Aridia poured herself a glass of wine, her demeanor unusually casual.

“Eat,” she instructed, gesturing to the table. “You’ve earned it.”

Kaela didn’t need to be told twice, diving into the meal with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. Elior followed suit, the warmth of the food grounding him. For a brief moment, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, they allowed themselves to enjoy this respite.

The meal passed in companionable silence, punctuated by the occasional banter. Veil teased Kaela about her voracious appetite, earning a sharp glare in return, while Aridia sipped her wine, her gaze distant but softened.

—

When the plates were cleared, the mood shifted. Aridia leaned forward, her tone growing serious. “There are things you need to know before you make your next move.”

She recounted the council meeting in detail, sparing nothing. The uproar over Kaela’s origins. The suspicion cast on Elior. The cryptic remarks of Lady Iria.

“Lady Iria…” Aridia hesitated, her brow furrowing. “She’s an enigma. Older than most of the council, more powerful than she lets on. She’s watching us—watching you, Elior. Be careful. If she’s taken an interest, it’s not without reason.”

Elior nodded, his expression resolute. “Thank you for telling us.”

“Now,” Aridia said, folding her hands on the table. “What do you intend to do next?”

Elior straightened in his chair, meeting her gaze. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to start my ascent of the dimensional staircase.”

Kaela and Veil turned to him, their surprise evident.

“My purpose has changed,” Elior continued, his voice steady. “I’ll still search for a way back home, but I can’t ignore what’s happening here. The masked figure… the distortions… If ascending can lead to answers, I’ll take that path. Besides, it’s not like they’ll leave me alone anyway, seeing as their leader is particularly interested in me.

He glanced at Kaela and Veil, his eyes softening. “I have people who are important to me now. Kaela. Veil. I can’t let this world—or any world—become a place where they can’t live in peace. Until this is resolved, I’ll keep fighting.”

Aridia regarded him in silence, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded. “That’s probably our best course of action. It’s risky, but it’s the only lead we have.”

She paused. “What are your conditions for ascent? Is there anything I can do to help?”

Elior hesitated before answering. “My condition… is my death.”

The room fell into stunned silence.

“What?” Veil’s voice was sharp, his usual composure slipping.

Aridia leaned back, visibly shaken. “Death? You mean you have to…”

“Die,” Elior confirmed grimly. “Every time I ascend, I have to die first. It’s the only way.”

“That’s unheard of,” Aridia said, her voice low. “Veil, have you ever—”

“Never,” Veil interrupted, his expression dark. “I’ve encountered many Wanderers, heard of even more. But this… this is new.”

Drelan, who had been silent until now, spoke with quiet conviction. “Perhaps it is rare, but it is his truth. And if this is the path he must walk, then we must support him. To hesitate now would mean wasting what he has already endured.”

Elior nodded, gratitude flickering in his eyes. “I’ve come to terms with it. If this is the price I have to pay, so be it.”

Aridia’s gaze softened. “Then we move quickly. Seraphis and the others won’t sit idle for long. The council is watching your every move. You need to ascend before they act.”

“When?” Kaela asked.

“Tomorrow,” Aridia said firmly. “Rest tonight. You’ll need your strength.”

—

The moon hung high in the velvety sky, its silvery light casting a serene glow over the balcony. Elior leaned against the railing, the cool night breeze brushing against his face. His mind was restless, swirling with thoughts of the journey ahead. No matter how much he tried, sleep evaded him.

“You’re going to catch a cold if you stay out here,” came a playful voice from behind.

Elior turned to see Kaela, her arms crossed, a faint smirk playing on her lips. She stepped out onto the balcony, the soft light accentuating her delicate yet determined features.

“Can’t sleep?” she asked, tilting her head.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. Too much on my mind, I guess.”

Kaela leaned against the railing beside him, her shoulder brushing lightly against his. “Why don’t you confide in me? After all, I am your Anima now,” she said teasingly, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Elior froze at the word, his expression conflicted. He lowered his gaze, his hands tightening on the railing. “Kaela… are you really okay with that?”

Kaela blinked, her teasing smile fading into a look of curiosity. “What do you mean?”

He turned to her, his voice heavy with doubt. “I mean… you hated Wanderers. You made that clear when we first met. Doesn’t being my Anima go against everything you feel? I know the situation forced us into this, but… do you regret it?”

Kaela stared at him for a moment before letting out a small, exasperated sigh. Without warning, she flicked her finger against his forehead, earning a startled “Ow!” from him.

“Idiot,” she said, shaking her head. “If I didn’t agree to it from the bottom of my heart, the Concordium Vitae would have failed. You know that as well as I do.”

Elior rubbed his forehead, looking at her in surprise. “But—”

“No buts,” she interrupted, her voice softer now. “I’m glad to be your Animae, Elior. For the first time in my life, I’ve found somewhere to belong—a family. And for that, I’m grateful to you.”

Her words struck a chord deep within him. He gazed at her, the weight in his chest lifting as her sincerity washed over him. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence filled only by the soft rustling of the wind.

Unconsciously, they leaned closer to one another, the bond between their souls amplifying the unspoken feelings between them. Kaela’s breath hitched slightly, her eyes searching his. Elior’s heart pounded as their faces drew closer, the moment charged with an intensity neither could deny.

Just as their lips were about to touch –

“Whew, cool it, you lovebirds,” came a familiar voice, shattering the moment like glass.

Both Elior and Kaela jumped, spinning around to see Veil leaning against the doorway with a smug grin.

“Veil!” Kaela hissed, her face flushing crimson.

“What? Did I interrupt something?” he asked innocently, though the teasing lilt in his voice betrayed him. “Anyway, aren’t I part of this little family too? Don’t leave me out of your heartwarming moments.”

Kaela glared daggers at him while Elior awkwardly scratched the back of his neck.

Veil’s grin faded slightly as his tone turned more serious. “All jokes aside, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Elior, you’re literally going to have to die. That’s no small thing. Are you truly ready for this?”

Elior straightened, meeting Veil’s gaze with unwavering resolve. “I am. I won’t say I’m not scared—of course I am. But with you two here, I feel like I can get through anything.”

Kaela’s expression softened, her earlier embarrassment forgotten. Veil smirked, but there was a hint of pride in his eyes.

“Good,” Veil said, crossing his arms. “Because from here on out, we’re all in this together. No room for hesitation.”

Elior nodded, his heart steady. The three of them stood side by side on the balcony, the bond they shared stronger than ever.

They were ready. Their hearts were one.

—

As they retired to their rooms, Elior lay awake, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts swirled—of home, of his foster family, of Kaela and Veil, and of the journey ahead.

No matter how daunting the path, he was resolved. He would climb the staircase. For answers. For peace. For the people he cared about.

—

Chapter 16: Farewell

The rooftop of Aridia’s mansion glowed softly under the light of the rising sun. The sky was a canvas of pink and orange, as if nature itself was bidding Elior farewell. The air was crisp, yet heavy with unspoken emotions.

Aridia and Drelan stood facing the trio, the gravity of the moment reflected in their somber expressions. Elior, Kaela, and Veil stood side by side, the bond between them palpable, a quiet strength in the face of what was to come.

Aridia stepped forward, her usual composure softened by a rare tenderness. She placed a hand gently on Elior’s shoulder, her voice steady, though her eyes betrayed the depth of her feelings.

“I’ve seen many Wanderers come and go, Elior. Some were driven by greed, others by blind ambition. But you…” She paused, searching his face. “You are different. You have courage, not just to face the unknown but to do so for the sake of those you care about. No matter where you find yourself next, remember this—you are not alone. The staircase connects us all, even when we walk separate paths.”

Drelan inclined his head slightly, his deep voice carrying a tone of respect.

“You’ve already proven your strength, young Wanderer. Now prove your resilience. Whatever awaits you, face it with the same resolve you’ve shown here. And come back stronger—we’ll be waiting.”

Aridia turned away, her lips pressed into a thin line as if holding back more she wanted to say. Drelan gave a final nod before following her, leaving the trio alone to say their goodbyes.

—

Kaela turned to Elior, her expression a mixture of determination and sorrow. She took a step closer, her voice trembling slightly as she fought to maintain her composure.

“Elior… when you’re reborn, don’t you dare forget me. Even if I can’t manifest, I’m still with you—watching, waiting. Promise me…” Her voice broke for a moment before she steadied herself. “Promise me you’ll survive. Don’t do anything reckless. Live long enough for us to find each other again.”

Before Elior could respond, Kaela stepped forward and pulled him into a fierce, brief embrace. When she stepped back, her eyes shone with unshed tears, but her resolve remained unshaken.

Veil leaned casually against the rooftop parapet, his usual smirk in place, though his eyes betrayed a rare seriousness. He crossed his arms, feigning nonchalance.

“I’d tell you not to die, but… well, that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?” He chuckled, the sound light but hollow. “Still, try not to make a habit of it, alright? And definitely don’t get yourself killed the moment you’re reborn. I’d hate to find out my Wanderer’s a complete idiot.”

His tone softened, and he stepped forward, placing a hand briefly on Elior’s shoulder.

“We’ll meet again, kid. Count on it.”

—

Elior stepped to the center of the rooftop, his hand tightening around the hilt of Veil’s sword. The blade shimmered faintly, its surface alive with a soft, pulsing glow. Kaela and Veil moved to stand behind him, their forms beginning to shift as they transitioned into their spirit states.

Kaela’s voice broke the silence, distant yet clear.

“Elior… till we meet again.”

Veil’s tone was lighter, yet the weight of his words lingered.

“Don’t keep us waiting too long, alright? You’ve got a whole new world to explore.”

Elior nodded, his resolve firm. He raised the sword, its edge catching the morning light. With a deep breath, he drove the blade into his chest.

The moment of impact was surreal.

Light erupted from the wound, golden and radiant, enveloping Elior’s body in a cascade of glowing particles. He felt both the sharp pain of the blade and an overwhelming sense of peace as his physical form began to disintegrate.

—

Kaela’s voice, now distant and ethereal, reached him one last time.

“You’ve given me a place to belong, Elior. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Veil’s words followed, softer yet brimming with trust.

“You’ve got this, kid. We’re with you, every step of the way.”

As Elior’s consciousness began to fade, his thoughts were clear and unwavering.

“I’ll find you. No matter where I go, I’ll find my way back to you both. This isn’t the end… it’s just the beginning.”

—

The rooftop fell silent, bathed in the gentle glow of the morning sun. Where Elior had stood, there was now only empty space, the faint shimmer of lingering light the sole trace of his presence.

Kaela and Veil, now fully in their spirit forms, stood quietly, their bond with Elior unbroken despite his departure.

Kaela’s voice broke the silence, soft yet resolute.

“Till we meet again.”

Veil nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Yeah… till then.”

Veil adds, his tone lighter but still earnest:

“Don’t keep us waiting too long, kid. You’ve got a whole new world ahead of you.”

—

As his consciousness fades, Elior thinks:

“I’ll find you. No matter where I go, I’ll find my way back to you both. This is not the end—it’s just the beginning.”

As the three depart the only thing that remains is the empty rooftop bathed in sunlight, a faint shimmer in the air the only sign of what transpired.

“And off they go” , said Aridia, watching from a distance. Drelan remarks ” Yes , but they will return. “

A sense of solemnity lingers, yet hope shines through as they stand on the threshold of something that could very well change their lives forever.

Epilogue:

Elior’s consciousness stirred as he floated in a realm of shimmering twilight. The world around him was a swirl of colors—blues, silvers, and golds blending into an infinite horizon. There was no ground beneath him, no sky above, just a boundless expanse of luminescent mist.

From the haze, a figure emerged—a being both majestic and alien. The Guardian of the new world towered before Elior, its form shifting fluidly between shapes. One moment, it was a radiant, humanoid figure adorned with golden armor. The next, it was a great winged beast with crystalline scales, its eyes glowing with ancient wisdom.

Its voice resonated through the air, deep and melodic, speaking directly into Elior’s mind.

“Welcome, young Wanderer. You stand at the threshold of my domain.”

Elior straightened himself, his spirit form solidifying. He met the Guardian’s gaze with a mix of awe and respect.

“You must be the Guardian of this world. I am Elior.”

The Guardian nodded, its form settling into a glowing, humanoid shape with serene features.

“Indeed. I am the Keeper of this realm, tasked with safeguarding its balance. Your arrival was foretold, though your path remains veiled even to me.”

The Guardian extended a hand, its fingers shimmering like starlight. A glowing sigil appeared in the air between them, intricate and complex, pulsating with energy.

“Before you may pass, I must confirm your status as a Wanderer.”

Elior felt a gentle tug at his essence as the sigil scanned him, its light shifting through hues of blue and gold. The Guardian’s gaze grew sharper as it studied the patterns.

“Curious. Your condition is most unusual—death to ascend. Such a path is not one I have encountered in countless millennia.”

Elior’s voice was steady, though his mind churned with questions.

“Does that mean I’m… defective?”

The Guardian chuckled softly, the sound like wind rustling through ancient trees.

“Not defective. Merely unique. Your condition will test you, but it will also forge you into something extraordinary—should you endure.”

The sigil faded, replaced by a warm, golden glow that enveloped Elior. The Guardian raised its other hand, and a doorway of light materialized behind it, shimmering like liquid gold.

—

The Guardian stepped aside, gesturing toward the doorway.

“Beyond this gate lies your new beginning. The world you are about to enter is untamed, brimming with life and mystery. Its people are resilient, its dangers plentiful. You will be reborn as one of them, a child of humble origins.”

Elior hesitated, glancing at the radiant doorway.

“Will I… remember this? Remember who I am?”

The Guardian inclined its head.

“Your memories will remain, though they may slumber within you until the time is right. Trust your instincts and the bond with those tied to your soul. They will guide you.”

It placed a hand over its heart—a gesture of reverence.

“You carry great potential, young Wanderer. May you wield it wisely. And know this: the staircase you climb is not merely a test. It is a chance to shape worlds, to weave hope into the fabric of existence. Go forth and rise, Elior.”

The golden light of the doorway engulfed him as he stepped forward. Elior felt a rush of warmth and a sudden pull, as if the universe itself were drawing him into its embrace.

Darkness followed, soothing and comforting. He felt his essence condensing, a weight returning to him as his spirit melded with a new form. A faint cry echoed in his ears—his own.

—

The first thing Elior noticed was the scent of fresh pine and damp earth. He opened his eyes to a modest wooden cabin, its walls lined with tools and bundles of firewood. The soft glow of a hearth bathed the room in warmth.

A woman with kind, weathered features held him gently, her expression filled with love and relief. Beside her stood a broad-shouldered man with calloused hands and a proud smile.

“He’s here, Mirelle,” the man said softly. “Our boy is here.”

The woman nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. “Welcome to the world, little one.”

Elior’s infant body squirmed in her arms, his mind a swirl of wonder and quiet resolve. Though his form was new, his purpose remained clear. This was the first step in his journey—one that would shape not only his destiny but the fate of the multiverse itself.

—

Outside the cabin, the forest stretched endlessly, vibrant and alive. The sun pierced through the canopy, its rays casting a golden glow over the landscape.

Far above, unseen by mortal eyes, the Guardian watched, its form dissolving into the winds. Its voice, carried by the breeze, whispered one final blessing:

“Rise, young Wanderer. Your story has only just begun.”

The chamber was dimly lit, its towering walls lined with shelves of ancient tomes and artifacts glowing faintly with latent power. At the center of the room, a grand, circular window framed the starlit void beyond. The Arbiter stood with her back to the room, her silhouette illuminated by the soft light of the cosmos. Her figure, clad in flowing robes that shimmered with threads of gold and silver, exuded an air of commanding elegance.

Behind her, a tall figure stepped forward, his movements deliberate yet silent. His form was humanoid but otherworldly, his armor a gleaming onyx streaked with veins of molten gold. He carried himself with the grace of a warrior and the stillness of a predator. This was her relic, her right hand, bound to her soul yet utterly loyal.

He bowed his head slightly. “My lady, the boy has departed.”

The Arbiter’s gaze remained fixed on the stars. For a moment, she said nothing, the silence stretching between them like a taut string. Then, her lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile.

“So, the young man has stepped onto the path.” Her voice was smooth and deliberate, carrying a weight that seemed to echo through the chamber.

The relic straightened, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. “Yes. He has begun his ascent.”

“The boy carries a condition unlike any we have seen. Death as his key. It is cruel, yet there is potential in that cruelty. Perhaps the Architects had a reason for crafting such an anomaly.”

The Arbiter finally turned, her features illuminated by the faint glow of her robes. Her eyes, pools of shifting light, betrayed a mixture of curiosity and something deeper—a guarded hope. She moved gracefully toward a pedestal at the center of the room, her fingers brushing over an ancient orb resting atop it. The orb pulsed faintly, as if alive.

“The cogs of fate have begun to turn,” she murmured, her voice soft but heavy with meaning. Her fingers lingered on the orb as if drawing strength from it. “What lies at the end of this journey, no one can predict. It may bring salvation… or it may herald our destruction.”

Follow and Connect with Anisha Burk (Ryuu Sen)

About

Hi, I’m Anisha Barik, a 17 years old aspiring author from India, currently writing under the pen name Ryuu Sen. As I mentioned earlier I’m an indie author and this is my debut work. I am currently writing another manuscript. It’s a young adult fiction, Romance novel built around the trials and tribulations of a band of teenagers in the contemporary world.

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