Adam stared at the Shadowfang Direwolf's Essence Core, feeling its pulsating energy radiate through his fingers. The crystal was dark, nearly black, yet alive with a faint shimmer, a strange pulse that mirrored a heartbeat. He knew what it was capable of—he'd read enough lore to know that consuming an Essence Core meant absorbing not just raw power, but a trace of the beast's spirit, its attributes. But here, in this world, the risks felt heavier, realer.
Eirene hovered beside him, her gaze locked on the crystal with an expression that was equal parts wary and curious. "If you're really going to consume that, you better be prepared for the ride," she said, her tone uncharacteristically serious.
Adam glanced at her, eyebrow raised. "You're not about to try and talk me out of it, are you?"
She snorted. "Oh, no. I'm here to make sure you don't turn yourself into a vegetable while trying to play hero. This kind of power doesn't come without a price, Adam. Don't let the thrill of it blind you."
Her words struck him, and he tightened his grip on the crystal, feeling its pulse grow stronger, as if it sensed his resolve. He took a deep breath, his mind steadying. This was no time for doubt. He wasn't here to play it safe.
"I'm ready," he said, his voice firm. "Tell me what I need to do."
Eirene floated closer, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of excitement and concern. "Good. Focus on the Essence, but don't let it consume you. Guide it, channel it through your core. You'll feel a surge—let it flood you, but keep your mind sharp. Control is everything."
With a final nod, Adam lifted the crystal to his lips and, hesitating only a moment, pressed it to his mouth, feeling its energy seep into him. The moment it touched his tongue, he felt an overwhelming rush—an icy, burning sensation that coursed down his throat and exploded through his veins, setting every nerve alight.
The power was intoxicating, a raw, untamed force that surged through him like a storm. He could feel the Direwolf's Essence, wild and shadowed, mingling with his own energy, melding with it, reshaping him from the inside. His body tensed, every muscle locking as the Essence burrowed deeper, carving pathways through his core.
His vision blurred, and for a moment, he saw glimpses of something else—fleeting images of the forest from the Direwolf's eyes, the thrill of the hunt, the cold satisfaction of the kill. It was primal, feral, a perspective utterly foreign yet fascinating.
Then came the pain. A jolt ran through his body, so intense he nearly doubled over, clutching his stomach as if something were ripping him apart. His heart pounded, a frantic rhythm that echoed in his skull. He grit his teeth, forcing himself to focus, to keep his mind tethered as the Essence wove into his own.
Eirene's voice broke through the chaos. "Don't let it take control, Adam! Guide it! Remember what I said—channel it!"
He clenched his fists, pulling his focus inward, envisioning the Essence as threads of shadow and light, winding through him. He forced them into a rhythm, steadying the turbulent energy, letting it flow with his heartbeat, his breath. Slowly, the pain receded, replaced by a simmering strength, a power that felt both foreign and strangely familiar.
And then, in a single, powerful rush, it settled.
He opened his eyes, and for a moment, everything seemed sharper, clearer. The world around him felt alive with energy, every leaf and shadow pulsing with an unseen force. He felt different—stronger, his body humming with newfound vitality. He could almost feel his movements syncing with the world around him, as though he was attuned to the very Essence of Valtora.
Eirene studied him, a hint of approval in her eyes. "Congratulations, you've just hit Stage 9—Sparked. Not bad for a first timer."
Adam took a deep, steadying breath, feeling the energy still humming beneath his skin. "Stage 9, huh? Sounds like I'm making progress."
"Oh, don't get too cocky," she said, crossing her arms. "Sparked means you've finally built up enough Essence to resonate without immediately frying yourself. But it's a small step in a long journey. Try to push that fragile core too hard, and you'll regret it."
Adam nodded, the seriousness of her words grounding him. He hadn't forgotten the feeling of Backlash, the crushing drain that had left him reeling after resonating with the Direwolf. But with this boost, he could sense that his body was more resilient, more… adaptable. This was a starting point, a foundation he could build on.
"So, what's next?" he asked, looking at Eirene with a renewed sense of purpose.
Eirene's face lit up, her wings fluttering with excitement. "I thought you'd never ask. Now that you're Sparked, you're ready to handle a little more intensity. There's a route called the Essence Circuit. It's a bit like… Valtora's training ground for ambitious Hunters, you might say."
Adam's eyes sparked with recognition. The Essence Circuit. In the game, it was known as a prime hunting ground, a series of hidden paths and glades in Aldoria where Hunters tested their strength against progressively tougher beasts. Rare Essence Wells dotted the path, giving those who survived access to powerful Essence-infused resources.
"Essence Circuit…" he mused. "That could be exactly what I need to keep leveling up without drawing too much attention."
Eirene nodded approvingly. "Smart thinking. But be warned—the Circuit attracts all kinds. It's a hub for Hunters, traders, even the odd rogue sorcerer or two. If you want to keep that Empty Aspect under wraps, you'll have to be… discreet."
Adam rolled his shoulders, a confident smirk tugging at his lips. "I think I can manage a bit of subtlety."
"Good," she replied, her tone softening. "Because if you're not careful, the Hunter Guild might catch wind of your progress. They don't take kindly to outliers rising too quickly. If they suspect you're hiding something, it won't end well."
Adam felt a chill at her words, but he quickly pushed it aside. He'd dealt with enough guild politics in the game to know how to avoid the radar. He just had to stay a step ahead.
"So," he said, squaring his shoulders, "the Circuit. Where do we start?"
Eirene grinned, floating a little higher. "Follow me. I know a shortcut that'll lead us straight to one of the smaller Essence Wells. There's usually a few novices practicing there—easy enough for you to blend in."
Adam raised an eyebrow. "Blend in, huh? You make it sound like I'm some sort of fugitive."
Her laughter tinkled like wind chimes. "Not yet, but give it time. If you keep progressing at this pace, the wrong kind of people are bound to take notice."
With that ominous note hanging in the air, they set off, winding through the dense forest, Eirene leading the way. Adam moved with newfound ease, his footsteps light and agile, almost as though he were gliding through the shadows. The energy from the Direwolf's Essence still pulsed within him, a steady undercurrent that fueled his every movement.
After a while, they reached a small clearing, nestled between towering oaks and thick underbrush. A faint mist hung in the air, and in the center of the glade, a shimmering pool of Essence glowed, casting a soft blue light over the area.
A group of young Hunters were practicing nearby, their movements clumsy but determined. Adam observed them carefully, recognizing the telltale signs of their Aspects—two of them had Stone Aspects, while another wielded a Wind Aspect. The latter caught his attention. Wind was an Aspect known for enhancing agility and evasion, something that could complement his own skills nicely.
"Thinking of borrowing a little agility?" Eirene's voice was playful, almost daring.
Adam smirked. "Maybe. Wind could come in handy."
"Just don't overdo it," she cautioned. "Your body might be Sparked now, but you're still learning. Another Backlash could knock you out cold."
He nodded, keeping his focus on the Hunter with the Wind Aspect. The young man was moving in short, controlled bursts, summoning gusts to propel his strikes, each one growing sharper, faster. Adam closed his eyes, reaching out with his mind, feeling for the rhythm of the Wind Aspect's energy.
It was faint at first, a gentle breeze whispering in the back of his thoughts. He deepened his focus, syncing his breath with the steady flow of air around him. And then, in a rush, he felt it—the lightness, the freedom, the sensation of weightless speed.
He opened his eyes, and his vision sharpened. Every movement felt amplified, his limbs lighter, his steps quicker. He took a tentative step forward, feeling the wind respond, guiding his movements with a graceful ease he'd never known.
"Not bad," Eirene whispered approvingly. "You're getting the hang of resonance. Just remember, don't push too far."
Adam nodded, letting himself bask in the sensation for a moment before moving forward. But then, without warning, the wind slipped away, and a sharp jolt of pain shot through his chest. He staggered, the Backlash striking like a whip, leaving him momentarily breathless.
Eirene darted to his side, her expression tinged with concern. "See? That's what I meant. Keep forcing new Aspects, and you'll be knocked flat before you know it."
He grimaced, rubbing his chest. "Got it. Lesson learned."
As he steadied himself, he couldn't help but feel a thrill. This was real, all of it. Power, freedom, potential—all within his reach, if he could master it.