Elaro walked after Eldin, her mind was spinning with questions as she tried to process everything. The deep forest around her was pulsed with life, trees tall above her, their trunks were twisted and old, with leaves glowing in shades of emerald and silver. Sunlight broke through, casting light shadows across the path, and she could hear the calls of unfamiliar creatures.
As they walked, Elaro touched the leather armor she was wearing on her body. It felt both strange and oddly comforting, its texture was smooth. The feeling of strength was radiating, a far cry from the clothes of her old life. She didn't feel like the ordinary girl she once was. Every step brought a new sensation in her.
Eldin glanced at her, his expression was unreadable under his hoody. "You must be wondering why you are here." Elaro nodded. "I… don't understand any of this. One moment I was… there, and now, this place in this world. Am I… dead?"
Eldin chuckled softly, a sound like wind passing through the leaves. "You are very much alive, Elaro. You have been chosen to wield a power, a power you have to unlock."
She took a deep breath, looking down at her hands. A faint glow was glowing from her fingertips, the light hue blending with the red of her hair. "This power… I can feel it, but it's like it's hiding or waiting.
"Exactly," Eldin replied, his tone filled with wisdom. "The world you're in now is the Realm of Atria. It is one of the hunters and ancient forces. Here, strength must be earned, not given. Every battle and every decision will shape you, build your power, and bring you closer to your true self."
As he spoke, Elaro felt a shiver running down in her body. This was not merely a fantasy. It was real and terrifying. Yet, she felt more alive than she ever had.
Eldin lead her to a clear path, where the forest floor was covered in soft moss and broken branches. Suddenly, he halted, and his eyes grew serious. "I have something to show you, Elaro, a glimpse of what awaits you."
Before Elaro could question him, he raised his hand. Dark energy goes from his fingers, and a strange, ghostly portal shimmers into view. She watched as the portal expanded, revealing shadowy figures on the other side.
Three massive beasts move forward, their eyes glowing red. They had the bodies of wolves, but their size was monstrous, each one at least three times larger than any animal she had seen. Their fur was thick, dark as night, and sharp fangs were showing in a snarl.
Elaro's heart pounded, and instinctively, she took a step back. "Fear not," Eldin reassured her. "This is only a test. You must face it if you understand your purpose here."
"But… I've never fought before!" she protested, panic creeping into her voice.
Eldin's gaze softened, yet it was remained firm. "Power lies in you. Face them, Elaro. Prove to yourself that you are worthy of this destiny."
Swallowing hard, Elaro nodded, forcing herself to take a breath. The beasts loomed back and forth, eyeing her as though sensing her hesitation. She took a shaky step forward, feeling the power within her, urging to be set free.
The first wolf lunge towards her with a growl, its eyes locked onto her. Elaro raised her hands instinctively, and a surge of energy goes through her body, bright red light bursting from her palms. The energy blasted the beast backward, and she stared in shock, seeing at her strength that had flowed so naturally.
But there was no time to dwell on it. The second wolf charged, and she dodged to the side, with a sudden swift. She willed the energy to come forth again, and this time, it obeyed her more readily. A thin, red blade formed in her hand, a weapon that felt like an extension of herself. Without thinking, she swung it, feeling the rush of power as it met the wolf's side.
The beast let out a painful yelp, moving back. But before she could react further, the third wolf lunged at her, its teeth aiming for her throat. Terror froze in her for a split second, but then she remembered Eldin's words, this was her chance to prove herself.
With a fierce shout, she raised her blade, meeting the wolf head-on. Her weapon slashed through the air, guided by some unknown force, and the wolf fell, disappearing in a cloud of dark mist.
Elaro stood panting, disbelief was on her face. She had fought and won. Eldin watched, his expression was unreadable. "Well done, Elaro. Your power has begun to awaken." Eldin gestured for her to sit as the portal faded away, and the forest grew silent again. "What you just experienced was the first step towards unlocking the evolution system that lies within you."
"Evolution system?" Elaro asked, still catching her breath. Her mind raced with questions and curiosity, fighting to take over her fear.
"In this realm, every hunter has a unique system that allows them to grow, to learn, and to evolve," Eldin explains. "But for you, it is the 'Evolutionary Path of the SSS-Class.' The higher your rank, the more powers you will unlock. But remember, each ability comes with its own trials and responsibilities."
Elaro nod, the weight of his words was sinking in her heart. She thought back her old life, her old existence she'd left behind. Here, she was no longer an ordinary girl but she was someone with potential who could make a difference.
"But I don't understand… why me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Eldin's gaze soften. "Because fate has chosen you, Elaro. Whether by accident or by fate, you were meant for this world. And now, you have a purpose."
Eldin move forward, extending a hand to help her up. "Your training will be long and hard. You will face many challenges, both within yourself and in this world. But if you are willing to embrace this path, I will guide you."
Elaro took his hand, feeling the warmth and strength of his grip. A newfound emotion filled her as she met his gaze. "I'm ready. Teach me what I need to know."
He nodded approvingly. "Very well. We shall begin with the basics. First, you must learn to control your power, to control it, and understand its limits."
As they walked deeper into the forest, Eldin explains the nature of the hunter's system. Each hunter had their own unique path, abilities, and evolving goals. For Elaro, it was the Evolutionary Path of the SSS-Class, a path that was given only to the rarest of hunters.
"What does it mean to be SSS-Class?" Elaro asked surprisingly.
"It means you are capable of more, most hunters cannot even dream of," Eldin replied. "You possess the potential to surpass even the most powerful beings in this world. But remember, power can be both a blessing and a curse."
They reached a small area where a crystal-clear stream ran over the smooth stones. Eldin tell her to sit by the water's edge. "The first step in finding your power is to find your center. Focus on the energy within you, feel it, and let it guide you."
Elaro closed her eyes, breathing deeply. She felt the low hum of energy in her chest, like a small flame growing inside her. Slowly, she reached out to it, drawing it closer.
As she focused, she could feel the power building strong, flowing through her veins like burning fire. She held her hands out, and a soft red glow emerges, glowing her palms.
"Good," Eldin said, his voice was calm and encouraging. "Now, visualize what you want the energy to become, a weapon, a shield, anything that feels natural."
Elaro concentrated, picturing the blade she had used in her fight with the wolves. She feels the energy shifting, molding itself to her will, and soon, a thin, glowing blade materialized in her hands.
A chill shot through her as she held the weapon, feeling its weight, the power going within it. It was real, tangible, and mostly it was hers.
Just as she was getting used to her newfound abilities, a sound comes through the trees. She and Eldin turned, alert. A figure comes out from the shadows, a tall, muscular man with piercing green eyes and a smirk that seemed both confident and challenging.
"Elaro, meet Karo Ardent," Eldin introduced him, a hint of respect in his tone. "One of the most skilled hunters in this realm." Karo's gaze settles on her with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "So, this is the girl with SSS power?"
Elaro felt irritation at his tone, but she straightened, meeting his gaze with determination. "Yes, I am. And I plan to live up to that potential."
Karo chuckled, crossing his arms. "We'll see about that. Eldin smiled knowingly. "Perhaps you two will be allies… or rivals. Only time will tell."
As Elaro looked at Karo, she felt an unknown feeling. Her journey had only begun, but she already sensed that it would be filled with challenges, friendships, and rivalries that would shape her in ways she couldn't imagine.
To Be Continued