Cruzer's world went dark as the throbbing pain in his head overwhelmed him, pulling him into an abyss.
When he awoke, he found himself in a pitch-black room, an eerie silence surrounding him. He tried to move, but his body felt paralyzed. A cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized he wasn't alone.
A faint, ethereal light began to glow in the darkness, revealing a shadowy figure. The figure's presence was both intimidating and strangely comforting, its eyes piercing through the gloom with an otherworldly intensity.
"Who... who are you?" Cruzer managed to whisper, his voice trembling.
The figure stepped closer, and a soft, resonant voice filled with nostalgia, fear, and awe echoed in the darkness.
"Finally, you have arrived, chosen one. The successor of the ancient power, a power that transcends the mere cognition of mortals."
Cruzer's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to comprehend the cryptic message. "What do you mean? What kind of power?"
The figure's eyes seemed to glow brighter. "The ancient power of ***********, a being of great power, a guardian of realms, and a traveler between worlds. This power has awakened within you, but it also comes with great responsibility."
"What do you mean by ***********? Why can't I understand it?" Cruzer asked, his expression startled.
His heart beat so loudly it felt like it wanted to escape from his chest, as if the word spoken by the mysterious entity resonated with his soul. Strangely, he could see the mysterious entity's lips move, but he could not hear that specific word, as if someone was closing his ears so he couldn't hear it.
"I don't understand," Cruzer said, shaking his head. "Why me? I am just an orphan with no connection whatsoever to such grand power. Besides, I don't even know which is the real me. Is it the one standing right here or the one from my memories in another world with no magical powers?"
The figure's voice grew softer, almost a whisper. "Your answer lies in your memories. Your dual existence is the key. You are a unique existence in this world. You have lived two lives, and now you must learn to harness the power that binds them. Grow stronger, then you will understand that the world you knew is only a part of a much larger reality."
Cruzer felt a wave of fear and confusion wash over him. "But how am I supposed to do that? I don't even know where to start."
The figure extended a hand, and a glowing symbol appeared in the air between them.
"This is the mark of the ***********. It will guide you, help you unlock your potential. Seek out the ancient texts, find those who can teach you, and trust in your own strength."
The symbol began to pulse with light, and Cruzer felt a strange warmth spread through his body. "Remember, Cruzer," the figure said, its voice fading, "you are never alone. The power of the *********** flows through you, and it will lead you to your destiny."
With those final words, the figure vanished, and Cruzer felt himself being pulled back into the darkness.
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Cruzer awoke with a start, gasping for breath. He found himself lying on an examination bed in the school nurse's office, surrounded by concerned faces. His friend was kneeling beside him, a look of panic etched across his features.
"Cruzer! Are you okay?" his friend asked, shaking his shoulder gently.
"I'm... I'm fine," Cruzer replied, though his mind was still reeling from the encounter. He struggled to sit up, leaning on his friend for support. "I just... I need a moment."
The school nurse stood nearby, her expression a mix of concern and authority. "You had quite a scare there," she said firmly. "You need to rest."
As Cruzer settled back onto the bed, he couldn't shake the feeling that everything had changed. The cryptic message from the mysterious figure echoed in his mind, and he knew he had to find answers.
In the quiet of the nurse's office, as he lay on the examination bed, Cruzer replayed the encounter over and over in his mind. The mark of the *********** was imprinted in his memory, and he knew it was the key to unlocking his potential.
"Seek out the ancient texts," he murmured to himself. "Find those who can teach you."
His path was clear, though fraught with uncertainty. Cruzer knew he had to embrace his new identity and uncover the secrets of the ***********. The journey ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to rise to the occasion.
Before that, he decided to rest and mentally arrange the events of the day. First, he needed to fully understand this world as his memory was still hazy, hovering between two worlds.
He decided to understand the distinction between Mystics, their power levels, and the factions that were currently active in this world.
Then he would decide the actions needed to uncover what kind of power he had succeeded and whatever destiny was awaiting him as foretold by the mysterious entity. He slowly closed his eyes and dozed into sleep as many events played in his mind.
After some time, he woke up feeling energized, the fatigue he felt since morning fading away. He then decided to head towards the library to better understand and start his journey in this world. He followed his memory and headed towards the library.
....................................................
As Cruzer left the nurse's office, he stepped into the bustling corridors of the academy. The academy was a sprawling complex of modern and traditional architecture, designed to reflect both the cutting-edge advancements of the current era and the timeless elegance of historical institutions.
The hallway was lined with large, arched windows that let in ample natural light, casting soft shadows on the polished marble floors.
The walls were adorned with murals depicting scenes of magical landscapes and scholarly pursuits. The air was filled with the quiet hum of students chatting and moving between classes, their footsteps echoing in the spacious corridors.
Cruzer navigated through the main building, which was a grand structure with high ceilings and intricate stonework. The academy's design blended Gothic arches with sleek, contemporary lines, creating a harmonious contrast that symbolized the fusion of tradition and innovation.
Cruzer finally reached the library, situated at the far end of the main building. The entrance was framed by imposing double doors crafted from dark mahogany, intricately adorned with engravings of mythical creatures and arcane symbols.
Each door featured ornate handles fashioned from dragon bones, with the halves of a dragon's skull flanking either side. As the doors opened, he was met with a grand, high-ceilinged foyer, where the rich aroma of old books mingled with the subtle hum of magical energy.