The soft orange hues of dusk painted the skies as Lucian approached the bustling village of Lion's Rest. The serene cobblestone streets wove between quaint, timber-framed buildings that glowed warmly in the encroaching twilight.
Lucian adjusted the strap of his pack as he surveyed the village, his eyes lingering on the tall, central building adorned with a lion and sunburst emblem. "The Guild of Leon," he said with excitement, recognizing the name from his travels.
Stepping inside, Lucian was met with a cacophony of voices. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes filled the hall, some boasting of exploits, others pouring over maps and quest boards. A tantalizing aroma of roasted meat wafted from the corner, where a makeshift kitchen was set up.
Lucian's gaze fell on the counter, where a young Felynx woman with sleek brown hair and catlike features worked with practiced efficiency. Her sharp brown eyes scanned a pile of parchment as her tail swayed in rhythm with the background noise.
"Welcome to the Guild of Leon," she said without looking up, her voice smooth and professional. "What brings you here?"
Lucian placed a small satchel on the counter, revealing claws and fangs harvested from the forest. "Looking to sell these."
The Felynx finally looked up, her amber eyes scanning the contents. Her ears twitched slightly. "Wolf claws and fangs. Good quality," she said, her tone neutral. "That's nine silver."
As she counted out the coins, she glanced at him. "You're not registered with any guild, are you? What's your story?"
Lucian pocketed the coins, his expression guarded. "Just passing through on my way to Eldralis."
Her tail flicked as a knowing grin spread across her face. "Let me guess academy aspirants?"
Lucian raised an eyebrow. "That obvious?"
"You've got the look. Confident, but not cocky," she replied, sliding the coins across the counter. "Refreshing."
He chuckled softly, nodding in thanks. After paying for a room at the inn, Lucian climbed the creaking stairs to a small but cozy room. The bed was modest, but it was far more comfortable than the forest floor.
Far above, in a shadowed realm cloaked in emerald light, the Hidden Majesty stirred. Their throne pulsed faintly, and golden eyes narrowed.
"A fragment of that power," they growled, their voice reverberating through the void. "This cannot stand."
In Lion's Rest, a scarred warrior in a dark robe hiding himself drained the last of his tankard as emerald text materialized before his eyes:
"The Hidden Majesty commands you: eliminate the boy who arrived today, and I shall grant you one of my sacred skills."
A wicked grin spread across the man's face. "Consider it done."
Lucian left Lion's Rest early the next morning, the quiet road bathed in soft morning light. The air was crisp, and the world seemed peaceful, but a shiver ran down his spine, a subtle warning from his Qi sense.
A faint rustle of leaves was the only warning he had before a blade whistled toward his neck. Lucian twisted sharply, the edge missing him by mere inches. He jumped back, his spear already in hand.
A tall, muscular man with a jagged scar across his face stepped forward, his longsword glowing faintly with Green Qi. His presence was overwhelming, his aura suffocating.
"You're Tiankai," Lucian said evenly, reading the dangerous energy and recalling a wanted poster from the guild.
The man smirked. "So, you've heard of me." He raised his sword, his Qi flaring. "But knowing my name won't save you. You'll die here."
Lucian's grip tightened on his spear. "We'll see about that."
The fight erupted like a storm. Tiankai charged with a ferocious speed that belied his size, his blade carving arcs of golden light through the air. Lucian shifted into First Form: The Parry Stance, deflecting the strikes but feeling the weight of each blow reverberate through his arms.
Using Cloud Steps, Lucian darted backward, the mist like Qi around his feet propelling him gracefully out of range. Tiankai's eyes narrowed.
"An alternate Wind Steps technique, huh? Clever. But it won't save you."
Tiankai unleashed Bouldering Slash, his blade splitting the earth beneath them. Lucian dodged, the shockwave rattling his bones. Countering with Whirlwind Flow, he struck at Tiankai's flank, but the man parried effortlessly.
The air grew heavy as Tiankai activated Judge's Bouldering Slash, a devastating technique that made the ground tremble. Lucian gathered every ounce of Qi he had, shifting into Third Form: Piercing Slash and unleashing Sky Piercer.
The two attacks collided in a blinding explosion, the shockwave flattening trees and scattering debris. When the dust settled, both combatants were battered and bloody.
"You're stronger than I thought," Tiankai admitted, retreating with a flash of light. "But this isn't over."
Lucian staggered against a tree, his body screaming in protest. As his vision swam, a familiar voice called out.
"Lucian!" Catrina's silhouette appeared before everything went black.
In the darkness of unconsciousness, a deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind:
"You've unlocked great potential, but the path ahead is fraught with peril. Will you rise... or will you fall?"
A vision flickered before him a great city in flames, shadowed figures clashing against radiant beings, and a looming, faceless figure watching from above.
Lucian's heart raced as the voice whispered one final warning:
"Eldralis holds the key, but beware: you are not the only one seeking it."
His eyes snapped open briefly, the faint silhouette of Catrina leaning over him. Then, Lucian blacked out once more.