Aryn awoke to the pale light of dawn filtering through the dense canopy above. The forest was quiet now, the eerie stillness of the night replaced by the soft sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves. For a moment, he allowed himself to simply lie there on the ground, savoring the peacefulness of the morning and the fact that he was still alive.
The previous night's battles felt like a distant memory, though his body ached with the reminder of every blow, every frantic dodge. He'd survived—he'd completed the quest the Ascension System had given him. But the fatigue that had settled into his bones was a stark reminder that this new power came with a price.
He pushed himself up, wincing as sore muscles protested the movement. His surroundings looked different in the light of day, less menacing but still unfamiliar. The fallen Shadowfangs from the night before were gone, their bodies having dissipated into the forest as though they had never existed, leaving only faint, bloodied patches on the ground as evidence of the struggle.
Aryn's hand instinctively reached for the sword at his side. The blade was still there, though it was now chipped and dull from the repeated clashes with the beasts. He would need a new weapon soon, something sturdier if he was to continue surviving whatever the system threw at him next.
The translucent screen reappeared before him as if sensing his thoughts, displaying his current status.
[Level: 5]
[Experience: 50/300]
[Skills: Quickstep (Improved), Adrenaline Surge, Basic Combat Skills Unlocked]
[Inventory: Minor Healing Potion]
[Quests: None Assigned]
Aryn eyed the inventory section curiously. He hadn't had a chance to explore it before, but now it seemed worth investigating. With a mental command, he opened the inventory, and a small grid of items appeared in his vision. The only item in it was the Minor Healing Potion he'd been rewarded with after completing the quest.
He selected the potion, and it materialized in his hand—a small vial filled with a glowing red liquid. Aryn uncorked it and took a cautious sip. The potion was surprisingly sweet, with a warmth that spread through his body almost immediately, easing the worst of his aches and pains. He quickly downed the rest, feeling the healing effects wash over him.
As the potion's magic worked its way through his system, Aryn turned his thoughts to what lay ahead. The Ascension System had granted him a brief respite, but he knew it wouldn't last. He needed to keep moving, to find food, water, and, more importantly, answers. The system had chosen him for a reason, and he needed to figure out what that reason was before it led him to his death.
He gathered his belongings, checked his surroundings one last time, and set off deeper into the forest. The morning air was crisp and cool, the scent of damp earth and pine needles filling his lungs. It was a strange, almost surreal contrast to the tension and fear that had gripped him the night before.
The forest was dense, the trees ancient and towering, their thick trunks covered in moss and lichen. The path he followed was little more than a deer trail, winding through the underbrush with no clear destination. Aryn had no idea where he was headed, but for now, it didn't matter. The important thing was to keep moving, to stay ahead of whatever challenges the system might throw at him next.
He hadn't gone far when he heard the sound—faint at first, just a whisper on the wind, but unmistakable. It was the sound of voices, carried through the trees. Aryn froze, his hand instinctively going to the hilt of his sword. He hadn't expected to encounter anyone out here, in the middle of nowhere, and the thought of running into another person—friend or foe—was enough to set his heart racing.
He crept closer to the source of the voices, moving as silently as he could manage. The trees thinned slightly ahead, giving way to a small clearing. Aryn crouched behind a large oak, peering through the foliage.
In the clearing were two figures, both clad in light armor and cloaks, their faces obscured by hoods. One was taller, with broad shoulders and a confident stance, while the other was shorter and more lithe, moving with a quiet grace. They stood near a fire pit, talking in low tones, their voices too muffled for Aryn to make out the words.
Aryn's mind raced as he tried to assess the situation. Were they travelers, like him? Or perhaps something more dangerous? The forest was known to harbor all manner of creatures and beings—some of them human, some decidedly not.
He debated whether to approach them or slip away unnoticed, but before he could make a decision, the taller figure suddenly stiffened, as if sensing his presence. Aryn's breath caught in his throat as the figure turned, lowering their hood to reveal a face that was both striking and stern.
It was a woman, her features sharp and angular, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through him. Her hair was silver, pulled back into a tight braid that fell over one shoulder. There was an air of authority about her, the kind that came from years of experience and command.
"You can come out now," she called, her voice carrying easily through the trees. It was a voice that brooked no argument, calm yet firm.
Aryn hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. He was outnumbered and outmatched, but there was no point in hiding now. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out from behind the tree, hands raised to show he meant no harm.
The two figures turned to face him, the second one—a young man with dark hair and green eyes—narrowing his gaze suspiciously. He had the look of someone who had seen more than his fair share of trouble, his hand resting on the hilt of a curved blade at his waist.
"Who are you?" the woman asked, her eyes studying Aryn intently. "And what are you doing out here?"
Aryn swallowed, trying to keep his voice steady. "My name is Aryn," he said, lowering his hands. "I'm just a traveler. I didn't mean to intrude."
The young man snorted, clearly unimpressed. "A traveler? In these woods? At this hour? Sounds more like a thief to me."
Aryn bristled at the accusation but held his tongue. He was in no position to start a confrontation, not with these two. He needed to stay calm, to avoid escalating the situation.
The woman, however, seemed more curious than hostile. "You don't look like a thief," she said, her gaze lingering on Aryn's worn clothing and the chipped sword at his side. "And you certainly don't look like a warrior."
Aryn couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation at her words. He wasn't much of a warrior, that was true, but he had survived the night and the Shadowfangs, hadn't he? Still, he chose his words carefully.
"I'm… neither," he admitted. "I'm just trying to survive. Like everyone else."
The woman's eyes flicked to the sword at his side, and Aryn saw a flash of something—recognition?—in her gaze. "That sword," she said slowly. "Where did you get it?"
Aryn hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I found it," he said carefully. "In the ruins near the mountains."
Her expression darkened, and the young man's hand tightened on his blade. "The ruins?" he echoed. "You've been to Eldara's Abyss?"
Aryn nodded, the tension in the air growing thicker by the second. "Yes," he said. "I was there last night. I found something… strange."
The woman exchanged a look with her companion, a silent conversation passing between them. Aryn couldn't help but notice the way they both seemed to grow more alert, more focused.
"What did you find?" she asked, her voice softer now, almost cautious.
Aryn hesitated again, unsure of how much to say. But he had a feeling that these two might know more about the Ascension System than he did. Perhaps they could help him understand it—or at least point him in the right direction.
"There was an altar," he began slowly. "And a voice… it spoke to me. It said I was chosen, that I had awakened something called the Ascension System."
The effect of his words was immediate. The woman's eyes widened slightly, and the young man's expression turned grim. They both seemed to tense, as if preparing for something—something dangerous.
"The Ascension System," the woman repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've been chosen…"
Aryn shifted uneasily, the weight of their reactions only adding to his own unease. "Do you know what it is?" he asked, hoping for some clarity.
The woman studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Yes," she said. "We know what it is. And if you've truly been chosen, then you're in far more danger than you realize."
Aryn's stomach dropped at her words. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice betraying his rising anxiety. "What kind of danger?"
The woman sighed,her expression softening slightly as she took a step closer. "The Ascension System is an ancient power, older than any of the gods that rule this world. It was created by a lost god, Zylarion, to elevate mortals to godhood. But it's not a gift—it's a curse. One that comes with a heavy price."
Aryn's heart pounded in his chest as her words sank in. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed was another thing entirely. "What kind of price?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
The young man spoke up, his tone grave. "The system will push you to your limits, forcing you to grow stronger, to fight, to survive. But it will also change you. Corrupt you. The more power you gain, the more you'll lose yourself. And if you're not careful, you'll end up like the others who came before you—another forgotten hero, lost to history."
Aryn swallowed hard, his mind racing. The weight of their words settled heavily on his shoulders. He had felt the strain already, the way the system seemed to push him forward, driving him into one battle after another. But he hadn't considered the cost—hadn't realized what he was risking.
"Is there a way to stop it?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice. "A way to break the curse?"
The woman hesitated, her eyes searching his for a long moment before she shook her head. "No," she said quietly. "Once the system has chosen you, there's no turning back. The only way out is to complete the ascension—or die trying."
Aryn felt a cold knot of dread forming in his stomach. This was worse than he had imagined. The system wasn't just a tool—it was a path, one that would lead him to either unimaginable power or his own destruction. And there was no way to avoid it.
"So what do I do?" he asked, his voice trembling. "How do I survive this?"
The woman's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch surprisingly gentle. "You need to learn," she said. "Learn how to use the system, how to control it. And you need allies—people you can trust, who can help you along the way. Because if you try to do this alone, you won't make it."
Aryn nodded, the truth of her words sinking in. He couldn't do this alone. The thought of facing the challenges ahead without help was overwhelming. He needed allies, people who understood what he was going through—people like these two.
"Will you help me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The woman exchanged another look with her companion before nodding. "We'll help you," she said. "But you need to understand that this isn't just about you anymore. The Ascension System is dangerous, not just to you, but to everyone around you. If we're going to do this, we need to be careful. We need to be smart."
Aryn nodded again, relief flooding through him. He wasn't alone anymore. He had found people who could help him, who understood what he was up against. It was a small comfort, but it was enough.
The woman stepped back, her expression once again calm and composed. "My name is Liora," she said, introducing herself properly. "And this is Kael. We're part of a group dedicated to understanding the Ascension System and keeping its power from falling into the wrong hands. If you're willing, we'd like you to join us."
Aryn's heart skipped a beat at the offer. He didn't know much about them yet, but he knew one thing—they were his best chance at survival. And he needed all the help he could get.
"I'll join you," he said, determination hardening his voice. "Whatever it takes, I'll do it."
Liora smiled, a small but genuine smile, and nodded in approval. "Good," she said. "Then let's get moving. There's much to do, and the path ahead won't be easy. But together, we might just stand a chance."
her expression softening slightly as she took a step closer. "The Ascension System is an ancient power, older than any of the gods that rule this world. It was created by a lost god, Zylarion, to elevate mortals to godhood. But it's not a gift—it's a curse. One that comes with a heavy price."
Aryn's heart pounded in his chest as her words sank in. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed was another thing entirely. "What kind of price?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
The young man spoke up, his tone grave. "The system will push you to your limits, forcing you to grow stronger, to fight, to survive. But it will also change you. Corrupt you. The more power you gain, the more you'll lose yourself. And if you're not careful, you'll end up like the others who came before you—another forgotten hero, lost to history."
Aryn swallowed hard, his mind racing. The weight of their words settled heavily on his shoulders. He had felt the strain already, the way the system seemed to push him forward, driving him into one battle after another. But he hadn't considered the cost—hadn't realized what he was risking.
"Is there a way to stop it?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice. "A way to break the curse?"
The woman hesitated, her eyes searching his for a long moment before she shook her head. "No," she said quietly. "Once the system has chosen you, there's no turning back. The only way out is to complete the ascension—or die trying."
Aryn felt a cold knot of dread forming in his stomach. This was worse than he had imagined. The system wasn't just a tool—it was a path, one that would lead him to either unimaginable power or his own destruction. And there was no way to avoid it.
"So what do I do?" he asked, his voice trembling. "How do I survive this?"
The woman's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch surprisingly gentle. "You need to learn," she said. "Learn how to use the system, how to control it. And you need allies—people you can trust, who can help you along the way. Because if you try to do this alone, you won't make it."
Aryn nodded, the truth of her words sinking in. He couldn't do this alone. The thought of facing the challenges ahead without help was overwhelming. He needed allies, people who understood what he was going through—people like these two.
"Will you help me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The woman exchanged another look with her companion before nodding. "We'll help you," she said. "But you need to understand that this isn't just about you anymore. The Ascension System is dangerous, not just to you, but to everyone around you. If we're going to do this, we need to be careful. We need to be smart."
Aryn nodded again, relief flooding through him. He wasn't alone anymore. He had found people who could help him, who understood what he was up against. It was a small comfort, but it was enough.
The woman stepped back, her expression once again calm and composed. "My name is Liora," she said, introducing herself properly. "And this is Kael. We're part of a group dedicated to understanding the Ascension System and keeping its power from falling into the wrong hands. If you're willing, we'd like you to join us."
Aryn's heart skipped a beat at the offer. He didn't know much about them yet, but he knew one thing—they were his best chance at survival. And he needed all the help he could get.
"I'll join you," he said, determination hardening his voice. "Whatever it takes, I'll do it."
Liora smiled, a small but genuine smile, and nodded in approval. "Good," she said. "Then let's get moving. There's much to do, and the path ahead won't be easy. But together, we might just stand a chance."