Kaleb gasped as the searing light engulfed him, warmth flooding his body. The swirling void around him shattered like fragile glass, the fragments dissolving into nothingness.
A cool breeze brushed against his skin, carrying the scent of earth and trees. He stumbled slightly, his feet finding solid ground for the first time since his death.
The forest stretched out before him, dark and foreboding, illuminated faintly by moonlight filtering through the canopy. "Welcome back to the land of the living, little storm," Floki said with a grin, stepping into view.
His spiky purple hair glimmered faintly in the dim light, and his mismatched robes swirled dramatically as though caught in an invisible breeze. Kaleb turned slowly, his head spinning as flashes of memory threatened to overwhelm him.
The area felt hauntingly familiar, each twisted tree and jagged rock stirring unease in his chest. His gaze froze on a patch of ground in the distance, darkened with bloodstains and the faint glint of discarded bone fragments.
"Is this…?" Kaleb's voice cracked, his throat tightening. "This is where I died."
Floki clapped his hands together, his grin widening in exaggerated delight. "Give the boy a prize! Yes, you're back in the charming spot where things got… shall we say, final?"
Kaleb's jaw tightened, his fists trembling as memories surged. The fight with the Gashadokuro. The desperate ploy to trick the demon into the ravine. The rush of relief when he succeeded—only for the world to fade into darkness.
His voice steadied, though it carried an edge. "Why bring me back here?" he asked. "What's the point?"
Floki's grin softened, though it remained sharp. "Sentimental reasons, perhaps," he said with a mock shrug. "Or maybe it's because this is where your story really begins."
Kaleb's piercing blue eyes, now faintly tinged with a purple glow, locked onto Floki. "Why? Why do this? Why bring me back at all?"
Floki stepped closer, his grin sharpening as he gestured grandly. "Because, little storm, I see potential. Chaos needs a champion, and you? You're the storm I've been waiting for."
Kaleb narrowed his eyes, his frustration giving way to curiosity.
"What now?" he asked, his voice steady. "What's the catch?"
Floki stepped closer, his mismatched robes swirling around him. "The catch is simple: survive, grow, and embrace the storm within you."
With a flick of his wrist, Floki conjured a glowing orb that hovered between them. "And to help you along the way, I present… Raiden."
Kaleb's gaze fixed on the orb as it floated toward him. The warmth radiating from it was comforting yet powerful.
"Raiden?" he repeated, his voice laced with skepticism. Floki nodded, his grin widening.
"Think of it as a little guide. A system to help you become what you were always meant to be."
The orb dissolved into Kaleb's chest, and a faint hum resonated through him. He staggered slightly, gripping his chest as a glowing mark formed over his heart, its light pulsing like a heartbeat.
"What is this?" Kaleb asked, his voice low. Floki smirked.
"Your key to ascension. Ask, and it shall answer. Well… most of the time. It's a bit like me—likes to keep things interesting."
Kaleb stared at the mark, feeling its steady warmth. "How does it work?" he asked, his curiosity overpowering his frustration.
Floki waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, you'll figure it out. I don't want to spoil the fun. Just remember: the storm waits for no one, little spark."
Kaleb frowned, his mind racing with questions as Floki began to fade into the shadows. "Wait! Where are you going?" he called out.
Floki's voice echoed through the clearing, full of mischief. "I'll be watching, little storm. Don't disappoint me." With that, he disappeared, leaving Kaleb alone in the silent forest.
...Kaleb's hand brushed against the mark on his chest as he leaned against a tree. Its faint glow was a constant reminder of the system now tethered to him.
His other hand tightened around a jagged piece of the blade he had wielded in his final moments. The broken sword fragment was dull and uneven, its edges rough but still capable of cutting.
"Raiden," he muttered. "What are you? And what do you want from me?" A shimmering screen appeared in front of him, floating faintly in the air.
[Basic Information Unlocked]
flashed across the display, followed by a list of categories:
[Power Level, Abilities, and Tasks.]
Kaleb's brow furrowed as he selected Power Level.
The screen shimmered before displaying his current status:
[Mortal Spark, Tier 1.] His jaw tightened as he read the description:
[Current Multiplier: x1 (Base Power).]
[Limited access to Lightning-based abilities.]
[Unlock higher levels by completing tasks and gaining mastery.]
"So, I really am at the bottom," Kaleb muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. He switched to the [Abilities] tab, finding a single entry:
[Lightning Spark (Tier 1 - Mortal Spark). Locked]
The word "locked" beside it made him grit his teeth. "How do I unlock this?" he asked aloud. The screen shimmered, displaying a new message:
[Complete the first task.]
Another menu opened under [Tasks], revealing:
[Defeat another spirit beast.]
Kaleb sighed heavily, running a hand through his electric-blue-tipped hair.
He stared at the broken blade fragment in his hand. "Floki left me with this? Figures," he muttered. The screen faded as he adjusted his grip on the jagged weapon.
"If that's what it takes, then let's get it over with," Kaleb said, his voice firm. He turned toward the dense forest, the faint glow of the mark on his chest reassuring him.
...As Kaleb ventured deeper into the woods, the air grew colder, and the trees thickened around him. His footsteps were quiet, his senses sharp as he searched for signs of movement.
A low growl broke the silence, sending a chill down his spine. Kaleb froze, crouching low as his blade fragment gleamed faintly in the moonlight.
The sound grew louder, and glowing red eyes appeared in the distance. The beast stepped into view, its sharp claws and bared teeth glinting menacingly.
Kaleb steadied his breathing, his grip tightening on the jagged fragment. "Alright, Raiden," he muttered. "Let's see what you're worth."
The mark on his chest pulsed brighter, warmth spreading through his body. Kaleb felt a faint surge of energy, his reflexes sharpening and his mind steadying.
The beast roared and charged, its claws tearing through the dirt as it lunged. Kaleb ducked low, his movements faster than expected, and slashed upward with the blade fragment.
The jagged edge cut into the beast's shoulder, sparks flickering from the mark as energy enhanced the attack. The creature snarled, staggering slightly before lunging again.
Kaleb moved quickly, dodging its claws and delivering another strike to its side. The blade fragment pierced deeper this time, and the beast let out a guttural growl.
The Raiden system's screen flashed:
[Energy Boost Activated: 10 seconds.]
Kaleb felt another surge of power, his strikes becoming faster and more precise.
The beast roared in defiance, swiping wildly as it tried to corner him. Kaleb ducked under its claws and drove the blade fragment into its throat with all his strength.
The creature thrashed violently before collapsing to the ground. Kaleb staggered back, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The screen reappeared, displaying:
[Task Complete. Unlocking Ability: Lightning Spark.]
Kaleb blinked as the mark pulsed brightly, a jolt of electricity surging through his body.
He clenched his fists, feeling the faint crackle of energy in his hands. "This... this is real," he whispered, a small smile breaking through.
For the first time in years, Kaleb felt hope. The storm within him had only begun to awaken.