The wind howled through the peaks of the **Grimsoul Mountains**, a bitter, frigid gust that stung like a thousand knives. Beneath the dark sky, Kael stood at the edge of the cliff, his dark cloak billowing behind him. His eyes narrowed against the wind, scanning the horizon. He had never liked the mountains, but today, they felt like a weight on his chest.
At the center of the cliff was an ancient altar, covered in vines and moss, its stone surface weathered by centuries of neglect. The old markings carved into its sides glowed faintly, their magical energy reacting to the presence of a true Guardian. Kael stepped forward, his boots crunching against the brittle rock.
"You're late," a voice echoed in his mind, sharp and unmistakable.
Kael's breath hitched, his heart racing. "I'm here now, Azra." His voice came out steady, despite the tightness in his chest. He had been hearing the voice of his Guardian since he was a child, but it was only now that their bond had truly begun to form.
Azra, the **Elder Guardian of Wind**, was unlike the other spirits Kael had encountered. She was ancient, a being of wind and storm, with a personality that matched her power—stoic, relentless, and unyielding. Kael had spent years preparing for this moment, training to summon her in full form. Today, at last, he would forge the connection that would make him her true protector.
The altar's glowing runes pulsed brighter as Kael knelt before it, pressing his hand to the stone. "Azra," he whispered, his voice carrying the weight of an oath. "I swear to protect you, no matter the cost. In exchange, grant me the strength to protect those who need it."
The wind picked up violently, swirling around Kael, tearing at his cloak and hair. He could feel it—Azra's presence, like a pressure in the air, building and expanding. A storm was awakening.
The runes beneath his hand burst to life, and the ground trembled. Kael closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of power rushing into him, flooding his veins. The bond between him and the wind spirit was finally forming, solidifying into something tangible, something that could not be undone.
But just as quickly, the wind vanished.
Kael opened his eyes, blinking in confusion. There was no storm, no power. The wind had disappeared, leaving only the deafening silence of the mountains.
"Azra?" Kael called, standing, his heart pounding.
A low chuckle rumbled from within his mind. *Patience, Kael. A Guardian does not simply appear. You must summon me with your actions, not just your words. You must prove you are worthy of the bond.*
Kael's breath came in ragged gasps as he turned his gaze to the mountainside. Far below, nestled in the shadow of the peaks, he saw the faint glow of a village—a small outpost that had been under attack for weeks. The villages at the base of Grimsoul were frequently raided by monsters, but this time, it was different. This time, the creatures were more organized, more aggressive. And Kael had already received word that the attackers had been growing stronger by the day.
He had been sent here to find out why.
"Are you ready, Kael?" Azra's voice was less a question, more a command.
He didn't hesitate. The bond was incomplete, but he could feel her—he could feel her power waiting, just on the edge of his consciousness.
"Always."
Kael didn't wait for further instruction. He turned on his heel and sprinted toward the edge of the cliff, the winds around him already beginning to stir. As he approached the drop, Kael raised his arm, a gesture that summoned his first Guardian—a figure made of swirling winds, a manifestation of Azra's power, though still ethereal.
With a deep breath, he leaped.
The world seemed to slow as Kael plummeted toward the ground, his cloak snapping violently behind him. As he fell, the wind around him twisted and howled, forming a current beneath his body. At first, it was gentle—like a gentle push of air beneath a bird's wings—but then it grew stronger. The wind caught him, slowing his fall.
Azra's power swirled around him, lifting him higher, until he was gliding through the air, his feet barely touching the rocky terrain below. His heart pounded, a mix of adrenaline and excitement. There was something exhilarating about it—the connection with Azra, the way she moved through him, her power filling him up.
The wind carried him toward the village.
---
The village was a mess.
When Kael landed in the center of it, his boots crashing into the dirt, the first thing he saw was smoke rising from a number of burning houses. The villagers had clearly put up a fight, but it was evident they were losing. Dark figures moved through the streets, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light. Kael's stomach twisted. These weren't just any monsters—these were corrupted creatures, twisted by dark magic.
His Guardian flared to life beside him, swirling winds that formed into a semi-solid shape, hovering protectively. Kael drew his sword, its hilt glowing faintly with the power of his System.
"It's time," Kael muttered to Azra, the wind spirit that lingered just behind him. He could almost hear her approving hum in his mind.
A massive, lumbering beast—half-man, half-beast—charged toward him. Its eyes gleamed like coals, and black veins pulsed under its skin. It swung a massive axe, aiming for Kael's head.
With a flick of his wrist, Kael summoned his wind powers. A gust of force sent the beast stumbling back, but it wasn't enough to stop it. The creature roared in fury, charging again.
Kael's sword hummed with energy as he stepped forward, his mind clear and focused. "Azra," he whispered, and the wind around him coiled like a storm, ready to strike.
The beast swung its axe once more—but Kael was already gone.
---
The battle raged for hours, but with each monster that fell, Kael grew more confident. His connection with Azra deepened, and the Guardians' power coursed through him. By the time the final creature was dispatched, the village was quiet again—save for the crackling of dying flames.
Kael stood, breathing heavily, his sword slick with blood. The wind had died down, and Azra's presence faded slightly, though he could still feel her watching over him.
"Not bad," her voice echoed in his mind. *But this is only the beginning, Kael. The real test is yet to come.*
Kael looked down at the battered village. His heart swelled with pride, but also dread. This fight had been small. The real battle was looming on the horizon—and he wasn't sure if he was ready for it.
But one thing was certain: he would face it, no matter the cost.
And Azra would be there to protect him—just as he was there to protect her.