"Dear, I just received word from my family—they'll be sending a Hunter Beyonder to deal with those wolves," Celia Aldercroft de Thorne said, her voice both relieved and weary. She cast a glance at her husband, Cedric, who had just finished his paperwork.
Setting his glasses down, Cedric frowned. "Those creatures are growing more troublesome by the day. They've started to destroy farms, they are more than just wolves." His gaze softened as he looked at Celia. "Thank goodness you reached out to your family. Their assistance is truly a blessing."
From his hidden spot nearby, Lucien listened to his parents' conversation, his heart pounding. Extraordinary wolves? A Hunter Beyonder? Panic bubbled within him as he struggled to steady his breath. It's happening… it's the world of Lord of the Mysteries, he realized, feeling terror.
He stumbled back to his room, collapsing onto his bed as his mind raced. "This can't be… why here of all places?" he murmured to himself. The world he had come to know, to enjoy even, had suddenly shifted to something far more dangerous. He could feel the dark possibilities pulling at his mind—the cosmic threats, the silent terrors that hid behind the world's thin veil of normalcy.
After a few steadying breaths, he forced himself to sit up. "Okay, Lucien… don't panic. Think." Trying to shake off his fear, he moved to his desk, grabbed a sheet of paper, and began scribbling out his thoughts on becoming a Beyonder.
"If I become a Beyonder, maybe I can protect myself… and my family," he muttered. He remembered from the book that Klein had joined the Night Watchers as a Seer, but Lucien quickly crossed out the Night Watchers and every church he could think of. Too dangerous. I'm a variable here—something unpredictable. They might try to control me, or worse…
Running his hand through his white hair, he murmured, "Then how do I become a Beyonder?"
The world around him seemed to shimmer. Suddenly, Lucien found himself standing in a vast, towering library filled with bookshelves that extended to infinity. The air hummed with a serene, timeless energy.
"Welcome to the Echo Library, newcomer," a gentle voice echoed around him, each word resonating in his chest.
Lucien looked around, awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the place. "What… what is this place?" he whispered, his heart racing with both excitement and caution.
"Within these tomes lies the knowledge you seek—the means to walk your own path as a Beyonder, and perhaps more." The voice was calm yet carried an ancient depth, like someone who had seen countless newcomers before him.
"Are you my golden finger?" Lucien asked, a faint hope in his voice.
"No. I am not a 'golden finger,'" the voice replied gently. "But I am connected to you, as the Echo is to all who come, until your life ends and the next newcomer arrives."
Lucien gazed at the towering shelves. "Then… how do I become a Beyonder?"
A book suddenly floated down from a high shelf, its cover glimmering faintly. It landed softly in his hands, its title written in intricate, ancient script: The Oracle of Echoes Path. The echoing voice spoke again, "Newcomer, this is your path—if you wish to grow stronger and prove yourself worthy."
He opened the book, his eyes scanning the first page with mounting anticipation:
Sequence 9 – Initiate of Whispers
Abilities: Grants the ability to recognize basic symbols, interpret simple mystical languages, and sense supernatural influences. The user's intuition sharpens, allowing them to perceive subtle hints and hidden messages in their surroundings.
Potion Formula: Memory Root Extract, Dust of Forgotten Script, and Echoing Crystal.
Potion Effect: Unlocks a heightened awareness of echoes, enabling the hearing of faint whispers of wisdom.
Excited, he flipped to the next page—only to find it blank. He turned to the third, the fourth, and still, nothing. Only one page… and the abilities sound so weak, he thought, deflated.
"It's incomplete. There's only one page, and from what I see, it doesn't seem very powerful," he muttered, disappointed.
The voice echoed softly, almost in amusement. "It is not incomplete. Rather, you lack the authority to access the remaining pages. All wisdom here must be earned. Each Sequence you achieve will reveal more knowledge. The stronger you grow on this path, the more will be unlocked to you."
Lucien sighed but nodded, accepting the challenge with a spark of determination. "Then… what should I call you?"
"Call me Echo. I will be your guide in this library, assisting you as you walk your path."
"And… how do I come back here?" Lucien asked, his curiosity rekindled as he looked around the endless rows of bookshelves.
"Simply think it—to wish to enter the Echo, and you will find yourself here. But be mindful of your spiritual energy. Each visit requires it, and you risk exhaustion if it depletes."
Just as Lucien took in this last piece of advice, a distant pull began to tug at him, and Echo's voice softened, "It is time for you to return; your spiritual power is nearly depleted."
Lucien blinked, and suddenly he was back in his room, head resting on his desk. His mind buzzed with the vastness of what he had just encountered, but he felt drained. "So… only my spiritual body can enter the library, not my physical one," he mused, slightly disappointed. If my physical body could enter, I'd have a place to escape to when needed, he thought wistfully.
Gathering his thoughts, Lucien turned his attention back to the potion ingredients: Memory Root Extract, Dust of Forgotten Script, and Echoing Crystal. He scribbled down the names, mind racing as he considered his options.
The idea of visiting an underground Beyonder shop flashed through his mind, but he crossed it out almost as quickly. Too risky, he thought. I don't even know where to find one.
After a moment of deliberation, he sighed and settled on a single option—one that made him uneasy but seemed like the safest choice. I could ask my parents directly. They must know where to find unusual items. He stretched, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. Alright then… tomorrow morning.
Yawning, he made his way to his bed, thoughts still racing The day's events had taken their toll, and as soon as his head hit the pillow, he drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The next morning, Lucien woke with a start, realizing he'd fallen asleep fully dressed. Rubbing his eyes, he quickly changed into fresh clothes and headed down the long hallway toward the dining room, the inviting aroma of breakfast drifting through the air. Just as he rounded a corner, a familiar voice called out.
"Brother, good morning!" His younger brother, Eric Aldercroft de Thorne, jogged up with a wide grin.
"Good morning, Eric," Lucien replied, returning the smile. "Is our sister up yet?"
Eric chuckled, shaking his head. "You know how she is—once she's asleep, there's no waking her until she's ready."
Lucien laughed softly and ruffled Eric's hair. "True enough. Well, let's go; Mother and Father are probably waiting for us."
Together, they walked into the dining room, where their parents were already seated, a light but hearty breakfast laid out before them. Cedric and Celia looked up as their sons entered, and Celia's face softened with warmth.
"Good morning, boys," she said with a gentle smile, gesturing for them to sit.
"Good morning, Mother! Good morning, Father!" both boys chorused as they took their seats at the table. Lucien's gaze wandered over the spread of food, and he couldn't help but smile. "The food looks delicious! The chef has really outdone himself again."
Cedric nodded in approval. "It's not just about how it looks, but how it tastes."
"I know, Father," Lucien replied, rolling his eyes playfully. "You've said that so many times I can hardly think of anything else! It's still a good thing to praise our servants."
Just as Cedric opened his mouth to respond, a loud voice interrupted them. "Eh! Did you already start eating without me?!"
In walked Medea Aldercroft de Thorne, still in her pajamas, trailed by two concerned maids who were struggling to keep up.
Celia sighed, shaking her head in exasperation. "Medea, how many times do I have to tell you? Don't come to the dining room in your pajamas. It's not ladylike, and what if we had a visitor?"
Medea lowered her head slightly, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. "But nobody's here."
Celia turned to the maids, who looked uneasy. "You two may go. I'll handle it." Then, facing her daughter, she added, "And after breakfast, I expect you to get dressed properly."
"Alright, alright!" Medea sighed dramatically, flashing a cheeky grin as she plopped into her seat, unconcerned. Lucien glanced at her, resisting the urge to put his hand to his face. Instead, he sighed and picked up his fork to start eating.
Breakfast continued with its usual lighthearted banter. Afterward, as Eric and Medea left for their daily activities, Lucien lingered at the table, looking at his parents with a serious expression.
"Mother, Father, I wanted to ask you something… about Beyonders."
Celia and Cedric exchanged a startled look. Celia composed herself, leaning forward. "Son, how do you know about that?"
Lucien took a steadying breath, holding his parents' gaze. "I accidentally met someone who knows about Beyonders, and he told me some things."
Cedric's expression grew more serious. "And do you understand what Beyonders are, Lucien?"
Lucien hesitated, then admitted, "Not fully, I wanted to learn more, but… my friend warned me that it's too dangerous for normal people to search for this kind of information."
Celia reached over, placing a gentle hand on his. "Beyonders are extraordinary, Lucien, but they come with immense risks and responsibilities. It's not something you should pursue lightly. Why are you asking?"
He took a moment, choosing his words carefully. "It's just… I feel like I'm at an age where I need to understand more about the world—especially things that could affect our family. If we're dealing with supernatural threats, I want to be prepared," he paused, adding with a quiet determination, "especially since I'm going to inherit the house someday. That's why… I want to become a Beyonder."
Celia's face tightened with concern. "No, you are not allowed, Lucien."
Cedric interjected, his tone steady. "Dear, he's the right age to learn, and we can't protect him forever. Besides, having a Beyonder in our family would be valuable. We can't always rely on your family's help in such matters."
Lucien turned to his mother, his voice gentle yet firm. "Please, Mother."
Hearing both her husband's and son's words, Celia sighed deeply. "Fine." She cast Cedric a warning look. "But if anything happens, I will hold you responsible."