Under the heavy rain pouring over the city, Arka walked slowly, holding a white umbrella to shield himself from the relentless downpour. The sidewalk beneath his feet was filled with puddles, reflecting the gray sky that seemed to share the burden of his life. His days felt monotonous, empty of meaning—until that day came, the day that changed everything.
As he passed an old bridge, his ears caught a strange sound, like a faint whisper almost drowned out by the sound of the rain.
"Arka... come closer..."
Arka stopped in his tracks. He looked around, trying to find the source of the voice, but all he could hear was the roar of the rain and the whisper of the wind.
"Who's there?" he asked softly, a mix of curiosity and fear in his voice.
A chill crept over his body, not just from the rain but from an eerie feeling that made the hairs on his neck stand on end. Without thinking twice, he quickened his pace, moving away from the bridge, trying to forget what had just happened.
Arka ran toward his apartment, his breath ragged. When he arrived, he hurriedly opened the door.
Creaaak! The door groaned.
Bang! The door slammed shut forcefully, as if to block out whatever might have followed him.
He threw his white umbrella carelessly onto the floor, then kicked off his shoes without a second thought. In hurried steps, he jumped onto the bed and pulled the blanket over his entire body. Beneath the darkness and warmth of the covers, his mind kept spinning.
"Who was that? What really happened?" he whispered to himself. His body was still trembling.
"That was terrifying..." he murmured softly, trying to convince himself it was all just his imagination.
That day, though fear still enveloped him, Arka's exhausted body eventually succumbed to sleep. The heavy rain outside became a soothing lullaby, a rhythm that gradually silenced the turmoil in his heart.
In his sleep, strange dreams began to fill his mind. He saw the image of that old bridge again, but this time it was clearer. Beneath it, a glowing circle with strange symbols shimmered brightly. From the circle, a shadowy figure emerged—faint yet unmistakably real.
"Arka... you must come," the voice echoed again, clearer and stronger.
Arka wanted to move, to escape the figure, but his body felt heavy, as if bound by something unseen. The surroundings began to shift. A forest, a blue light, and a stormy gray sky appeared in turns, blending into an unsettling dreamscape.
He woke up with a gasp, his breathing ragged. His apartment room was still dark, illuminated only by flashes of lightning slipping through the gaps in the curtains. The rain continued to pour with the same intensity as before.
Arka wiped his face, trying to calm himself. "Just a dream," he muttered, though his heart wasn't entirely convinced.
He glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was 11:00 PM. Despite the unease lingering in his chest, he decided to try and fall asleep again, hoping that morning would bring clearer answers.
Eventually, Arka managed to close his eyes, even as the restlessness clung to him. The heavy rain outside transformed into a lulling rhythm, coaxing him into a restless slumber.
---
When morning arrived, soft sunlight seeped through the curtains of his apartment. The rain had stopped, leaving dew streaks on the window glass. Arka slowly opened his eyes, his body feeling heavy, though he was grateful the night had passed without further strange occurrences.
He rose from his bed, rubbing his face wearily. "Was it all just a nightmare?" he murmured, glancing at the floor where the white umbrella he had thrown still lay, soaked and abandoned.
The strange feeling still lingered in his chest, but Arka tried to ignore it. He walked toward his small kitchen to make a cup of coffee, hoping the morning routine would chase away his troubling thoughts. Yet, as he reached for a cup, something made him stop.
On the surface of the table, there was a damp imprint forming a strange pattern—a circle with the same symbols he had seen in his dream. Arka froze, his body rigid.
"What is this?" he whispered, his eyes fixated on the pattern.
He reached out to touch it, but the mark faded slowly, like mist dissolving into the air. Arka took a deep breath, the fear from the night before creeping back into his chest. "This can't be real... right?"
Yet deep inside, he knew that what happened last night wasn't just a dream. And he wouldn't be able to escape whatever was coming next.
Arka tried to shake off the thought, sipping the warm coffee he had just made. But the bitterness on his tongue did little to dispel the unease crawling through him. He stared out the apartment window, watching the world outside come alive with the bustle of the morning.
"This has to be a coincidence," he murmured, trying to reassure himself. "Nothing is strange. It was just a bad dream."
But as he turned to place his cup back on the table, he heard it again—a voice, faint but unmistakable.
"Arka... your time is running out..."
The cup in Arka's hand nearly slipped. He spun around quickly, searching for the source of the voice, but there was no one there. Only the sound of the morning breeze slipping through the gap in the window.
"No... I must be hallucinating," he said softly, but his heart was pounding, and his instincts screamed that something was wrong.
Arka decided to leave the apartment, hoping that some fresh air would help calm his nerves. He grabbed his jacket and shoes, then picked up his now-dry white umbrella. His steps felt heavy as he descended the stairs, as if something invisible was holding him back.
As Arka stepped onto the sidewalk, he found the streets glistening with remnants of last night's rain. The morning air was cold but refreshing. He walked aimlessly, trying to push the strange voices out of his mind.
Yet, his steps unconsciously led him back to the same place—the old bridge.
Arka froze in front of it, staring at its dark, moss-covered arch. The memories of the previous night flashed vividly in his mind.
"Why am I back here?" he murmured.
Before he could turn away, a faint light appeared beneath the bridge, glowing softly like a flickering ember. Arka stood still, feeling an unexplainable pull toward it.
"Arka…" the voice called again, clearer now, coming from the direction of the light.
His feet moved on their own. He descended under the bridge, approaching the source of the light. The glowing circle he had seen in his dream was now before him, shimmering with symbols that felt both foreign and hypnotic.
"This… is real," Arka whispered, his eyes wide in disbelief.
Suddenly, the circle began to spin, creating a vortex of light that grew larger and brighter. Before Arka could react, he was pulled into it. The world around him blurred and faded, transforming into a swirling cascade of dizzying blue.
Arka tried to scream, but his voice vanished, swallowed by the deafening rush of wind. His body felt weightless, like a feather drifting into a boundless void. The glowing circle that had drawn him in now turned into a whirlpool of energy, radiating colors he had never seen before—deep purples, electric blues, and glimmering golds.
He struggled to move, but it was futile. It felt as if he was trapped in an invisible current, dragging him deeper into an unfathomable world. His senses were overwhelmed; he heard strange noises, like whispers from thousands of voices speaking in unison, yet he couldn't understand a single word.
In an instant, a blinding light forced his eyes shut. He felt as though his body slammed into the ground, but inexplicably, there was no pain. Slowly, he opened his eyes, and a new world unfolded before him.
Arka found himself lying on an expansive field of grass. The blades were unusual, glowing with a bluish-green hue that shimmered faintly under the light of the sky. Slowly, he lifted his head, trying to make sense of his surroundings.
The sky above was nothing like he had ever seen. Two suns hung low on the horizon—one golden, familiar like the sun he knew, and the other deep purple, casting a stark yet mesmerizing glow. In the distance, silhouettes of mountains sparkled with crystal-like peaks, and the gentle rustling of the wind sounded like a soothing melody.
"Where... am I?" Arka's voice was hoarse, filled with confusion. He rubbed his aching head, likely from the impact of being thrown to the ground. His eyes roamed the unfamiliar landscape, taking in every strange detail.
He tried to stand, his legs trembling. When he glanced at the ground beneath him, he noticed his shadow—but something was off. It seemed distorted, as if the rules of light in this world were different.
He began walking cautiously, his steps feeling oddly light, as though gravity here was weaker than what he was accustomed to. Yet disbelief continued to cloud his mind.
"Is this a dream?" he asked himself, though deep down, he knew it wasn't. Everything was too vivid—the scent of the glowing grass, the touch of the wind on his skin, even the sound of his footsteps on the unfamiliar terrain.
As he wandered aimlessly, the sky above him began to shift. The serene white clouds suddenly started spinning, forming a massive vortex like a tornado. From the swirling mass, a brilliant light shot down at incredible speed, slamming into the ground just a few meters away from Arka.
"Hey! Who are you?" a sharp voice rang out from within the light.
Arka froze, his body stiff with shock. Emerging from the light was a woman with long, shimmering silver hair that seemed to glow. Her bright blue eyes resembled the sky, and she was dressed in a flowing robe adorned with faintly glowing symbols. In her hand, she held a staff that appeared to be made of pure crystal, its tip softly radiating light.
"A human?" she spoke again, her tone now laced with curiosity. "How did you get here?"
Arka could only stare at her in confusion. His mouth opened, but no words came out. He had no idea how to respond.
The woman stepped closer, her piercing gaze scanning him as if trying to read every inch of his being. "You shouldn't be here. This is our world, not yours."
"Your... world?" Arka finally managed to speak. "What do you mean? I don't know how I got here. There was a light... and then I was pulled in."
The woman narrowed her eyes. She raised her staff slightly, and suddenly, a glowing symbol appeared in the air before Arka. It was the same one he had seen beneath the bridge the night before.
"The Summoning Circle," she murmured. "So you're the one chosen by the light…"
"Chosen? I don't understand anything. Please, explain!" Arka's voice rose, a mix of fear and frustration.
The woman sighed deeply, her expression serious. "There's no time to explain everything now. This world is in grave danger, and if the circle summoned you, it means you are part of its destiny. Come with me."
"But I don't even know who you are or what's going on!" Arka protested.
She didn't answer. Instead, she extended her hand toward him, waiting. In his confusion and uncertainty, Arka realized he had no other choice. Hesitantly, he reached for her hand.
"My name is Lyra," she said simply. "And from this moment, your fate is bound to Eryndal."
Before Arka could ask anything more, Lyra raised her staff. In an instant, they were enveloped by a blinding flash of light that split the sky.
When the light faded, Arka and Lyra stood on a breathtaking plateau. A cool breeze carried the scent of flowers he had never smelled before. Before them lay a magnificent city with towering spires that sparkled like crystal, reflecting the twin suns shining above.
"Eryndal..." muttered Arka, staring in awe at the breathtaking scenery before him.
"This is our world," Lyra replied without turning, her voice cold but commanding. "Eryndal is a place where magic and destruction coexist—a world on the brink of annihilation. And somehow, you've become part of its destiny."
Arka remained frozen. "Wait… what do you mean? Why me? I don't even know what's going on!"
Lyra stopped and turned to face him, her piercing gaze unwavering. "I don't know how you got here, human. But if the circle summoned you, it means you're the key to saving Eryndal."
"The key? Saving it? None of this makes sense!" Arka's voice rose as frustration and fear built up. He took a step back, wanting to distance himself from the situation.
Lyra raised her staff, and the same glowing symbol Arka had seen in the summoning circle reappeared in the air, spinning around them. "You may not believe it now," she said, "but time will prove that you have a crucial role to play here."
Before Arka could respond, the sky above them suddenly darkened. A fierce wind began to blow, and a deep rumble echoed, like the forewarning of something immense. Lyra's expression grew tense as her eyes scanned the horizon.
"No..." she muttered. "They already know you're here."
"Who's 'they'?" Arka asked, his voice tinged with panic.
Lyra didn't answer. She swiftly pulled Arka aside and opened a small portal with her staff. "There's no time to explain. If you want to survive, you'll come with me!"
Arka hesitated, but as the sky grew darker and the looming sense of danger closed in, he realized he had no choice. "Fine, but you will explain everything later!" he shouted as he stepped into the portal with Lyra.
---
The two emerged into a dimly lit chamber filled with glowing symbols etched into the walls. The light emanating from the symbols was just enough to illuminate what appeared to be an ancient underground sanctuary, supported by massive pillars with arched ceilings. The faint sound of water trickling echoed in the distance.
Arka immediately took a step back, uneasy in this strange new place. "Okay, where are we now? And who are these 'they' you were talking about?" he demanded, trying to mask his fear.
Lowering her staff, Lyra exhaled deeply. "We're in one of Eryndal's sanctuaries—a place hidden from the reach of the Dark Hunters."
"Dark Hunters?" Arka's eyes widened. "What is this, some kind of fantasy movie? Just tell me what's going on!"
Lyra turned to him, her gaze sharp yet burdened with urgency. "Listen, I know you're confused, but there's no time for long explanations. You need to know one thing: Eryndal is in grave danger. And because the summoning circle brought you here, you're destined to play a key role in saving it."
Arka let out a small, nervous laugh, though his heart raced with anxiety. "Me? Save a world I've never even heard of? You must be joking. I don't even know how I got here!"
"But the reality is, you're here," Lyra said firmly. "The summoning circle is an ancient magic that only activates when the world is on the brink of destruction. It chose you because something within you aligns with what this world needs."
Shaking his head, Arka struggled to process her words. "I don't understand what you're saying. I'm just an ordinary guy—there's nothing special about me."
Lyra's expression softened slightly. "You may not realize it yet, but you will in time."
Suddenly, a loud rumble echoed through the sanctuary. The walls trembled, and the glowing symbols began to dim. Lyra immediately raised her staff, her posture alert.
"They've found us sooner than I expected," she said, her voice laced with tension.
"Who are they?" Arka asked, now fully panicked.
"The Dark Forces," Lyra replied, her tone grim. "Entities sent by the darkness to destroy everything. And now, they've come for you."
Before Arka could respond, a massive explosion rocked the chamber. Part of the ceiling collapsed, and dark, shadowy creatures began to pour in. Their bodies were wreathed in black smoke, their glowing red eyes fixed on their prey, and their claws gleamed, sharp and menacing.
"Arka, stay behind me!" Lyra shouted, stepping forward as her staff began to shine brightly.
She chanted a spell in an unfamiliar language, and an energy shield materialized around them, deflecting the first wave of attacks. But more creatures kept coming, and Lyra was visibly straining to hold them off.
"Listen to me! I can't protect you for long!" she shouted. "You need to find your own power. Quickly! Focus on the circle you saw before—it's the key to unlocking the energy within you!"
"What? I don't even know how!" shouted Arka.
"Close your eyes and focus!" Lyra snapped, her voice sharp as she fended off the increasingly ferocious attacks.
Though confused and terrified, Arka decided to try. He shut his eyes, forcing himself to recall the glowing circle he had seen beneath the bridge and in the room they had just left. At first, nothing happened. But slowly, he began to feel something—a warm current of energy flowing from deep within him.
A glowing circle began to form in the air, spinning around Arka. Lyra glanced at him, her eyes filled with hope. "That's it! Don't stop!"
Arka opened his eyes, and his body was now surrounded by the same light he had seen before. The dark creatures paused, seemingly intimidated by the radiant energy emanating from him.
"I... I did it?" Arka asked, half-disbelieving.
"It's not over yet," Lyra said, a faint smile crossing her lips. "But now, we have a fighting chance."
Summoning newfound courage, Arka readied himself to face the dark creatures, unaware that this was merely the beginning of a long journey in the world of Eryndal.
---
Arka stood in the center of the glowing circle, its light radiating with such intensity that it halted the creatures in their tracks. The warmth of the energy enveloped him, freeing a part of himself he had never known existed.
"Arka, focus on the light! Let it guide your actions!" Lyra called out as she continued to deflect the creatures' relentless assaults.
Arka closed his eyes once more, trying to feel the flow of the energy. Slowly, he raised his hand, and the glowing circle began to expand, sending out waves of light that pushed the creatures further back. Their hoarse cries echoed, and their smoky forms quivered under the radiance of Arka's power.
"What do I do now?" Arka asked, his voice trembling, though the energy gave him a newfound sense of resolve.
"You must banish them completely!" Lyra urged, her tone pressing. "Imagine them disappearing—imagine the light shielding everything!"
With growing determination, Arka concentrated. He envisioned the light spreading, enveloping every corner of the room and driving out the darkness. In seconds, the circle erupted in a blinding flash of light. The creatures' anguished cries faded into silence as their forms dissipated into nothingness.
When the light dimmed, the chamber fell still. The creatures were gone, leaving scorch marks on the stone floor. Lyra stood, her breathing heavy, her staff lowered slightly.
"You did it," she said, gazing at Arka with a mixture of pride and awe.
Arka collapsed to his knees, utterly drained. His body trembled, not just from exhaustion but from the lingering fear and confusion. "What just happened? What did I even do?"
Lyra approached and knelt beside him. "You accessed the power that's been tied to you since you were summoned to Eryndal. It's a rare energy of light—something we've long sought to save this world."
"But I don't know anything about this power!" Arka looked at Lyra, his eyes wide with bewilderment. "I'm just an ordinary guy. How could I have something like that?"
Lyra shook her head gently. "Sometimes, the world doesn't choose those who are ready. It chooses those who are most needed. You may not understand it now, but you have a great role to play here, Arka."
Before Arka could ask more, the faint sound of trickling water grew louder. At the far end of the chamber, a large door adorned with intricate carvings began to creak open. Beyond it lay a narrow path leading into a dense forest, illuminated by the soft glow of starlight.
Lyra stood and looked at the doorway with a serious expression. "We have to leave now. This place won't stay safe much longer."
Arka forced himself to his feet, his body heavy with exhaustion. "Where are we going?"
"To Eldoria," Lyra replied. "The City of Light. It's where we may find the answers we need—and a way to stop the destruction of Eryndal."
With slow steps, they began walking out of the dark chamber, toward a path illuminated by starlight. The forest before them felt strange to Arka, yet oddly comforting, as if the very essence of nature was welcoming him with warmth.
However, deep inside, Arka knew that this journey would not be easy. There were too many unanswered questions and dangers he had yet to understand. But for the first time, he felt that perhaps his destiny was greater than himself.
The journey to Eldoria had just begun, and with each step, Arka drew closer to discovering who he truly was and why he was so crucial to Eryndal.
Their path took them through a dense, seemingly endless forest. The sky above grew brighter with sparkling stars, as if guiding their way to a safer place. Yet, the world still felt unfamiliar to Arka. He couldn't stop wondering about the newfound power within him.
Every step felt heavy, his mind swirling with confusion. Why him? Why now?
Noticing his unease, Lyra decided to give Arka some time to adjust. She stopped at a quiet spot deep within the forest, far from civilization—a safe place to rest and for Arka to begin honing his abilities.
"We'll stop here for a while," Lyra said, her voice gentle yet firm. "You need more time to understand your power, and I can't let you rush into battle unprepared."
Arka looked at Lyra anxiously. "But... shouldn't we leave as soon as possible? Isn't Eryndal in danger?"
Lyra nodded, offering a faint smile. "Yes, but that's precisely why we must be cautious. The power is within you, Arka, but it takes time to master. Don't assume that just because you could summon it in an emergency, you're ready. The circle only revealed the potential within you—now it's your task to control it."
Arka nodded slowly, though the unease still gnawed at him. "So, what should I do?"
Lyra's expression turned serious. "First, we'll train. I'll teach you how to control the energy within you because that's the key to surviving in this world. You need to learn to distinguish between the power that comes from within you and external forces that can influence that energy."
With a swift motion, Lyra raised her staff, creating a glowing circle around them. The light formed a tranquil, peaceful space, as if the outside world no longer existed. "You can train here without distractions," Lyra explained. "Try to feel the flow of energy within you. Don't focus on what others can see or feel. Focus your mind inward. Sense the energy, and try to control its flow."
Arka looked at Lyra, hesitant to start. But seeing the certainty in her eyes, he began to steady himself. Closing his eyes, he regulated his breathing and focused on the strange sensation coursing through him—like an electric current, buzzing and alive. He could feel it, warm and powerful, yet wild and untamed.
Slowly, Arka raised his hand, trying to summon the light again. But instead of producing a gentle glow as he intended, his body trembled violently, and the energy spun wildly inside him.
"Don't force it," Lyra said softly, observing him with care. "Don't be afraid to feel it. Don't be too hard on yourself. This energy is within you. It's not your enemy—it's a part of you. Try to make peace with it."
Arka tried again, this time relaxing his approach. He allowed the energy to flow naturally, letting the light emerge gently. Suddenly, a small orb of light appeared in his palm. Though it was small, it felt powerful, and Arka could sense its steady, smooth flow.
"Good," Lyra said, a faint smile gracing her face. "That's the first step. Now, train yourself to sustain it longer. This energy isn't just for survival—it's for protecting the people you care about."
Arka nodded, his eyes still fixed on the orb of light in his hand. "I... I feel like I can control it a little better now."
Lyra stepped closer to him. "This is only the beginning. You still have much to learn. Remember, power isn't just about how to use it—it's also about knowing when to use it."
Before Arka could reply, Lyra suddenly sensed something. "Something's not right," she said, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
Arka, still focused on the light in his hand, turned his attention to Lyra. "What's wrong?"
Lyra turned back to him, her expression serious. "We can't stay here for long. Eryndal is in greater danger than I thought. We need to leave immediately."
Before Arka could ask more, Lyra raised her staff again. In an instant, they were surrounded by light, which enveloped them and transported them elsewhere, ready to face the greater challenges that awaited them.
---
In a flash, the world around Arka changed. The dense, tranquil forest vanished, replaced by an unfamiliar and awe-inspiring sight. They arrived in a vast plain beneath a golden sky bathed in the soft glow of twilight. In the distance, a grand city with majestic buildings stood, teeming with life.
Yet something felt off. Despite the serene appearance, Arka could sense a tension in the air, as if an unseen threat loomed over the beauty.
"Welcome to Eldoria," Lyra said softly, though her tone carried an unmistakable seriousness. "This is the City of Light, a place where adventurers and warriors gather to face the great dangers that threaten from beyond."
Arka looked at the city uneasily. "What's happening here? Why is there danger in a place so beautiful?"
Lyra sighed, her gaze shifting to the now-darkening sky. "Eryndal—this place—is the heart of all energy flowing through the world. But a dark force from beyond is drawing closer. And you, Arka, are part of our hope to stand against it."
Arka frowned. "But I still don't understand, Lyra. What's really happening in Eryndal? Why me—"
"All will be revealed, Arka," Lyra interrupted. "But first, you need to be ready. We must learn more and prepare for battles that may be far more difficult than we've ever imagined."
Lyra fixed her gaze on the city of Eldoria with sharp determination. "But before that, there's something more urgent. You need to learn to control your power better. Here, we'll meet those who can help you."
Without delay, Lyra began walking toward the city, gesturing for Arka to follow. "Come. We must find a safe place quickly. This dark force won't wait."
---
Despite the questions swirling in his mind, Arka followed Lyra's steps. As they entered the city, Arka's anxiety grew. Every corner of Eldoria seemed peaceful, yet he could feel something hidden, something that threatened this world. He couldn't shake the feeling that, somehow, he was connected to this looming danger.
Lyra stopped in front of a large building that appeared to be an academy or training hall. "Here we'll meet the experts," she said. "They'll teach you more about your power and how to control it. Only then can we move forward."
Arka looked at the building with determination. "I'm ready," he said, though fear and uncertainty still lingered in his heart. But one thing was clear—there was no turning back.
Lyra pushed open the grand wooden doors, revealing the inside of an ancient yet majestic structure. Inside, rows of bookshelves filled with thick tomes lined the walls, and large wooden tables were scattered about, where students and adventurers seemed deeply engrossed in study or discussion. The atmosphere was silent, brimming with focus and intensity.
"Welcome to the Eryndal Academy," Lyra said as she walked further in. "This is where many individuals with powers like yours are trained to understand and control their potential. Here, you'll learn more about this world and how to survive the threats to come."
Though anxious, Arka knew this was the first step toward understanding his role in this unfamiliar world.
---
They stopped before a silver-haired man poring over a large map. Though focused, the man looked up sharply at their approach and fixed his gaze on Lyra.
"Lyra," the man greeted in a deep voice, "You've brought the boy here?"
Lyra nodded. "This is Arka. He's the one who can change Eryndal's fate."
The man studied Arka with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "So... you're the one?" He turned back to Lyra. "What's happened? Eryndal faces a greater threat than ever before. You know as well as I do—this isn't something we can face lightly."
Lyra met his gaze with unwavering seriousness. "I know, Kai. That's why we must prepare Arka immediately. His power is greater than we thought, and we can't let this world fall into darkness."
Kai nodded slowly, his eyes returning to Arka. "Alright. If he can truly control his power, I'll help teach him the basics. But Arka, you must understand—this world isn't as simple as it seems. There are many hidden truths and dangers waiting for you."
"I'm ready," Arka said, though his voice betrayed a flicker of doubt.
Kai led them to a large training room filled with various tools and equipment, clearly designed for testing one's abilities. In the corner of the room was a table holding several glowing crystals that radiated a mysterious energy.
"This," Kai said, motioning to the crystals, "is where you'll start to understand your power. The energy within you draws from Eryndal's source, and only by learning to control it can you protect yourself and others."
Arka approached the table, staring at the shimmering crystals. "What do I do?"
Kai raised his hand, causing one crystal to float into the air with a gentle motion. "First, you must feel the energy. Focus your mind on this crystal and let its energy flow into you. Don't rush. This is about control, not raw power."
Arka stared at the floating crystal, trying to calm his racing mind. Tentatively, he extended his hand toward it, feeling a surge of warmth and power the closer he got. It was overwhelming, almost forcing him to pull back, but he held his ground, remembering Lyra and Kai's advice about control.
As his fingers neared the crystal, he felt the energy pulse like a living force. He steadied his breathing and focused, willing himself to align with the crystal's rhythm.
Suddenly, the crystal glowed brighter, flooding the room with dazzling light. Arka gasped but remained calm, guiding the energy to flow smoothly within him. Gradually, the light stabilized, becoming steady and controlled.
"Well done!" Kai exclaimed. "You've taken a vital first step."
Breathing heavily, Arka looked at the now-dim crystal, a mixture of exhaustion and pride on his face. "I... I felt it. I could feel the energy," he said, his voice filled with wonder.
Lyra approached with a faint smile. "This is just the beginning, Arka. There's still much to learn, but you've already shown incredible potential."
Before they could continue, the training room doors burst open, and a figure entered with a grave expression.
"There's a serious problem," the figure said urgently. "The threat from beyond is drawing closer. We must prepare immediately."
Arka felt his heart pounding, a mix of tension and fear. There was no more time to rest; Eryndal, the world he had just encountered, was on the brink of destruction. Yet amidst it all, one question continued to haunt his thoughts—how could he return to his own world?
He stared at Lyra, walking ahead of him, leading their path with confident strides. For a moment, Arka wanted to ask, but hesitation held him back. Was this the right time? Would they understand his desire to go home?
But that thought couldn't be ignored. This world, though it felt magical, was not his place. He missed his apartment, his ordinary life, even the monotonous routines he once found boring.
"Lyra," Arka finally called out, his voice uncertain.
Lyra stopped and turned, her eyes full of attention. "What is it, Arka?"
"I... I just wanted to know," Arka took a deep breath, trying to gather his courage. "Is there a way to return to my world? I mean, to my home."
Lyra fell silent for a moment, as though carefully considering her response. "You want to go back?" she asked softly.
Arka nodded slowly. "I understand that I have to protect Eryndal, I get that. But I also have my own life. There are things I left behind. People... maybe waiting for me there."
Kai, who had been listening to the conversation, joined in. "Return to your world? It's possible... but not easy," he said with a serious tone. "Each world is connected through specific energy lines, and to open that path requires an extraordinary amount of power. Possibly more than you can control right now."
"However," Lyra added, "that doesn't mean it's impossible. If you truly wish to return, you'll have to find the 'Gate of Origin.' It's an ancient portal hidden in one of Eryndal's most dangerous regions. But…"
"But what?" Arka asked urgently.
Lyra looked at him with a meaningful gaze. "The gate won't just take you home. There's a price to pay. And that price might be greater than you're willing to bear."
Arka fell silent, his heart growing heavier. The hope of returning to his world was not as simple as he had imagined. But he knew one thing—he couldn't ignore his responsibility in Eryndal. This world needed his help, and until it was over, he couldn't leave.
"Alright," Arka said finally. "I'll help Eryndal. But one day, I want to try to find that Gate of Origin."
Lyra nodded, her smile faint but full of conviction. "And we'll help you, Arka. For now, let's focus on the threat at hand. Eryndal needs you more than anything."
With newfound resolve, Arka continued his journey alongside Lyra and Kai. In his heart, he promised to protect this world while searching for the answers that would lead him back to his own. This battle might not be the end, but the beginning of a journey far greater than he could have ever imagined.