A chilling wind howled through the prison, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and rusted iron. The dim torchlight flickered against the ancient stone walls, casting long shadows over two bound figures. The heavy chains that shackled them pulsed faintly with an unnatural glow, forged with enchantments designed to suppress movement and energy.
The transmigrator, David, and Xenos sat slumped against the cold prison floor, their bodies battered and worn from whatever cruel fate had led them here. The eerie silence was broken only by the occasional gust of wind seeping through the cracks in the walls.
Then, a presence disturbed the stillness.
A young woman emerged from the shadows, her delicate frame outlined by the dim light. She wore a simple robe of woven silk, adorned with intricate tribal patterns. Her dark eyes, filled with a mixture of worry and determination, swept over the two prisoners.
"Oh god…" she whispered, kneeling before them. "My tribe doesn't even bother treating your wounds."
She reached out with gentle hands, placing them over their injuries. A faint, golden aura shimmered from her fingertips as warmth spread through their broken bodies. Wounds that had festered and bled moments ago now began to close, leaving only faint scars behind. The sensation of pain dulled, replaced by a strange tranquility.
As if awakened by her touch, David's eyes snapped open. He inhaled sharply, his muscles tensing before his gaze met hers. Beside him, Xenos stirred as well, though his expression remained unreadable.
David's voice, rough from exhaustion, carried a hint of skepticism. "Why are you helping us? Aren't you with the tribe?"
The girl smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "I'm not helping you. I'm just healing you." She leaned back slightly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But I will help you escape… when the time is right. So don't worry."
Xenos narrowed his eyes. Bluffing. He didn't say it aloud, but the thought burned in his mind like an ember.
David, however, regarded her with a mix of respect and concern. "But what if they catch you helping us? Aren't you afraid?"
She chuckled, a soft, almost musical sound. "Nope." A playful smirk curved her lips. "Because I'm coming with you."
David's weariness gave way to a hopeful grin. "That's great! I'm glad to have you on our side." He tilted his head, curiosity piqued. "What's your name?"
She hesitated for only a moment before replying, "I'm Xing Lee."
David nodded. "I'm David." He glanced at Xenos, expecting an introduction.
The warrior sighed, his voice flat. "Ding."
David raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he focused on the bigger issue. "Anyway, Xing Lee, do you know where we are?"
Xing Lee's expression turned serious. "This is the Valhalla Region. If we escape, the safest place we can go is Towins Academy. It's neutral ground, protected from most outside threats." She paused. "I also have a transport prepared for the journey."
Xenos' demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. "Towins Academy… yeah, that would be safe." He leaned forward. "But tell me—how many Diviners are here?"
Xing Lee hesitated before answering, "There are five of them. Each of them possesses Metal-type Divine Powers."
At the mention of the word Diviners, David's expression darkened with confusion. "Diviners? What do you mean? Are they monsters?"
Xenos turned to him, his eyes grave. "Since you're from another world, you wouldn't know…" He exhaled, gathering his thoughts. "Diviners are humans who have awakened nature's power. They don't need mana. They can bend elements—fire, water, wind—at will. The process starts at fifteen. Every Diviner's power is unique, classified into seven types." His gaze bore into David's. "And you… you were transmigrated here for a reason."
David stiffened. "What reason?"
Xenos' voice was quiet but firm. "Because you are destined to wield the Supreme Divine Power."
David blinked, his mind racing. "Wait—so I'm going to have some kind of overpowered ability? Like magic?" His excitement grew. "That's insane!"
Xenos scoffed. "It's do or die."
Still riding the high of his newfound revelation, David turned to his companions. "What about you guys? Do you have divine powers?"
Xenos' lips pressed into a thin line. "No."
Xing Lee's head snapped toward him, shock flashing across her face. "That's impossible! I saw you fight! You controlled water—just like a Diviner!"
Xenos' expression darkened. "That was mana manipulation. Not Divine Power."
Xing Lee frowned. "Even so… it looked exactly like a Diviner's ability." She narrowed her eyes. "How old are you?"
Xenos looked away. "Seventeen."
A silence settled between them.
David, in awe, muttered, "Bro, you're ridiculously strong."
Xing Lee seemed unsettled, but she quickly shook off her thoughts. "I have to go," she said, standing up. "I'll return when the time is right." She hesitated before adding, "Don't lose hope."
David and Xenos exchanged glances before nodding.
"Take care," David said with a gentle smile.
Xing Lee vanished into the darkness.
Minutes passed.
Xenos' face remained blank, but a sharp glint flickered in his eyes. Then, he smirked.
"She played her role well."
David, sensing the change in his tone, stiffened. "What do you mean?"
Xenos leaned back, his chains rattling slightly. "That girl isn't our ally." His voice was laced with amusement. "She wants something from you, David."
David felt his stomach drop. "That's not possible. She healed us."
Xenos chuckled. "And that's exactly why you trusted her so easily." He let the words sink in before continuing. "Listen—the moment you arrived in this world, you awakened the Supreme Divine Power." His gaze sharpened. "And she knows it."
David swallowed. "Then… Xing Lee is our enemy?" His mind struggled to reconcile the warmth in her voice with the possibility of betrayal.
Xenos nodded. "I had my suspicions from the moment she stepped into this cell. But when she entered, I sensed two Diviners tailing her, scouting our position. Now, they're gone." His smirk widened. "That tells me she was never alone. And that's why I played along."
David's blood ran cold. "Then… what do we do?"
Xenos' eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Don't worry," he murmured.
His grin turned into a manic laugh.
"I already made my move."
David stared, realization dawning.
"…And my name is Xenos."