Somewhere far way from the desolute area....
Terradine Nation
The city of Zynithar buzzed with life. Neon lights flickered against the towering buildings, reflecting off sleek anti-grav cars zooming overhead. The streets were a vibrant mix of tech and magic, a living testament to the Terradine Nation's seamless blend of ancient arcane powers and cutting-edge technology.
Holograms advertised the latest bio-enhancements and high-stakes combat leagues, while vendors sold enchanted gadgets beneath the glow of colossal billboards.
In the core of this sprawling metropolis stood The Phantom Order's headquarters, a monolithic structure made of obsidian-like material that swallowed light. It dominated the skyline, casting a foreboding shadow over everything below.
Inside one of its sterile labs, Mira sat rigid on a cold metal table, the hum of machines filling the air. Her pulse raced as scientists fitted her with various devices, their faces obscured by digital masks displaying streams of data. The sensation of metal touching her skin was unnerving
She watched as they drew her blood, her gaze drifting to the glowing green pod beside her—the Zyrelith, the mysterious substance that had brought her back from death.
Erevan stood across the room, his piercing gaze locked on Mira. He had said little since her revival, but she could feel the weight of his silence. He wasn't the same Erevan she had known.
He was colder, more calculating. And she hadn't forgotten why she had died in the first place.
Mira clenched her fists. Because of him, Lucus's fate was unknown.
"Stay still," one of the technicians ordered as the machines whirred to life, running a deep analysis of her DNA.
Mira inhaled sharply, trying to ignore the intense rush of power coursing through her veins. Something was different about her—something far beyond the strength she once possessed.
Suddenly, one of the scientists froze, his eyes wide as he stared at the data on the monitor. "Erevan... You need to see this," he stammered, waving him over.
Erevan stepped forward, his expression impassive. "What is it?"
"The Zyrelith did more than just bring her back. We've discovered something... ancient in her DNA."
"Ancient?" Erevan narrowed his eyes.
The scientist nodded, lowering his voice in awe. "It's the bloodline of the Ancient Shredded."
For a moment, Erevan's eyes widened, though he quickly masked his surprise. "The Ancient Shredded? They were thought to be long extinct."
"That's what we believed. But this woman... She carries their blood. The power that once shaped the Shredded, it lives inside her."
Mira's heart pounded. "What does that
mean?"
"It means," Erevan replied, his voice calm but intense, "You're not just stronger—you're connected to the most powerful beings we've ever known. Your bloodline gives you abilities that most hunters could only dream of."
Mira felt a wave of nausea. "I'm human, aren't I?"
"You were," Erevan said slowly, his eyes never leaving her. "But now, you're something more. A hybrid. Part human, part ancient.
You're a fusion of immense power and the best technology Terradine has to offer. But be warned, little girl. Without control, this power could destroy you."
Mira glared at him. She couldn't shake the resentment festering inside her. He did this to me. And because of him, Lucus… she couldn't finish the thought. Lucus's fate was still a mystery, and Erevan was to blame.
"You're not the only one with hidden potential," Erevan continued, breaking her thoughts. "There are beings known as the Seven Protectors. Hunters whose powers go beyond SSS-rank.
Hunters whose powers go beyond SSS-rank. They guard this world, and they alone stand against the Shredded threat. With your abilities, you could one day rival them."
Mira shook her head. "I don't care about power. I want to know where Lucus is."
Erevan studied her for a moment. "Lucus is gone. There's no use clinging to the past."
Mira's fists trembled with rage. "You don't get to decide that!"
Before Erevan could respond, a holographic screen appeared in front of Mira.
______________________________________
Hunter Ranking Test:Initial Class Evaluatin
Rank: D-Class Hunter (Preliminary)
Power:Enhanced physical strength, speed, regeneration, and connection to the Shredded.
Bloodline: Ancient Shredded.
____________________________________
Mira stared at the screen, her heart heavy with the weight of her new reality.
"Pass the test," Erevan said coolly. "Prove you can control what's inside you, and you'll be free to do whatever you want. Including finding out what happened to Lucus."
Mira bit her lip, her mind racing. I'll prove myself, Erevan. But not for you.
....
Meanwhile, in a dark council chamber, several shadowed figures sat around a large round table. Holograms floated before them, each one displaying the image of Lucus (Sylas)
One of the figures spoke, his voice deep and authoritative. "This man has become too dangerous. His connection to the Nexus could destabilize everything we've worked for."
Another voice chimed in. ""We can't let that bastard live. He's already screwed things up way too much."
"We must act," said a third. "A bounty will be placed on his head. Ten million Sydraks."
The Sydrak was the highest denomination of currency in the Terradine Nation, a glowing coin embedded with a microchip that held not only monetary value but also vital data transfers. The more Sydraks one had, the more influence they held in this cyber-enhanced society.
"Agreed," said the council leader. "we must be eliminated him at all costs."
.
.
Back in the lab, Mira stood by the large glass window, gazing out over the sprawling city below. Her heart ached as memories of Sylas flooded her mind. She still couldn't shake the feeling that they were connected, despite the vast distance between them now.
"I have to find him..." she whispered, her voice shaking, choked by sobs. *Sniffle.* Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I can't... I won't let him go." *Her breath hitched, a desperate gasp escaping her lips.
Erevan, standing behind her, shook his head. (Sylas)Lucus is a wanted man. His connection to the Nexus makes him a threat to everything. If you want to survive in this world, you need to let go of the past."
Mira clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white. "I can't. He's out there somewhere, and I don't even know if he's alive or not.
Erevan placed a hand on her shoulder. "Focus on yourself, Mira. Pass the test. Become stronger. Only then will you have the power to confront what lies ahead."
....
Meanwhile, Somewhere in the Mortal Realm…
Sylas strode through a dark forest, the wind rustling his black cloak. His blue eyes glimmered in the moonlight as he checked the system window that floated before him.
━━━" SYSTEM NOTIFICATION "━━━
╔════════════════════════════╗
Nexus System user: Sylas
Level: 12
Class:Voidwalker
Rank:Unranked
Mission: Explore Nexus Locations (0/20)
Objective: Visit the places of power and claim their energy.
Reward: Unlock new abilities and strengthen your Nexus Energy
{Subquest}
• Objective:Eliminate 5 Wild Beasts in the area.
Rewards:200 XP, Basic Equipment.
• Objective: Explore the Ancient Ruins
Rewards: 500 XP, Possible Artifacts.
Class Ranks:
F (Beginner)
E (Novice)
D (Apprentice)
C (Adept)
B (Expert)
A (Master)
S (Elite)
SS (Legendary)
SSS (Mythic)
?????????
Unlock your first rank (requirements): Reach Level 20.
╚════════════════════════════╝
━━━" END OF MESSAGE "━━━
.....
Sylas sat by the campfire, his dark blue eyes reflecting the flickering flames. He let out a slow breath, watching the smoke curl upwards.
I wonder… where Mira is now, he thought, a distant look crossing his face. Something in the back of his mind tugged at him, a thread that refused to sever. She is alive. I know it we are still connected.... after everything.
His gaze hardened as the system chimed in his head, flashing his progress. "Just a few more levels, and I'll unlock my first rank," he muttered, a slow grin spreading across his face. The anticipation buzzed inside him. First, I'll find the Nexus... and after that? I'll find her.
The sound of rustling bushes snapped Sylas out of his thoughts. His eyes darted to the shadows around him as a group of wild beasts crept from the underbrush, eyes gleaming with hunger. His grin widened, excitement flickering in his cool gaze.
"Alright, looks like dinner's coming to me this time," (＾▽＾)he said, standing up and unsheathing his blade with a sharp metallic ring.
The beasts charged, but Sylas didn't flinch. With a smooth, effortless motion, he darted forward, slicing through them with precision. Each strike was clean, calculated, and deadly.
The last beast fell with a thud, and Sylas flicked the blood off his blade, eyes still cold and unbothered. He was back by the fire in moments, roasting some of the meat over the flames like nothing had happened.
He took a bite, smirking to himself. "Not bad... Could use a little seasoning, though. Maybe next time I'll hunt something a bit bigger. Something that doesn't get sliced like butter."
The system chimed again, showing his increasing progress. (ᵔ◡ᵔ)His grin widened as he saw how close he was to unlocking his first rank.
Just a few more levels. Almost there. The path was starting to become clear, each step bringing him closer to what he sought.
"Let's see what kind of power this world has waiting for me," he murmured, his voice full of anticipation. His smirk grew wider. "And what the Nexus has in store..."
As Sylas leaned back, resting against a tree, his thoughts drifted back to Mira. He could almost hear her voice, feel her presence lingering somewhere far away. But for now, his goal was clear.
A cool breeze swept through the forest, but Sylas didn't shiver. He was already too focused on what came next.
Suddenly, his stomach growled. He glanced down, blinking. "Really?"(￣ヘ￣) he sighed. "After all that meat? Man, this system better give me more than just combat skills. Maybe a cooking skill would help."
With a shrug, he lay back,Even in the silence of the forest, with beasts lurking in the shadows and mysteries waiting in every corner, Sylas smirked to himself. He was ready for whatever came next...