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 of his wound. Each short, labored breath was 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 truly passed or if it was merely a pause before the next wave of terror.
A soft, scurrying sound against the rocky floor caught Jarec's attention. His heart raced, his body tensed in anticipation of another attack. But what emerged from the shadows was not another bandit but a small, self-assured rat.
Lying motionless on the cold, damp ground of the mine, Jarec's bruised and battered body felt heavy with despair. The chaos of the raid had left him disoriented, the clang of metal and desperate screams echoing through the dark tunnels. Though he had fought back against the bandits, the effort had drained his strength. Now, he lay a silent observer of the carnage, praying for a miracle.
Suddenly, a shadow fell over him, and a familiar, mocking voice pierced the stillness. "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 circumstances, Velaris appeared unbothered, exuding an air of disdainful superiority.
"You again," Jarec rasped. "What are you doing here?"
Velaris snorted, his expression dripping with contempt. "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 comprehend the situation. "You... you saved me?"
The rat's eyes gleamed with a mixture 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 process Velaris's words. "Potential? I'm just a slave. I'm nothing."
Velaris narrowed his eyes and hopped closer, condescension dripping from his voice. "That's where you're mistaken. You're more than just a slave. You possess what many lack: a spark of greatness. And that spark has caught my attention."
Jarec's confusion 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 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 widened, excitement glinting in his eyes. "Legends are often rooted in truth. The Gifted wield powers that can reshape reality. And you, Jarec, have been chosen to receive Azar's gift."
"Azar?" Jarec whispered, the name feeling like a heavy weight in his chest.
"Yes, Azar," Velaris replied, his tone now reverent. "The god of chaos and destruction, forgotten by most but remembered by those who understand true power. His gift holds immense potential—a power that can be both a blessing and a curse."
Jarec struggled to sit up, wincing at the pain with each movement. "What must I do to receive this gift?"
Velaris's eyes sparkled with 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'll 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?" Anxious thoughts swirled in his mind.
Velaris's expression shifted to one of mock sympathy. "Oh, please. If you let fear control you, you'll achieve nothing. The chaos within you is waiting to be unleashed. You must harness it, channel it, and prove you are worthy of Azar's power."
Taking a deep breath, Jarec felt a surge of determination. The pain from his injuries faded into the background as fiery resolve ignited within. "I want to change things. I want 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 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 tongue, and a strange, swirling energy radiated from him. Jarec felt a warm sensation spreading through his body, accompanied by an almost suffocating pressure. The pain was excruciating, like molten fire surging through his veins, yet Jarec gritted his teeth and concentrated on the energy within.
Velaris observed with a mix of smug satisfaction and genuine curiosity. "Yes, that's it. Embrace the chaos. Let it consume you, and you will discover your true strength."
As the energy escalated, Jarec found himself teetering on the brink of being overwhelmed by its raw power. His vision blurred, and he let out a cry of agony, but he fought to maintain his grip. The chaos within him roared and writhed, demanding total surrender.
At last, the pain peaked, then, as abruptly as it had risen, it began to fade. Jarec's body trembled, but he sensed a new strength coursing through him, a power that was both exhilarating and terrifying.
Velaris's eyes sparkled with triumph. "Congratulations, Jarec. You've taken the first step. You now possess a fraction of Azar's power, a Primus. But this is only the beginning. There is much to learn, and many trials lie ahead."
Jarec met Velaris's gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "I'm ready. I want to learn."
Velaris's smile broadened, a mix of 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 delved deeper into the mine, Jarec felt a newfound purpose igniting within him. With Velaris's guidance, he was prepared to confront the challenges ahead and embrace the power of Azar. This was only the beginning of a journey that would forever alter his fate—and the fate of Terra Magus.