Chapter 4: The Arrogant Savior
The mine's oppressive darkness closed in around Jarec as he crouched in the shadows, struggling to suppress the pain from his wound. His breaths came in short, labored gasps, each one a painful reminder of the bandit's blade. The distant sounds of violence had faded into an eerie silence, leaving Jarec to wonder if the danger had passed or if it was merely a pause before the next wave of terror.
The soft, scurrying sound of tiny feet against the rocky floor caught Jarec's attention. His heart pounded, his body tensing as he braced for another attack. But what emerged from the shadows was not another bandit, but a small, self-assured rat.
Jarec lay motionless on the cold, damp ground of the mine, his body bruised and battered. The chaos of the raid had left him disoriented, the sounds of clashing metal and desperate screams reverberating through the dark tunnels. He had tried to fight back against the bandits, but the effort had left him too weak to defend himself. Now, he was a silent observer to the carnage, hoping for a miracle.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over him, and a familiar, mocking voice cut through the din. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the miserable slave, lying here like a ragged dog."
Jarec's eyes fluttered open to see Velaris standing above him, the rat's small form illuminated by a faint, eerie glow. Despite the dire situation, Velaris seemed unperturbed, his demeanor exuding a mix of disdain and superiority.
"You again," Jarec managed to rasp. "What are you doing here?"
Velaris snorted, an expression of utter contempt on his face. "What am I doing here? I'm saving your pathetic life, that's what. Though, frankly, it's almost amusing how hopeless you are."
Jarec's heart raced, his mind struggling to grasp the situation. "You... you saved me?"
The rat's eyes gleamed with a mix of arrogance and amusement. "Indeed. It's not every day I bother to rescue someone. But you, Jarec, have potential. Even if you don't realize it yet."
Jarec blinked, trying to make sense of Velaris's words. "Potential? I'm just a slave. I'm nothing."
Velaris's eyes narrowed, and he hopped closer, his tone dripping with condescension. "That's where you're wrong. You're more than just a slave. You have something that most lack: a spark of greatness. And it's that spark that has caught my attention."
Jarec's confusion only deepened. "Why me? Why would you care about someone like me?"
The rat climbed onto a nearby rock, striking an imposing pose despite his small size. "Because, Jarec, you have the makings of a Gifted. The Gifted are individuals chosen by the gods, bestowed with extraordinary abilities. Each has a Con—like me—to guide them. And you, my dear boy, are on the brink of becoming one of us."
Jarec's eyes widened. "Gifted? I've heard legends, but I never believed they were real."
Velaris's smile grew wider, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Legends are often rooted in truth. The Gifted wield powers that can reshape reality itself. And you, Jarec, have been chosen to receive Azar's gift, to become an Azaran."
"Azar?" Jarec's voice was a whisper, the name feeling like a heavy weight in his chest.
"Yes, Azar," Velaris replied, his tone now taking on a reverent edge. "The god of chaos and destruction, forgotten by most but not by those who understand true power. His gift is one of immense potential, a power that can be both a blessing and a curse."
Jarec struggled to sit up, his body aching with each movement. "What do I have to do to receive this gift?"
Velaris's eyes gleamed with a mixture of superiority and anticipation. "You must accept it. Embrace the chaos within you. It won't be easy, and it won't be painless. But if you succeed, you will gain the strength to change not only your own fate but the fate of the entire world."
Jarec's mind raced, his pulse quickening with a mix of fear and exhilaration. "But what if I can't handle it? What if I fail?". Insecurities and anxiousness filled jarec's mind.
Velaris's expression turned to one of mock sympathy. "Oh, please. If you let fear control you, you'll never achieve anything. The chaos within you is waiting to be unleashed. You must harness it, channel it, and prove that you are worthy of Azar's power."
Jarec took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. The pain from his injuries seemed to fade into the background as a new, fiery resolve took its place. "I want to change things. I want to have the power to fight back."
Velaris's eyes sparkled with approval. "That's the spirit. Now, let me show you how to tap into that chaotic power. It will be a trial, but it's one you must endure if you wish to become truly powerful."
"@$#@$#... May the chaos be with you."
The rat began to chant in an ancient, melodic language, and a strange, swirling energy began to emanate from him. Jarec felt a strange warmth spreading through his body, accompanied by an almost unbearable pressure. The pain was intense, like molten fire coursing through his veins, but Jarec gritted his teeth and focused on the energy within him.
Velaris watched with a mixture of smug satisfaction and genuine curiosity. "Yes, that's it. Embrace the chaos. Let it consume you, and you will find your true strength."
As the energy intensified, Jarec felt himself being overwhelmed by the raw power. His vision blurred, and he let out a cry of pain, but he fought to hold on. The chaos within him roared and writhed, demanding his complete surrender.
Finally, the pain reached a peak, and then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it subsided. Jarec's body trembled, but he could feel a new strength coursing through him, a power that was both exhilarating and terrifying.
Velaris's eyes were alight with triumph. "Congratulations, Jarec. You've taken the first step. You now possess a fraction of Azar's power, a Monus Azaran. But this is only the beginning. There is much to learn, and many trials ahead."
"A Monus Azaran?" Jarec asked but Velaris didnt answer him.
Jarec looked at Velaris, his eyes burning with determination. "I'm ready. I want to learn."
Velaris's smile widened, an expression of both pride and arrogance. "Excellent. Then follow me, and I will guide you through the next stages of your training. Embrace the chaos, and you will find that you are capable of far more than you ever imagined."
As they moved deeper into the mine, Jarec felt a newfound purpose burning within him. With Velaris's guidance, he was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and embrace the power of Azar. This was just the beginning of a journey that would forever change his fate and the fate of Terra Magus.
Just like that, the first and the last Azaran was born.
To be continued...
Monus- The first rank of gifted
Azaran- someone who recieve the gift of Azar