The morning after the battle with the beast, Yunshi woke with a start. His body ached, his muscles sore from the intense fight. Every movement reminded him of the previous day's ordeal—the glowing eyes of the creature, the suffocating malice in its aura, and the desperate effort it had taken to bring it down.
Despite his exhaustion, he felt a newfound clarity. The fight had taught him one undeniable truth: he wasn't strong enough yet. The Starborn legacy coursing through his veins was powerful, but he lacked the control, the knowledge, to wield it effectively.
Wei's voice broke through his thoughts as he entered Yunshi's small home, a smirk on his face. "Figured you'd still be lazing around. Some hero."
Yunshi chuckled weakly, sitting up. "Not everyone has your boundless energy. Shouldn't you be resting?"
"Rest later," Wei said, leaning against the doorframe. "Elder Talia asked for us. Something about 'next steps.' Sounds serious."
Yunshi's smile faded, his mind turning to the elder's ominous words after the battle. If yesterday's beast was a sign of what was to come, he wasn't sure he was ready for whatever "next steps" entailed. But there was no turning back now.
Elder Talia awaited them in the village square, her expression as inscrutable as ever. A small crowd had gathered, whispering among themselves. Some looked at Yunshi with admiration, others with uncertainty. The beast's corpse had been dragged to the edge of the forest, its massive form a grim reminder of the dangers encroaching on their world.
"You've both proven yourselves capable," Talia began, her voice steady and commanding. "But capability is not enough. The world has changed, and if you are to survive—if you are to protect this village—you must grow stronger."
Yunshi exchanged a glance with Wei. "How?" Yunshi asked, his voice steady despite the weight of the elder's words. "The legacy… it's powerful, but I don't understand it. I need guidance."
Talia nodded, as if she had expected this question. "The knowledge you seek cannot be found here. You need training, experience. Fortunately, the world itself may provide you with opportunities."
The elder gestured toward the horizon, where the towers of the merged worlds loomed like jagged teeth against the sky. "Those towers contain legacies like your own. But they are not the only source of strength. In the chaos of the merging, institutions have arisen—academies, clans, and sects—all vying to understand and harness the powers of this new reality. If you are serious about your path, you must seek them out."
Yunshi's chest tightened. The idea of leaving the village, of venturing into the unknown, was daunting. But deep down, he knew Talia was right. He couldn't stay here, not if he wanted to protect the people he cared about.
"What about you?" Wei asked, frowning. "Aren't you supposed to be our guide? Can't you teach him?"
Talia's expression softened, just for a moment. "My role is to prepare, not to train. My knowledge is limited, and the Starborn legacy is beyond my understanding. Yunshi's journey will take him far beyond what this village can offer."
Later that evening, Yunshi sat by the same fire he had shared with Wei the night before. The village seemed quieter now, as if the weight of Talia's words hung heavy in the air. Wei sat beside him, his usual humor replaced by a rare seriousness.
"You're really going to leave, aren't you?" Wei said, staring into the flames.
Yunshi nodded slowly. "I have to. If I don't learn to control this power, I'll just be a danger to everyone around me. And if more creatures like that beast appear…" He trailed off, the thought too heavy to finish.
Wei was silent for a long moment before he sighed. "Then I'm coming with you."
Yunshi's head snapped up. "What? No. You can't—"
"Don't even start," Wei interrupted, glaring at him. "You think I'm going to let you run off and fight monsters alone? We've been through too much for that. Besides, someone's got to keep you out of trouble."
Yunshi opened his mouth to argue but stopped. Wei's determination was unshakable, and deep down, Yunshi was grateful. The thought of facing the unknown alone was terrifying, but with Wei by his side, it felt just a little less daunting.
"All right," Yunshi said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "We'll do this together."
The next morning, they packed their belongings—simple supplies, a few weapons, and a small charm Talia had given Yunshi. "A token of the village," she had said, though she hadn't explained its purpose.
As they prepared to leave, a stranger arrived at the village gates.
He was a tall man with a lean, muscular frame, his hair streaked with silver despite his youthful appearance. His clothes were travel-worn, but there was an air of quiet confidence about him that made the villagers keep their distance. A sword hung at his side, its hilt wrapped in dark leather, and his sharp eyes seemed to take in everything at once.
"Yunshi," the man said, his voice calm but commanding.
Yunshi froze, his hand tightening on the strap of his pack. "Who are you?"
"My name is Kael," the man said, stepping closer. "I've come to offer you an opportunity."
Wei stepped in front of Yunshi, his hand on the hilt of his blade. "What kind of opportunity?"
Kael smirked faintly, his gaze shifting to Wei. "The kind that could save your lives. I know about the Starborn legacy. I've seen what it can do—and what it can destroy. If you want to master it, you'll need training. Real training."
Yunshi's heart raced. "And you're offering to train me?"
Kael shook his head. "No. I'm offering to take you somewhere that can. There's an academy—one that specializes in training those touched by legacies like yours. They'll push you to your limits, teach you to harness your power. But make no mistake: it's not an easy path. Many don't survive."
Wei snorted. "Sounds charming."
Kael's expression hardened. "The world you're stepping into isn't charming. It's brutal. The academy is your best chance to survive it."
Yunshi hesitated, the weight of Kael's words pressing down on him. The idea of an academy, a place where he could learn to control his power, was tempting. But the risks were clear.
"What's the catch?" Yunshi asked.
Kael's smirk returned. "No catch. Just a choice. Stay here, or come with me and take the first step toward mastering your legacy."
Yunshi glanced at Wei, who nodded. The decision wasn't easy, but it was clear.
"We'll go," Yunshi said firmly.
Kael nodded, turning toward the horizon. "Good. Then let's not waste any time. The academy is a long journey from here, and the roads are dangerous. Stay close, and keep your wits about you."
As they followed Kael into the unknown, Yunshi felt a mix of fear and excitement. The path ahead was uncertain, but it was the only way forward. And for the first time, he felt a spark of hope.