With that thought, Rai headed to bed, his mind brimming with ideas of how to master magic, Kai, and his mysterious new powers. Tomorrow would bring more challenges, but Rai was ready to face them.
Rai jumped onto his bed, ready to sleep. The moment his head touched the pillow, his eyes shut, and he drifted off. Having been a disciplined veteran in his past life, Rai had never overslept. After a while, he woke up on his own, remembering his promise to meet Wolfra. He decided that bringing a gift would strengthen their bond.
Rai barged into his parents' room to ask for something, but to his shock, he found them in an intimate position. Determined to act oblivious, he ignored the scene. His father, engrossed in the moment, didn't stop, while his mother, Aria, pretended everything was normal so Rai wouldn't feel awkward.
"Mom, can I take a steak from the kitchen?" Rai asked casually.
Aria, still trying to keep up appearances, replied, "Sure, honey, just shut the door when you leave."
Rai nodded, closed the door behind him, and thought, I am never barging into a room again in my life.
Shaking off the awkwardness, Rai grabbed a spare knife and a steak from the kitchen. With his supplies in hand, he sprinted toward the forest to meet Wolfra. He ran and ran until he reached the tree where they had agreed to meet, but there was no sign of Wolfra.
Did my power fail? Did he betray me? Rai thought, sadness creeping into his heart. Feeling defeated, he climbed the tree to sit and think.
Suddenly, he heard a sound behind him. Turning around, he spotted a wolf preparing to attack. Rai instinctively used his binding chains, capturing and throwing the wolf around to vent his frustration. After being tossed around, the wolf submitted to Rai, becoming his second servant.
Just then, Rai sensed another presence and turned to see Wolfra standing nearby. Relief flooded his face as he realized his loyal servant hadn't abandoned him.
With a firm voice, Rai demanded, "Where were you?"
Wolfra bowed his head and replied, "My lord, I was hunting, but it took longer than I expected. My apologies."
Rai, regaining his composure, replied, "Fine. But you'll be happy to know that I brought a gift for you."
"A gift, my lord?" Wolfra asked, intrigued.
Rai nodded, cutting the steak into five pieces. He gave two pieces to Wolfra, two to the newly subdued wolf, and kept one for himself. "This last piece," Rai said, "is bait for the Barghast leader."
Wolfra's eyes gleamed with admiration as he devoured the steak, feeling grateful to have such a considerate master. Rai, meanwhile, began planning his next steps, ready to face the Barghast and prove his strength.
Rai decided to name the newly subdued wolf Flow, hoping it would also evolve like Wolfra. However, nothing happened. Disappointed, Rai frowned and decided to call God for answers.
"God?" Rai said, trying to sound composed.
Before Rai could continue, God interrupted. "I know what you're about to ask. You're wondering why naming this wolf didn't cause it to evolve, right?"
"Exactly!" Rai replied, eager for an explanation.
God sighed. "Listen carefully, Rai. The reason Flow didn't evolve is simple—it lacks the potential to evolve. Naming isn't a magic wand that transforms everything. If it worked that way, it would disrupt the ecosystem entirely."
Rai tilted his head, pondering God's words. "So, evolution isn't guaranteed just because of a name?"
"Correct," God said firmly. "Evolution depends on several factors: innate potential, achievements, and their connection to you as their master. Flow, unfortunately, doesn't meet the criteria."
Rai sighed in disappointment but quickly composed himself. "I see. Thank you for explaining, God."
God gave a brief chuckle. "You're welcome. And remember, just because Flow can't evolve doesn't mean it's useless. Every creature has its role in the balance of life. Goodbye for now."
Before Rai could say another word, the divine connection ended abruptly. Rai looked at Flow, who was wagging its tail, seemingly unaware of the conversation.
"Well, Flow," Rai said with a small smile, "you're still part of my team. Evolve or not, I'll find a use for you."
Flow barked in acknowledgment, and Rai felt a renewed sense of determination. He glanced at Wolfra, who was observing silently, and said, "Let's prepare for the Barghast. This is only the beginning."
Rai's attention was suddenly drawn upward as he felt a chilling presence descending upon the forest. The air grew heavier, the leaves rustling not from the wind but from an ominous force that seemed to press down on everything.
High above, silhouetted against the fading light, stood a man atop a cliff overlooking the forest. His fiery red hair billowed like flames, contrasting sharply with his scarred face. Each mark seemed to tell a tale of battles hard-fought and lives lost.
In his single remaining hand, he gripped a blade that radiated an unsettling black and red aura, pulsing like a heartbeat. The weapon seemed alive, exuding raw power and malice that caused even the bravest creatures of the forest to scatter in fear. His sharp, piercing eyes glared down at the forest as though surveying prey, locking briefly onto Rai and his wolves.
"Who is that...?" Rai whispered, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his own heart.
Wolfra, sensing the man's overwhelming strength, immediately tensed, stepping protectively in front of Rai. "Master, that man is dangerous. His aura reeks of death and destruction. We must retreat."
Flow growled low, his instincts warning him of the same.
Rai, though trembling slightly, couldn't look away. The man radiated an aura of dominance unlike anything Rai had ever encountered. It wasn't just strength—it was the weight of countless victories, of a will forged in fire and blood.
Suddenly, the man's voice echoed through the forest, deep and commanding.
"Boy," he called out, his tone laced with disdain. "Do you think yourself strong, playing master to these beasts?"
The words struck Rai like a lightning bolt. He tightened his grip on the knife he'd brought, his mind racing.
"Answer me," the man demanded, taking a single step forward. The ground beneath his feet cracked from the sheer force of his presence.
Rai swallowed hard but stood his ground. "Who are you?" he managed to ask, his voice firm despite his fear.
The man smirked, his scarred face twisting into an expression of cruel amusement. "I am Zareth, the Executioner of the Fallen. And you, boy, have caught my attention."
The black-and-red aura of his blade flared brighter, casting eerie shadows across the forest. Rai realized then that he was not just facing a powerful man—he was facing a force of chaos itself.